There are four different transportation options available when traveling from LAX to Palm Springs: you can either take a taxi or a private transfer, a shuttle bus, or a train.
Taking a Los Angeles Airport taxi is one of the fastest and most comfortable options, other than a Los Angeles private transfer, which also has the advantage of a fixed fare price. Both will drop you directly at your destination in around 2 hours, which is ideal if you have lots of luggage or kids in tow.
Your second and cheapest option is to take the bus, although this requires making a connection in the city center, increasing the travel time to roughly 2-3 hours.
Finally, you can opt to take the train, although it only runs once a week and late at night, so only consider this option if you want to get some shut-eye, since you may be able to book a sleeper ticket.
4 ways to get from Los Angeles LAX Airport to Palm Springs
OPTION | PRICE | TIME | AVAILABILITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Welcome Pickups Private Transfer | €430 | 120min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| Private transfer services are a stand-in service for having a local friends on the ground, making them ideal for first-time visitors to Los Angeles and Palm Springs. | ||||||
Taxi | €340 | 120min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| After a long flight, a taxi is ideal for avoiding the crowds and getting to your destination as quickly as possible. | ||||||
Bus | €54.60 | 180min | 05:40–00:30 | Convenience | Read more | |
| The journey by bus is fairly straightforward, making it an ideal choice for anyone watching their budget. | ||||||
Train | €71.40 | 186min | 22:00–22:00 | Convenience | Read more | |
| This is a last-resort option and only recommended if you have another reason to take the train. | ||||||
The fastest way to travel from LAX Airport to Palm Springs is to take a taxi. Under normal traffic conditions, the trip in a Los Angeles Airport taxi typically takes 2 hours, accommodating up to four people. Other than rides taken between LAX and Downtown, there isn’t a flat rate fee, which means the price will be calculated using a meter.
Several different taxi companies are authorized to operate at the airport, each with vehicles of a different color. However, while the vehicle model and color may vary, they must all bear the City of Los Angeles Taxicab Seal and a classic “TAXI” rooftop sign.
How much is taxi from LAX to Palm Springs?
Since your taxi from LAX to Palm Springs won’t charge on a flat fee basis, your trip will be calculated using a taximeter, factoring in the distance traveled. Although this is the easiest and most comfortable option, the price is quite high, with a one-way journey costing $340 (€290.40) for up to four people, not including tolls, tips, or surcharges.
Some private shuttle companies like Welcome Pickups offer a flat rate fee from the airport to Palm Springs if you book your LAX Airport transfer in advance.
Where can I catch a taxi from?
Several taxi services operate to and from LAX, and they can be found at three different locations:
LAX-it Terminal 1: Passengers may walk or ride the free LAX-it shuttle to the LAX-it taxi stand. The shuttle departs every 3-5 minutes from the Lower/Arrivals level of each terminal, near the GREEN LAX-it signs.
Terminal B and 3: The taxi stand is located between these two terminals and is reachable on foot; simply follow the signs from the Baggage Claim area.
Terminal 7 and 8: The taxi stand is located outside Terminal 7, at the far end of the terminal near the Baggage Claim area. It is within walking distance of Terminal 8.
Convenience
Catching an LAX to Palm Springs taxi is definitely one of the most convenient ways to travel. It’s quick and much more comfortable than other means of public transportation, with ample space for luggage and reduced wait times, so you can begin your holiday relaxed and hassle-free.
Your most convenient option will be to pre-book a private transfer in advance.
Useful Tips
Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi
Learn moreThe cheapest transportation option from LAX to Palm Springs is the bus. However, since there isn’t a direct service, you’ll need to transfer through the city center and connect with either a Greyhound or Flixbus coach.
Buses depart from either Union Station or the FlixBus Lot in Downtown LA across the road, and they drop passengers off at Palm Springs North or the Indio Bus Station. Depending on which option you choose and the time of day, the journey can take between 2-3 hours.
In any case, you’ll first need to make your way from the Los Angeles Airport to Downtown using the LAX Flyaway shuttle. To Union Station, the bus takes 30 minutes.
How much is the bus from LAX to Palm Springs?
Traveling by shuttle from LAX to Palm Springs will cost at least $31.70 (€27.30) per person. This includes a single journey ticket on the LAX FlyAway shuttle bus for $12.75 (€11), and a one-way ticket on a coach service to Palm Springs from Downtown for $18.98 (€16.30). Both tickets can be purchased online, although the FlyAway service also accepts contactless payment by card when boarding.
The FlyAway service operates daily between 05:40 and 23:40, and coaches to Palm Springs depart between 08:35 and 00:30.
Where does each bus depart from?
The FlyAway bus departs from the Lower/Arrivals Level in front of each terminal. After exiting the Arivals Hall, passengers should keen an eye out for the blue columns.
From Union Station, buses depart from either Bays #7 or #8 at the Patsaouras Transit Plaza or from across the street at the intersection of E Cesar E Chavez Avenue and N Vignes Street (the FlixBus Lot).
*A passengers lounge is open daily from 07:00 to 17:00 at the FlixBus Lot stop.
Convenience
Taking a shuttle from LAX to Palm Springs is a solid budget choice, so long as you’re okay with making a transfer through Union Station, which can be busy and confusing. Otherwise, the journey is fairly streamlined and convenient, although it does take considerably longer than a taxi or private transfer, especially when you factor in waiting and transfer times.
