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Car rental San Rafael, CA

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Extraordinary selection

From standard cars to supercars, find the perfect car for any occasion or budget

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Liability insurance included

Third-party liability insurance comes standard, and choose from a range of vehicle protection plans

Free cancellation

Easy airport pickup

You can skip the rental counter at 100+ airports across the US and Canada

Rental cars in San Rafael, CA

Average daily prices for a 3-day trip

BMW 3 Series car rental in San Rafael on Turo

Rent a car in San Rafael on Turo

San Rafael is a scenic town in the San Francisco Bay Area that offers pleasant weather, sandy beaches, and a thriving downtown district. From fishing at the China Camp State Park to hiking at Terra Linda Sleepy Hollow Ridge, booking a car rental in San Rafael means that you can visit any destination in the area.

Whether you're in town for a graduation or business trip, having access to your own car means that you control where you go and when you arrive. Renting your dream vehicle on Turo ensures you can skip the rental counter and hit the roads of San Rafael in anything from a premium SUV to a sleek sedan. So get the keys to your car, roll the windows down, and smell the salty sea air as you start your adventure.

San Rafael, CA car rental: How it works

On Turo, renting a car in San Rafael is easy. Browse cars online, choose your preferred pickup location, book your car, and get on the road sooner. With pickup locations all across San Rafael, California and beyond, you'll be able to find the perfect car for whatever you have planned.

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1. Find the perfect car

Enter a date and location in San Rafael, CA (or beyond), filter to find the best car for you, and read reviews from previous renters.

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2. Select a pickup location

Rent a car nearby or get one delivered to various destinations, including many airports, train stations, hotels, or maybe even your home.

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3. Hit the road

Your host sends you pickup details, and you’re all set to hit the roads of San Rafael, CA! If you have questions, you can easily chat with your host or contact support.

Recent San Rafael, CA car rental reviews

Ford Focus 2016

This was my first time using this car rental app. The car was great, used very little gas, and Israeli was helpful and friendly. A much more human experience than a traditional car rental company is, even though I never met him in person, the car had a lockbox. I will rent from him again……… 👌✨✨✨✨✨👌

Tanya
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Britney
Tesla Model S 2015

The car rode super smooth jay was super nice! He was soooo cool!!! Very efficient… it was my first time driving a Tesla he stayed in the parking lot at 6am with me and went over everything in the car! He even reached out during the weekend and gave me a few pointers regarding the car. When I needed help on how to charge the car he answered immediately and directed me on where to go and what to do! Definitely will rent again in a week or two!!! Thank you again jay!

Britney
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Austin
Porsche 911 2020

What a great trip!! Car was perfect and so much fun! Highly recommend renting this one!

Austin
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Porsche 911 2013

The 911 Carrera S was in amazing shape, it looks and drives as if it just arrived from the Zuffenhausen factory. Rom was very responsive and flexible. Would definitely rent from him again. Highly recommend!

Ondrej
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Kia Forte 2023

Clean car with pickup location just on the main road . Would recommend

Brandon
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Anthony
Porsche 911 2013

Premium experience. This is probably my best experience using Turo. First off, the car was immaculate, well taken care of without cheap maintenance and parts like we often find on Turo. Second, Rom provided a truly premium service, meeting me at pickup to walk through the vehicle, communicated and responded quickly. This is rare standard nowadays on Turo. I will rent from Rom again without a doubt.

Anthony
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Kiran
Ford Fiesta 2019

Thanks a lot we enjoyed the service the car was in good condition.

Kiran
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Michael
Porsche 911 2013

Car was great, easy pickup, and Rom terrific. C’etait fantastique!

Michael
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Mohsin
Porsche 911 2013

Rom is a fantastic host. Super easy to communicate with and fast with responses. Car was an absolute blast to drive. Ticked all the right boxes for a fantastic sports car. There was a personal issue before drop off and he was incredibly understanding and accommodating through the process. I would recommend him as a host with any reservation. And the 911 is a real deal. Can’t wait to be back in one again soon.

