San Diego, CA, USA to Palm Springs, CA, USA from $28: 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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

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$28 by busBest price

137.6 kmDistance

2h 13m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Diego to Palm Springs 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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Traveling From San Diego to Palm Springs

Embark on a journey from San Diego’s vibrant coastal city to the serene desert oasis of Palm Springs, experiencing a lively beach atmosphere transitioning into a tranquil retreat surrounded by stunning mountains.

Best Neighbourhoods in Palm Springs

Palm Springs boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with its own charm and attractions.

Downtown Palm Springs

• Lively dining and shopping options abound.

• Art galleries showcase local talent.

Movie Colony

• Historic homes of Hollywood celebrities.

• Quiet streets lined with palm trees.

Tahquitz Rivera

• Mid-century modern architecture highlights.

• Access to upscale dining and nightlife.

Best Times To Visit Palm Springs's Attractions

Timing your visits to Palm Springs attractions can greatly enhance your experience.

Joshua Tree National Park

Visit early in the morning for cooler temperatures and fewer visitors.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Late afternoon visits offer stunning sunset views and reduced crowds.

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

Weekdays are less busy, allowing for a more personal experience.

Palm Springs Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Palm Springs boasts a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters, making it a year-round destination for sun-seekers. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures for enjoying outdoor activities, while extreme heat in summer can impact travel plans.

Dining Recommendation in Palm Springs

Try the smoked duck breast at Workshop Kitchen + Bar, where the farm-to-table ethos marries innovative flavors with a chic industrial ambiance. This experience contrasts with San Diego’s coastal fare, offering a rich and bold taste that highlights local ingredients in a distinctive desert setting.

San Diego - Palm Springs operators

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

Train Show train routes

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 Fullerton Amtrak Station to Palm Springs Amtrak Bus Stop

Average Duration

Estimated price

$0-0

Bus Show bus routes

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

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

Bus from Santa Fe Depot, CA to Fullerton Amtrak Station

Average Duration

2h 40m

Estimated price

0-0

Contact phone

+1 (855) 626-8585

Website

https://www.flixbus.com/

Bus from San Diego to Los Angeles Union Station

Average Duration

2h 30m

Estimated price

$12-55

Bus from Los Angeles Downtown to Palm Springs Downtown

Average Duration

Estimated price

$11-50

Contact phone

+1 214-849-8100

Website

https://www.greyhound.com/

Bus from San Diego Greyhound Bus Stop to Los Angeles Union Station

Average Duration

2h 45m

Estimated price

$12-50

Contact phone

+52 800 890 6821

Website

https://www.greyhound.com.mx/

Bus from San Diego to Los Angeles Union Station

Average Duration

3h 40m

Estimated price

$16-40

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

Traveling between San Diego and Palm Springs 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.

🚗 Embark on a picturesque road trip from San Diego to Palm Springs, covering a distance of 204.4 km in just over two hours. Marvel at the changing landscapes as you journey through Southern California. 💰 Enjoy the flexibility of pricing options ranging from $23 to $35 for the drive to Palm Springs, allowing you to choose a budget-friendly travel experience. 🌴 Arrive in Palm Springs refreshed and ready to explore its vibrant attractions, from luxurious spas to stunning golf courses. The convenience of a car will offer you the freedom to visit popular landmarks like Joshua Tree National Park and the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

Average price

$23 - $35

🚆 Embark on a scenic train journey from San Diego to Palm Springs, covering a distance of 376.6 km in approximately 5 hours and 35 minutes with a transfer along the way. 🌴 The first leg of the trip involves boarding the Pacific Surfliner train at San Diego and enjoying a leisurely 2-hour and 56-minute ride to Union Station in Los Angeles. ☀️ The next part of the adventure includes hopping on the Sunset Limited train towards New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal, where you'll travel for about 2 hours and 36 minutes before arriving at the picturesque Palm Springs

Useful tips for train travellers

• Onboard Services: Amtrak is the primary operator for train services from San Diego to Palm Springs. They offer a café car with a range of snacks, beverages, and light meals available for purchase. Be sure to check the menu in advance to know what options are available, especially for dietary restrictions.

• Seating Options: Amtrak provides several seating types for this route, including Business Class and Economy. Business Class offers more spacious seating, complimentary beverages, and a quieter environment, making it a good choice if you're looking for comfort. Economy Class is more budget-friendly, with standard seating and amenities.

• Arrival Station Tip: Upon arriving at Palm Springs Station, note that there are no luggage storage facilities, but you can find restrooms available. Make sure to visit them before heading out. For easy navigation and to enjoy the surrounding areas, grab a taxi or check the local bus services immediately outside the station.

🚌 The bus journey from San Diego to Palm Springs involves a transfer at Fullerton Amtrak Station and takes approximately 5 hours 40 minutes. 🛤️ Route 1 includes a transfer in Los Angeles and Indio. The total duration of this route is about 6 hours 25 minutes covering a distance of 304.2 km. 💰 Bus fares between Palm Springs and San Diego can range from $28 to $92, providing an affordable option for travelers looking to explore these two Californian cities.

Departure Point

Santa Fe Depot, CA station

Arrival Point

Palm Springs Amtrak Bus Stop station

Useful tips for bus travellers

• Make sure to check the schedules for both Greyhound and Amtrak as the transfers between Santa Fe Depot in San Diego and the Palm Springs Amtrak Bus Stop require careful timing; you can find the schedules at Greyhound Schedule and Amtrak Schedule.

• Consider bringing some snacks and drinks, as the bus trip can take up to 7 hours and amenities may be limited; there are several convenience stores near the Santa Fe Depot where you can stock up before your journey.

• Upon arriving at the Palm Springs Amtrak Bus Stop, be prepared for a smaller station setting; grab a map or ask at the information desk for local public transport options such as SunLine Transit buses that can take you to various destinations around Palm Springs quickly.

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between San Diego and Palm Springs is approximately 136.8 km by road. Depending on the mode of transportation, travel times can vary. By taking a combination of train and bus, it usually takes around 5 hours and 16 minutes to reach Palm Springs from San Diego. If driving by car, it typically takes about 2 hours and 13 minutes to travel from Palm Springs back to San Diego. Alternatively, taking a bus directly from San Diego to Palm Springs can take approximately 8 hours and 29 minutes.

The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from San Diego to Palm Springs is to drive. It takes approximately 2 hours and 13 minutes, and the cost ranges from $23-$35. Taking a train and then a bus is also an option, but it takes significantly longer, about 5 hours and 16 minutes, and the cost may vary. Other modes of transportation such as buses can take up to 8 hours and 29 minutes, making driving the most efficient choice.

The prices for a bus trip between Palm Springs and San Diego vary depending on the provider and type of ticket. The cost can range from $24 to $108.

To travel from San Diego to Palm Springs without using public transportation, your best option is to drive. The distance between the two cities is around 204.4 km, and it takes approximately 2 hours and 13 minutes to drive from San Diego to Palm Springs. The prices for car rentals or fuel costs typically range between $23 to $35, depending on the specific vehicle and current gas prices.

The best way to travel from San Diego to Palm Springs without a car is by taking a train and then a bus. This option takes approximately 5 hours and 16 minutes.

There is no direct bus connection between San Diego and Palm Springs. However, there are bus services available with transfers that take approximately 5 hours and 40 minutes. These services are operated by Amtrak and depart from San Diego Santa Fe Depot station and arrive at Palm Springs Amtrak Bus Stop station.

There are numerous accommodation options available near Palm Springs. With over 1412 hotels to choose from, travelers can find options that suit their preferences and budgets. Prices start at $49, providing a range of choices for different budgets.