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Car rental in Foster City, CA

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Rental cars in Foster City

Average daily prices for a 3-day trip

Foster City, EN

Car rental Foster City adventures await

Foster City captivates visitors with its meticulously planned waterfront neighborhoods, expansive lagoons, and modern urban design nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley. You'll discover tree-lined streets, scenic bridges, and waterside parks that create a unique blend of suburban tranquility and tech innovation. The city's strategic location provides easy access to San Francisco Bay attractions, making it an ideal base for exploring Northern California. Booking a rental car enhances your Foster City experience by giving you the freedom to navigate the city's distinctive layout and venture to nearby Silicon Valley landmarks. You can effortlessly cruise along the scenic Foster City Boulevard or explore the surrounding Bay Area at your own pace.

Recent reviews

Max
BMW Z4 2011

The E89 BMW Z4 is a beautiful machine. Just by nature of it being a fantastic car and an enthusiast machine, I’m glad to rate it 5 stars. Turo needs more cars like this! The car is full of character. The motor runs smoothly, pulls nicely, and has a raspy growl that sounds fantastic. The ride is low and responsive; the steering is delightfully heavy, and the car goes wherever you point it. You should, however, know and expect what you’re getting yourself into. It’s a 2011 car, and sitting at around 100k miles, it’s going to have some wear and tear, and that’s sort of to be expected. I must say, most of the small issues did not bother me for the trip - if you’re looking for a fun drive, I would heartily recommend the car. See the following details as extra info for the discerning guest, not as criticism. The front bumper / lip is somewhat scuffed - might be the result of guests not knowing how to navigate a car so low. Front bumper clips don’t hold the edges in place so it does hang a little loose around the headlights. If you've never owned a car this low, I'd definitely be careful with kerbs and ramps. On my own cars, I've learned this the hard way. I didn’t have any usability issues with the hardtop convertible, despite the occasional error code on the dash as other reviewers have mentioned - I was still able to put it up and down. The mechanism is delicate so I’d definitely encourage guests to review how to properly operate it before using. You have to lower the trunk shield and latch it in place. Note that there is limited luggage space in such a car - seems obvious but don’t expect to get away with lots of stuff. Perfect though for a quick weekend getaway. The pictures in the listing are a little outdated - compared to those, the car isn’t lowered, the car is back on factory wheels (as opposed to aftermarket), and the trunk doesn’t have the black spoiler trim on the edge. I’d summarize it as being more “stock” than the listing. At the time of my trip, the tires were 320TW front, 420TW rear; matching sets on each axle but different front/rear. The host clearly checked for tread before the trip, so that was much appreciated. My only real nitpick would be - the car could use an alignment - neutral steering position is a little offset on the wheel. Hopefully a quick fix for the team. Host was VERY responsive - appreciate their fantastic response time - but I would have appreciated them being more forthcoming with details of the car’s current condition, and/or more up-to-date pictures when requested before the trip. All in all, would recommend this to my friends, and would be happy to rent again. Really enjoyable trip!

Max
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Megan F.
BMW 2 Series 2018

Renting this 2018 BMW convertible from Alex was an awesome experience. The car was in perfect condition: clean, luxurious, and fun to drive. The convertible top is such a fun option and would make cruising the iconic Highway 1 coast even more special if you have the chance. The car itself is the perfect mix of sporty luxury and comfortable ease. Alex was a great host, super helpful and very easy to communicate with. The pick-up spot was in a really nice, safe neighborhood, and the lockbox was brand new and simple to use, which made the whole process smooth and hassle-free. This rental is exactly why I prefer Turo over a traditional car rental—no lines, no rental counter, and I get to drive something way more special! Having this car made my trip extra memorable, and I’ve already saved it to my favorites for the next time I’m in the Bay Area. Highly recommend!

Megan F.
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Jason
MINI Convertible 2013

I loved this car! It was so fun to drive around the Bay Area. It ran great, it was an easy pick up and drop off, and you just can’t beat a convertible in Cali. Would rent again for sure.

Jason
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Carter
BMW Z4 2019

Easy and clear pickup/dropoff, amazing car, great communication, and a weekend of good times. Would absolutely rent from again!!

Carter
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Nasreddine
Ford Mustang 2021

great and smooth experience, I will definitely rent cars from Zaid again.

