renting big car for 8 people and bags

Question

Hi , I am trying to organize my summer trip. we are big family going to drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles . we have 8 people and 5/6 bags, I was trying to book a car but it just show me 6 people cars( Hertz, . We have one driver so we cannot rent two cars. Can someone advise where to look?

Answer

For a family of 8 with luggage, renting a single vehicle that comfortably fits everyone is essential for a road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Standard car rental websites often show 6-passenger SUVs or minivans, which won’t be enough. You’ll need a larger vehicle, typically a full-size van or extended SUV designed for 7–12 passengers.

Vehicle Options for 8+ People

Full-size Passenger Vans: Look for 12-passenger vans. These can easily accommodate 8 people and luggage. Popular models include the Ford Transit Passenger Van, Mercedes Sprinter Passenger Van, and Chevrolet Express 12-passenger. Renting a 12-passenger van ensures extra space for bags and more comfortable seating.
Large SUVs / Extended SUVs: Some rental companies offer extended SUVs (Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon XL, Ford Expedition Max) that seat 8 passengers. However, luggage space may be tight with 5–6 large bags.

Where to Rent

Major Rental Companies: Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, and Budget all have 12-passenger vans or extended SUVs available, but these are often located at airport locations rather than city offices. Check the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) rental centers for availability.
Specialty Providers: Companies like Outdoorsy, U-Save, and SIXT sometimes offer larger vans or extended SUVs with more flexible configurations. SIXT in particular has a good fleet of extended SUVs and passenger vans.
Reservation Tips: Make your booking well in advance (especially for summer) since large vehicles are in high demand. Specify “12-passenger van” or “extended SUV” in filters.

Additional Advice

Ensure you have the correct driver’s license requirements: some vans may require a standard license, while larger vans might need a special endorsement.
Consider fuel efficiency: 12-passenger vans consume more fuel, so factor this into your trip budget.
Check luggage policies: Make sure the van’s cargo space can comfortably hold 5–6 large bags along with passengers.
Insurance: Verify your insurance coverage for large passenger vans, as some personal auto policies exclude rental vans above a certain size.

In summary, for your family of 8 with luggage, the most reliable option is a 12-passenger van rented from an airport location in San Francisco. Extended SUVs are possible but may be tight on space. Booking early and confirming vehicle type with the rental company is key for a smooth trip down the California coast.