Enterprise Car Hire
Palm Springs

The most reliable way to confirm opening hours for a late-night arrival is to check the specific location details on the Enterprise website or on your reservation confirmation. Airport car rental desks often adjust their hours to accommodate the final scheduled flights of the day. However, it is always best practice to verify this information in advance, particularly if your flight is delayed. This simple step ensures a smooth, stress-free start to your trip, whatever time you land.

Palm Springs International Airport makes this straightforward with a consolidated Rental Car Center accessible by a short shuttle ride. After collecting your belongings from baggage claim, follow signs for Ground Transportation and Rental Car Shuttles. These shuttles run frequently and are designed to accommodate travellers with luggage, prams and other items. The designated shuttle stop is just outside the terminal, providing a direct link to the pickup facility.

If you arrive first, the best approach is to collect your luggage and then wait for your companion in the main terminal. The primary renter whose name appears on the booking must be present at the counter to collect the vehicle. Find a comfortable spot in the baggage claim area or at one of the airport cafés. Once your companion arrives and has their bags, you can proceed together to the rental car centre to complete the paperwork.

During major events like the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, Stagecoach or Modernism Week, it’s wise to add at least 45 to 60 minutes to your usual airport timeline. The influx of visitors means baggage claim can take longer, and you’re likely to encounter queues for the rental car shuttle and at the rental counter itself. Planning for this extra buffer helps reduce stress and ensures you’re not rushed as you start your visit to Palm Springs.

For an easy, direct route into downtown, exit the airport area via S El Cielo Road and turn right onto E Tahquitz Canyon Way. This main street takes you directly west into the heart of Palm Springs, intersecting with principal thoroughfares like Sunrise Way and Palm Canyon Drive. The route is well signed and avoids complex interchanges, making it ideal for visitors new to the area who want a simple start to their drive.

Rather than stopping on the busy airport roads, a much safer, more relaxed option is to drive a few minutes to a nearby commercial centre. The car parks of large supermarkets or shopping plazas along Ramon Road or Gene Autry Trail offer ample space to get organised. There you can take your time setting up your GPS, adjusting mirrors and seats, and securing loose items without the pressure of holding up traffic.

Many hotels and resorts in downtown Palm Springs offer their own surface parking lots, which provide a convenient, spacious option for guests. Additionally, the city has several public parking structures that are modern and well designed, offering an alternative to older, tighter garages. It’s always a good idea to call your hotel in advance to ask about their specific parking arrangements and whether parking is on-site or nearby.

Navigating downtown Palm Springs, particularly along the main strip of Palm Canyon Drive, requires attention to one-way sections and dedicated turn lanes. To make it easier, use a sat-nav with lane guidance and try to get into the required lane well before you need to turn. Be especially mindful of pedestrians who frequently cross the street in this busy area. A little advance planning makes driving to dinner much smoother.

The Palm Springs area is known for occasional high winds, which can be particularly strong on exposed roads like Gene Autry Trail, Vista Chino and stretches of the I-10. When driving in these conditions, maintain a firm two-handed grip on the steering wheel to counter sudden gusts. Blowing sand can also reduce visibility, so slow down, increase your following distance and be cautious when near high-profile vehicles such as lorries or motorhomes.

To manage the summer heat, try to consolidate errands into a single stop at a shopping centre with multiple stores or a large supermarket. This allows you to park once and accomplish several tasks on foot. When you do park, always use a reflective sunshade in the windscreen to help keep the interior temperature down. Planning the most active outdoor sightseeing for early morning or evening will also make your trip much more comfortable.

During weekday commute times, I-10 East can experience congestion heading towards Palm Desert. For a more relaxed, scenic alternative, consider taking Highway 111. While the speed limit is lower and there are traffic lights, it runs parallel to the freeway and passes through the heart of several valley towns. This surface street often feels less stressful than freeway driving and offers easy access to shops and restaurants along the way.

The key to a smooth drive to La Quinta is to set your sat-nav before you leave the airport and pay close attention to signs for I-10 East. The airport access roads will guide you towards the motorway entrance. Once on the I-10, travel east for several miles before taking an exit such as Washington Street or Jefferson Street south into La Quinta. Knowing your exit in advance allows you to move into the correct lane early and avoid abrupt manoeuvres.

