Getting Around Palm Springs, CA: A Complete Transportation Guide

If you are planning a trip to the desert or looking at homes for sale in Palm Springs, you have probably heard the lore about the "Two-Hour Rule." Back in the Golden Age of Hollywood, actors under studio contract had to remain within two hours of Los Angeles in case they were called back to set. That rule is exactly why Palm Springs boomed into the celebrity haven it is today.

But history aside, the "two-hour rule" won't help you figure out how to get from your hotel to the Aerial Tramway today.

The most common question I get from clients and visitors is: "Do I actually need a car here?" The short answer is usually yes, unless you plan on never leaving the downtown strip. While Palm Springs is relaxing, it is also a sprawling desert city. Here is the lowdown on driving, parking, biking, and busing your way through the Coachella Valley.

Driving in Palm Springs - The Most Popular Option

Because the desert is spread out and summer temperatures frequently exceed 100°F, driving is the primary way for locals and visitors to navigate the area. While the city's grid layout is relatively simple, here is what you need to know about getting behind the wheel:

Understand the Main Arteries: Palm Canyon Drive is the heart of the city, but it becomes a one-way street heading south in the downtown district. If you need to head north, you will primarily use Indian Canyon Drive.

Expect Seasonal Traffic: While generally never bad, it does get worse during "the season"-January to April-or during the Coachella and Stagecoach events.

Day Trips: If one plans excursions to Joshua Tree, Desert Hot Springs spas, or the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, a rental car becomes virtually necessary, even if one wants to be generally sedentary by the pool.

Take Advantage of EV Charging: Palm Springs has one of the highest densities of EV chargers per capita, with Tesla Superchargers and Level 2 stations widely available at hotels, public lots, and shopping centers.

Beat the Heat: Owning your own car offers a much-needed reprieve from the searing desert sun, in which one can travel from point A to point B in comfort with conditioned air.

Downtown Parking: Is It Hard to Find?

If you are coming from a major metropolitan area, you can relax. Unlike the high costs and scarcity typical of Los Angeles or San Francisco, parking in Downtown Palm Springs is remarkably stress-free. Most visitors find that parking is abundant and easy to navigate, provided you know where to look.

Abundant Free Parking: Almost all parking in the downtown business district is free. This includes the curbside spots located directly on Palm Canyon Drive and its surrounding side streets.

Strict Time Limits: While you won't have to feed a meter, the city strictly enforces time limits on street parking. Most prime spots are limited to 3 or 4 hours, so always check the posted signs to avoid a ticket.

The Multi-Level Public Garage: For a guaranteed spot, use the large public garage located near the Hyatt and the Palm Springs Art Museum. It is free, centrally located, and provides shade to keep your car cool in the desert heat.

Arrival Strategy: Finding a spot is usually effortless, but during the peak "season" (January through April) or on busy weekend evenings, you may need to circle the block once or twice or head straight for the public garage.

No Overnight Parking: Most public lots and the downtown garage prohibit parking between 3:00 AM and 6:00 AM. If you are staying overnight, you will need to use your hotel's designated parking or find a residential street without restrictions.

EV Charging Access: If you drive an electric vehicle, the downtown parking structures are excellent resources, as they often house Level 2 charging stations that are free or low-cost for public use.

Public Transportation: SunLine Transit Agency

If you are sticking to a budget or just prefer not to drive, the local bus system is a solid option. The system is run by the SunLine Transit Agency, which is famous in the transit world for running a clean fleet powered by hydrogen fuel cells and electricity.

For tourists and visitors, Route 111 (often just called Route 1) is the most important line. It runs all the way down Highway 111, connecting Palm Springs to the neighboring cities of Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, and Palm Desert. It’s reliable, though obviously slower than driving. Routes 2 and 4 are local loops that serve residential areas and the airport.

The "Buzz" Trolley

You might see cute, retro-looking trolleys driving around town. This is The Buzz. It is a service specifically designed for visitors and locals to hop between downtown and the uptown design district without moving their cars.

Typically, The Buzz runs Thursday through Saturday. It is generally free (or very low cost), making it a favorite for people grabbing dinner and drinks who don't want to worry about an Uber. Just double-check the current schedule on the SunLine website before you head out, as hours can shift seasonally.

For payment on standard buses, you don't need exact change if you download the Token Transit app. It lets you buy passes on your phone for about $1 per ride, which saves a lot of fumbling for quarters.

Rideshare, Taxis, and Private Shuttles

If you don't want to rent a car but need more freedom than the bus offers, rideshare apps are your best friend.

