Looking to rent a car in San Fran to drive to Montery for a few days and return to San Fran for four days. Prices on car rentals at the airport are quite expensive. Has anyone rented a car near the airport and return it close to Fisherman's Wharf. We will not be keeping the car once we get back to San Fran. Any advice ?

All of the agencies have in-city locations. I find that dollar typically has the best rate. I use the location on O'Farrell st by Union Sq since that's where I stay on business.

Shop around using a comparative search engine like orbitz or kayak, then book directly with the rental car company.

I also use Dollar rental, usually from O'Farrell street location. Are you flying in to SFO and then leaving right away for Monterey? IF so, it might be easier to leave from airport. The extra fees might offset the cost of taking BART into the city and the hassle. Dollar often has "City Specials" on certain vehicles that are available only from in the city. Do your homework.

Dollar usually has deals; sign up for email notices.

J62 has hit the proverbial nail on the head.

Downtown SF, regardless of rental car, is a much better deal than SFO.

Shop around, whether you use a third party, or do the work yourself, you'll find a good deal.

Thanks for the suggestions