Car rental in San Francisco, CA
Discover the Turo car rental marketplace
Rental cars in San Francisco, CA
Leave your heart in San Francisco
San Francisco offers all the shiny fun of a sleek tech hub, but what makes it beloved is the legendary history, wide variety of neighborhood architecture, and the abundance of natural beauty.
When you’ve had your fill of fast-paced urban exploits and rewarding hill climbs, book a San Francisco car rental alternative for adventures along the extraordinary Pacific coastline or into the majestic mountains and redwoods of the Sierra Nevada.
San Francisco favorites
Prepare to be won over by San Francisco’s vibrant culture, delightful scenery, and the stories that make every neighborhood and landmark special.
Golden Gate Bridge
The iconic gateway to the west is striking and offers expansive views of the entire bay. Drive across the bridge in your San Francisco car rental alternative or take it on foot to stop and gawk where you like.
Alcatraz Island
Hop on a ferry to Alcatraz Island to visit the site of the famous former prison and impressive gardens. Take the audio tour to learn about the celebrity inmates, and be sure to make your reservation in advance.
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco’s biggest park is packed with popular attractions and historical sites like the California Academy of Sciences, Japanese Tea Garden, the de Young Museum, the Golden Gate Park Aquarium, and plenty of gardens to explore.
Rent cars in San Francisco, CA
Hit the road
You could spend days exploring The City’s tourist attractions like Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square, and Lombard Street, but the city is perfectly located to escape town and enjoy the dramatic natural wonders of northern California. There are copious convenient day trip and road trip locations just outside the bay.
Rent the perfect carPoint Reyes & Tomales Bay
Head an hour and a half north along the coast through Marin County to hike around the preserve, watch the waves crash, and explore the historic lighthouse, and maybe see some elk!
Wine Country
Why choose between Napa Valley, Sonoma, or Russian River Valley? You can book a car on Turo and make a pit stop at every vineyard, gallery, and artisan grocery that catches your eye.
Yosemite National Park
The grandeur of the giant granite cliffs, dramatic high country, and gushing waterfalls of Yosemite Valley is unmatched. Book a San Francisco car rental alternative on Turo for an unforgettable road trip into the Sierras.
Recent reviews
incredibly friendly and helpful, the car was clean and in great condition, and the rental process was quick and easy.
Very clean car, excellent performance with decent price which is hard now in San Francisco to get this quality with this price, I’ll definitely rent it again next week.
Older car but decent value for the price, hassle-free pick up and drop off
fun car. little messy but worth the price. really enjoyed my time with it. thank you 🙏
Best San Francisco driving roads
Skyline Boulevard
For a scenic trip between towering trees and sparkling ocean views, take your San Francisco car rental alternative south along the ridge towards the Santa Cruz Mountains, and stop at the famous Alice’s Restaurant for a bite.
Panoramic Highway
Snaking north of the city up over Muir Woods and then down to Stinson Beach, this short, but deliciously sweet, drive winds through Marin with unforgettable views, and thrilling switchbacks.
Highway 1 to Big Sur
All of the PCH is breathtaking, serving up sleepy beach towns that are perfect for a quick bite, antique shopping, and hypnotizing ocean views, but the twisty stretch to Big Sur is a true driver’s delight.
Frequently asked questions in San Francisco
What do I need to book a car on Turo?
What do I need to book a car on Turo?
To book a car on Turo, you must create a Turo account, be 18 years old or older with a valid driver’s license, and get approved to drive on Turo. When you’re booking your first trip, you’ll go through a quick approval process by entering your driver’s license and some other information. In most cases, you’ll get approved immediately, and you’ll be set for future road trips, business trips, and family vacations!
Do I need my own insurance?
Do I need my own insurance?
No, you don’t need personal insurance coverage to book a car on Turo. If you do have your own insurance policy, the liability insurance issued to Turo by Travelers Excess and Surplus Lines Company included in the protection plan you select will supplement your existing coverage.*
What protection plan options are available on Turo?
What protection plan options are available on Turo?
When booking a car on Turo, you’ll choose between three protection plans — Premier, Standard, or Minimum — to get the level of coverage that’s right for you or decline coverage in some cases. With each plan, you’re covered with liability insurance provided under a policy from Travelers — up to $750,000 for the Premier plan.*
How do I get discounts on cars in San Francisco?
How do I get discounts on cars in San Francisco?
On your Account page, make sure you’ve checked the box to receive email notifications, and enable push notifications from the Turo app in your phone settings — we’ll send you occasional promotions, discounts, and deals on car rental alternatives in San Francisco!
Additionally, frequent travelers on Turo can get rewarded with the loyalty bonus — earn a promo code for one bonus day when you take trips totaling 10 days in a 90-day period!**
Are there discounts on weekly or monthly trips?
