San Francisco Airport: A Step-by-Step Guide to Returning Your Rental Vehicle
Returning a rental car at San Francisco International Airport need not be a frantic affair. With the airport roughly 16 miles from Union Square, planning ahead can reduce hassle. After handing back the vehicle, travelers should budget additional time to reach their departure gate using the airport's people-mover system.
By Skyler Mitchell
Signs for San Francisco International Airport are clearly marked.
Even if your time in San Francisco has been delightful, scrambling to return a rental car just before your flight is a stressful way to wrap up the trip. The drive from Union Square to San Francisco International Airport is only around 16 miles, but following a few practical tips can help you avoid wasted time and anxiety. As with returning a rental car at any airport, once the vehicle is dropped off, passengers need to set aside extra minutes to get to their departure terminal via the airport's ground transportation.
Routes to the Airport
If you are heading south on U.S. 101 from the city, leave the highway at the San Bruno Avenue exit. Turn left at the top of the ramp. When you reach the traffic light near the United Airlines Building, make a right onto North McDonnell Road and continue following the signs for rental car returns and customer parking. For those traveling north on U.S. 101, drive past the main airport area and take the San Bruno Avenue exit. At the traffic light, turn right onto North McDonnell Road, then follow the signs to rental car returns and customer parking. Coming from Interstate 280, use the Interstate 380 East exit at South Airport Boulevard. Turn right at the bottom of the ramp and follow the signs for car rental return and then customer parking.
Locating the Rental Car Return Area
The San Francisco International Airport Rental Car Center houses nine companies: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Fox, Hertz, National and Thrifty. Zipcar also maintains reserved spaces at this location. Car and key drop-off and returns are available around the clock, 24 hours a day. In addition, six rental agencies operate off-airport: Advantage, Airport Van Rental, Firefly, Payless, RelayRides and SIlvercar. Their operating hours differ and are generally not 24 hours. A free Park SFO shuttle connects their drop-off point to the Rental Car Center, but you must request it, so plan for extra time.
Handing Back the Vehicle
Before locking the car after parking, double-check that you have all personal belongings. At some rental companies, an employee will meet you at the car, perform a quick inspection and print your receipt right there using a handheld device. If no one is available, put the completed contract and the keys into the drop box. For issues such as lost and found, accident reports, email receipts or other questions when the rental counter is unstaffed, use the rental company's website. Before returning the car, check the fuel gauge—bringing it back at the agreed-upon level can save you money.
Getting to Your Departure Terminal
From the rental car center, take the free AirTrain Blue Line to the terminals. This fully automated train runs 24 hours a day and serves all four terminals, the parking garages, the SFO Bay Area Rapid Transit Station and the Rental Car Center. The train and its stations are wheelchair accessible, with elevator service at each station. The AirTrain arrives every four to five minutes, except overnight when it comes every 15 minutes. The trip from the Rental Car Center to the departure terminals covers about 2 miles and takes roughly 10 minutes.