Highway 111 is the main artery running through Rancho Mirage and provides direct access to most major resorts. However, it can get congested during large events. To avoid hold-ups, check a real-time traffic app before you start driving. Often, parallel routes like Frank Sinatra Drive or Country Club Drive can be excellent, less-crowded alternatives for reaching your destination without getting caught in event-related traffic.

For most visitors driving from Palm Springs, the West Entrance Station, located just outside the town of Joshua Tree, is the most logical and popular choice. This entrance provides the most direct access to many of the park’s iconic features, including Skull Rock, Jumbo Rocks and the Hidden Valley area. The drive from Palm Springs involves taking I-10 East to Highway 62 North, which leads you directly to the park’s gateway communities.

A good plan is to leave Palm Springs early in the morning to enjoy a full day exploring the park in daylight. Many visitors aim to watch the sunset from a viewpoint like Keys View, which is spectacular. By starting your drive back towards Palm Springs immediately after the sun sets, you’ll be driving during twilight and can reach the main, well-lit highways before it becomes completely dark, which is ideal for those unfamiliar with the area.

The towns of Yucca Valley and Joshua Tree, located along Highway 62 just before you reach the park’s West Entrance, are the perfect places to stop. You’ll find several large supermarkets, petrol stations and fast-food outlets where you can stock up on water, food and other supplies. It’s essential to do this before entering the park, as services inside are extremely limited and there is no running water in most areas.

A trip to the Salton Sea takes you through remote, sparsely populated areas, so preparation is key. Ensure your car has a full tank of fuel before you leave the main towns, and pack plenty of water and snacks. Mobile phone service can be spotty or non-existent in many areas, so it’s highly recommended to download maps for offline use. The main roads are paved, but be cautious of sand that can drift onto the carriageway.

A great loop starts by driving south from Palm Springs on S Palm Canyon Drive to explore the Indian Canyons. Afterwards you can head east across the valley on a road like Frank Sinatra Drive or Country Club Drive towards the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument visitor centre. From there it’s a short drive to the Coachella Valley Preserve. To return, take Ramon Road west back towards Palm Springs, completing a scenic and efficient tour.

The drive up Tramway Road to the car parks can be slow on busy weekends due to the volume of visitors. The road is steep and winding, but well maintained. To secure a parking space in the main lots and avoid long waits, it’s highly advisable to arrive early, preferably before 10:00. Later arrivals may have to use overflow lots further down the mountain and take a shuttle up to the Valley Station.

When driving through iconic neighbourhoods like Vista Las Palmas or the Movie Colony, it’s crucial to be respectful of residents. Drive slowly, as these are quiet residential streets, not a tourist park. Always park legally and avoid blocking driveways. The best way to appreciate the architecture is from the public street or pavement; remember these are private homes, so please do not walk onto anyone’s property.

The drive to Idyllwild via Highway 74, known as the Palms to Pines Highway, is beautiful but features many sharp bends and a significant climb in elevation. If any passengers are prone to motion sickness, drive smoothly and at a moderate pace. Fortunately, the route has numerous scenic turnouts and vista points. These are perfect, safe places to pull over, take a break, get some fresh air and enjoy the stunning views of the Coachella Valley below.

To have the most pleasant drive to Temecula, try to travel outside peak commute hours. A good strategy is to leave Palm Springs after 09:30 on a weekday to miss the morning rush heading west. For your return trip, aim to leave Temecula before 15:00 or after 19:00 to avoid the heavy eastbound commuter traffic that builds up through the Inland Empire. This timing can make a significant difference to your journey.

The route to San Diego primarily follows I-10 West and I-15 South. The town of Temecula serves as an excellent midway point for a break, with numerous petrol stations, restaurants and shops located conveniently right off the motorway exits. Further south, the town of Escondido also offers plenty of easy-to-access services, making it another great option for stretching your legs or grabbing a bite without a major detour.

Note: The original asked about Los Angeles. Assuming correct destination is Los Angeles: The most direct route is I-10 West all the way into Los Angeles. While any motorway into a major city can be intense, the I-10 is a wide, well-signed interstate. To minimise stress, try to travel during off-peak hours, such as between 10:00 and 14:00. Staying in the middle lanes can also help, as it reduces the need to deal with traffic merging on and off the freeway, allowing for a steadier drive.

