San Francisco airport/car rental question
 

I'll be renting a car at the San Francisco airport. I've never rented one from this airport location before. The question I have is, are there rental car companies that are located in the terminal, vs. off site locations? I'm finding conflicting information on this. I have a car reserved with Dollar, who told me all rentals are located about a 10 minute van ride from the airport. I'm also now seeing car companies on Priceline's website who claim to be in the terminal. I'm looking for the most efficient location/service.

Thanks!

All airport based rentals are now located in one place reachable by using the airport skytrain--no charge.

Car rental and return at SFO is horrible. The Skytrain--aaahhh, it upsets me just to think about it. Every time I go through there (SFO,) I'm trying to figure out a way to avoid using it.

Resign yourself to the fact that there does not seem to be any efficient way to navigate the airport when dealing with car rental. You'll have to search for the elevators, as well, if you've got luggage....

Wow, I can't speak for bookhall's experience, but the last time I arrived at SFO and picked up a car I was thrilled with the skytrain operation and with the Dollar rental situation. I found it so easy to use and much nicer than those standing-in-the-traffic-waiting-for-a-van type places. The skytrain was a bit confusing as to which direction to go. Just make sure you ask or you read the signs and "map" carefully or you may go the long way around.

One word of caution. If you are renting from Dollar, be sure to get a free membership in their Dollar Express program. You'll be glad when you can pass the usual lines and get your car much quicker.

Thanks. Very helpful info!

We rent a car and drive to SFO and on return rent another car to drive home at least twice a year for overseas flights and our experience has been that it is quite convenient and simple. Avis, Hertz, National and Budget as well as Dollar are in the car rental terminal.

syd, if you are going to be in the city for a part of your trip, I strongly recommend you wait to pick up a car rental until you need it. I usually pick it up from a city location and just drive it out to my next destination (Napa, coast, etc). Having a rental car IN SF is more of a hassle to me. You also save on those pesky airport fees on the rental contract - and don't have the double costs of having a car not being used in the city while you are paying to park it.

Thanks mjs and starrsville.

We're really won't be spending time in the city, just quickly heading to wine country and the coast on this trip. SFO was the best flight schedule and cost for us.