What Sixt offers at SFO and where to find the counter
Sixt operates a rental counter at San Francisco International Airport in Terminal 1, on the lower level near the ground transportation area. You can walk there directly from baggage claim without leaving the terminal. The counter is staffed during all flight arrival times, though wait times vary by time of day — early morning and evening tend to be busier.
Sixt's fleet at SFO includes economy cars, midsize sedans, SUVs, and premium vehicles. Pricing and vehicle availability change based on demand and season, so a car available in November may not be available in July at the same rate. You can check what Sixt has in stock for your specific travel dates on their website before you arrive.
Unlike some rental companies, Sixt does not require you to book in advance — you can rent on arrival. However, booking ahead typically locks in a lower rate and guarantees a vehicle category, which matters during peak travel periods when walk-up customers sometimes face limited options or higher prices.
Key Takeaways
- Sixt's SFO counter is in Terminal 1 on the lower level near ground transportation, accessible directly from baggage claim.
- You need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance or the option to purchase Sixt's coverage before you can rent.
- Booking online before arrival typically costs less than renting at the counter and guarantees your vehicle type.
- Sixt charges a facility fee on top of the daily rate at airport locations, which you can see in the final quote before confirming.
- Return the car to the same SFO location or arrange a one-way rental to another Sixt location in the Bay Area if you need to drop it elsewhere.
Documents and requirements you need before renting
Bring your valid driver's license — Sixt accepts U.S. licenses, international driving permits, and licenses from most countries. The license must not be expired. You also need a credit card in your own name; Sixt does not accept debit cards or prepaid cards for the rental deposit, though some locations may accept them for payment if you also provide a credit card for the hold.
Sixt will place a hold on your credit card for the rental cost plus a damage deposit. The hold amount depends on the vehicle class and your location, but typically ranges from several hundred to over a thousand dollars. The hold is released when you return the car in good condition, though it can take several business days to appear back in your available balance.
You must also show proof of insurance. This can be your personal auto insurance card, your credit card's rental car coverage (if it includes damage and liability), or a policy document showing you are covered for rental vehicles. If you do not have coverage, Sixt sells daily insurance at the counter — the cost varies but is typically $15 to $30 per day depending on coverage level.
Booking online versus renting at the counter
Booking on Sixt's website or app before your trip usually saves money compared to walking up to the counter. Online rates are often 20 to 40 percent lower, and you lock in that price. At the counter, the agent quotes you the current rate, which can be higher if demand is high that day.
When you book online, you choose your vehicle category (economy, midsize, premium, SUV), your rental dates and times, and your insurance options. Sixt then sends you a confirmation email with a reservation number. Bring that number to the counter — the agent will have your booking pulled up and can process you faster.
If you book online and the counter is out of your chosen vehicle type when you arrive, Sixt will offer you an upgrade to the next class at no extra charge, or a refund of the difference if you prefer a cheaper option. This is a common scenario during peak travel times, so do not assume your reserved car will be waiting.
Understanding the total cost: daily rate, fees, and insurance
Sixt's quoted price shows the daily rental rate, but the final bill includes additional charges. At SFO, there is an airport facility fee added to each day of the rental — this fee is set by the airport and Sixt, not by you, and appears in the quote before you confirm. There may also be a vehicle license recovery fee, a concession recovery fee, or other airport-specific charges depending on current regulations.
Insurance is separate. If you bring your own coverage, there is no additional charge. If you purchase Sixt's damage waiver or liability coverage, that cost is added per day. Sixt also offers roadside information and other add-ons at checkout.
The final total is shown before you confirm the booking online, or at the counter before you sign the rental agreement. Read it carefully — many renters are surprised by the facility fees, which can add 30 to 50 percent to the base daily rate at airport locations.
Fuel, mileage, and return procedures
Sixt rents cars on a full-to-full fuel basis: you pick up the car with a full tank and return it with a full tank. If you return it empty or partially empty, Sixt charges you for fuel at a per-gallon rate that is typically higher than local gas station prices. There is a gas station about one mile from SFO on the way back to the airport, so plan to fill up before returning the car.
Mileage is usually unlimited on Sixt rentals in California, though some promotional rates or specific vehicle classes may have mileage caps. Check your confirmation to see whether mileage is limited or unlimited for your booking.
To return the car, drive to the Sixt return lot at SFO Terminal 1. Follow signs for "Rental Car Return" from the airport exit. An agent will inspect the vehicle for damage, check the fuel level, and process your return. Keep your rental agreement and receipt. If there are any damage claims, Sixt will contact you within a few days; if you hear nothing within a week, the car was returned in acceptable condition.
One-way rentals and drop-off at other Bay Area locations
If you need to return the car to a different Sixt location instead of SFO, you can arrange a one-way rental. Sixt has locations in San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, and other Bay Area cities. One-way rentals typically cost more than round-trip rentals from the airport, and the fee varies by destination — dropping off in San Jose costs less than dropping off in San Francisco, for example.
When you book online, select "one-way rental" and choose your return location. The system will show you the additional charge. At the counter, tell the agent where you plan to return the car, and they will add the one-way fee to your quote.
Return the car to the address Sixt provides for your chosen location. Some locations are staffed counters; others are unstaffed lots where you park the car, take photos of the odometer and fuel gauge, and submit them via the Sixt app. Confirm the return location details in your confirmation email so you do not arrive at a closed location.
Common issues and how to handle them
If you arrive and Sixt is out of your reserved vehicle type, ask for an upgrade at no charge or request a refund of the rate difference if you want a cheaper class. Do not accept a charge for an upgrade unless you specifically asked for a better vehicle.
If you notice damage to the car before you leave the lot, point it out to the agent when ready and ask them to document it on the rental agreement. Take photos on your phone as well. This protects you from being charged for damage you did not cause.
If you return the car late, Sixt charges a late fee in addition to the extra day's rental rate. The fee structure is in your rental agreement. If you are running late, call the Sixt counter at SFO to let them know — they may be able to hold the car or adjust the timeline.
If you have questions about your bill after you return home, contact Sixt customer service with your reservation number and rental agreement. Disputes over damage charges or unexpected fees can take weeks to resolve, so keep all documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car at SFO if I am under 25?
Yes, but Sixt charges a young driver fee for renters under 25, typically $15 to $25 per day. Some vehicle classes may not be available to drivers under 21. The fee appears in your quote before you confirm, so you will see the total cost upfront.
What happens if I return the car with damage?
Sixt will document the damage and may charge you for repairs. If the damage is minor (small dents or scratches), your insurance or Sixt's damage waiver may cover it. If you purchased Sixt's damage waiver, you typically pay a deductible of $0 to $1,500 depending on the coverage level. Keep photos and your rental agreement in case you need to dispute the charge.
Can I extend my rental after I pick up the car?
Yes. Call the Sixt counter at SFO or use the Sixt app to request an extension. The rate for the extra days may be different from your original rate, depending on demand. Extensions are subject to availability — if the car is booked for another customer, you cannot keep it.
Is there a Sixt location closer to downtown San Francisco than the airport?
Yes, Sixt has a location in downtown San Francisco on Market Street. If you are staying in the city and do not need a car when ready, you could take BART or a shuttle from SFO and rent from the downtown location instead. Rates may be lower, and there are no airport facility fees.
What if I lose the car keys or lock them in the car?
Call Sixt roadside information when ready — the number is on your rental agreement. Sixt will send a locksmith or tow truck to help you. You will be charged for the service, typically $75 to $150 depending on the situation. This is why keeping your rental agreement with you at all times is important.