San Francisco to San Diego RV Rental
Compare One-Way Prices
San Francisco to San Diego One-Way Campervan Rental
Planning a road trip from San Francisco to San Diego? Explore the West Coast in a one-way RV 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.
4-Berth Class C non-slide
Britz
Automatic · Toilet · Shower
C25 Class C
El Monte RV
Automatic · Toilet · Shower
2-4 Berth Mavericks
Escape
Automatic
28-30ft Class C
Road Bear
Automatic · Toilet · Shower
HiTop
Travellers Auto Barn
Automatic
San Francisco to San Diego One Way Itinerary
Part One
San Francisco, California to San Jose, 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
Part Two
San Jose, California to Santa Cruz, 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 Three
Santa Cruz, California to Monterey, California
Distance: Approximately 64 km
Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour
Attractions:
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Cannery Row
- 17-Mile Drive and Pebble Beach
Part Four
Monterey, California to Big Sur, 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 Five
Big Sur, California to San Simeon, California
Distance: Approximately 145 km
Estimated Driving Time: About 2 to 2.5 hours
Attractions:
- Hearst Castle in San Simeon
- Elephant Seal Rookery
- Piedras Blancas Light Station
Part Six
San Simeon, California to San Luis Obispo, 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 Luis Obispo, California to Santa Barbara, California
Distance: Approximately 121 km
Estimated Driving Time: About 1.5 hours
Attractions:
- Santa Barbara Mission
- Lotusland
- Stearns Wharf
Part Eight
Santa Barbara, California to Malibu, California
Distance: Approximately 121 km
Estimated Driving Time: About 1.5 hours
Attractions:
- Malibu Beaches
- The Getty Villa
- Malibu Pier
Part Nine
Malibu, California to Los Angeles, California
Distance: Approximately 48 km
Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour
Attractions:
- Universal Studios Hollywood
- Griffith Observatory
- Getty Center
Part Ten
Los Angeles, California to Anaheim, 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 Eleven
Anaheim, California to San Diego, California
Distance: Approximately 153 km
Estimated Driving Time: About 1.5 to 2 hours
Attractions:
- San Diego Zoo
- Balboa Park
- USS Midway Museum
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 Diego to San Francisco
- San Francisco to Los Angeles
- San Francisco to Seattle
- Seattle to Los Angeles
- Seattle to San Diego
- Seattle to San Francisco
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Does my motorhome come with unlimited mileage?
The majority of RV rental suppliers in the US do not include unlimited miles as a standard rental inclusion.
In most cases, miles are charged per mile or via prepaid mileage packs (for example, 100-mile packs), and additional fees will be incurred if you exceed what you’ve purchased/allowed. Refund rules vary by supplier—some refund unused estimated mileage deposits, while others do not refund unused prepaid miles. Some suppliers do include unlimited miles as standard.
Check our comparison tool for details.
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.
What licence do I need to rent an RV in the USA?
All drivers must have a current and full driver’s licence to rent a vehicle. Foreign licences are generally acceptable if they are in English or accompanied by an accredited English translation, otherwise, an International Driving Permit is required.
In addition to your driver’s licence, you will often be required to show your passport at the time of pick up.
Some companies may require an IDP or official English translation depending on the language of your licence. For example, Road Bear requires an international driver's licence translation if the original licence doesn't have an English translation, and Britz recommends an international driver's licence for translation purposes.
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.