Mohsin
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Joseph
Porsche 911 2020

We rented a red convertible Porsche for our 32 year anniversary trip to Napa, and it made the whole experience unforgettable. The car was absolutely clean, beautiful, and ran perfectly, you can tell it’s very well maintained. Driving through Napa Valley with the top down was incredible. The red convertible got a lot of attention everywhere we went and truly made the trip feel extra special. Highly recommend this rental if you’re visiting Napa, it’s a fantastic way to experience the area in style!

Joseph
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Michael
Porsche 911 2013

Top notch! Warning, you should be an excellent driver to operate this awesome machine properly.

Michael
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Brian
Tesla Model 3 2018

Great communication, quick responses, very flexible and accommodating.

Brian
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Matthew
Kia Forte 2023

Great little car and good communication. Gas mileage is a huge plus when it's $6 a gallon. A couple of small issues that were addressed. Thanks. Will definitely rent again.

Matthew
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Kurt
Chevrolet Corvette 2024

Adrian was great to rent from and the car was epic to drive. Thank you for a great experience

Kurt
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Rent a car and explore San Rafael, CA

Things to do and places to see in San Rafael, CA

From historic sites like the Marin Museum of Bicycling to sprawling parks and beaches, San Rafael is full of exciting places to visit. With the town's proximity to major cities like San Francisco, there's always something to do in or around San Rafael. Here are the top destinations to place on your itinerary.

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San Rafael, CA

China Camp State Park

Looking for your next outdoor getaway? Visit the China Camp State Park, a vast park in San Rafael that offers all the outdoor activities you expect from a mountain region and a coastal getaway. The numerous trails in the area are perfect for mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking. You can also have a picnic at the park or take a boat out on the waters of San Pablo Bay. Water activities like swimming, fishing, and windsurfing are available as well.

Muir Woods National Monument

With towering redwood trees and some of the best views in California, the Muir Woods National Monument is the perfect destination for anyone who loves nature. While the novelty of walking under trees that can scale higher than 300 feet makes for a memorable experience, the trails you'll travel along also offer glimpses of regional plants and wildlife. The grounds consist of six miles of trails, which include long hikes that reach Mount Tamalpais State Park. Consider stopping by the visitor center to learn about the park and its history.

Marin Museum of Contemporary Art

The Marin Museum of Contemporary Art allows you to delve into San Rafael's culture. During your visit, you'll gain access to more than 50 artist studios, a museum store, and several art galleries. Along with temporary paintings and installations, the museum contains the works of renowned artists like Astria Suparak, Sofía Córdova, Genevieve Quick, and Ranu Mukherjee.

Why Rent a car on Turo?

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Cheap San Rafael, CA car rental

Find deals on all kinds of drives in San Rafael, CA and throughout the US - from the everyday to the extraordinary. Rent the perfect vehicle for your budget.

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Convenient San Rafael, CA car rental pick up options

Get your car delivered right to you or wherever you’re going. Many hosts offer delivery to custom locations or popular points of interest in San Rafael, CA, like airports, train stations, and hotels.

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Relax with support & damage protection

24/7 support and roadside assistance mean help is just a call away, plus you can choose from a range of protection plans.

San Rafael car rentals for any occasion

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Vacation car rental

Spending your vacation in San Rafael? When you rent a car, you'll have more control over the destinations you visit and the route you take. At a moment's notice, you can drive down to San Francisco for the day or travel north to the Cypress Tree Tunnel. If you need space for your family or the luggage you're taking with you, consider a roomy SUV like the Ford Expedition or Nissan Pathfinder.

Long-term car rental

If you're staying in San Rafael for more than a couple of weeks, it's a good idea to book a long-term car rental on Turo. With your own rental car, you can spend the day at the beach, go shopping in the downtown district, or catch a movie at the Smith Rafael Film Center. A vehicle gives you the freedom to explore the whole town.

Business trip car rental

Planning to visit San Rafael for a business conference or trade show? With a stylish and comfortable car like the Mitsubishi Mirage or Honda Accord, you'll be able to navigate to any venue in town at your own pace. There's no need to deal with public transportation and the wait times that come with it.

