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Dollar ico

Dollar
- 780 N McDonnell Rd Lot C, San Francisco, CA 94128

Car rental agency, Transportation service ★2.0

780 N McDonnell Rd Lot C, San Francisco, CA 94128, USA

2.0
At the SFO rental counter only one person was working and the line wrapped three times. It took us over an hour to get to the front of the line (even if checked in online). People in front of us waited over two hours. When we finally got more help, two workers would help 1-2 people then go to back. Another man came from behind the counter to make those with more than one in their party have one get out of line. (This was time wasted that could have been spent helping others.) Then we were told the wait after check in would be 1hr or more. Luckily for us, it wasn’t. Some people got to the front and were told no cars were available. Worst service ever. Makes me not want to rent from Dollar, Thrifty/Hertz. - Sylvia Salazar
Dollar Overview Intro Detail Photos Location Reviews

Dollar Introduce

For residents and visitors of California seeking an affordable and straightforward solution for their transportation needs, Dollar Car Rental at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) presents a cost-effective option. Positioned at one of the Bay Area's major travel hubs, Dollar is a key provider of car rental agency services, offering a diverse fleet to suit nearly any travel itinerary, from quick city commutes to extended road trips along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway or deep into the California interior. As a women-owned business, the agency brings a commitment to service and value to the competitive SFO rental market.

Dollar's main appeal lies in its generally competitive pricing, often making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious travelers. The company provides a range of vehicles, including compact cars like the Chevrolet Spark, midsize sedans such as the Volkswagen Jetta, and various SUVs and vans, ensuring you can find a suitable model for navigating San Francisco's steep hills or escaping to Napa Valley or Yosemite National Park. While Dollar aims to provide a reliable service, potential users, especially those traveling to California from overseas, should be aware that the high-volume, cost-conscious model may occasionally lead to significant wait times at the counter and in some cases, less-than-ideal initial customer service experiences, as indicated in customer feedback. However, the overall mission is to offer easy access to transportation to start your California journey.

The Dollar Car Rental facility is centrally located within the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) consolidated Rental Car Center, which pools most major agencies into a single, highly accessible location.

  • Address: 780 N McDonnell Rd Lot C, San Francisco, CA 94128, USA

Accessibility: Getting to the Rental Car Center from any SFO terminal is seamless and free via the AirTrain Blue Line. The AirTrain operates 24 hours a day and provides direct service to the building where the Dollar counter is located on the 4th floor. This eliminates the need for external shuttles and is particularly convenient for travelers. Furthermore, the location is designed to be accessible to all customers, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot. However, once inside the center, customers should be prepared for potential high traffic at the rental counters, especially during peak travel times, which can lead to lengthy queues despite the central location and use of online check-in services.

Dollar functions as a full-service car rental agency and transportation service, ensuring customers can access the necessary vehicle and payment infrastructure for their trip. The core focus is on providing a wide fleet selection and convenience where possible.

The range of services offered includes:

  • Comprehensive Vehicle Fleet: Providing a large assortment of rental cars, from economical compact models (e.g., Chevrolet Spark, Ford Focus) ideal for city driving to larger vehicles such as SUVs (e.g., Nissan Pathfinder, Chevrolet Equinox) and passenger vans suitable for family or group travel across California.
  • On-Site Airport Rental: Operating directly within the SFO Rental Car Center, offering direct pick-up and drop-off, making it a primary point of access for air travelers.
  • Payment Flexibility: Accepting a variety of payment methods, including major credit cards, debit cards (subject to specific identification and qualification requirements, especially at airport locations), and NFC mobile payments for convenience.
  • Specialty Rentals: Availability of specialty vehicle types like convertibles (e.g., Volkswagen Jetta Convertible) and various truck and van options, though availability can fluctuate, and certain vehicle classes may have specific payment restrictions.
  • One-Way Rentals: Allowing customers to arrange for a one-way trip, dropping the vehicle off at another Dollar location within California or across the country, though fees will apply.
  • Digital Check-in Options: Encouraging customers to use online check-in to potentially streamline the paper-work portion of the rental process, although counter wait times remain a documented factor.

Dollar Car Rental emphasizes several key features to attract customers, particularly those looking for a deal and certain conveniences in their rental experience.

Highlights and differentiating features include:

  • Active Military Discounts: Offering special discounted rates, fee waivers for additional drivers or underage drivers, and other benefits for active-duty military, veterans, National Guard & Reserve, and government personnel traveling on official or leisure business.
  • Cost-Effective Pricing: Generally positioning itself as a more budget-friendly option compared to premium brands, providing high value for money for those seeking a cheaper base rate.
  • Accessibility-Focused Facility: Providing a welcoming environment for all customers with a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot at the SFO Rental Car Center.
  • Women-Owned Business Status: Identifying as a women-owned enterprise, supporting diversity in the major Bay Area business sector.
  • 24-Hour Operations for Returns: The SFO location often offers 24-hour return service, providing flexibility for customers with late-night or early-morning flight schedules.
  • Clean and Well-Maintained Fleet: Despite high usage, customer feedback often notes that the vehicles are reasonably clean and in satisfactory condition for travel.

For general inquiries, reservations, or to address concerns regarding a current or upcoming rental at the SFO location, please use the following contact information.

  • Address: 780 N McDonnell Rd Lot C, San Francisco, CA 94128, USA
  • Phone (Toll-Free): (866) 434-2226

Choosing Dollar Car Rental at SFO is an option best suited for California users who prioritize budget and have a degree of flexibility in their travel timeline. The primary value proposition is its competitive base rates, making it one of the more economical choices in the high-cost San Francisco market. The availability of active military discounts is a significant financial benefit for service members and their families. Furthermore, the strategic location within the SFO Rental Car Center, with its AirTrain connectivity, provides an easy drop-off and return process, saving time when catching a flight.

However, potential renters must temper the advantage of low cost with the reality of occasional operational issues, particularly concerning counter wait times and vehicle availability. Customers have reported waiting over an hour in line, even with online check-in, and some have experienced frustrating payment processing and initial service attitudes. It is essential for renters, especially international travelers using non-standard payment methods, to confirm all documentation and payment requirements well in advance. Should an issue arise, the difference between a frustrating experience and a resolved one often comes down to encountering a helpful and competent agent. Therefore, while Dollar offers a fantastic price point and a clean fleet, a cautious approach is warranted. By allowing extra time for pick-up and using self-advocacy to ensure service satisfaction, Dollar can still be a highly rewarding and affordable option for exploring California.

Dollar Details

  • From the business

  • Identifies as women-owned
  • Highlights

  • Active military discounts
  • Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments

Dollar Photos

Dollar Picture 1Dollar Picture 2Dollar Picture 3Dollar Picture 4Dollar Picture 5Dollar Picture 6Dollar Picture 7Dollar Picture 8Dollar Picture 9Dollar Picture 10

Dollar Location

Dollar

780 N McDonnell Rd Lot C, San Francisco, CA 94128, USA

Dollar Reviews

An average rating of ★2.4 from 941 user reviews.

scamdeskcounterprepaidupsell30 minutestollqueueexpedialine

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

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