San Francisco Airport Car Rental
You'll find Avis in the Arrivals hall at San Francisco Airport once you have collected your luggage at the baggage reclaim. We also have other San Francisco car rental offices to choose from.
Popular car hire locations in San Francisco
Plan your journey from San Francisco Airport
From San Francisco Airport (via the US-101 N), you’re just a 20-minute drive from the city of San Francisco itself, where a dazzling array of entertainment options await.Pack a picnic and spend a few hours in Golden Gate Park, a tranquil haven where the Conservatory of Flowers is also situated. This delightful Victorian building made of glass and wood opened in 1879 and is one of the city’s most photographed attractions.
The Japanese Tea Garden is also located in the park and was created in 1894 for the California Midwinter International Exposition. Nearby, the de Young Museum is a must for art lovers, housing an expansive collection of paintings, sculptures and decorative works from the 17th century to the present day.
Alcatraz, situated on an island in the San Francisco Bay, is another top attraction. Thousands of visitors every year take the ferry across to ‘the Rock’ to learn about what life was like for those imprisoned in this former maximum security penitentiary.
For retail therapy head to Union Square in the heart of the city, packed with shops, bars and restaurants. Round off your tour with a drive across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge; the views of the city from this art deco masterpiece are stunning.
Explore San Francisco in style from the comfort of your Avis rental car.
Road trips from San Francisco Airport
Northern California is a stunning part of the United States offering an outstanding list of natural and cultural attractions. With national parks like Yosemite, buzzing cities such as San Francisco, and wine regions including world-renowned Napa, it’s a destination for all seasons and travellers.Muir Woods National Monument
From San Francisco Airport, the Muir Woods National Monument is only an hour away via CA-1 N. This beautiful and majestic redwood tree forest has a fascinating history and is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. There are numerous walking trails to enjoy with optional guides on hand to provide tours. The visitor centre, located at the main entrance, provides information about the area’s past, and the best trails to take.
Monterey
Travel for just under two hours (via the US-101 S) from San Francisco to reach Monterey, home to some of California’s most dazzling coastlines. Monterey is located on Central California’s Pacific Coast and offers a wealth of attractions on top of its beautiful beach. The Monterey Museum of Art is well worth a look and features a collection of American and early Californian paintings and photography. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a star attraction for families. Built on a former sardine cannery, its three-storey kelp forest is pumped with 2,000 gallons of water a minute, recreating a ‘natural’ environment for its inhabitants, which include leopard sharks and red octopuses.
Explore Northern California and beyond at your own pace by hiring a car at San Francisco Airport. Drive, discover and enjoy.
Driving rules in the United States of America
Which side of the road?In the USA , please drive on the right side of the road.
Country driving laws
- In some states, mobile phones may only be used with a headset or hands-free device – you should check the law for any states you will be travelling in
- If travelling on toll roads (turnpikes) keep lots of change in your car, as not all booths accept debit and credit cards
- Do not overtake school buses
- In some states, you may turn right at traffic lights when indicated by road signs
- If pulled over by police, do not exit your vehicle. Turn the ignition off and sit patiently with your hands visible
Speed limits
Speed limits in the United States are set by each state or territory. Some states have lower limits at night, and also minimum speed limits. Please use this as a guide only, you should check the law for any states you will be travelling in.
All speed signs will be in mph.
For a standard Avis rental vehicle with no trailers:
- Urban areas: 20 - 35 mph (32 - 56 km/h)
- School and residential areas: 10 - 20 mph (16 – 32 km/h)
- 2 lane highway: 55 - 65 mph (88- 105 km/h)
- Motorways: 65 - 70 mph (105 – 113 km/h)
Unless indicated by road signs.
Child safety / Seatbelt laws
Each state has its own rules and regulations about child seats and seatbelt laws - you should check the law for any states you will be travelling in.
Please note - It is the child’s parent / guardian or vehicle renter’s responsibility to fit the child seat.
This road rules information is for provided for general guidance only. We endeavour to keep the information up to date and accurate, but any reliance you place on this information is at your own risk.