Turo vs. traditional car rental

Turo

  • App-based experience

  • No waiting in line

  • 1,600+ unique makes & models

  • Get the exact car you choose

  • Delivery options & thousands of pickup locations

  • Cars rented out by local small businesses

  • Vehicles and hosts rated by guests

Traditional car rental

  • Standard rental counter experience

  • Waiting in line

  • Limited car selection

  • Get one type of car “or similar”

  • Pickup at retail locations

  • Cars owned by large corporations

  • No vehicle ratings

Rental car pickup locations throughout San Rafael 

Get your vehicle delivered right to you or wherever you’re going in San Rafael, CA, including San Rafael, CA airport. Many hosts offer delivery to custom locations or popular points of interest, like airports, train stations, and hotels. Popular San Rafael, CA pickup locations include:

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San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

If you're flying into San Francisco, San Rafael is a roughly 45-minute drive from the airport. By picking up your rental car at the airport, you can drive directly to San Rafael or spend some time seeing the sights in the city before doing so. Renting on Turo means you can skip the airport car rental counter and walk straight from the baggage claim area to your car. At SFO, rental vehicles can be parked in International Garages A and B.

Downtown San Rafael

Downtown San Rafael is an eclectic business district that hosts many delightful restaurants, shops, and breweries, making it the perfect pickup location for your rental vehicle. Once you pick up your car, you'll be within blocks of popular eateries like Fox & Kit and Suvai Taste of India. Attractions like the Marin Museum of Contemporary Art and the Falkirk Cultural Center are just minutes away as well.

Oakland, CA

When flying into the Oakland International Airport or traveling to the city via the Amtrak station, Oakland is the ideal pickup spot. If you'd like to spend time in Oakland before driving up to San Rafael, the city is home to some of the best attractions in the state, such as the Oakland Museum of California and the Children's Fairyland.

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Airport pickup made easy

Next time you fly, don’t wait in line and fill out forms — pick your car up at hundreds of popular airports.

Convenient pickup & return

Rather than hustling at the busy terminal curbside, take your time picking up the car at approved parking lots or garages. Check in, load up your luggage, and get comfortable with the car without a big rush.

No lines, no paperwork

Skip the rental car counter at hundreds of popular airports without waiting in line or filling out paperwork. Find and pick up the car with the app and hit the road in no time.

Free cancellation

Cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before your trip starts, unless you opt to receive a non-refundable trip discount when you book. Because life happens and it helps to be flexible when it does.

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Pickup near or at Airports

Top tips for renting a car in San Rafael


Whether you're trekking south on Interstate 580 to Berkeley or traveling north along Highway 101 to the Sonoma Raceway, having a rental car for your journey allows you to shape it however you want. Before you get behind the wheel of your vehicle, consider the rental car tips below.


What are the road rules and driving conditions in San Rafael?


Once you have access to a rental car, driving in San Rafael is easy if you know what to look out for. Traffic is often at its busiest in Downtown San Rafael. Road construction is common in the district, which can lead to congestion and delays to your travel time. You should expect the same on Interstate 580 if you drive down to Berkeley or San Francisco.


Most of the streets in the business, residential, and downtown districts of San Rafael have a speed limit of 25 miles per hour (mph). However, the speed limit on 24 street segments in town was reduced in February 2025. Many of these reductions occurred in the downtown area and involved drops from 25 to 20 mph. The highways and four-lane roads on the edges of town have a maximum speed of 55 mph.


San Rafael typically has pleasant weather but receives roughly four to seven inches of rain per month between November and March. If you're not familiar with driving on slick roads, it's a good idea to rent a vehicle that comes with all-wheel drive. This kind of functionality is available on many SUVs and pickup trucks, such as the Land Rover Discovery Sport and the GMC Sierra 1500.


What is parking like in San Rafael?


If you drive outside the downtown area, on-street parking spaces are typically free. You can also park for free in many parking lots in town. However, most of the spaces in the downtown area consist of meters. The amount you pay depends on where you park.


For example, on-street parking in Downtown San Rafael is $1.50 per hour. It's also limited to two hours. There are two parking garages in the downtown area, which provide an hour of free parking if you obtain a validation from a downtown merchant. The parking lots in the downtown area charge $0.75 per hour.


Are there toll roads in San Rafael?