Are there discounts on weekly or monthly trips?
Yes, many Turo hosts offer discounted prices when you book trips lasting 3+, 7+, or 30+ days. Additionally, hosts can offer “early bird” discounts for San Francisco trips booked a week or more in advance. So, get the best deals and lowest rates possible by booking longer trips, at least a week in advance.
What types of car rental alternatives can I book in San Francisco?
What types of car rental alternatives can I book in San Francisco?
Browse the widest selection of San Francisco car rental alternatives for every occasion and budget on Turo. Find an SUV rental alternative for a family road trip, a San Francisco truck rental alternative for some errands, or an exotic sports car rental alternative for a special night out in San Francisco.
How can I drive unlimited miles during my trip to San Francisco?
How can I drive unlimited miles during my trip to San Francisco?
Some hosts offer unlimited distance for a trip; others set a daily distance limit. On the vehicle pages, you’ll see the total miles or kilometres you’re allowed to drive under the heading “Distance included.” You can find cars offering unlimited mileage with every trip by using the “Unlimited distance” filter.
What payment methods does Turo accept?
What payment methods does Turo accept?
Turo accepts most credit cards issued by major financial institutions, including American Express and Discover cards, as well as debit cards with a Visa or Mastercard logo that are linked to a checking account.
Apple Pay and Google Pay on mobile devices are also accepted, but Turo does not accept cash or checks as valid payment methods.
What is the cancellation policy for guests on Turo?
What is the cancellation policy for guests on Turo?
You can cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours before your trip starts. If you book a trip with less than 24 hours’ notice, you have one hour after booking to cancel free of charge. If you cancel after the free cancellation period ends, you will be charged a small cancellation fee.
What are the cleaning and safety policies on Turo?
What are the cleaning and safety policies on Turo?
Under the enhanced cleaning policy, hosts are required to clean and disinfect their vehicles thoroughly before every trip, so you can feel safe and comfortable behind the wheel. Turo hosts have access to training materials on enhanced cleaning practices, using the latest recommendations compiled from the CDC, EPA, WHO, and vehicle detailing experts, to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Is Turo a rental car company?
Is Turo a rental car company?
No. Unlike rental car companies, Turo is a peer-to-peer car sharing marketplace where you can book directly from trusted local car owners in the US, Canada, and the UK. Turo does not own any vehicles — Turo hosts share their own personal cars and set their own prices, discounts, vehicle availability, and delivery options.
Are there cars available near the San Francisco airport?
Are there cars available near the San Francisco airport?
Yes, there are hundreds of cars available on Turo at locations near the San Francisco airport. After arriving at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Mineta San Jose International Airport, or Oakland International Airport, have your car rental alternative delivered for pick-up and dropoff at your San Francisco hotel or the address of your vacation rental to save time and hassle.
What’s the best way to get around San Francisco?
What’s the best way to get around San Francisco?
The best and fastest way to get around San Francisco is by booking a car on Turo, so you can explore all the urban hot spots, outdoor activities, and major attractions the Bay Area has to offer at your own pace.
Ride sharing through Uber or Lyft is common in the dense city of San Francisco, but if you’ll be traveling to Oakland, San Jose, or anywhere outside the city during your vacation or business trip, booking a car is a far more convenient and cost-efficient choice. San Francisco is notably walkable, and you can also ride public transportation like the BART system or Caltrain to avoid the packed roads at rush hour.
What are the best areas of San Francisco to visit?
What are the best areas of San Francisco to visit?
Every neighborhood in San Francisco has its own distinct vibe, architecture, culture, and even weather, so you’ll have a wide selection of experiences to choose from. Upscale residential areas like Nob Hill and Pacific Heights are perfect for peaceful walks, and the famous Haight-Ashbury is the spot for classic San Francisco hippie scenes. The vibrant Mission District is known for Dolores Park, old-school shops and bars, and Latin American food, and don’t forget to check out the busy cultural establishments of SF’s Chinatown, Japantown, and the Castro District.
* Any personal insurance you may have that covers damage to the host’s vehicle would kick in before your protection plan, except in limited situations for trips booked in Maryland, but this protects your own wallet. Liability insurance is provided under a policy issued to Turo by Travelers Excess and Surplus Lines Company. Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. The policy does not provide coverage for damage to a host’s vehicle.
For questions or information about the third party liability insurance that is included in protection plans, consumers in Maryland and the licensed states listed here may contact Turo Insurance Agency at (415) 508-0283 or claims@turo.agency. For questions about how damage to a host’s vehicle is handled, visit the Turo Support site. When a trip is booked in the state of Washington, physical damage to the host’s vehicle is covered by insurance purchased by Turo, but Turo’s insurance does not change the contractual responsibilities of hosts or guests with respect to physical damage to a host’s vehicle.
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