Like many car-centric California cities, Palm Springs and its Coachella Valley surroundings are most conveniently explored with your own four wheels.
However, other modes of transport are available and not completely headache-inducing, especially if you’re sticking around Palm Springs’ compact and walkable downtown hub.
Getting Around Palm Springs: Transportation Options
From public transport to bicycling, getting around on foot, and accessible travel options, here’s how to navigate this Southern California desert region effectively.
Car
You can reach greater Palm Springs – which includes Palm Springs and surrounding cities like Palm Desert, Indian Wells, and Desert Hot Springs – via its two main thoroughfares: Interstate 10 and Hwy 111. However, without alternative routes in or out of the area, traffic can pile up during major holidays and ephemeral events such as a wildflower super bloom or the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
Moreover, while navigating downtown Palm Springs itself can be manageable without a car, traveling by car remains the most efficient option. A vehicle is nearly essential to explore other parts of the region – including Joshua Tree National Park – with ease and flexibility.
The north-to-south flowing Palm Canyon Drive will help you navigate Palm Springs’ uptown and downtown areas, where most retail, restaurants, and hotels are situated. Most neighborhoods in Palm Springs are residential, with exceptions like Midtown and the Historic Tennis Club neighborhoods—home to more than 20 boutique hotels and inns like Korakia Pensione and the adults-only Del Marcos Hotel.
Rental options are available at the Palm Springs International Airport from major companies. Rentals in neighboring cities may be sparse, and a few locations have temporarily closed as of 2021.
Parking is typically free for up to four hours in downtown Palm Springs’ nine parking garages, located just a few blocks from Palm Canyon Drive. Key attractions like the Palm Springs Art Museum and the Air Museum have dedicated parking lots, and most smaller hotels also offer complimentary parking. Some hotels, such as Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs, even provide a house car to take you around town.
Additionally, electric vehicle charging stations can be found across the Coachella Valley, including at Palm Springs International Airport, BMW Performance Center in Thermal, and various hotels and resorts, like JW Marriott in Palm Desert.
Tip for driving in Palm Springs: Hold tight to the steering wheel when driving a small vehicle. On particularly windy days, it’s common for cars to drift into the next lane. Consequently, remain vigilant for cyclists and pedestrians, too.
Ride-hailing and Taxis
Ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft operate from the airport and throughout town. Several taxi companies serve the region, though they typically require a call if you’re out late and particularly if you’re outside of downtown Palm Springs. A few cab companies, like Yellow Cab Co. of the Desert, even have their own app for convenience.
On Foot
Downtown Palm Springs is pedestrian-friendly with ample sidewalks and crosswalk signals, making it an enjoyable area for walking, especially along Palm Canyon Drive. However, when temperatures soar into the triple digits during summer and fall, a leisurely stroll may be demanding—even for the fittest individuals.
Moreover, although the palm trees lining the sidewalks are beautiful, they provide minimal shade. Therefore, if you venture out, remember to carry plenty of water and wear sun protection.
Bike
Many Palm Springs hotels and resorts, including the Parker Palm Springs and Arrive Palm Springs, offer complimentary beach cruiser rentals for their guests. Early morning and evening rides are the most comfortable weather-wise. Within the city, Sunrise Way runs north to south and features a protected path exclusively for bikes and pedestrians. Additionally, dedicated bike lanes and shared roadways span throughout the city.
For maintenance, bike repair stations can be found in three locations: Palm Springs Visitor Center, Demuth Park, and Palm Springs Public Library. Bicycle, e-bike, and mountain bike rentals are also conveniently available around downtown.
Furthermore, cycling from Palm Springs to neighboring cities is becoming more feasible as the Coachella Valley Link (CVLink) project is underway to create a 40-mile path through Coachella Valley. Pedestrians and light electric vehicles will also have access to this path. Envisioned in 2007, construction began in 2017.
By 2021, a 2.3-mile stretch from Vista Chino in Palm Springs to Cathedral City is open for use. Construction continues to connect Indio and La Quinta and finalize the Palm Desert portion. Once completed, CV Link is expected to run through eight area cities and two federally recognized tribal lands; Rancho Mirage and Indian Wells will not be included.
Public Transit
Bus
SunLine serves as the primary bus service and main public transport option in Palm Springs. The bus system consists of nine routes, including a commuter route operating on weekdays between Coachella Valley and San Bernardino. Routes 1, 2, and 4 are great for getting around Palm Springs. Importantly, part of SunLine’s fleet utilizes zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell and electric technology, with ambitions to transition to a full zero-emission fleet by 2035, which is an impressive 10 years ahead of a state-mandated deadline.
Fares range from 50 cents to $1 for a single ride and up to $3 for a day pass. Be prepared to pay the exact fare or you may not receive change. For convenience, the Token Transit app allows you to purchase all fare and pass options, and transfers are available onboard.
Tip for riding the bus: Plan your trip using the SunBus Tracker App, and stay informed on any service and construction alerts that may impact your journey.
Accessible Transit in Palm Springs
SunLine’s SunDial service offers reservation-based, origin-to-destination shared-ride transportation for individuals with physical, cognitive, visual, and emotional disabilities. Visitors requiring this service should plan ahead by obtaining a temporary rider pass (valid for 21 days) by contacting SunLine (760-343-4231) beforehand. Reservations should be made a few days prior to your travel date.
A rider’s personal care attendant may ride free of charge if SunLine is notified in advance. Additionally, up to three passengers may travel per party if space permits. Service animals are allowed on board, as are exceptionally well-behaved non-service animals.
Alternatively, an accessible van rental may provide additional convenience. Major car rental companies may offer suitable vehicles if reserved weeks in advance, and Wheelers Accessible Van Rentals will deliver your reserved van directly to the Palm Springs airport.
