Quick Summary
- Airport surcharges can make the Rental Car Center pricier at peak times.
- Off airport branches may be cheaper but add transfer time and limited hours.
- Compare total cost, not just the day rate, before you commit.
At San Francisco International, the AirTrain Blue Line glides you to the Rental Car Center in minutes. If you want a quick answer on price, start by comparing the on airport option for car rental with nearby alternatives. Airport facilities add concession fees that can lift the total, while off airport sites trade lower base rates for a ride share or hotel shuttle leg.
When the Rental Car Center wins
For late night arrivals, the on airport desks often keep longer hours. You can line up options such as the Avis counters at SFO, the Hertz facility and Enterprise at SFO without leaving the AirTrain network. Add the time you would spend getting to an off site branch and the airport option can be worth the extra few dollars.
When off airport is cheaper
Pick ups outside SFO can avoid certain airport fees, so the headline rate may drop. That saving can be real if you are staying near the Peninsula or South Bay. If your flight lands early and you do not mind a short transfer, compare with a South Bay alternative like San Jose Airport options. We also have city locations across the region that work well if you only need a car for a day trip north to the wine country or down the coast.
Do a fair comparison
Check opening hours and transport to the branch. Add the cost of ride shares or hotel shuttles. Skipping airport queues may save 20 to 40 minutes, but if your airline arrives late you want a location still open. Our guide to off airport pickups pros and cons walks you through the trade offs. For terminal wayfinding and time estimates within SFO, this primer on AirTrain and toll basics helps you plan the exit.
How Hola Car Rentals helps you choose
We put total price first. Quotes with Hola Car Rentals include taxes and mandatory fees so you can compare apples to apples. Our benefits make either option easier: No additional fees with savings up to 60 percent, Maximum liability coverage on selected itineraries and Free Cancellation up to 48 hours before pick up. If you book an off site location and later prefer the convenience of the Rental Car Center, you can cancel within the window and rebook.
Whether you decide to keep it on airport for speed or go off site for value, reserve with Hola Car Rentals for a smooth start to your Bay Area drive.
FAQs
- How far is the Rental Car Center from the terminals? It is connected by the AirTrain Blue Line and takes only a few minutes.
- Do off airport branches provide shuttles? Some do from nearby hotels; others are ride share friendly. Check opening hours.
- Can I pick up off airport and return to SFO? Many locations allow different return points. One way fees may apply.
- Are off airport rates always cheaper? Not always. Peak dates and limited fleets can push prices up. Compare totals.
- Does Hola Car Rentals include airport fees in quotes? Yes, mandatory fees and taxes are shown in your total.
Ready to compare both options side by side? Book with Hola Car Rentals today and choose the plan that fits your trip.
