Welcome / Los Angeles / Airport to Palm Springs

Getting from Los Angeles LAX Airport to Palm Springs

Kathryn Shaw

April 4, 2024

If you are visiting Palm Springs there is much to see! Known for its midcentury-modern architecture, hot springs, great weather and beautiful views, Palm Springs used to be a hub for the 1930’s Hollywood movie stars, as they made it their weekend retreat of choice. So, whilst you are visiting, don’t forget to tour around Palm Canyon Drive’s great shopping district, with their vintage boutiques, designer shops and wonderful restaurants.

There are 3 different transportation options available when travelling from Los Angeles LAX Airport to Palm Springs; you can either take a private shuttle, a bus or a train. Taking a Los Angeles private transfer is the fastest, and most comfortable option. Your second and cheapest option is to take the bus, and your last and longest option is to take the train.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Los Angeles at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi Learn more

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Welcome Pickups	€430	115min	24/7	Book
Book
Private Shuttle	€320	120min	24/7
Bus	€24	120min	06:45–23:00
Train	€29.60	156min	22:00–22:00

How to get from LAX airport to Palm Springs by private shuttle

The fastest way to get to Palm Springs is by taking a LAX airport shuttle. There is no flat rate for the journey from Los Angeles airport to Palm Springs; therefore, the price will be calculated using a meter, so depending on the time and distance travelled. Under normal traffic conditions, the trip takes approximately 1 hour 40 minutes. There are different shuttle companies serving LAX airport, with different coloured vehicles. However, while vehicle model and color may vary, all officially licensed shuttles must provide the official City of Los Angeles Taxicab Seal and they are easily recognisable by their classic rooftop sign.

Shuttle price from Los Angeles LAX airport to Palm Springs

A LAX to Palm Springs shuttle does not charge on a flat rate basis, your trip will be calculated using a meter, so depending on the time and distance travelled. Although this is the easiest and most comfortable option, the price is quite high, with a one-way from LAX airport to Palm Springs costing $390 USD(€320).

It is important to know that some shuttle companies offer a flat rate fee from the airport to Palm springs, if you book your LAX airport transfer in advance.

Photos (2)

LA taxi

Cost

$390 USD (€320)

Trip Duration

1 H 40 Min.

*Rates may vary unless you book your shuttle in advance.

Convienence

Safety

Value for Money

Shuttles are available 24h/7 at LAX airport.

Where do I get it from

There are a variety of taxi and shuttle services that operate to and from LAX and they can be found at three different locations:

At LAX-it next to Terminal 1 – Passengers may walk to or ride the free shuttle to LAX-it. When you exit the terminal, you can either walk, following the signs to the LAX-it lot; or ride the free LAX-it shuttle, which can be found on the lower arrivals level at the inner curb outside of baggage claim areas at the green LAX-it signs. Inside Parking Structure 3 between Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B) and Terminal 3. Or, at the far end of Terminal 7 outside the baggage claim area – for passengers arriving at Terminals 7 and 8.

Convenience

Taking a private shuttle from Los Angeles airport is definitely the most convenient way to get from LAX airport to Palm Springs. It is quick and much more comfortable than any other means of public transportation.

Editor’s Note

After a long flight it is always ideal to get a private transfer and avoid the crowded airport, getting to your destination as fast as possible.

Useful Tips

If you are taking a LAX airport shuttle, is important to make sure that your driver resets the meter and that it is running before leaving the airport.

It is customary to give your driver a tip of 15%.

There are many different shuttle companies in LA, however, to avoid any complications and to travel at a cheaper flat rate fee, it is always best to book your private shuttle in advance.

