National Car Rental

- 350 Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94133

For anyone living in or visiting the vibrant state of California, the ability to explore beyond city limits is often a key part of the experience. While San Francisco offers a robust public transportation system, having a car opens up endless possibilities, from scenic coastal drives to wine country tours, or even a spur-of-the-moment escape to the mountains. For residents and visitors alike, a reliable car rental service in a convenient urban location is invaluable. National Car Rental, situated right in the heart of San Francisco's bustling Fisherman's Wharf, aims to be that trusted partner for your Californian adventures.

National Car Rental is a well-established name in the car rental industry, recognized for its commitment to customer service and a particular focus on catering to frequent renters, especially through its highly regarded Emerald Club program. The Fisherman's Wharf location at 350 Beach Street provides a strategic pick-up point that avoids the complexities and additional travel time often associated with airport rental facilities. While recent customer experiences highlight some challenges, particularly with wait times and vehicle availability during peak demand, the overall convenience and the benefits offered to loyalty program members remain strong points for this branch.

National Car Rental at 350 Beach Street, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA, boasts a prime location in one of San Francisco's most iconic and easily accessible districts – Fisherman's Wharf. This puts it within close proximity to major attractions such as Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square, and the embarkation points for Alcatraz tours. For locals, this means less time navigating sprawling airport rental centers and more time enjoying the city or embarking on their journey.

Getting to this specific National Car Rental branch is relatively straightforward, regardless of your starting point in San Francisco. The area is well-served by public transportation, including various Muni bus lines and the famous F Market & Wharves streetcar, making it convenient for those without immediate vehicle access. The location within a parking garage (Pro Park Parking garage is mentioned in relation to a nearby SIXT branch, suggesting a similar setup for National, though National's site specifies return to the "Lower Level (Basement)" or "9th Level (Roof)" of the 350 Beach Parking Garage for after-hours drop-offs) facilitates both pick-up and return, integrating smoothly into the urban landscape. The ability to return a vehicle after hours (until 10:30 PM) is a significant convenience, allowing for flexible travel plans.

• Extensive Vehicle Selection: National Car Rental offers a broad array of vehicle classes to suit various needs, from economical compact cars like the Mitsubishi Mirage or Nissan Versa, ideal for city driving and fuel efficiency, to comfortable mid-size options like the Toyota Corolla. For families or those needing more space, they provide standard sedans such as the VW Jetta or Chevrolet Malibu, and a range of SUVs including compact, midsize, and full-size models like the Chevrolet Tahoe. Specialty vehicles like convertibles (e.g., Ford Mustang Convertible, Mini Cooper Convertible), luxury sedans (e.g., Audi A4, BMW 3 Series), and even electric vehicles (e.g., Tesla 3, Nissan LEAF) are often available, allowing customers to choose a car that perfectly matches their trip's purpose and style.
• Emerald Club Program: This loyalty program is a cornerstone of National's service, designed for frequent renters. Emerald Club members can enjoy benefits such as expedited service, allowing them to bypass the rental counter and choose any car (Midsize and above) on the Emerald Aisle while paying only the Midsize rate in the US and Canada. Higher tiers, like Emerald Club Executive, offer access to the Executive Area with Fullsize and above vehicles at a Midsize rate, and guaranteed upgrades. This feature is particularly valuable for business travelers and frequent leisure renters looking to save time and gain flexibility.
• One-Way Rentals: National facilitates one-way rentals, making it easy to pick up a car in San Francisco and drop it off at another National location, such as San Francisco International Airport (SFO), as highlighted by a customer review. This flexibility is crucial for travelers whose itineraries don't involve returning to their starting point.
• Optional Add-ons and Protections: Customers can opt for additional services and protections, including Damage Waiver (DW) which reduces or waives responsibility for loss or damage to the vehicle (though it is not insurance and may duplicate existing coverage), Personal Effects Coverage (PEC), GPS navigation systems, and child safety seats. Fuel options are also flexible, allowing customers to prepay, have National refill, or refill themselves.
• After-Hours Return: The branch offers convenient after-hours return service, with clear instructions for parking the vehicle in the garage (Lower Level or 9th Level) and dropping keys in a designated drop box.
• Cross-Border Travel: Most vehicles rented can be driven throughout the US and Canada, though certain vehicle classes may have restrictions. Travel into Mexico is generally not permitted.

• Convenient Downtown Location: Its placement in Fisherman's Wharf makes it incredibly accessible for city dwellers and tourists alike, providing a great alternative to often-distant airport rental hubs. The ability to drop off at SFO (San Francisco International Airport) is a major plus for travelers.
• Emerald Club Benefits: For members, the Emerald Club is a significant highlight, offering time-saving features like skipping the counter and choosing your own vehicle from designated aisles. This streamlines the rental process considerably for frequent users.
• Diverse Fleet: National maintains a wide variety of vehicles, ensuring that customers can find something to fit their specific needs, from compact cars for urban exploration to SUVs for family trips or luxury cars for special occasions. Options include hybrid and electric vehicles, reflecting modern preferences.
• Flexible Drop-off Options: The provision for after-hours vehicle returns and the possibility of one-way rentals to other locations (like SFO) enhance the overall convenience for renters.
• Customer Service Focus (with noted exceptions): While some peak times can lead to long waits, many customers still praise the helpfulness of individual staff members (like "Calvin C." mentioned in a review) and the overall aim for a smooth rental experience.

Address: 350 Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA

Phone: (415) 474-9600

Mobile Phone: +1 415-474-9600

For residents of California, particularly those in the San Francisco Bay Area, National Car Rental at 350 Beach Street in Fisherman's Wharf offers compelling reasons to choose it for their car rental needs. Its location is a significant advantage, providing a far more convenient alternative to the often time-consuming journey to airport rental car centers. For a quick weekend trip, a temporary vehicle while your car is serviced, or simply a day of exploring California's stunning countryside, this easily accessible branch can save locals valuable time and hassle.

While some customer reviews indicate potential challenges during peak periods, such as long lines or limited car availability for non-Emerald Club members, the benefits offered by the Emerald Club program directly address these concerns, providing a smoother, faster experience for frequent renters. This makes the location particularly suitable for business travelers or individuals who rent cars regularly. The flexibility of one-way rentals to major transportation hubs like SFO further enhances its appeal, allowing locals to seamlessly integrate car rental into broader travel plans without needing to return the vehicle to the same downtown location.

National's diverse fleet means that whether you need an economical car for short city commutes or a spacious SUV for a family adventure to Lake Tahoe, you'll likely find a suitable vehicle. The inclusion of useful add-ons and robust protection options ensures that your rental experience can be tailored to your specific needs, providing peace of mind as you navigate California's diverse roadways. For those in San Francisco seeking a reliable, well-located, and member-friendly car rental option, National Car Rental at Fisherman's Wharf is certainly worth considering.

National Car Rental

350 Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA