San Diego, CA, USA to Palm Desert, CA, USA from $14: 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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How to Get from San Diego to Palm Desert: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

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$14 by busBest price

135 kmDistance

2h 23m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Diego to Palm Desert with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

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San Diego - Palm Desert operators

Explore transport companies operating between San Diego and Palm Desert, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Train from San Diego to Fullerton Amtrak Station

Average Duration

2h 16m

Estimated price

$4-80

Train from Santa Fe Depot, CA to Fullerton Amtrak Station

Average Duration

2h 40m

Estimated price

$0-0

Train from Fullerton Amtrak Station to Palm Desert Amtrak Bus Stop

Average Duration

2h 40m

Estimated price

$0-0

Bus

Contact phone

+1 (855) 626-8585

Website

https://www.flixbus.com

Bus from San Diego to San Bernardino Downtown Transit Center

Average Duration

2h 30m

Estimated price

$147-142

Contact phone

+1 760-343-3451

Website

http://www.sunline.org

Bus from San Bernardino Transit Center to Hwy 111 & Golf Center Pkwy

Average Duration

2h 15m

Estimated price

$148-148

San Diego to Palm Desert: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between San Diego and Palm Desert offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 The road trip from San Diego to Palm Desert is a scenic journey covering 122 miles of beautiful Southern California landscapes. 💰 Prices to travel by car from San Diego to Palm Desert typically range from $22 to $35, making it an affordable option for a quick getaway. 🌴 Upon arrival in Palm Desert after approximately 2 hours and 23 minutes of driving, you'll be greeted by the tranquil desert oasis known for its upscale resorts, golf courses, and stunning mountain views.

Average price

$22 - $35

🚌 Embark on a scenic bus journey from San Diego to Palm Desert with a travel time of approximately 6 hours and 20 minutes. Although there's no direct route, you'll enjoy a seamless transfer experience from Santa Fe Depot to Palm Desert Amtrak Bus Stop. 🌴 Discover the beauty of Southern California as you traverse a distance of 195 miles with two transfers along the way. From buses towards Las Vegas and Amarillo Bus Station to finally reaching Palm Desert, the varied landscapes will captivate you throughout this 8-hour adventure. 🎫 Ticket prices for this unforgettable bus trip range from $14 to $54, offering budget-friendly options for exploring the route. Choose between two routes, each presenting different transfer points and travel durations, promising an enriching experience from San Diego to the desert oasis of Palm Desert.

Departure Point

Santa Fe Depot, CA station

Arrival Point

Palm Desert Amtrak Bus Stop station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from San Diego to Palm Desert.

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The cheapest way to get from San Diego to Palm Desert is to drive. The approximate cost for gas is $22-$35, depending on the vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 23 minutes, covering a distance of around 136 miles.

The fastest way to travel from San Diego to Palm Desert is by driving. The drive takes approximately 2 hours and 23 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The estimated cost for gas and tolls is around $22 to $35.

The distance from San Diego to Palm Desert is approximately 135 km. If driving, the distance is approximately 196 km.

To travel from San Diego to Palm Desert without a car, you can take a combination of train and bus. First, you would take the Pacific Surfliner train from San Diego to Ontario, which takes around 2 hours. From Ontario, you can then transfer to the SunLine Transit Agency bus service, which will take you directly to Palm Desert, roughly 2.5 hours away. The total travel time is approximately 5 hours and 56 minutes, depending on the train and bus schedules.

The travel time from San Diego to Palm Desert is approximately 5 hours and 56 minutes, including transfers.

There are numerous accommodation options available near Palm Desert with more than 1761 hotels to choose from. Prices for hotels start at $49 per night, offering a range of budget-friendly options. Popular hotel chains like Marriott, Hilton, and Holiday Inn have properties in the area, along with many boutique hotels and resorts.

Yes, you can definitely drive from San Diego to Palm Desert. The driving distance between the two cities is about 196 km, and it takes approximately 2 hours and 23 minutes to complete the journey by car. Driving is a convenient and scenic option, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Southern California along the way.

Yes, there is no direct bus between San Diego and Palm Desert. However, you can take a bus from San Diego Santa Fe Depot to Fullerton Amtrak Station, and then transfer to a bus that will take you to Palm Desert Amtrak Bus Stop. The total journey time, including transfers, is approximately 6 hours and 20 minutes.

To catch the bus from San Diego to Palm Desert you will need to go to the San Diego Santa Fe Depot station. This is the departure point for the bus services operated by Amtrak. The station is located at 1050 Kettner Blvd, San Diego 92101.

The San Diego to Palm Desert bus, operated by Amtrak, arrives at the Palm Desert Amtrak Bus Stop station. The station is located at 72800 Fred Waring Drive in Palm Desert.

The cost of a bus ticket from San Diego to Palm Desert can range from $13 to $54 depending on the bus company, time of travel, and the type of ticket purchased.

The cost of driving from San Diego to Palm Desert can vary depending on factors such as gas prices and vehicle efficiency. On average, it can cost between $22 and $35 for a one-way trip.