Pier 39 Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental around Pier 39

Renting a car around Pier 39 in San Francisco offers great freedom and flexibility for your explorations. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and create travel plans that fit your schedule. This is particularly beneficial for families or groups who prefer comfort while navigating the city. You can effortlessly visit key attractions like Lombard Street, which is just 1 km away, and Alcatraz Island, located 2 km from Pier 39. Union Square, a modern square ideal for city experiences, is also a short drive, approximately 3 km away.

Exploring the vibrant neighbourhood of Fisherman's Wharf, where Pier 39 is located, is made convenient with a rental car. You can also venture into the broader San Francisco area, allowing you to see the Golden Gate Bridge and Golden Gate Park at your leisure. The ease of parking and mobility that a rental car provides enhances your sightseeing experience, letting you appreciate the urban scenery and friendly atmosphere of the city without the constraints of public transportation.

Most popular car rentals near Pier 39

• Standard SUV: The Standard SUV is a popular choice for travellers around Pier 39, accommodating up to 5 passengers and allowing for 2 medium suitcases. This option is ideal for couples, families, or groups who appreciate space and comfort during their journey. With the freedom to explore at your own pace, a Standard SUV makes managing luggage easy while providing a versatile driving experience.
• Midsize SUV: The Midsize SUV is another highly booked option, perfect for accommodating 5 travellers and up to 3 large suitcases. This vehicle suits families, couples, or small groups who require additional room for luggage and belongings. With its spacious interior, the Midsize SUV offers a comfortable ride, enabling you to navigate around Pier 39 and beyond with ease and flexibility.
• Compact: The Compact car is a practical choice for those travelling around Pier 39, comfortably seating up to 5 passengers while allowing for 3 medium suitcases. Ideal for solo travellers, couples, or families, the Compact option offers a balance of efficiency and convenience. This vehicle is perfect for manoeuvring through the busy streets of San Francisco while ensuring you have enough space for your essentials.

Top rated car suppliers near Pier 39

• Budget: With 3 rental locations, Budget is a convenient choice for travellers near Pier 39, with the nearest location less than 1 km away. Known for its value, Budget's most booked vehicles include Midsize SUVs and Standards, providing you with the flexibility and space to explore San Francisco comfortably.
• Hertz: Offering 2 rental locations within close proximity to Pier 39, Hertz is another excellent option for car rentals, with the nearest location also less than 1 km away. Popular choices with Hertz include Midsize and Compact vehicles, making it easy for you to navigate around the city and surrounding attractions.
• Sixt: Sixt boasts 2 rental locations near Pier 39, with the closest being less than 1 km away. This supplier is well-regarded for providing Midsize SUVs and Luxury SUVs, ensuring that you can travel in style while enjoying the freedom that comes with having your own vehicle during your visit.

Where to stay near Pier 39

• Sausalito: Located 8 km away from Pier 39, Sausalito is known for its stunning scenery and outdoor adventures. This charming city features a recreational area and shopping mall center, perfect for leisurely strolls. Key attractions include the Marin Headlands and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Visitors can also enjoy local dining options such as restaurants and wineries, making it an ideal spot for picturesque views and a relaxing stay.
• Angel Island: Situated 6 km from Pier 39, Angel Island offers a unique island experience with outdoor activities in a state park. Known for its scenic beauty, the island is home to nature reserves and historic places. Visitors can explore local landmarks alongside recreation areas. Dining options include various restaurants, providing a tranquil retreat away from the city bustle while still being close to Pier 39 and attractions like Alcatraz Island.

10 tips to save on your car rental around Pier 39

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you’re looking for an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car for budget-friendliness, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you’re more likely to lock in lower prices and have a wider selection, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more economical to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good balance between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years of age. Always verify age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is usually the most advantageous option. Other policies may include full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at the airport often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind in case something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is straightforward when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car around Pier 39

The best value period to rent a car around Pier 39 is February, when both prices and demand are slightly low. January also offers a quiet experience with similar low demand, making it a good choice for budget-conscious travellers. Moving into the spring, March through May sees average prices and demand, allowing for a balanced rental experience. However, July stands out as the most expensive month, often bustling with high demand, particularly during the summer tourist season.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	51.4°F (10.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	52.2°F (11.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	53.4°F (11.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	55.8°F (13.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	58.1°F (14.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
June	62.1°F (16.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly High
July	63.1°F (17.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	64.2°F (17.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	64.9°F (18.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
October	62.6°F (17.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
November	56.1°F (13.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	51.3°F (10.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average