Uber and Lyft are readily available throughout the city. If you are in downtown or the main hotel corridors, wait times are usually very short. However, if you are staying in a more remote rental home up near the Tramway or further out in the cove, allow a little extra time for a driver to get to you.

Traditional taxis are still around, with Yellow Cab of the Desert being the main operator, but most visitors stick to the apps.

Cost-wise, popping around downtown is very affordable. However, be warned: the Coachella Valley is massive. If you try to Uber from Palm Springs to a concert in Indio, you are looking at a 20+ mile trip that can get expensive, especially with surge pricing.

Is Palm Springs Walkable?

The answer to this depends entirely on where you plant your feet.

The "Yes" Zone

If you are staying near Palm Canyon Drive (roughly between Alejo Road and Ramon Road), the city is incredibly walkable. You have blocks of restaurants, boutiques, the Art Museum, and coffee shops all within easy strolling distance.

The "No" Zone

Most golf course communities, resorts, and vacation rental neighborhoods are not walkable in the traditional sense. The blocks here are long, and residential areas often don't have sidewalks on both sides. You cannot simply walk out your front door and expect to stumble upon a grocery store.

The Heat Factor

I cannot stress this enough: Walkability changes with the season. In January, a 20-minute walk is lovely. In July, when it is 110°F, a 20-minute walk can be dangerous. During the summer, you should only plan on walking early in the morning or after sunset. Midday is for the pool or the A/C.

Biking in Palm Springs

Because the city is built on the valley floor, it is remarkably flat, making it a cyclist's dream. Biking here is less about commuting to work and more about leisure and lifestyle.

You will see designated bike lanes throughout the city, particularly in historic neighborhoods like The Movie Colony and Old Las Palmas. These are fantastic areas to ride through to see the mid-century modern architecture.

Many hotels offer loaner bikes to guests, and there are dedicated shops like Bike Palm Springs for rentals. You will also likely spot the "Social Cycle" downtown—those large, pedal-powered party bars. They are fun for bachelorette parties, but obviously not a practical way to get to the airport!

Getting To and From Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)

Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is consistently rated one of the most stress-free airports in the country. One major reason is its location: it is practically inside the city, only about 2 to 3 miles from downtown.

Because it is so close, your travel time from the tarmac to your hotel is minimal.

Rideshare: There is a designated pickup zone for Uber and Lyft right outside baggage claim.

Hotel Shuttles: Many local hotels offer free shuttle service since the airport is so close. Check with your front desk before you land.

Rental Cars: All the major agencies are located on-site, so you don't have to take a bus to a remote lot to get your keys.

Bus: SunLine Route 2 stops nearby, but it runs infrequently. Unless you are on a strict shoestring budget, a rideshare is much faster.

Train & Regional Bus Connections (Amtrak & FlixBus)

If you are arriving by train, there is a very specific "watch out" you need to know.

The Amtrak Station (PSN) is not where you think it is. It is located about 8 miles north of downtown on North Indian Canyon Drive. This is a desolate, extremely windy area with no station staff, no building, and no amenities. If you get off a train there at 10 PM, you will be standing in the dark desert wind waiting for an Uber that might take 20 minutes to arrive.

A much better option is the Amtrak Thruway Bus, which connects from other rail hubs directly to downtown Palm Springs.

For regional budget travel, FlixBus and Greyhound operate routes here, often stopping at the airport or specific intermodal spots. These are generally more convenient and safer feeling than the desolate train station stop.

FAQs

Can you get around Palm Springs without a car?

Yes, but only if you are staying directly in the downtown area or the Uptown Design District. If you stay there, you can walk to dinner and use Uber for occasional trips. If you stay at a golf resort or a residential Airbnb, you really need a car.

What is the "Two-Hour Rule"?

This is a piece of Hollywood history, not a parking regulation! In the 1930s and 40s, movie studios required actors to stay within two hours of Los Angeles so they could return to the set quickly. Palm Springs fell exactly within that radius, which is why it became the playground for stars like Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe.

Is the Palm Springs Tramway accessible by bus?

Sort of. The SunLine Route 1 stops at the bottom of Tramway Road, but the actual Tram station is several miles up a very steep hill. You cannot walk it. You should drive, take a taxi, or use a rideshare to get to the Tramway's entrance.

Is parking free in Palm Springs?

Yes, the vast majority of parking in downtown Palm Springs is free, including the public garage and street parking. Just be mindful of the time limits (usually 3 or 4 hours) posted on signs to avoid a ticket.