How Far Is Palm Springs From LA? An EPIC Road Trip Guide

Just landed at LAX? Here’s your guide to getting from Los Angeles to Palm Springs if it’s your first time in Southern California. The drive poses a few logistical challenges, which I’ll address in detail below, but also some delightful views and stops along the way. We’ll also cover the biggest question: “How far is Palm Springs from LA?”

As a Los Angeles resident for over 10 years, who frequently drives to Palm Springs almost every other month to see family, I can safely say that I know this route inside and out.

Short on time? Grab my guide to Los Angeles!

First Things First: How Far Is Palm Springs From LA?

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The answer to the question, “How far is Palm Springs from LA?”: Palm Springs is about 120 miles from Los Angeles. On any given day, this might take as short as 2.5 hours, all the way up to 5 hours. Yikes!

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Yes, a 2.5 hour drive can double in time if there’s really bad traffic. I’ll fill you in on the best ways to avoid that sticky situation – and share more insights on the best stops to make along the way – below.

How Long It (Realistically) Takes to Get From Los Angeles to Palm Springs by Car

Realistically, if you decide to drive from Los Angeles to Palm Springs, it should take you about 2.5 to 3 hours. On average, when I do this drive myself, that’s how long it typically takes!

Keep in mind, that involves no stops along the way. If I do make one stop, I try to keep it quick. One stop usually brings my total travel time to 3 hours. If you’re in a hurry to get to your destination, keep this in mind. 

But if you have time to spare and are looking to break up long periods of driving, then that’s great, too! You’ll get the chance to see many of SoCal’s mountains and desert landscapes along the way.

You can search rates for your rental car by using the tool from RentalCars.com below:

Best Freeway Route to Take from Los Angeles to Palm Springs

There are MANY different routes you can take from Los Angeles to Palm Springs. Your best bet is to plug your destination address into Waze and take the route it recommends.

There are two most common routes, starting from LAX:

• I-105 E to I-605 N to CA-60 E to I-10 E
• I-105 E to I-605 N to I-10 E

Alternate Freeway Routes from Los Angeles to Palm Springs

Another common route: take the I-105 E to the 710 N to the I-10 E.

You could also take the I-105 E to I-605 S to CA 91-E to CA-60 E toward I-215 S/San Diego/Indio, then take the I-10 E.

There aren’t many side roads or shortcuts you can take. Pretty much, if you are stuck in traffic, you’re stuck there. Waze will help navigate you around a jam if you find yourself stuck behind a major accident.

Best Time to Drive from Los Angeles to Palm Springs

Plan ahead! As you can already tell, traffic can be a bit unpredictable. You’ll want to budget at least 3 hours for your drive, if not longer. It’s impossible to know if there will be an accident causing traffic along your way – so be prepared! 

To avoid traffic, I suggest ideally hitting the road between 10am and 12pm OR between 7pm and 9pm. These two rather narrow windows of time make the drive easier.

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Highest traffic times are often between 8am to 10am and 3pm to 6pm. If you start your drive during these hours, you’ll be facing traffic.

Weekdays, of course, are worse than weekends. Avoid driving on holiday weekends at all costs. Typically, when I drive from Palm Springs to Los Angeles on Memorial Day, I’ll be sitting in traffic for at least 5 hours. Eeeek!

Lastly, regarding the time of year. It really doesn’t matter if you take this trip in the spring, summer, fall, or winter. It’s all the same! You don’t have to worry about snow. Sometimes it rains, but not very often.

Alternative Ways to Get from Los Angeles to Palm Springs and Vice Versa

If you’d like to explore alternative ways to get to Palm Springs from LA, you could consider taking the bus, train, Uber, or airplane.

Getting from LA to Palm Springs by Bus

The cheapest way to get to Palm Springs is by bus. You can take the Flixbus and get a round trip ticket for around $30. If you’re arriving at LAX, you will need to get from the airport to Union Station, which is downtown. That can be done by Uber ($30-80) or transit (1-1.5 hours; $1.75). 

There are two arrival stops in Palm Springs; one downtown and one at Palm Springs North. Once you arrive, you’ll likely need to take an Uber to your hotel or Airbnb, adding on additional costs.

I recommend avoiding the Greyhound bus, if you can. Take the Flixbus, instead.

Check rates and book tickets here.

Getting from LA to Palm Springs by Train

Unfortunately, the train is the most inconvenient option if you want to get to Palm Springs from Los Angeles. Amtrak’s Sunset Limited only runs a few times per week at rather inconvenient times, and the Texas Eagle sometimes makes the trip.

I wish the train was more convenient, but at this time, I don’t recommend taking the train. It’s too expensive and arrives at difficult times; unnecessary hassle for just 120 miles.

The train from Los Angeles to Palm Springs takes about 2.5 hours, but potentially longer. Unforeseen events can sometimes cause stops and delays..

If you are really set on taking the train, you could consider taking the Metrolink from Los Angeles’ Union Station to San Bernardino. This is a rather uncommon option that most people don’t consider because once you arrive in San Bernardino, you have to figure out how to navigate the remaining 50 miles to Palm Springs. This option might be ideal if you have a friend who can pick you up. 

