San Diego to San Francisco RV Rental

Compare One-Way Prices

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Dates
  • El Monte
  • Apollo
  • TB Outdoor Rentals
  • Cruise America
  • Escaper Campervans

San Diego to San Francisco One-Way Campervan Rental

Planning a road trip from San Diego to San Francisco? Explore the West Coast in a one-way campervan rental.

Use our comparison tool above to check prices and availability from local RV Rental companies.

Popular Campervans

Find the perfect camper for your travel needs.

  • C25 Standard

    C25 Standard

    Cruise America

    Automatic · Toilet · Shower

  • C19 Compact

    C19 Compact

    Cruise America

    Automatic · Toilet · Shower

  • C30 Large Motorhome

    C30 Large Motorhome

    Cruise America

    Automatic · Toilet · Shower

  • AF33 Class A

    AF33 Class A

    El Monte RV

    Automatic · Toilet · Shower

  • C25 Class C

    C25 Class C

    El Monte RV

    Automatic · Toilet · Shower

  • C28 Class C

    C28 Class C

    El Monte RV

    Automatic · Toilet · Shower

San Diego to San Francisco One Way Itinerary

  1. Part One

    San Diego, California to Anaheim, California

    Distance: Approximately 153 km

    Estimated Driving Time: About 1.5 to 2 hours

    Attractions:

    • San Diego Zoo
    • Balboa Park
    • USS Midway Museum
  2. Part Two

    Anaheim, California to Los Angeles, California

    Distance: Approximately 40 km

    Estimated Driving Time: About 30 minutes to 1 hour

    Attractions:

    • Disneyland Resort in Anaheim
    • Disney California Adventure Park
    • Angel Stadium of Anaheim
  3. Part Three

    Los Angeles, California to Malibu, California

    Distance: Approximately 48 km

    Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour

    Attractions:

    • Universal Studios Hollywood
    • Griffith Observatory
    • Getty Center
  4. Part Four

    Malibu, California to Santa Barbara, California

    Distance: Approximately 121 km

    Estimated Driving Time: About 1.5 hours

    Attractions:

    • Malibu Beaches
    • The Getty Villa
    • Malibu Pier
  5. Part Five

    Santa Barbara, California to San Luis Obispo, California

    Distance: Approximately 121 km

    Estimated Driving Time: About 1.5 hours

    Attractions:

    • Santa Barbara Mission
    • Lotusland
    • Stearns Wharf
  6. Part Six

    San Luis Obispo, California to San Simeon, California

    Distance: Approximately 72 km

    Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour

    Attractions:

    • Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
    • Bubblegum Alley
    • San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden
  7. Part Seven

    San Simeon, California to Big Sur, California

    Distance: Approximately 145 kilometres

    Estimated Driving Time: About 2 to 2.5 hours

    Attractions:

    • Hearst Castle in San Simeon
    • Elephant Seal Rookery
    • Piedras Blancas Light Station
  8. Part Eight

    Big Sur, California to Monterey, California

    Distance: Approximately 48 km

    Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour

    Attractions:

    • Bixby Creek Bridge
    • McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
    • Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
  9. Part Nine

    Monterey, California to Santa Cruz, California

    Distance: Approximately 64 km

    Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour

    Attractions:

    • Monterey Bay Aquarium
    • Cannery Row
    • 17-Mile Drive and Pebble Beach
  10. Part Ten

    Santa Cruz, California to San Jose, California

    Distance: Approximately 48 km

    Estimated Driving Time: About 45 minutes to 1 hour

    Attractions:

    • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
    • Natural Bridges State Beach
    • Roaring Camp Railroads
  11. Part Eleven

    San Jose, California to San Francisco, California

    Distance: Approximately 80 km

    Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour

    Attractions:

    • The Tech Interactive in San Jose
    • Winchester Mystery House
    • Santana Row Shopping District

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if the RV breaks down during my trip?

Many rental companies include roadside assistance (often 24/7). If you have a mechanical issue, pull over safely and contact the rental company’s roadside/“on-road care” team first for instructions.

Mechanical breakdowns are typically handled by the rental company unless the issue is caused by misuse or damage. Do not authorize major repairs without approval. Authorization thresholds vary by supplier (often $100+). Keep all receipts and documentation for any approved repairs, as small repairs may be reimbursed per the rental agreement.

Is free camping allowed in California?

As in the rest of the US, free camping is only allowed in designated areas, which can include national parks, state parks, truck stops, or rest stops as well as certain parking lots with permission from the store manager.

California is home to numerous RV parks and campgrounds, which cost around $35–$60 (USD) per night. These are suitable for all vehicle types, from travel trailers to larger recreational vehicles.

Can I travel from the US to Mexico in my rental RV?

Generally, no. Most RV suppliers restrict travel into Mexico for RVs rented in the US. El Monte is an exception to this, however, additional insurance is required.

Are one-way rentals possible in California?

Yes, many companies have rental centres in multiple locations throughout California and the US, making one-way rentals a great way to see more during your road trip.

San Francisco is a great starting point for those wanting to explore Northern California, with many attractions in the surrounding areas, including the famous Yosemite National Park.

For those heading through Southern California, Los Angeles is a good starting point. From there, you can head down the west coast to San Diego and throughout the surrounding area.

What is a Class A RV?

Class A RVs are the biggest, most expensive vehicles, and often come equipped with additional luxuries. Being larger, they can be a little hard to manoeuvre for first-time drivers.

Class A RVs are built on either a vehicle chassis, commercial truck chassis, or a commercial bus chassis, and run on either diesel or gas, depending on the type of engine.

Usually, Class A vehicles are fully loaded with all amenities and a large living space.

How much does it cost to stay at a campground or RV park?

A stay at an RV park will usually cost around $25–$80 (USD) per night.

The cost of campgrounds has risen in recent years due to the popularity of RV vacations in the US.