We'll be driving down from Van to S.F. in June The quotes for car rentals have been very high - like $1200 for a week. That's almost $200 a day for an economy car!! And most companies don't go between these two cities. Is this because it invovles crossing the US border? Any suggestions for cheaper rentals? That price was NOT in the vaca budget!

Take the train to Seattle (around US$30 one way) - more scenic than driving, possibly faster too given border conditions - and rent there. SEA-SFO is running around $350 for a one week one-way rental.

You are lucky you found a company that would do it at all. Gardyloo's suggestion is your best bet.

Using my AAA code, Hertz offered me several options under $300 for a week with a downtown Seattle pick up and a San Francisco Airport return.

Thanks, Gardyloo. That's a great idea! Are you talking about the Amtrak service?

This seems like a much better option!

Kellie, if the train schedule is not convenient for you, there are Amtrak buses serving the same route.