How to get from LAX airport to Palm Springs by bus

Another transportation option from LAX to Palm Springs is by bus. There are two bus companies that travel between the airport and Palm Springs; the Flixbus and Greyhound. The cheapest and fastest bus option is on the Flixbus, however, the bus does not leave directly from the airport. You will firstly have to make your way to Union Station in LA city centre. The buses run several times per day and take you to downtown Palm Springs and Palm Springs North. The trip takes about two hours and makes no stops. Your second bus option is to take a Greyhound bus, which departs from the bus station in downtown Los Angeles and make several stops along the way. The average commute takes about three hours and the buses only depart once a day (times vary).

How much is the bus from LAX to Palm Springs?

A one-way bus ticket from LAX to Palm Springs costs $15 USD (€12) per person on the Flixbus or $23 USD (€19) on the Greyhound bus. It is important to note that you will need to buy your tickets online on either of the 2 bus websites.

Photos (2)

Cost

$15 USD (€12)

Trip Duration

2 hours

*you need to reserve your bus in advance.

Convenience

Safety

Value for money

The buses run several times per day, you need to reserve your seat in advance.

Where do I get it from?

Unfortunately there are no direct bus lines from Los Angeles LAX airport – for both bus companies you will have to use alternate means of transport from the airport to downtown Los Angeles. If you wish to take the Flixbus, the buses run from Union Station in LA directly to downtown Palm Springs and Palm Springs North, with a trip duration of 2 hours. If you decide on taking a Greyhound bus, they depart from the Los Angeles bus station in downtown LA and make several stops along the way, bringing the average trip duration to 3 hours.

Convenience

Taking a bus from LAX to Palm Springs is convenient, especially when choosing the Flixbus, as the bus travels between the two cities several times per day and have very reasonably priced bus tickets. However, the bus does not leave directly from Los Angeles airport, but from downtown, which makes this option less convenient. Moreover, you will need to check the bus times in advance, as not to wait at the bus station.

Timetables

FlyAway bus

Bus schedule from LAX to downtown LA

Bus schedule and prices

Bus tickets from LA to Palm Springs

Flixbus website

Greyhound website

Editor’s Note

Make sure to check the bus schedules and reserve your seat beforehand, in order to find the best option for you.

Useful Tips

Please note that the buses do not leave directly from LAX airport, you will have to find your way to downtown LA beforehand.

It is important to check each bus company's cancellation policies before making your reservation.

How to get from LAX airport to Palm Springs by train

When choosing your transportation from LAX to Palm Springs, one of the most cost-savvy options is by train. There are two train lines that travel from LA to Palm Springs, however you will need to make your way to Union Station in downtown Los Angeles beforehand, as there is no train station directly at LAX airport. Moreover, travelling by train is the least convenient and reliable way to travel, seeing as it only runs a few times per week and both, the Sunset Limited train and the Texas Eagle train run late at night, arriving in Palm Springs after midnight.

How much is a train ticket from LA to Palm Springs?

Unfortunately no direct train departs from LAX airport, you will firstly need to make your way to Union Station in downtown LA in order to head to Palm Springs. You have 3 options to do so; you can take a taxi, a shuttle bus then metro or the FlyAway airport bus. Once you have reached the airport, an adult one-way train ticket costs $18 USD (€14.80). One child (classified as an “infant”) under the age of two can ride free with each fare-paying adult (age 18+), any additional infant will have to travel at the child fare.

Photos (1)

Cost

$18 USD (€14.80)

Trip Duration

2 H 36 Min.

Both, the Sunset Limited train and the Texas Eagle train run late at night, arriving in Palm Springs after midnight.

Convenience

Safety

Value for money

Make sure to check the train availabilities before planning your trip, as both lines only run a few times per week.

Where do I get it from?

As there is no direct train from LAX airport, you will have to make your own way to Union Station, which is Los Angeles’ largest train station. From there you will find the Sunset Limited train and the Texas Eagle that will take you directly to Palm Springs in 2 hours 36 minutes. However, be aware that some train itineraries include transfers, which can then take more than five hours to get to the city.

