Quick Summary
- The crooked block is one‑way downhill; queues build late morning.
- Compact vehicles are easier on tight switchbacks and steep ramps.
- Use garages near North Beach or the Wharf rather than circling the hill.
Yes—you can normally drive the famous brick block from Hyde to Leavenworth. For a smooth start, many visitors collect at SFO using car rental and head straight for Russian Hill before the midday rush.
Best times and driving technique
Arrive early morning or late afternoon. Keep to walking pace, let gravity work and use gentle braking. If you’re driving a manual, select first gear before you roll onto the bricks and avoid clutch slip. Watch for the Powell‑Hyde cable cars at the top—never block the tracks while queuing.
Parking that won’t earn a ticket
Neighbourhood restrictions are enforced. Aim for wider bays at the Wharf or North Beach, then walk back up. Garages on flat streets save your clutch and your sanity. For airport logistics and hours, skim the SFO rental centre details before you land, and consider brand counters like Enterprise at SFO or Alamo at SFO if you prefer a familiar desk.
Planning a bridge detour after your photos? Our past guide to Golden Gate Bridge tolls for rental cars explains what happens if you miss a plaza and how plate billing works.
Weather and traction
Fog and drizzle can make the bricks slick. Increase following distance, avoid sudden inputs and keep rolling where possible rather than stopping on the steepest section. If conditions look crowded or chaotic, circle the block once and try again—your photos will be better with a calmer run.
After the hill
When you exit near Leavenworth, loop to Columbus Avenue or Bay Street to keep moving, then use Van Ness to join US‑101 for Marin. If you’re carrying luggage, drop passengers at the top, park in a garage and rendezvous on flat ground. Keep valuables out of sight even in busy areas.
FAQs
Do I need a reservation to drive Lombard? Not usually. Seasonal controls may appear on peak days—follow on‑street staff and signs.
Is it safe to park on the hill? Only where signed, and the flattest nearby blocks are easier for quick photo stops.
Which class is best? Compact or midsize—easier to place on narrow lanes and tight garage ramps.
Can I rent at SFO and return downtown? Often, but one‑way fees may apply—check the quote before you book.
Ready to twist down the bricks? Book with Hola Car Rentals and enjoy flexible cover and clear pricing for your San Francisco circuit.
Better photo stops and alternatives
If the queue is excessive, don’t force it. Park at the Wharf, walk up, and enjoy the view from Hyde and Lombard before returning to the garage. If you want a similar vibe without the wait, the Filbert Steps to Coit Tower offer a quieter climb. When returning to the airport, brand counters such as Avis at SFO and others have clear signage to the AirTrain.
Hola Car Rentals keeps your day flexible with Free Cancellation up to 48 hours before pick‑up and clear fuel policies you can rely on.
Steep‑street etiquette
Always turn wheels toward the kerb when you park on a grade, use the parking brake firmly and leave the car in gear (or in Park). San Francisco enforces hill‑parking rules; a careful setup avoids tickets and rolling risks.
In garages, take your time on tight spirals and mind concrete pillars—mirrors in first. If a bay feels too tight, choose another rather than squeezing in at an angle that could scuff a bumper.
Make your return easy
Check the route back to the airport during daylight the day before. AirTrain links make returns straightforward, but allow buffer time during peak travel weekends. Keep your toll receipts and follow plate‑billing instructions on your agreement.
Common mistakes to skip
Circling the block repeatedly waiting for a perfect gap frustrates residents and invites tickets. Park once, take the photos on foot and enjoy the neighbourhood. Leaving bags visible for “just a minute” is another San Francisco classic—put everything in the boot before you arrive and lock up each time you step away.
