Car Hire at San Francisco airport (SFO)
Content written by
German Giudici
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Creator of the Aeropuertos del Mundo website network since 2007.
List of car rental agencies that operate within the San Francisco airport (SFO)
Subject to change: schedules, listed companies and contact details may change due to commercial decisions or operational updates, so it is always advisable to check availability on the official website of the car rental company before booking.
San Francisco International Airport consolidates all major rental car counters and vehicle return areas inside a dedicated facility called the Rental Car Center (RCC), located at 780 North McDonnell Road.
To reach the center from any passenger terminal, ride the complimentary 24/7 AirTrain Blue Line, accessible on Level 4 of each terminal. The train ride takes roughly 10 minutes. Upon returning your vehicle, the same Blue Line whisks you back directly to your departures hall.
Agencies at the Rental Car Center (4th Floor)
The following national and international rental brands maintain service counters on the fourth floor of the consolidated facility:
- Alamo
- Avis
- Budget
- Dollar
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- National
- Sixt
- Thrifty
Car Rental Requirements
- Minimum Age: Typically 21 years old. Drivers aged 21 to 24 are usually assessed a daily young driver surcharge.
- Driver's License: A valid, unexpired driver's license issued in your home country. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your domestic license is not in English or the Latin alphabet.
- Credit Card: A major international credit card in the primary driver's name is required for security deposits. Debit cards are subject to strict restrictions, including proof of a return flight ticket.
- Identification: A valid passport and proof of entry status for international visitors.
- Insurance: Collision Damage Waiver (CDW/LDW) and Third-Party Liability coverage, available at the rental counter or provided through eligible premium credit cards.
Off-Airport Rental Agencies
Certain independent car rental agencies maintain lots off-airport grounds and do not operate service counters inside the main Rental Car Center. These companies provide their own complimentary shuttle van pickups.
Off-Airport Shuttle Pickup Area
To board courtesy shuttles for companies like Fox Rent A Car, Nu Car Rentals, or Payless, head to the center island of the Departures Level roadway at any terminal and locate the shelters marked "Off-Airport Rental Car Shuttles."
Consult your confirmation voucher beforehand to check if calling the agency dispatch upon landing is necessary.
Latest updates: September 25, 2026
5 tips for renting a car abroad
- Make sure your driver's license is valid in the destination country. Some countries also require an International Driving Permit (IDP). Keep in mind that the IDP is not valid on its own: it must always be carried together with your national driver's license.
- Check the documents and insurance required by local traffic laws, and what coverage is included in your rental (collision damage waiver, third-party liability, deductible).
- Learn the traffic rules of the destination country: speed limits on highways and city streets, right of way at intersections without traffic lights, blood alcohol limits, tolls, etc.
- Check which side of the road traffic drives on, and whether the steering wheel is on the same side as in your home country.
- Know what to do if you are involved in a traffic accident: who to call, what to document and how to report it to the rental company.
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