Convenience

Although the trains are known to be very comfortable and take you directly from Union Station to Palm Springs, they only run a few times a week, and at night; arriving at Palm Springs after midnight. Moreover, you will then have to take a taxi to your final destination within the city, which adds on an extra cost to your trip. All of these elements combined make this trip one of the least convient transfer options to get from LAX airport to Palm Springs.

Timetables

Sunset Limited train schedule and tickets

Texas Eagle train schedule and tickets

Editor’s Note

Be sure to check the train schedule before planning your trip as only a few trains run per week.

Useful Tips

Be aware that some train itineraries are not direct from the station to Palm Springs, and can take up to 5 hours to get to your destination.

It is important to check your train cancellation policies before booking your ticket. If you happen to miss you train, you will need to find another travel option to get to Palm Springs.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Los angeles. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

How can I get from LAX airport to Palm Springs?

There are 3 popular travel options to get to Palm Springs from Los Angeles airport; from most expensive to least expensive is by private shuttle, by train or by bus.

How much is a private shuttle from Los Angeles LAX Airport to Palm Springs?

When taking a private shuttle from LAX airport, your fare is calculated using a meter; the average price is around €320 ($390 USD), and it takes 1 hour and 40 minutes to get to Palm Springs, depending on traffic conditions.

Is there a direct transfer option from LAX airport to Palm Springs?

There is only one direct transfer option from LAX airport to Palm Springs, and it is by private shuttle. If you wish to take a bus or a train to the city, you can – however, you will need to get to downtown LA beforehand.

Was this helpful?

The best way to arrive in Los Angeles

High-end transfer service at the same price as a regular taxi. Available in 42 destinations.

Learn more

Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi Learn more

How to get from LAX airport to Palm Springs by private shuttle

Shuttle price from Los Angeles LAX airport to Palm Springs

Photos (2)

Cost

$390 USD (€320)

Trip Duration

1 H 40 Min.

Convienence

Safety

Value for Money

Shuttles are available 24h/7 at LAX airport.

Where do I get it from

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from LAX airport to Palm Springs by bus

How much is the bus from LAX to Palm Springs?

Photos (2)

Cost

$15 USD (€12)

Trip Duration

2 hours

Convenience

Safety

Value for money

The buses run several times per day, you need to reserve your seat in advance.

Where do I get it from?

Convenience

Timetables

FlyAway bus

Bus schedule from LAX to downtown LA

Bus schedule and prices

Bus tickets from LA to Palm Springs

Flixbus website

Greyhound website

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from LAX airport to Palm Springs by train

How much is a train ticket from LA to Palm Springs?

Photos (1)

Cost

$18 USD (€14.80)

Trip Duration

2 H 36 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for money

Make sure to check the train availabilities before planning your trip, as both lines only run a few times per week.

Where do I get it from?

Convenience

Timetables

Sunset Limited train schedule and tickets

Texas Eagle train schedule and tickets

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Welcome Pickups transfer

Best drivers

Flight monitoring

Quality support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Frequently asked questions

How can I get from LAX airport to Palm Springs?

How much is a private shuttle from Los Angeles LAX Airport to Palm Springs?

Is there a direct transfer option from LAX airport to Palm Springs?

Was this helpful?

The best way to arrive in Los Angeles

Save the article for later or share it with friends

The link is copied

Transfer Options in Los Angeles

✈ Getting from LAX to Santa Monica | Welcome Pickups

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Long Beach - Welcome Pickups

Transfer Options from LAX to San Diego | Welcome Pickups

Getting from LAX to Universal Studios | Welcome Pickups

✈ Airport Shuttle from Los Angeles LAX Airport to City | Welcome Pickups

✈ Getting from Los Angeles LAX Airport to Disneyland - Welcome Pickups

Los Angeles Taxi - Prices and Useful Tips for Taxis in Los Angeles

Los Angeles Airport Taxi & Shuttle | Book Online | Welcome Pickups

✈ Transport Options from Los Angeles Airport to Downtown

229 Destinations Worldwide