Nasreddine
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Acura ILX 2016

Clean car. Responsive and helpful host. Would definitely rent again.

Ardanna
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Honda Civic 2016

Car in good condition, rode well drove safely. Would rent again.

Aisha
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Khalil
Nissan Versa 2017

Ellen is friendly and helpful, the price is very convenient, the pickup address is conveniently close to public transportation. I recommend her car for those travelling to San Francisco

Khalil
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Tesla Model 3 2026

This car is very good. I like the autonomous driving so much. Let my trip go smoothly. I will choose again next time.

Qinghui
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Aditya
BMW Z4 2019

Easy pickup, clean and well maintained car. Responsive host. Had a great trip overall!

Aditya
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Jaiden
FIAT 124 Spider 2017

great experience, and great host, made it very easy for me too find the car and drop off.

Jaiden
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MINI Convertible 2020

We had a wonderful experience with the convertible mini cooper. The car was clean and every thing worked. It turned out to be better than we expected. Also, this was the first time, we booked through TURO; both the pick up and drop off were very smooth. I would definitely recommend this car for anyone wanting to enjoy the scenic views… by putting the top down in this weather.

Mohammad
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Guy
BMW 2 Series 2018

Everything worked out great. It was an easy pick up with great communication and the car was fantastic.

Guy
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Sara
Tesla Model S 2014

I cannot recommend Cris enough! I had an unexpected incident occur during my trip, and I was so stressed out. Cris was incredibly patient, super calm, and talked me through the entire process. He was highly responsive, professional, and very personable from start to finish. If you want a host who is reliable, understanding, and genuinely nice to work with, book with Cris!

Sara
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Rishabh
Hyundai Elantra 2018

The car was great and Chinara was a great and communicated very well! Thank you

Rishabh
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Kia Rio 2019

Everything was great! Communication was swift and Courtney was accommodating, pickup and dropoff were easy and the car was exactly as described.

Avery
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Michael
Lexus ES 2024

Great host and beautiful car! Easy instructions and pick up.

Michael
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Things to do and places to see in Foster City

Foster City offers visitors a distinctive mix of waterfront recreation, modern architecture, and proximity to Silicon Valley attractions that are best explored with your own transportation. You can drive along the scenic lagoon system that winds throughout the city, visit Leo J. Ryan Memorial Park for waterfront activities, or explore the unique planned community design. Having a rental car gives you the flexibility to discover Foster City's network of bridges and waterways, venture to nearby tech campuses, or take day trips to San Francisco and the greater Bay Area. The city's well-designed street layout makes driving particularly enjoyable, with wide boulevards and minimal traffic congestion.


Leo J. Ryan Memorial Park waterfront recreation

Leo J. Ryan Memorial Park stands as Foster City's premier recreational destination, featuring expansive green spaces, walking trails, and direct lagoon access for water activities. You'll find ample parking available near the park entrance, making it convenient to arrive with your rental car and unload any recreational equipment. The park connects to Foster City's extensive trail system, allowing you to explore the surrounding waterfront areas by foot after a comfortable drive to the location.


Foster City Boulevard scenic driving route

Foster City Boulevard serves as the main thoroughfare showcasing the city's distinctive planned community design and waterfront architecture. You can drive this scenic route to appreciate the city's unique layout, with multiple bridges crossing the internal lagoon system and views of modern residential developments. The boulevard provides easy access to various neighborhoods and connects to major highways, making it an excellent starting point for exploring both the city itself and the broader San Francisco Bay region.


Central Park and Community Center cultural hub

The Foster City Central Park and Community Center complex offers recreational facilities, cultural events, and green spaces that serve as the city's social heart. You'll find convenient parking facilities that accommodate visitors arriving by car, with easy access to the community center's various amenities and park areas. The location serves as an excellent base for exploring other Foster City attractions, as it sits centrally within the city's network of lagoons and residential areas.


How to get to Foster City

You can reach Foster City through several transportation options: by plane via San Francisco International Airport or San Jose International Airport, both offering car rental services for the drive to Foster City; by car via Highway 101 or Interstate 280, which provide direct access to the city from throughout California; by train using Caltrain service to nearby stations with connecting ground transportation to Foster City.


