Traveling to Palm Springs: How to Get Here & Get Around
Palm Springs is easy to reach, whether you're flying directly into the city, driving through the desert, or combining your visit with a Southern California road trip. Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is just minutes from downtown, while major highways connect Palm Springs with Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County, Las Vegas, and other destinations across the Southwest.
Once you're here, Palm Springs is compact and easy to explore, with walkable neighborhoods, bike-friendly routes, rideshare and taxi service, public transportation, and plenty of attractions close to downtown.
Driving to Palm Springs
From Los Angeles
Palm Springs is approximately 107 miles from Los Angeles. The drive typically takes about 2 to 2½ hours, although traffic can significantly affect travel time. The most common route is Interstate 10 East through the San Bernardino Valley and into the Coachella Valley.
From San Diego
Palm Springs is approximately 123 miles from San Diego. The drive generally takes about 2½ hours, depending on traffic and your route. Travelers can reach Palm Springs via Interstate 15 and California State Route 79/74 or by taking Interstate 8 and connecting with Interstate 10.
From Orange County
Palm Springs is approximately 90–100 miles from Orange County, with a typical drive time of about 1¾ to 2 hours. Travelers generally take California State Route 91 East before connecting with Interstate 10 toward Palm Springs.
From Las Vegas
Palm Springs is approximately 230 miles from Las Vegas, with a typical drive of about four hours. The route generally follows Interstate 15 South before connecting with highways toward the Coachella Valley and Palm Springs.
From Phoenix
Palm Springs is approximately four hours from Phoenix. Interstate 10 provides the most direct route west through Arizona and into California.
From Joshua Tree National Park
Palm Springs is one of the closest major visitor destinations to Joshua Tree National Park, making it easy to combine the two destinations in a single desert getaway. Depending on which entrance you use, the drive from Palm Springs to Joshua Tree National Park generally takes about one to 1½ hours.
Plan a Joshua Tree day trip from Palm Springs
Flying to Palm Springs
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)
For the most convenient arrival, fly directly into Palm Springs International Airport. Located just minutes from downtown, PSP makes it possible to go from the plane to your hotel, pool, or restaurant without a long airport transfer.
PSP offers nonstop service to more than 30 destinations across the United States and Canada, with additional seasonal routes throughout the year. Flight schedules and destinations change, so check the airport's current airline and destination information when planning your trip.
See current airlines and nonstop destinations at Palm Springs International Airport
Why Fly Into Palm Springs?
Palm Springs International Airport offers a distinctly different airport experience from the major Southern California hubs. The airport's open-air design, mountain views and relatively compact layout make arriving in Palm Springs remarkably easy.
- Close to downtown: Palm Springs International Airport is only a few minutes from central Palm Springs.
- More than 30 nonstop destinations: PSP connects Palm Springs with cities across the U.S. and Canada.
- Seasonal service: Additional nonstop flights are typically available during the busier fall, winter and spring travel seasons.
- Easy ground transportation: Taxis, rideshare services, rental cars, public transportation and private transportation are available.
- Quick access to hotels: Most Palm Springs hotels and resorts are within a short drive of the airport.
Getting From PSP to Palm Springs
You don't need a complicated airport transfer to reach your hotel. Rideshare services and taxis are available at the airport, while rental cars, private transportation and public transit provide additional options.
For visitors staying downtown or in nearby neighborhoods, a taxi or rideshare can get you to your hotel quickly. If you plan to explore beyond Palm Springs, a rental car may be useful.
Rental Cars at PSP
Several major rental car companies operate at Palm Springs International Airport, making it easy to pick up a vehicle when you arrive.
A rental car can be particularly useful if your itinerary includes destinations outside central Palm Springs, such as Joshua Tree National Park, the Coachella Valley or other desert communities.
If most of your trip will be spent in central Palm Springs, however, you may find that you don't need a car at all.
See rental car options at Palm Springs International Airport
Rideshare, Taxis & Private Transportation
Uber and Lyft provide service at PSP, with designated pickup areas at the airport. Taxi service is also available outside the terminal, and private transportation companies offer pre-arranged rides, luxury vehicles, shuttles and group transportation.
See current airport transportation options at PSP
Public Transportation From the Airport
SunLine Transit Agency provides public bus service throughout the Coachella Valley, with stops within walking distance of Palm Springs International Airport.
Amtrak Thruway Bus service also operates from the airport, connecting travelers with Fullerton and connections to Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner service. Basin Transit Authority provides service to High Desert communities including Yucca Valley, Joshua Tree and Twentynine Palms.
See public transportation and ground transportation information at PSP
Parking at Palm Springs International Airport
If you're driving to the airport to park, PSP offers parking directly across from the terminal, along with overflow parking during busy travel periods.
Parking availability and rates can change, particularly during periods of airport construction and peak travel. Check PSP's current parking information before heading to the airport.
Check current PSP parking availability and rates
Taking the Train or Bus to Palm Springs
You can also reach Palm Springs by intercity bus and train.
Amtrak's nearest passenger rail station is in Palm Springs, with additional Amtrak service and Thruway connections available through the region. Travelers can also use Amtrak Thruway Bus service from Palm Springs International Airport to connect with rail service in Fullerton.
Because schedules and connections can change, check current service information when planning your trip.
Getting Around Palm Springs
Once you've arrived, getting around Palm Springs is easy. The city is compact, and many hotels, restaurants, shops, museums, galleries and nightlife venues are located within a relatively small area.
Walk
Downtown Palm Springs and several surrounding neighborhoods are especially easy to explore on foot. Walking is a great way to experience the city's restaurants, shops, public art, architecture and historic neighborhoods.
Bike
Palm Springs is a popular destination for cyclists, and bikes provide an enjoyable way to explore neighborhoods and take in the mountain and desert scenery.
Bike rentals and guided cycling experiences are available throughout the city.
Explore biking in Palm Springs
Rideshare & Taxi
Uber, Lyft, and taxi services make it easy to travel between neighborhoods, hotels, restaurants, and attractions without renting a car.
SunLine Public Transportation
SunLine Transit Agency operates local bus service throughout the Coachella Valley, including Palm Springs and neighboring communities.
Do You Need a Car in Palm Springs?
Not necessarily.
If your plans focus on downtown Palm Springs, restaurants, shopping, nightlife, museums, architecture, and other central attractions, you can enjoy much of the city without a car.
A car becomes more useful if you want to explore destinations outside the city, visit multiple desert attractions in one day, or take excursions to places such as Joshua Tree National Park.
Can You Visit Palm Springs Without a Car? A Walkable Travel Guide
Helpful Travel Resources
Planning your Palm Springs getaway? Explore more resources to make getting here and getting around easy.
- Palm Springs Airport Information
- Palm Springs Hotels & Resorts
- Things to Do in Palm Springs
- Palm Springs Itineraries
- Palm Springs Maps
Start Planning Your Palm Springs Getaway
Whether you're flying into Palm Springs International Airport, driving through the desert or arriving from another Southern California destination, getting to Palm Springs is part of the experience.
Once you arrive, leave the complicated logistics behind and start enjoying the sunshine, mountain views, architecture, restaurants, pools and desert adventures that make Palm Springs one of California's most distinctive destinations.