Timetables
FlyAway Bus Information
LAX – Union Station/Downtown
Flixbus & Greyhound Schedule and Tickets
Union Station/Downtown – Palm Springs
Useful Tips
Another affordable way to get from LAX to Palm Springs is to take a train. Similar to the bus option, catching the train first requires taking the FlyAway shuttle to Union Station, where you can connect with the Amtrak Sunset Limited and Texas Eagle train services.
The downside is that the train only operates a few days a week, with typically one departure on each of those days. Nevertheless, if you still wish to use this option, your journey time will be 2 hours and 36 minutes, in addition to the shuttle bus to Union Station.
How much is a train ticket from LA to Palm Springs?
As outlined in the last section, the FlyAway shuttle costs $12.75 (€11) per person and there’s no need to book in advance. Coach seats on the train range from $29 (€24.70) to $39 (€33.30), depending on which train you choose. This means you can expect to pay upwards of $41.75 (€35.70) for each passenger.
Given the late departure time, if you were thinking you’d like to get some sleep on your journey, be prepared to pay upwards of $163 (€139) for a private room, complete with a bed, sheets, towels, complimentary meals, and a shower.
To guarantee a seat, be sure to book your ticket as far in advance as possible.
Where does the train to Palm Springs depart from?
Once you reach Union Station, check the departures board to find the correct platform for your train. Be aware that some train itineraries include transfers, which can take more than five hours or double the time of direct services.
Convenience
Although Amtrak trains are known to be very comfortable, they only run a few times a week at night, arriving at Palm Springs after midnight. Moreover, you’ll still need to take a taxi to your final destination within the city, which adds an extra cost to your trip.
All of these elements combined make this transport option the least convenient, especially after a long flight when you might already be suffering from jet lag.
Timetables
Sunset Limited train schedule and tickets
Texas Eagle train schedule and tickets
Useful Tips
Private transfer services are the most reliable and convenient way to travel from Los Angeles to Palm Springs, providing a door-to-door service in as little as 2 hours. An LAX Airport transfer booked with Welcome Pickups is fully customizable and offers complete flexibility, eliminating any stress around arranging transportation on arrival. Vehicles are modern and comfortable, with air-conditioning and plenty of space for luggage.
You’ll receive 24/7 customer support, flight monitoring, a guaranteed on-time pickup, and a meet-and-greet from a trained English-speaking driver on arrival – all for a guaranteed fixed fare price.
How much is an LAX to Palm Springs private transfer?
The great thing about using a private transfer service is that you’ll receive an upfront fixed quote ahead of booking, ensuring you have complete transparency around the price. No extra fees, tolls, or surcharges to worry about; even if you get stuck in traffic, the price won’t change.
For your transfer from LAX airport to Palm Springs, a stylish sedan with room for 3 people will cost $500 (€430). Or, if your group is larger, a spacious minivan that can accommodate up to 12 passengers may be a more suitable option, with a cost of $1279.60 (€1100).
You can book your transfer with Welcome Pickups in less than a minute, thanks to our easy-to-use app and website. Simply enter your details, flight information, the number of passengers, and select a pick-up time and date.
Private transfers are available from Los Angeles International Airport 24/7.
Where will my private transfer depart from?
With nine different terminals, no one would blame you for feeling overwhelmed about your pending arrival at LAX. Thankfully, when you book a private transfer, you don’t need to stress about finding your way through the airport or navigating your way to the taxi stand.
Instead, you’ll be met by a smiling face in the Arrivals Hall holding a sign with your name on it. To help you spot them amongst the crowd, we’ll even send you a recent photo of your driver and their contact details. Once you’ve been introduced, you can head straight to your pre-selected vehicle, ready for your journey to begin.
Convenience
A private transfer provides the most seamless and reliable transport option for those traveling to Palm Springs. Buses, the train, and even local taxis all have potential wait times – some lengthier than others. With a pre-booked transfer, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride knowing that you, your loved ones, and all of your belongings will be safely dropped right at the door of your hotel.
Useful Tips
Frequently asked questions
Is there a shuttle between LAX and Palm Springs?
It’s possible to travel from LAX to Palm Springs by shuttle, but you’ll need to transfer from one shuttle to another in the city center.
First, take the FlyAway shuttle for 30 minutes to Union Station, where you connect with a Greyhound or Flixbus coach service the rest of the way.
The total time spent traveling will be between 2-3 hours, and prices start at $31.70 (€27.30) per person.
How much is the train from LAX to Palm Springs?
Two train lines travel from LA to Palm Springs: the Amtrak Sunset Limited and the Amtrak Texas Eagle train.
Coach seats from $29 (€24.70) to $39 (€33.30), depending on which service you choose, while first-class private booths start at $163 (€139).
How much is taxi from LAX to Palm Springs?
A one-way trip from LAX to Palm Springs by taxi will cost about $340 (€290.40) for up to four people, not including tolls, tips, or surcharges.
Alternatively, you can lock in a fixed rate fee inclusive of all charges with Welcome Pickups when you book your private transfer in advance. Prices start at $430 (€366.90) for up to three passengers.
What is the best way to get from LAX to Palm Springs?
The best way to travel from LAX to Palm Springs is by private transfer. This is the only direct service with zero wait times that is completely customizable. Moreover, each ride is personalized, with a focus on your English-speaking driver providing a warm welcome to LAX through a mini tour of Palm Springs.
How far is LAX to Palm Springs?
The distance from LAX to Palm Springs is 172 kilometers (107 mi), which can be covered in 2 hours by car or taxi.
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