San Diego to San Francisco RV Rental
Compare One-Way Prices
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
Cruise America
Automatic · Toilet · Shower
C19 Compact
Cruise America
Automatic · Toilet · Shower
C30 Large Motorhome
Cruise America
Automatic · Toilet · Shower
AF33 Class A
El Monte RV
Automatic · Toilet · Shower
C25 Class C
El Monte RV
Automatic · Toilet · Shower
C28 Class C
El Monte RV
Automatic · Toilet · Shower
San Diego to San Francisco One Way Itinerary
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Popular One Way Routes
- Chicago to Las Vegas
- Chicago to Los Angeles
- Denver to Las Vegas
- Fairbanks to Anchorage
- Las Vegas to Salt Lake City
- Los Angeles to San Francisco
- New York to Los Angeles
- Phoenix to Las Vegas
- Salt Lake City to Las Vegas
- San Francisco to Los Angeles
- San Francisco to San Diego
- San Francisco to Seattle
- Seattle to Los Angeles
- Seattle to San Diego
- Seattle to San Francisco
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.










