Skip the counter when you rent a car with National in San Francisco. Choose any car in the aisle and manage your car rental right from the National app with Emerald Club. Bring balance to business travel and book your National Car Rental in San Francisco today!
Many customers praised the helpfulness and professionalism of the staff, particularly mentioning individuals like Tim, Candy, and Derek.
Operational Hours
Several reviews expressed disappointment regarding the limited operational hours at SFO, particularly the lack of availability during late-night hours.
Car Selection
Customers frequently noted a limited selection of vehicles available, especially for Emerald Club members.
Rental Process
The rental and return process was generally described as quick and easy, with many customers appreciating the Emerald Aisle feature.
Additional Charges
Some customers reported issues with unexpected charges, particularly related to insurance and fuel fees.
CC
Cameron Coulam
Jan 4, 2026
1.0
It was a disaster with National. Major rain and we were very delayed on our arrival. Long story short. Hertz and Avis were open at 1:30am. National was not. Our hotel was an hour away. We had to spend several hundred dollars between a new hotel and uber rides because national was not open.
Sadly as I was walking the national rental lot at 1:30 am and ran into a national employee who works at the Denver airport. He was very upset as well. He said, Why is Denver 24/7 and SFO is not. SFO is an international airport.
Derek at check out the next day was good was well as Allen when we checked back in.
Needless to say, very disappointed in national and by far the worst rental I have had in over 30 years. I had hundreds of rentals around the world.
Todd C
MB
Mike Berkery
Jan 1, 2026
5.0
The rental car process at National was very easy and we were able to choose our car and leave quickly. The return check-in was also very simple and quick. Rami was very helpful as we checked in our returned car. We would be glad to rent a car from National at San Francisco airport again.
NT
Nou Blia Thao
Dec 31, 2025
3.0
Given how big SFO is, it’s disappointing that they are not committed to customer service and have a 2/7 365 operation. My flight was delayed coming in and no one was available after 1am. Had to sit at the car rental center until 6am when someone finally came in. As an emerald club member, I was not able to choose a car in the class that I had booked. I was just assigned one. Car was clean but mileage (50k) was really high for a national customer. Return was quick but no emphasis on customer satisfaction at all.
LM
Linda Morrison
Dec 28, 2025
5.0
I have been an Emerald Club member for many years, including having Executive Elite status in the past. This time I booked an Emerald Aisle vehicle at SFO airport but there wasn’t a single small SUV in the Aisle, as there usually are. Shout out to the agent on duty, Candy, who led me to the exact vehicle I was looking for. She went above and beyond and I appreciate the superb customer service I always receive from National. The car was perfect. I will continue to book with them for all my future trips.
SG
Syd Grant
Dec 27, 2025
5.0
I am a weekly business customer with National and travel 52 weeks a year. There are two customer service reps in the field that always look forward to working with. Anwar from Dallas Love Field and Candy from SFO. These two are the best representatives of their company and should be applauded for taking customer service to another level!!
Frequently Asked Questions About National Car Rental
Where is National Car Rental located in San Francisco?
National Car Rental is located at 780 North McDonnell Rd, San Francisco, CA 94128, USA.
What are the operating hours of National Car Rental?
National Car Rental operates daily from 6:00 AM to 11:59 PM.
What types of car rentals does National Car Rental offer?
They offer a range of options including economy car rental, luxury car rental, and general rental cars.
Can I skip the counter when renting a car at National Car Rental in San Francisco?
Yes, you can skip the counter by choosing any car in the aisle and managing your rental through the National app with Emerald Club.
What payment options are accepted at National Car Rental?
National Car Rental accepts American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa.
Does National Car Rental offer any special discounts?
Yes, there are special offers available, including discounts for active military personnel.
How can I make a reservation with National Car Rental in San Francisco?
You can make a reservation online at their official website: https://www.nationalcar.com/en/car-rental-locations/us/ca/san-francisco-international-airport-23n3.html
Which nearby car rental agencies can customers consider besides National Car Rental?
Nearby options include Alamo Rent A Car, Sixt Rent A Car, Hertz, Avis Car Rental, Thrifty Car Rental, Budget Rent A Car, Dollar Car Rental, and Enterprise.
Are there convenient parking options near National Car Rental at San Francisco International Airport?
Yes, nearby parking facilities include SP+ Parking, SFO Kiss & Fly Drop-Off, SFO Parking Lot D, SFO Lot D, and Lot D Overflow Parking.
What nearby places of interest can customers visit before or after renting a car at National Car Rental?
Customers might want to visit the Exotic Car Collection by Enterprise or relax at Marina's Cafe, both conveniently near National Car Rental at San Francisco International Airport.