How to find a cheap car hire deal in San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport (OAK)
Flight just landed? Grab a cheap San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport rental car and start your adventure for around $147 a day. From solo adventures to group travel, we'll help you find a rental that keeps up with your trip.
Daily rental prices at San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport start from just $97.
Staying a little longer in Oakland and want to explore beyond the usual highlights? $359 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
If you want to get the best price, book your OAK car hire around one week in advance.
Europcar, Fox - Rent A Car and Dollar are some of the most popular providers at San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport.
Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport car hire policy, whether you book with Europcar or any other supplier. Some may charge separately for it instead of including it in the base rental.
Booking one-way could snag you a cheaper rate on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved around. Just select 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for hire in OAK.
Cut down on fuel costs by choosing a car hire in San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport that has a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up the car with a full tank and drop it off full, so you only pay for what you use.
Explore without limits by booking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you drive as far as you need without paying more.
Best value car hire options right now
The best value for money comes from this company, with average prices coming in at $153 a day.
Next up is this provider, offering daily rates of around $150.
The third option also makes the list of budget-friendly suppliers. Pick up one of their rentals for roughly $191 a day.
If you're not quite sure which ride is right for you, choose something from the Intermediate rental category. It's the most commonly booked type of car at OAK.
Compare car hire types from San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport (OAK)
Small: These cheap San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport rental cars may be small in size, but they live up to big expectations. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're nimble, great on mileage, and perfect for city runs or weekend trips.
Medium: Not too small, not too big, this is the rental that's juuuust right! Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of interior space and fuel efficiency and are suited to small families and couples.
Large: Offering a more comfortable driving experience and advanced tech features, this OAK car hire option includes full-size cars. With larger rear seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV is ready to roll. It's your perfect road trip buddy, ready for highways, country roads, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also deliver on space and improved safety features.
Van: Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport takes heavy loads and larger groups in its stride. They're roomy, hardworking, and ready to tackle whatever task lies ahead.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers the fee you'd have to pay if your OAK car hire is damaged or stolen. While not mandatory, it's worth considering for extra protection. Keep in mind that not all insurance policies are equal, so make sure you understand exactly what's included.
Make travel easier when you rent a car in San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport by adding some handy extras. Think things like a navigation system to make sure you never miss a turn, or reverse cameras that upgrade your parking game.
Good to know
To rent a vehicle in the United States, you usually have to be at least 21 years old. Some locations may offer rentals to younger drivers for an extra fee, so carefully review the policies before finalizing your ride.
Travelling with kids? Car seat laws vary from one location to another, and the right setup may depend on their height, weight and age. Find out if you need to add one to your OAK car hire booking.
You'll need to show some documents when you collect the keys. As a general rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough funds to cover the excess (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will tell you exactly what you need.
Get familiar with your rental. Adjust your seat and mirrors, learn where everything is, and get a feel for its handling before you set off. And importantly, stick to the right side of the road in the United States.
Local speed limits are usually about 40kph in urban areas and around 110kph on highways. Always check the posted signs, as limits may vary.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% applies in the United States. The only sure way to stay legal to drive is to skip the drinks.
Drive smarter from the start
Once you've collected the keys to your OAK car hire, the road is yours to conquer. Central Oakland is about 11 kilometres northwest and a drive of around 20 minutes if that's where your trip starts.
Allow roughly 40 minutes to drive from San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport to the city centre during peak hours.
Aim to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a smoother run in general. 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
If you're not jumping into the driver's seat immediately, consider picking up a car hire in Oakland instead of at the airport. Collect your ride when it suits you and avoid paying for rental days you won't use.
Hit the road: Where to drive from San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport (OAK)
Before you go anywhere else, sightsee around Oakland first. Major highlights like Fox Theatre and African American Museum and Library are the perfect warm-up for the rest of your trip.
Buckle up and make tracks to San Jose. Around 48 kilometres southeast of OAK, it's home to must-see sights like Japantown (San Jose) and Winchester Mystery House.
Alternatively, get behind the wheel of your San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport car hire and travel roughly 88 kilometres east to Stockton. Featuring Historic Stockton Chinatown and Downtown Stockton Marina and Joan Darrah Promenade, its attractions make a strong case for visiting.
Ready to go the extra mile? Reno is a fun road trip destination that's about 290 kilometres northeast of OAK. Bicentennial Sculpture Park and Truckee River Whitewater Park make perfect pit stops.