Top tips for renting a car in Foster City

Book your rental car early on Turo to secure the best vehicle options for exploring Foster City and the surrounding San Francisco Bay Area. Consider choosing a vehicle with features like backup cameras for navigating the city's numerous parking areas, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for easy navigation of the Bay Area's complex highway system, and all-wheel drive if you plan to explore nearby coastal or mountain regions. Look for rental cars that offer keyless entry for convenience during frequent stops at Foster City's various parks and recreational areas, and consider pet-friendly options if you're traveling with companions to enjoy the city's numerous outdoor spaces.

Frequently asked questions in Foster City

What are the best parking options in Foster City?

Foster City offers abundant free parking throughout the city, with most residential areas and shopping centers providing ample spaces for your rental car. The Foster City Boulevard corridor features convenient parking near restaurants and retail establishments, making it easy to explore the city on foot after securing your vehicle. Downtown Foster City provides both street parking and dedicated lots, ensuring you'll find suitable spots for your rental car during your California visit.

Which car types work best for Foster City driving?

Compact cars and sedans work exceptionally well for Foster City's well-planned streets and moderate traffic conditions. SUV rentals provide extra comfort for families exploring the San Francisco Bay Area, while luxury cars offer an elevated experience for business travelers visiting this California tech hub. The city's flat terrain and organized layout make any rental car type suitable for navigating Foster City's neighborhoods.

What scenic routes can you explore from Foster City?

The San Mateo-Hayward Bridge offers stunning bay views as you drive east toward the East Bay hills in your rental car. Foster City's waterfront areas provide picturesque drives along the lagoons and marshlands, perfect for leisurely exploration. Highway 101 north leads to scenic coastal routes, while local streets wind through Foster City's distinctive planned community with its interconnected waterways and parks.

Where are gas stations located around Foster City?

Multiple gas stations line Foster City Boulevard, providing convenient fuel stops for your rental car near major shopping areas. Highway 101 access points feature several fuel locations, making it easy to fill up before longer drives around California. The intersection of Foster City Boulevard and East Hillsdale Boulevard offers additional gas station options, ensuring you'll never be far from fuel during your city exploration.

How do you prepare for long-distance drives from Foster City?

Check your rental car's fuel level and locate nearby gas stations along your planned California route before departing Foster City. Plan rest stops in advance, particularly for drives toward San Francisco or other Bay Area destinations, and ensure your mobile device is fully charged for navigation. Review traffic patterns and alternative routes, as Foster City's proximity to major highways provides multiple options for reaching your destination.

What driving tips help in unfamiliar Foster City areas?

Foster City's numbered street system makes navigation straightforward, with most residential areas following a logical grid pattern perfect for rental car exploration. Pay attention to the numerous roundabouts throughout the city, which help manage traffic flow efficiently but may be unfamiliar to visitors. Use major landmarks like the Foster City Community Center and Leo J. Ryan Park to orient yourself, and remember that most streets connect to Foster City Boulevard, the main thoroughfare through this California community.

Can I get car rental discounts on Turo?

You can get discounts and low cost car rental on Turo. 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 promo codes, discounts, and deals. 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.

How does car rental insurance work on Turo?

No, you don't need personal insurance coverage to rent a car on Turo. In the US, any personal insurance you may have that covers damage to the host's vehicle would kick in before your Turo protection plan. When booking a car in the US, you'll choose between three protection plans — Premier (eligibility requirements apply), Standard, or Minimum — to get the level of protection that's right for you. On each trip, you're covered with third-party automobile liability insurance provided under a policy issued to Turo by Travelers Excess and Surplus Lines Company.* In New York state, you'll also choose between Premier (if available), Standard, or Minimum. With each plan, you're covered with liability insurance of $1,250,000.* Protection plans for New York trips also include access to roadside assistance, priority phone support, and 24/7 customer assistance.

What kind of license do I need to rent a car on Turo?

Turo accepts valid licenses (not expired, suspended, or revoked) that allow for full driving privileges; this includes driver's licenses issued outside of the US. Licenses that Turo doesn't accept in the US include any that have expired, have been altered, are conditional, probational, provisional, or restricted. Learner's permit/instruction permits are not accepted.

Is there long term car rental on Turo?

Yes there is — whether you want to rent a car for three days, three months, or even longer, you can on Turo. You'll find discounted prices on bookings lasting 3+, 7+, or 30+ days, so you can get the best deals and lowest rates possible by booking longer trips.

  1. * Est. daily price. Search for up to date price information.