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Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Finding a rental car in Palm Desert is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of suppliers around California with no booking fees. Pick up in town or at nearby Palm Springs International Airport and cruise Highway 111 in minutes. Just book early for the winter golf rush and Coachella weekends to lock in low rates.
Palm Desert doesn't have its own commercial airport, but is well-served by nearby airports and local rental facilities.
| Rental Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Palm Desert City Locations | • Lower rates without airport surcharges • Shorter wait times (usually 10-15 minutes) • Convenient for local exploration |
• Limited operating hours (usually 8am-6pm) • Fewer vehicle options • May require advance reservation |
| Palm Springs Int'l Airport (PSP) | • Closest airport (14 miles/23 km away) • Multiple rental companies • Extended operating hours |
• Airport fees added to rental rates • High demand during winter season • Can experience longer wait times during peak tourist season |
| El Paseo Shopping District | • Central location • Walking distance to hotels and restaurants • Upscale rental options available |
• Limited inventory • Higher rates during peak season • May require advance reservation |
| Ontario Int'l Airport (ONT) | • More flight options than Palm Springs • Sometimes lower rental rates • Multiple rental companies |
• Approximately 85 miles (137 km) from Palm Desert • Requires driving through mountain pass • Airport fees added to rental rates |
If arriving without a car:
On average, car rentals in Palm Desert cost around $73 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $20 per day.
Skip the airport mark-up: Palm Springs Airport (PSP) tacks on hefty facility fees. If you're already in town, quote Palm Desert city branches—rates are often 10-20 % lower and wait times shorter. Just check their 8 am-6 pm hours so you don't get stuck without wheels.
Season = price: Winter and Coachella/Stagecoach weekends send rates soaring. Flexible? Shift pickup to May or October or brave the dry-sauna summer for $25-45/day economy deals (just confirm the AC blows cold).
Play with rental length: In the valley a 5-7 day "weekly" booking can beat a 4-day daily rate. Run both options in the search box before you click pay.
Compare pickup spots along CA-111: Quotes from El Paseo, Palm Desert city center, and even Ontario Airport (85 mi/137 km away) can differ by double digits. A quick multi-location search often finds hidden bargains.
El Paseo Shopping District: Mix of free street spaces and public lots
Shopping Centers: Free at major centers including The Gardens on El Paseo
Resorts & Hotels: Most offer free guest spaces, some charge valet fees
City Parks: Free at most local parks, including Civic Center Park
| Rule Type | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Basic Rules | • Drive on the right side of the road • Right turn on red is legal after a complete stop (unless signed otherwise) • Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks • Seat belts mandatory for all occupants |
| Speed Limits | • City streets: 35-45 mph (55-70 km/h) • Residential areas: 25 mph (40 km/h) • Highways (I-10): 70 mph (113 km/h) • School zones: 25 mph when children present |
| Enforcement | • California Highway Patrol monitors highways • Local police patrol city streets • Automated red light cameras at some intersections • Strict DUI enforcement (0.08% blood alcohol limit) |
| Golf Cart Traffic | • Golf carts are common on certain Palm Desert streets • Designated golf cart crossing areas • Be alert for golf carts on roads near courses |
There are no toll roads in the immediate Palm Desert area or routes to Palm Springs. However, travel to Orange County or San Diego may involve toll roads.
Book a car rental so you can see:
Joshua Tree National Park – hikes, rock formations
Palm Springs – museums, tramway
El Paseo Shopping District – boutiques, restaurants
Idyllwild (via CA-74) – trails, cafés
What documents do I need to rent a car in Palm Desert?
You'll need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name and a passport if you're an international visitor. Some rental companies may ask for an International Driving Permit along with your license from your home country.
Which airport is best for renting a car to visit Palm Desert?
We recommend flying into Palm Springs International Airport (PSP). It's the most convenient and only 14 miles (23 km) away. When rental rates are high during the busy winter season, you could also check out Ontario International Airport (ONT), but it's about 85 miles (137 km) away.
When is the best time to visit Palm Desert by car?
You'll find the best weather for driving and outdoor fun from October to May. The winter, from December to April, is the busiest time. It has great temperatures but you'll see higher prices and more traffic. Summer, from June to September, has the lowest rental prices, but the extreme heat can make your car uncomfortable.
Do I need a special vehicle for desert exploration?
Any car will work for driving on paved roads in the Coachella Valley. If you want to explore unpaved roads in Joshua Tree National Park or other remote desert areas, we recommend a high-clearance vehicle or an SUV.
How does the extreme heat affect rental cars?
The desert heat, especially from June to September, can be hard on a car's cooling system. Before you leave the rental lot, make sure the air conditioning works well. Try to park in the shade when you can and use a windshield sun shade if you're parking for a long time.
Is it easy to find parking in Palm Desert?
Yes, you can usually find plenty of free parking in Palm Desert. The El Paseo shopping district has parking on the street and in public lots. Most resorts, restaurants and shopping centers have their own free parking. The city was designed for drivers, so you'll rarely have a problem finding a spot unless there's a special event.
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