The toll stuff really is confusing. I wonder if they will charge us per day for the transponder. We will only be in San Fran for 2.5 days. then returning the van in Las Vegas a week later.
All the bridges in the area take cash tolls except for the Golden Gate Bridge. However, I had the day off today and drove to San Francisco across the Bay Bridge. It's not always like this, but the "cash lanes" were really backed up, but the FasTrak-only were clear. I'd estimate that we saved maybe 15-20 minutes along with a ton of aggravation. Some days the FasTrak lanes are backed up, but all lanes take FasTrak and the "cash lanes" have no backup. The toll collectors hear a beep and basically ignore any car that has a transponder.
It's the rental car situation that mucks up everything. A lot of people suspect that the rental car agencies are looking to turn the "processing fees" into a profit center. Also - I'm not quite sure what it means with FasTrak with a drop-off in Las Vegas. It is interchangeable throughout toll bridges/roads in California, although each area has its own issuer. I could use my "Bay Area FasTrak" on toll roads around LA.
If you're doing this ahead of time, you might just consider buying a FasTrak transponder. There's normally a deposit required (none if you autoload with a credit card) but Costco sells them at a discount (including by delivery) and you get to keep the transponder. Around the Bay Area you're allowed to register one bought from Costco up to 7 days after you use it, but I'd probably register it ASAP just in case it doesn't work and your rental car license plate is recorded as a toll violation. If you're a member, local Costco stores sell it for $24.99 with a $30 toll credit, and you can add whatever you need once you set up an account. I'm not sure about buying online (you don't have to be a member if you pay a $10 surcharge). I'm getting a message that delivery is $25.
http://www2.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11195945&whse=BD_823&topnav=bdoff
Flying into any of the Bay Area airports - there's a Cosco in San Leandro south of OAK, one in South San Francisco north of SFO, and one in Santa Clara right next to SJC. I work in Silicon Valley, and you can see the planes taxiing from that Costco.
It might also be possible to order one directly from Bay Area FasTrakand return it later by mail, but I'm not sure how that works if you've got a rental.
It might also be possible to order one and return it later by mail, but I'm not sure how that works if you've got a rental.