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Palm Desert, CA, USA to Santa Monica, CA, USA from $24: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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from
Palm Desert, United States of America
to
Santa Monica, United States of America

How to Get from Palm Desert to Santa Monica: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$24 by carBest price
220 kmDistance
2h 18m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Palm Desert to Santa Monica 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.

Company
Various
Bus
Train
Average Duration
5h  26m
Estimated price
$77-121
Recommended
Company
Various
Drive
Average Duration
2h  18m
Estimated price
$24-40
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 220 km
Duration: 2h 18m

See more options

Company
Various
Bus
Bus
Average Duration
6h  21m
Estimated price
$0-0
Company
Amtrak
Bus
Average Duration
5h  31m
Estimated price
$24-40
Company
Various
Plane
Bus
Average Duration
2h  29m
Estimated price
$229-618

Traveling From Palm Desert to Santa Monica

The journey from Palm Desert to Santa Monica offers a striking contrast between the tranquil desert landscapes and the vibrant coastal city life, inviting you to explore diverse experiences along the way.

Best Neighbourhoods in Santa Monica

Santa Monica boasts vibrant neighborhoods that cater to diverse interests.

Downtown Santa Monica
• Home to the iconic Santa Monica Pier.
• Vibrant shopping and dining options abound.
Ocean Park
• Features beautiful beaches and scenic parks.
• Known for its laid-back, artistic vibe.
Montana Avenue
• Charming boutiques and gourmet cafes line the streets.
• Offers a quieter, upscale ambiance.

Best Times To Visit Santa Monica's Attractions

Maximize your experience in Santa Monica by timing your visits right.

Santa Monica Pier
Visit early morning or on weekdays for smaller crowds and stunning ocean views.
Third Street Promenade
Afternoons during weekdays provide a quieter shopping experience.
Palisades Park
Go at sunset for breathtaking views and fewer visitors along the path.

Santa Monica Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Santa Monica enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers, making it inviting throughout the year. The pleasant weather enhances outdoor activities, but late spring to early fall offers the best beach days and events.

Dining Recommendation in Santa Monica

Visit Cassia, a lively restaurant that blends Southeast Asian flavors with Californian ingredients; the whole roasted Dungeness crab with garlic, herbs, and lime is a standout dish. This vibrant dining experience, featuring ocean-inspired décor and a diverse menu, offers a refreshing contrast to the more traditional fare you might find in Palm Desert.

Palm Desert - Santa Monica operators

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

Bus
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Bus from Palm Desert Amtrak Bus Stop to Fullerton Amtrak Station

Average Duration
2h 50m
Estimated price
0-0
Contact phone
+1 866 691 9732
Website
eplalimo.com

Bus from Indio, CA to San Bernardino, CA

Average Duration
1h 20m
Estimated price
1210-40
Contact phone
+1-323-466-3876
Website
https://www.metro.net/

Bus from Cesar E Chavez / Alameda to 5th / Santa Monica

Average Duration
1h 42m
Estimated price
1212-1212
Contact phone
+1 310-451-5444
Website
bigbluebus.com

Bus from Aviation/Lax to 4Th Nb & Colorado Fs

Average Duration
56m
Estimated price
1211-1212
Train
Website
https://metrolinktrains.com

Train from San Bernardino - Downtown station to L. A. Union Station station

Average Duration
1h 43m
Estimated price
774-775
Plane
Website
united.com

Plane from Indio/Palm Springs (PSP) to Los Angeles (LAX)

Average Duration
1h 2m
Estimated price
772-773

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Palm Desert to Santa Monica.

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The distance between Palm Desert and Santa Monica is 124 miles by direct route, or 137 miles by road. The typical travel time by car is 2 hours and 18 minutes. If you prefer to take public transportation, it would take approximately 8 hours and 16 minutes by taking a bus and then a train. By solely taking a bus, the travel time is around 5 hours and 32 minutes.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Palm Desert to Santa Monica is by driving. It takes approximately 2 hours and 18 minutes to drive the 124-mile distance between the two cities. This option is relatively affordable, with estimated costs ranging from $24 to $40 for fuel and tolls. Alternatively, taking a bus and then a line 33 bus can be a more affordable option, with costs ranging from $14 to $55, but it takes longer, around 6 hours and 47 minutes.
To travel from Palm Desert to Santa Monica without using public transportation, you can opt to drive by car. The distance between the two cities is approximately 137 miles, and it takes about 2 hours and 18 minutes to drive between the two locations. The cost of the journey by car may vary, with prices ranging from $24 to $40 for fuel and tolls.
To travel from Palm Desert to Santa Monica without a car, the best option is to take a bus. The journey takes approximately 5 hours and 32 minutes. The bus is a convenient and affordable mode of transportation for this route.
There is no direct bus route between Palm Desert and Santa Monica. However, you can still travel between the two cities by taking a combination of buses. The journey typically takes around 6h 47m, including transfers. The buses depart from Town Center & Hahn in Palm Desert and arrive at 5th / Santa Monica in Santa Monica. The service is operated by Flixbus USA and Metro Los Angeles.
The flight from Palm Desert to Santa Monica typically takes around 1 hour. This is the quickest and most convenient mode of transportation between the two cities. The cost of the flight varies depending on the airline and time of booking, but it typically ranges from $100 to $300 one way.
There are numerous accommodation options available near Santa Monica. With over 1410 hotels to choose from, travelers can find a variety of options to suit their preferences and budgets. Prices for hotels in the area start at $87 per night. From luxurious beachfront resorts to budget-friendly motels, Santa Monica offers a range of choices for visitors looking to stay in the area.

Trips to Santa Monica