Getting from LA to Palm Springs by Uber

I’ll be honest with you. I don’t recommend taking Uber from Los Angeles to Palm Springs. Why? It might cost you a fortune!

Traffic is entirely unpredictable; you never know how much your final cost will be. If you’re lucky, your ride will cost you $100 minimum.

Getting from LA to Palm Springs by Airplane

You could consider taking an airplane from LAX to Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), which is the closest airport to fly into for Palm Springs. This option is the fastest, but also the most expensive. 

A flight could cost anywhere from $200-300 and up; it just isn’t worth it, in my opinion. If you have a flexible budget, then go for it — but also consider the time it could take to get your bags and go through security.

And just a side note — if you do book this option, make sure it’s direct. The last thing you’d want is to have a layover in Phoenix or San Francisco!

Especially because once you arrive in Palm Springs, it’s much more convenient to have a car to get around the area.

Best Stops to Take Along the Way from Los Angeles to Palm Springs

Hopefully you’ve decided to take a car for your trip to Palm Springs, because there are so many beautiful places to stop along the way! 

If you have time, there are quite a few local gems that I recommend stopping at, especially if you’re looking for a one or two-night stopover.

Big Bear Lake

One of the most popular destinations for skiing in Southern California, Big Bear Lake is a true gem in the mountains. The village has a charming small-town character– it’s absolutely adorable. Big Bear is a quick detour off your route, but if you’re heading here, I recommend spending 2-3 hours at a minimum or staying the night.

Lake Arrowhead

Similar to Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead is filled with plenty of charm and outdoor splendor. A bit smaller than Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead has a lot of hiking and recreational things you can do here. 

Oak Glen

If you’re coming to SoCal in the fall, I recommend making the visit to Oak Glen. You can get apple cider and donuts here! A real favorite.

Joshua Tree

A must! Joshua Tree is just outside of Palm Springs, so it’s also possible to visit while you’re staying in the city. I recommend visiting on your way out of the area instead of on your way to arrive. 

Cabazon Outlets/Desert Hills Premium Outlets

Love bargain hunting? Then you’ll love the Cabazon Outlets and Desert Hills premium Outlets. Just 45 minutes from Palm Springs, these two shopping centers have outlet stores of all your favorite brands.

Cabazon Dinosaurs

An epic stop along the I-10. The Cabazon Dinosaurs are the perfect photo opp. Get your pics for Instagram!

Best Restaurants and Fast Food Along the Way

No road trip would complete in my mind without some grub to fill your tummy! Some must-have meals on the drive from Los Angeles to Palm Springs:

In-N-Out Burger

A real classic! As you’re heading out of Los Angeles, you’ll pass right by the original location of this fast food chain. Take the Francisquito Avenue exit off the I-10. Be sure to order your french fries animal style! Yummmm.

13850 Francisquito Ave., Baldwin Park, CA

Crazy Coyote Tacos

If you’ve made it all the way out of LA already, stop at Crazy Coyote Tacos. This family-run restaurant has a “giant taco” made of thick tortillas, corn, lime, and water. You can’t miss it. 

13033 Malki Rd., Banning, CA 

Hadley Fruit Orchards

Nearly everyone in the Coachella Valley recognizes Hadley Fruit Orchards, a tried-and-true establishment running since 1931. You can find a variety of dried fruit and dates here, which are grown locally in the area. Or if you’re feeling fancy, get a date shake with vanilla ice cream and banana! 

47993 Morongo Trail, Cabazon, CA

Where to Stay Once You Arrive in Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a popular vacation destination, so there are many hotel options in the area. A few options, based on budget:

Splurge

Korakia Pensione is one of the city’s most luxurious and fashionable hotels. If you love a Mediterranean meets Morocco aesthetic, you will love it. Such a dreamy hotel. 

Check rates and availability.

Mid-Range

For a mid-range option, I recommend Holiday House. Full of irresistible style, fun, and totally Instagram-worthy, this hotel is centrally located and also classically Palm Springs. 

Check rates and availability.

Budget

If you’re looking for a more affordable lodging option, go with The Infusion. This laid-back boutique hotel has an outdoor pool and a party vibe. A bit rough around the edges in some areas, but it’s a good option if you’re on a budget. 

Check rates and availability.

Biggest Takeaway on Getting to Palm Springs from LAX

All in all, my best advice is to make the journey by car. The expense is worth the flexibility, time saved, and hassle avoided. 

Be sure to make a rental car reservation in advance, before you actually land at LAX. This will save you a big headache later and guarantee you the best rate. 

Search for cars using the search box below:

There you have it, friends! That’s everything you need to know about getting to Palm Springs from Los Angeles. Hopefully this post answered your burning question, “How far is Palm Springs from LA?” 

Planning a trip right now? A few of the top resources I use every time I travel:

🏨 Booking.com for great deals on hotels.

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📞 GigSky eSIM for staying connected in the air, on a cruise ship, or exploring.

🗣️ Babbel for brushing up on my language skills.