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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Finding a car rental at Palm Springs International Airport is simple with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of suppliers around Southern California with no reservation fees. View PSP airport and downtown Palm Springs deals side by side, filter by vehicle type and mileage policy and reserve in minutes. Book early for winter or festival season to lock in low rates and avoid sold-out desks.
Palm Springs International Airport offers several convenient options for renting vehicles upon arrival.
| Rental Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| PSP On-Airport Rental Counter | • Walking distance from terminal • Multiple companies in one location • Available immediately upon arrival |
• Airport fees added to rental rates • Can experience long wait times during peak season • Higher rates than off-airport locations |
| Off-Airport Locations (nearby) | • Lower rates without airport fees • Sometimes less crowded • May offer hotel pickup service |
• Requires transportation from airport • Limited operating hours • Shuttle or taxi needed to reach location |
| Downtown Palm Springs | • Good option if staying downtown first • Lower rates • Walking distance to hotels |
• Requires transport from airport • Limited operating hours • More limited vehicle selection |
| Resort Delivery | • Some companies offer delivery to hotels • Convenient if not needing car immediately • Skip airport pickup process |
• Limited to certain companies • May involve delivery fees • Requires advance reservation |
PSP Airport Rentals: Rental counters located inside the terminal; vehicles parked a short walk away
Off-Airport Locations: Some offer complimentary pickup shuttles (call upon arrival)
Downtown Palm Springs: Multiple options including:
On average, car rentals at Palm Springs Airport cost around $87 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $40 per day.
Compare pick-up spots: On-airport is walkable but has an 11 % concession fee. Checking downtown Palm Springs or nearby off-airport lots can shave $5-$15 a day if you don't mind a short Uber or taxi ride.
Mind the calendar, not just "book early": Rates skyrocket for Coachella and winter snowbird season, so reserve 2-3 months ahead then. For the sizzling June-September off-season you can often snag last-minute deals under $30/day.
Toggle dates to trigger weekly pricing: Staying 5+ days? A 7-day booking is often cheaper than 5 separate days in the quote engine, especially in shoulder months like May or October.
Skip paid add-ons you already carry: Use your phone for GPS and pack your own USB cable and child seat to dodge $10-$15 daily fees.
Downtown Palm Springs: Mix of metered street spots and public lots
El Paseo (Palm Desert): Free street and lot options, but fills quickly during season
Resort Areas: Most resorts offer free self parking for guests
Hiking Trailheads: Many require an Adventure Pass in National Forest areas
| 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) |
| Desert/Mountain Driving | • Watch for sand on roadways after wind events • Mountain roads can have switchbacks and steep grades • Flash flooding possible during rare desert rainstorms • Always carry water in vehicle during summer months |
There are no toll roads in the Coachella Valley or immediate Palm Springs area.
Get a car rental so you can visit:
Joshua Tree National Park – hiking trails, rock formations
Indian Canyons – palm oases, waterfalls
Palm Desert & El Paseo – shopping, art galleries
Coachella & Indio – festival venues, date farms
What documents do I need to rent a car at Palm Springs Airport?
You'll need a valid driver's license and a credit card in your name. International visitors also need a passport. Some companies might ask for an International Driving Permit along with your home-country license, especially if your license isn't in English.
How long does it take to pick up a rental car at PSP?
You should plan for 30-45 minutes during the busy winter season. This gives you time to wait at the counter and check the car. In the slower summer months, it might only take you 10-15 minutes.
Do I need a special vehicle for visiting Joshua Tree National Park?
You can use any standard rental car to visit the main areas of Joshua Tree National Park because all the main roads are paved. If you plan to explore back-country roads or remote areas, you'll want a high-clearance vehicle or an SUV.
Is it worth getting a car if I'm only staying at a resort?
If you're staying at an all-inclusive resort and don't plan to explore, you might not need a car. However, most visitors find a car useful for getting to restaurants, shopping, hiking trails and attractions spread across the Coachella Valley.
When is the best time to visit Palm Springs by car?
You'll find the best weather for driving and outdoor fun from October to May. The winter (December-April) is the busiest time. Temperatures are great, but you'll see higher prices and more traffic. In the summer (June-September), you can find the lowest rental prices, but the extreme heat can make driving uncomfortable.
How early should I return my car before my flight?
You should return your car at least 1 hour before a domestic flight and 2 hours before an international flight. This gives you enough time for the short walk to the terminal, check-in and security screening. The return process itself takes just 5-10 minutes if there are no issues.
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