Santa Cruz, CA, USA to Palm Springs, CA, USA from $30: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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How to Get from Santa Cruz to Palm Springs: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

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$30 - Train, BusBest price

612 kmDistance

5h 1m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz to Palm Springs

Embarking on a journey from Santa Cruz to Palm Springs takes you from the lush coastal vibes and vibrant boardwalks to the arid desert oasis known for its luxurious resorts and chic nightlife.

Best Neighbourhoods in Palm Springs

Palm Springs offers diverse neighborhoods, each with its own distinct charm.

Palm Canyon Drive

• Lined with trendy shops and restaurants.

• Vibrant nightlife and cultural experiences.

Sunny Dunes

• Known for its vintage charm and mid-century homes.

• Close to the iconic Palm Springs flea market.

Tahquitz River Estates

• Serene atmosphere with lush landscapes.

• Perfect for hiking enthusiasts and outdoor activities.

Best Times To Visit Palm Springs's Attractions

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

Joshua Tree National Park

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

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Weekdays during the off-peak season offer shorter lines and stunning views.

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

Arriving at opening time lets you enjoy animal feeding and cooler weather.

Palm Springs Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Palm Springs enjoys a warm desert climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters, making it a year-round destination. Visiting in spring or fall offers comfortable temperatures and ideal conditions for outdoor activities, enhancing your overall travel experience.

Dining Recommendation in Palm Springs

Consider visiting Birba, where the vibrant atmosphere and standout wood-fired pizzas offer a delightful contrast to the fresh seafood of Santa Cruz. The use of locally sourced ingredients and bold flavors in the dishes adds a distinct twist to your dining experience, making it a memorable part of your Palm Springs visit.

Santa Cruz - Palm Springs operators

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

Bus

Contact phone

+1 (831) 425-8600

Website

http://www.scmtd.com

Bus from Soquel Ave & Front to Diridon Station

Average Duration

Estimated price

$308-6663

Bus from Ocean & Water to Diridon Station

Average Duration

56m

Estimated price

$308-6663

Contact phone

+1 214-849-8100

Website

https://www.greyhound.com/

Bus from San Jose Diridon Station to Los Angeles Union Station

Average Duration

Estimated price

$66655-306

Contact phone

+1 (855) 626-8585

Website

https://www.flixbus.com/

Bus from Los Angeles Downtown to Palm Springs Downtown

Average Duration

Estimated price

$66671-66660

Train

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

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

Train from Salinas to Los Angeles

Average Duration

9h 5m

Estimated price

$66675-6660

Train from San Jose to Los Angeles

Average Duration

10h 45m

Estimated price

$66677-2058

Contact phone

+1 800-660-4287

Website

http://www.caltrain.com

Train from San Jose Diridon Caltrain to Millbrae Caltrain

Average Duration

1h 12m

Estimated price

$6663-6664

Plane

Website

http://southwest.com

Plane from San Jose (SJC) to Indio/Palm Springs (PSP)

Average Duration

1h 15m

Estimated price

$2057-20550

Website

http://united.com

Plane from San Francisco to Indio/Palm Springs

Average Duration

1h 45m

Estimated price

$6661-480

Website

http://alaskaair.com

Plane from San Francisco to Indio/Palm Springs

Average Duration

1h 32m

Estimated price

$6660-6662

Santa Cruz to Palm Springs: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Santa Cruz 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 scenic road trip from Santa Cruz to Palm Springs, covering a distance of 445 miles. Enjoy the diverse landscapes as you journey through California. 🚗 The drive typically takes around 7 hours and 35 minutes, offering plenty of opportunities to explore charming towns and make memorable pit stops along the way. ☀️ Experience the ultimate California road trip within a budget, with car travel costs ranging from $80 to $120 for the journey from Santa Cruz to the sunny destination of Palm Springs.

Average price

$80 - $120

🛫 Your journey from Santa Cruz to Palm Springs begins with a quick flight from San Jose Airport to Indio/Palm Springs Airport, lasting just 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Departure Point

San Jose Airport

Arrival Point

Indio/Palm Springs Airport

🚌 Despite there being no direct bus from Santa Cruz to Palm Springs, travelers can easily make the journey with transfers. The route typically involves stops in San Jose and Los Angeles, with the total travel time lasting around 12 hours and 58 minutes. 💸 Prices for the bus ride between Palm Springs and Santa Cruz range from $48 to $147, offering a cost-effective means of transportation for those seeking to explore the diverse landscapes and attractions of California.

Departure Point

Soquel Ave & Front station

Arrival Point

Palm Springs Downtown station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Santa Cruz to Palm Springs.

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The distance between Santa Cruz and Palm Springs is approximately 380 miles. By car, it takes about 7 hours and 35 minutes to travel between the two cities. If you prefer public transportation, you can take a bus, which would take approximately 12 hours and 19 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a bus to San Jose, then fly to Palm Springs, which would take around 5 hours and 13 minutes.

The most cost-effective way to travel from Santa Cruz to Palm Springs is by train and bus, which takes about 17 hours and 49 minutes and costs between $30 and $210. However, if time is a priority, the quickest option is to take a bus to San Jose and then fly to Palm Springs, which takes about 5 hours and 13 minutes and costs between $200 and $650. Both options offer different trade-offs between cost and travel time, allowing travelers to choose based on their individual preferences.

The prices for a bus trip between Palm Springs and Santa Cruz can range from $48 to $147. The cost can vary depending on factors such as the time of travel, the bus company, and any discounts or promotions available. It is recommended to check with different bus operators and compare prices to find the best deal for your journey.

To get from Santa Cruz to Palm Springs without using public transportation, you can consider driving. The distance between the two cities is 445 miles, and it takes approximately 7 hours and 35 minutes to drive. The cost of the trip can vary, but it is usually between $80 and $120 for gas and tolls. Keep in mind that this option allows for flexibility and convenience, as you can stop and explore different places along the way.

To travel from Santa Cruz to Palm Springs without a car, the best option is to take a bus and a night bus. The journey takes approximately 12 hours and 19 minutes and the ticket prices range from $45 to $150. This option is convenient for those who don't have access to a car or prefer not to drive long distances. It allows you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic views during your travel.

No, there is no direct link between Santa Cruz and Palm Springs by bus. However, there are bus services available with transfers. The journey takes approximately 12 hours and 19 minutes, including transfers at San Jose Diridon Station and Los Angeles Downtown. The bus services are operated by Santa Cruz Metro and Flixbus USA.

The flight between Santa Cruz and Palm Springs typically takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. This is the quickest and most convenient option for travel between the two cities. As for the cost, it can vary depending on the time of year and availability, but on average, a direct flight from San Jose Airport to Indio/Palm Springs Airport can cost anywhere from $100 to $300.

There are plenty of options for accommodation near Palm Springs. There are over 1,412 hotels available in the area, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury resorts. Prices start at $49, making it possible to find a suitable option for any budget. Whether you prefer a hotel, resort, or vacation rental, there are numerous choices available for travelers visiting Palm Springs.

Santa Cruz, CA, USA to Palm Springs, CA, USA from $30: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car

How to Get from Santa Cruz to Palm Springs: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

See more options

Traveling From Santa Cruz to Palm Springs

Best Neighbourhoods in Palm Springs

Best Times To Visit Palm Springs's Attractions

Palm Springs Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Dining Recommendation in Palm Springs

Santa Cruz - Palm Springs operators

Santa Cruz to Palm Springs: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Frequently asked questions

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