Your guide to driving in San Francisco, California
San Francisco is known for its steep streets, its hills, its cable cars and, of course, the Golden Gate Bridge. If you're planning a visit to San Francisco, you may be coming by rental car. And before you pick up your rental car and hit the streets of the city, you might want to take some time to check out the city's traffic rules and other regulations. Buckle up and check out our article to learn everything you need to know about driving in San Francisco.
Driving in San Francisco: rules of the road
While many aspects of driving in San Francisco are familiar to the rest of the United States, there are a few rules to keep in mind before hitting the road.
- Traffic signs. There are many traffic signs in the city to indicate one-way streets, the right of way for buses, light rail, or cyclists.
- Right of way. One important thing to know is that pedestrians always have the right of way.
- One-way streets. San Francisco has a lot of narrow streets, so there are a lot of one-way streets. Don't panic, the one-way streets will have traffic signs. Just keep your eyes on the road to make sure you're going the right way.
- Passing light rail vehicles and cable cars. Do not pass light rail vehicles on the left. Always make sure not to pass them when their doors are open.
Driving in San Francisco: City speed limits
San Francisco is a very busy city. There is a lot of public transportation and one-way streets. Speed limits can vary from one area to another. In general rule, speed limits in San Francisco range from 20 to 45 miles per hour.
We've compiled a list of the speed limits you can expect to encounter in various areas of San Francisco. This list is an average speed limit, so, be sure to check local speed limits and road signs.
- Highways: usually 45 miles per hour.
- Residential streets: 20-30 miles per hour.
- Business districts: 20-30 miles per hour.
- School zones: 15 miles per hour.
What are the requirements to drive a rental car in San Francisco?
With Getaround, you can rent a car from locals with insurance included. Once you've created your profile, all you need to do is search for a rental car in San Francisco. If you want to use our car rental service to drive in San Francisco, there are some requirements.
Drivers must be at least 19 years old, except for international drivers or drivers from Canada who must be at least 25 years old. Drivers must present a valid driver's license, including the original document. Drivers must be able to pay with a credit card in their name. Please note that all drivers under the age of 26 are required to pay the Young Driver Surcharge.
San Francisco area toll roads
It is important to plan your trip to the city before you drive in San Francisco. One thing you should know before you hit the road is that there are 8 toll roads in San Francisco. Let's see where they are and how much they cost.
1. Golden Gate Bridge
Let's start with the most famous bridge in San Francisco. The bridge can be reached via Route 101. If you drive south, you'll have to pay the toll. The Golden Gate Bridge is very busy during the day and is more expensive than other toll roads. For a car, the Golden Gate Bridge costs:
- FasTrak: $8.75;
- License Plate Account & One-Time Payment: $9;
- Toll In-voice: $9.75.
2. Richmond San Rafael Bridge
The Richmond San-Rafael Bridge is located along the San Francisco Bay and is part of I580. If you're heading west, you'll need to pay the toll. The Richmond San-Rafael Bridge costs:
- for cars and motorcycles: $7;
- 3 or more axles: $17 to $37.
3. San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge
As you cross the San Francisco Bay on I-80, you'll find the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. Drivers must pay the toll on the east side of the bridge as they head west. The San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge costs:
- for cars and motorcycles: $7 ;
- 3 or more axles: $17 to $37.
4. San Mateo-Hayward Bridge
The San Mateo-Hayward Bridge is located on SR-92, just outside the city of San Mateo. Drivers must to pay the toll is they are heading west. The San Mateo-Hayward Bridge costs:
- for cars: $7;
- 3 or more axles: $17 to $37.
5. Antioch Bridge
The Antioch Bridge is located on State Route 160. The bridge arches over the San Joaquin River. There is a toll to cross the bridge.
- for cars: $7;
- 3 or more axles : $17 to $37.
6. Benicia-Martinez Bridge
The Benicia-Martinez Bridge connects Solano and Contra Costa counties. It is located 37 miles from San Francisco. If you drive across this bridge, it will cost you:
- for cars: $7;
- 3 or more axles: $17 to $37.
7. Carquinez Bridge
The Carquinez Bridge is located on Interstate 80, which crosses the Carquinez Strait between Contra Costa and Solano counties. It is 28 miles from San Francisco. The toll costs:
- for cars: $7;
- 3 or axles: $17 to $37.
8. Dumbarton Bridge
The Dumbarton Bridge is located on State Route 84 and crosses the San Francisco Bay. The toll costs:
- for cars: $7 ;
- 3 or more axles: $17 to $37.
5 things to know before driving in San Francisco
- Rush Hour in San Francisco: San Francisco's rush hour is similar to the other U.S. cities. In the morning, it's busiest between 7 and 9 a.m. In the evening, it's busiest between 4 and 7 p.m.
- Speeding tickets: the cost of a speeding ticket varies by area of San Francisco. In general, speeding tickets cost between $25 and $200.
- Golden Gate Bridge: take your time if you have to cross the famous bridge. Even off-peak, the bridge is busy.
- Cyclists: there are many cyclists in San Francisco. Be aware of cyclists, especially during the morning and evening rush hours.
- Hills: San Francisco is famous for its high hills and steep slopes. When parking on a hill remember to park with the wheels curbed.
Now that you know everything about driving in San Francisco, you can start planning your trip. Getaround is by your side during your visit to California. Find a rental car in San Francisco using our easy and secure car rental service.
