Your One-Way Rental Car with SIXT
San Diego to San Francisco
See more of California with an affordable one way car rental from San Diego to San Francisco with no one way fee. A one way car rental lets you pick up a rental car in one city and return it to a different SIXT location. Book a one-way car rental deal and head off on an exciting road trip from San Diego to San Francisco, stopping at top attractions along the way. If continuing your journey from another transportation hub, make it easy and seamless with a one way car rental from San Diego to San Francisco. Whatever the occasion, count on a first class driving experience at an economy price with our one-way car rental services.
How to Reserve a Car Rental One Way
Booking a car rental one-way with SIXT is quick and easy:
1. Start your booking by entering your pick-up and drop-off locations.
2. Choose your rental dates and select the vehicle category that suits your needs.
3. SIXT will automatically show you availability details.
4. Complete your booking online and get ready for a smooth pick-up and drop-off experience.
Why choose a specific car category?

One-Way Convertible Rental
A convertible rental is a fun way to enjoy the great California weather, taking in the sun and the scenery. Whether exploring the coast or having an adventure in the city driving with the top down gives you the chance to fully immerse yourself in your surroundings. Make special memories on your California road trip with the right convertible rental from SIXT.

One-Way SUV Rental
Drive from San Diego to San Francisco with an SUV rental and have a vehicle that is ready for anything. Our fleet includes full-size, crossover and luxury SUV rentals so you can find the right model to fit your trip. Give yourself a perfect way to enjoy the drive with the comforts and spaciousness of an SUV rental.

One-Way Luxury Car Rental
Wanting to travel California in ultimate style? Take advantage of our attractive rates on luxury car rentals and experience a first class driving experience. Our luxury car fleet features diverse vehicles from some of the best car manufacturers in the world. Make a statement while cruising the streets and choose an exotic car rental for your drive between San Diego and San Francisco.
FAQs
SIXT offers one-way car rentals from San Diego to San Francisco with no one-way fees or drop-off charges. Pricing varies based on vehicle class, rental duration, and availability. For an accurate quote, check SIXT's website or mobile app with your travel dates.
Yes! SIXT provides unlimited mileage on one-way rentals from San Diego to San Francisco. Take the scenic Highway 1 or faster I-5 route without worrying about mileage restrictions or extra charges.
You generally will not encounter tolls on the drive north from San Diego until you reach the San Francisco Bay Area.
Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Area Tolls: The Golden Gate Bridge and other Bay Area bridges operate with all-electronic, cashless toll systems. To ensure a seamless journey, SIXT offers an optional toll pass service that automatically handles all toll payments during your rental, saving you time and eliminating the hassle of managing toll fees manually.
Your vehicle selection can significantly enhance your San Diego to San Francisco journey:
Convertibles: Ideal for travelers taking the scenic Highway 1 coastal route. Experience California's stunning coastline in style with SIXT's premium convertible options, perfect for enjoying the Pacific views and mild coastal climate.
SUVs: Best suited for the faster I-5 route, especially when traveling with family or considerable luggage. SIXT's SUV fleet offers superior comfort, ample cargo space, and commanding road visibility—essential for the 8-hour highway drive.
Drive between San Diego and San Francisco with no fee!
SIXT rent a car provides affordable transportation between San Diego and San Francisco with no fee one way car rental. Make it to all the best destinations in both cities and get to see and do more with a one-way car rental. The large selection of vehicles in our premium fleet means you get to make the drive from San Diego to San Francisco with a rental car that matches your style and mobility needs. Whether it interested in driving an SUV, sports car, convertible, or luxury car rental we can accommodate with plenty of choice. Experience everything you can while driving to your final destination and take advantage of a SIXT one way car rental deal.
The quickest route between San Diego and San Francisco is the 502 mile drive north along Interstate 5, which takes about 8 hours. This inland route is, however, less scenic as a driving north on US Hwy 101 or directly along the California coast on Hwy 1. Driving on US 101 lengthens the drive by an hour while driving Hwy 1 turns the trip into an about 600 mile, 12 hour drive. If you do drive Hwy 1 it is best to break up the drive over two days to make sure you do not have to drive the best parts in the dark. Informing yourself ahead of your departure about any road closures due to fires or other weather conditions is also recommended.
If deciding to take a longer, more scenic route on your drive to San Diego to San Francisco there are lots of top destinations to make stops at along the way. From amazing nature to beautiful coastal cities there are plenty of places to stop, stretch your legs and take in the sights of California. Here are just a few suggestions:
- Stop for lunch or a quick trip to the beach in beautiful Santa Barbara
- Have a look at the elephant seals from mid-November to mid-January at Hearst-San Simeon State Park or visit the truly unique Hearst Castle
- Take a hike and take in the amazing landscape of Big Sur
- Browse the galleries and boutiques of Carmel-by-the-Sea or visit the Monterey Aquarium

You may also be interested in
Explore more of our one-way car rental services at SIXT here. Find options tailored to your needs and the perfect vehicle for your trip.
- Phoenix to Las Vegas
- Los Angeles to San Diego
- Los Angeles to Las Vegas
- San Francisco to Los Angeles
- Orlando to Fort Lauderdale
- Denver to San Francisco
- Denver to Phoenix
- Denver to Los Angeles
- Denver to Las Vegas
- Chicago to Indianapolis
- Atlanta to Miami
- Tampa to Miami
- San Diego to San Francisco
- San Diego to Las Vegas
- Orlando to Miami
