Getting Here
We are easily reached by air, via Palm Springs International Airport. This award-winning facility is just one mile from the heart of downtown, and has regular service from Alaska Airlines, American, American Eagle, Northwest, United, United Express, America West Express, American Eagle, Skywest, and US Airways Express.
Your airline reservationist or travel agent can also arrange connections to and from airports in Los Angeles, Ontario or San Diego (all in southern California), and she can arrange your car rental. Your final destination is just a scenic 2-hour drive inland from any of these major airports.
In fact, Palm Springs is an easy drive from (or to) diverse locations such as Tucson, AZ (381 miles, 6-7 hours); Phoenix, AZ (280 miles, 5 hours); Santa Barbara, CA (199 miles, 4 hours); San Francisco, CA (504 miles, 9 hours); Laughlin or Las Vegas, NV (240-280 miles, 4-5 hours). Detailed driving directions and maps are available from online map services such as Yahoo! or MapBlast.
You can get here by train via Amtrak's Sunset Limited which runs a scenic cross-country line between Los Angeles and Florida. (800) USA-RAIL (872-7245).
Amtrak's Bakersfield-to-Indio bus service stops daily in Palm Springs at the Palm Springs Bus Depot, 311 N. Indian Canyon Dr. 325-2053. Greyhound also offers frequent and convenient service from here.
Getting Around
California miles are truly "country" miles. The best way to get around on your own is by auto or bike. Both can be rented by the day or week. If you rent a car, get 4-wheel drive to take advantage of the numerous off-road adventures lurking around every bend. Or try one of the scenic tour companies, whose friendly guides are a wealth of local information and history.
For getting around in town, taxis are available but expensive, since the cities are flat and spread out. Try the bus. We've got one of the most non-polluting, eco-friendly public transportation systems in the nation and perhaps the world. The SunBus line uses natural gas instead of gasoline to fumelessly power their buses.
And since people who live here are always in a good mood, you can expect friendly assistance from the natives. As a matter of fact, you probably won't need it. It's impossible to get lost - you just have to point yourself at the mountains; they are never out of view. For more information, routes and prices for Buses & Taxis.
More Info
Food, Accommodation and Services
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Questions?
If you want more information about this area you can email the author or check out our North America Insiders page.