California operates numerous toll roads and bridges, many of which are part of the FasTrak system. Most of the toll roads are located in the San Francisco and Los Angeles areas. If you strictly drive in San Rafael, you won't pay any tolls. If, however, you drive further south to the San Francisco area, you may encounter the Bay Area toll bridges or the express lanes on routes 101, 237, 580, 680, and 880.


Are there gas stations and EV chargers in San Rafael?


When driving any type of vehicle in San Rafael, there are many gas stations and EV chargers available to you. The main gas station brands you'll see in San Rafael are Shell, Chevron, and Arco. If you've rented an electric car or truck, the town is home to 230 public stations, over 20 of which are free. You can access DC fast charging ports in four of these locations. Tesla Supercharger, ChargePoint, and Blink are the top networks in San Rafael.


Do I need to rent a car in San Rafael?


If you want to travel from the Marin Art and Garden Center to the San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, it will take you at least 90 minutes to make the trip via public transportation. With a car, you can make the drive in just over 20 minutes. While San Rafael is a highly walkable town, having a rental car allows you to pack more destinations into your trip in a shorter period.

Frequently asked questions about San Rafael car rentals

What documents and paperwork do you need to rent a car on Turo?

To rent a car on Turo, you must create a Turo account, have a valid driver’s license, get approved to drive on Turo, and be 18 years old or older in the US, 21 years old or older in Australia, or 23 years old or older in Canada.

In the UK, you must be 21 years old or older and have held a UK or EU license for at least one year, or another driver’s license for at least two years. In France you must be 18 years old or older and have held a driver’s license for at least 2 years, longer for certain makes and models of vehicles.

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 all future road trips, day trips, and business trips!

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.

Do I need to be a certain age to rent a car on Turo?

To rent a car on Turo in the US, you must be 18 years old or older.

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.

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.

Learn how the loyalty bonus works

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.

See more about promotions & discounts

Is there unlimited mileage car rental on Turo?

Some hosts offer unlimited distance for a trip; others set a daily distance limit — you’ll need to check on each rental car individually to see if this service is provided. 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.

Can other people drive the car that I rented?

Yes, multiple guests can drive the car you rent on Turo, as long as they are all approved to drive. The primary driver (whoever rented the car) can add additional drivers with no fees or additional charges. Only the primary driver can request to add drivers; Turo hosts cannot do it for you. We encourage you to request to add additional drivers before your trip starts, though guests can request to add a driver while a trip is in progress.

To speed up the process, have your additional driver create a Turo account and get approved to drive before you request to add them. All drivers must have a valid driver’s license and meet the age requirements for the car you’ve booked. You can request to add drivers via the “Trips” tab in the Turo app without additional driver charges or extra costs.

How much does it cost to rent a car in San Rafael? 

The cost of car rental in San Rafael can vary depending on car type, booking length, extras, and delivery. For cheap car rental in San Rafael, look out for discounts on longer-duration bookings and early bookings.

What rental car types are there in San Rafael?

Whether you need a spacious SUV or a comfortable sedan for your trip to San Rafael, you'll have access to many vehicles when you book on Turo. The types of vehicles you can rent include electric cars like the Lucid Air, pickup trucks like the Toyota Tacoma, and SUVs like the BMW X1. A wide range of compact cars, sports cars, and luxury sedans is available as well, such as the Audi A4 and Nissan Sentra.

What can I do to prevent unexpected fees when renting a car on Turo?

To prevent unexpected fees when renting a car on Turo, make sure to return the car on time. All applicable fees are clearly displayed in the Turo app.

How do I find a car rental in San Rafael?

To find a car on Turo in San Rafael, enter your desired pickup location and dates in the Turo app to browse available cars. You’ll discover a wide selection catering to different needs.

Is it possible to return a rented car on a Sunday in San Rafael?

Yes, you can return a car on Turo on Sunday, and many hosts offer flexible return options. Be sure to verify the specific return procedures with your host when you pick up your vehicle.

What are the policies for returning a rented car on time in San Rafael?

Returning your car on time is important. Please ensure you return the vehicle at the scheduled time according to Turo policy. If you need more time, request a trip extension via the Turo app. All applicable fees are clearly displayed in the app.

* 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. In the US, 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.