During the major music festivals, expect significant traffic delays and road closures throughout the eastern Coachella Valley. I-10, Highway 111 and main arteries like Jefferson, Washington and Monroe become heavily congested, especially around the Empire Polo Club in Indio. It’s essential to allow several extra hours for any travel in this area and to check for official detour information before you head out.

During the BNP Paribas Open, traffic in and around Indian Wells becomes extremely heavy, particularly on Highway 111, Miles Avenue and Washington Street near the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Expect significant delays, especially before the first matches of the day and after the evening sessions conclude. Local authorities manage traffic flow with special routing, so follow signs and allow plenty of extra time to get to your destination.

To ensure a relaxed and timely arrival for an early tee time, it’s a good idea to leave Palm Springs about 45 to 60 minutes before you need to be there. Morning commuter traffic heading east on I-10 and Highway 111 can build up, especially on weekdays. Giving yourself this extra cushion accounts for potential delays and lets you start your day of golf without the stress of rushing.

After leaving the airport, you’ll find several convenient, large supermarkets just a few minutes’ drive away. Heading east on Ramon Road or north on Gene Autry Trail will take you directly to major stores like Ralphs, Albertsons and Trader Joe’s. These locations have spacious car parks, making it easy to pull in with your rental car and stock up on all the supplies you need for your stay.

For a quick and easy break with children, several local parks are conveniently located. Demuth Park is very close to the airport and offers a playground and plenty of space to run around. Another excellent option is Ruth Hardy Park, located more centrally in Palm Springs, which features large grassy areas and multiple play structures. These spots are perfect for letting children burn off some energy before the next leg of your journey.

As you drive through the different towns of the Coachella Valley, be aware that speed limits can change frequently on main roads like Highway 111 and Ramon Road. The limit will often decrease as you enter more densely populated commercial or residential areas. It’s important to pay close attention to posted speed limit signs, as local law enforcement actively patrols these thoroughfares to ensure safety for all road users.

A common navigation challenge for visitors is the grid-like layout with many parallel roads and streets that have similar-sounding names, often named after celebrities or golf courses. It’s easy to turn onto the wrong street. Using a sat-nav is almost essential, and it’s a good habit to double-check the city name (e.g. Palm Springs vs. Palm Desert) when entering an address to ensure you’re headed to the correct location.

For a smooth return process, the best strategy is to first drop off your passengers and all the luggage at the airline departure curb. This allows them to proceed to check-in while one person drives the car to the rental return facility. After returning the vehicle, the driver can take the quick shuttle back to the terminal, unencumbered by bags, making the entire process faster and more efficient for everyone.

When driving toward the airport from the west at sunrise, the most significant challenge is often the intense sun glare, which can make it difficult to see traffic signals and road signs. The best way to prepare is to have a pair of sunglasses within easy reach and to use your car’s sun visor. Driving a little slower and leaving extra space between you and the car in front will also help you navigate safely in the bright, low-angle light.

A smart approach is to tackle your furthest destination in the morning when it’s cooler and you have more energy. For example, visit the Indian Canyons or take the Aerial Tramway first. Plan to spend the hottest part of the day, from noon to 4pm, enjoying a long lunch, exploring an indoor attraction like the Palm Springs Art Museum or relaxing. In the late afternoon you can then explore a nearby neighbourhood or drive to your dinner spot.

When you arrive at a busy hotel, pull into the designated passenger loading zone, even if you have to wait a moment for a space to open. One person from your party can head inside to begin the check-in process while the other stays with the vehicle. Once you have your room key, you can quickly unload your luggage onto a trolley or the kerb before the driver moves the car to a permanent parking spot.

A large public car park is an ideal meetup spot for a group. Consider choosing a major supermarket or shopping centre located between the airport and your rental property. These locations offer plenty of free parking, are easy to find and provide a low-stress environment for everyone to arrive, transfer luggage between vehicles and consolidate into fewer cars before making the final leg of the journey together.

When driving at night, especially on less-developed roads outside the main town centres, it’s important to be alert for wildlife. Coyotes, bighorn sheep and other animals can unexpectedly cross the road. Use your main beams when there’s no oncoming traffic to improve visibility. Also be aware that wind can cause sand to drift onto the carriageway, so drive with caution and be prepared for changing road conditions.

Highway 74 is a beautiful but winding mountain road. For drivers who wish to take their time and enjoy the views, there are numerous designated vista points and pullouts. It’s considered good driving etiquette to use these turnouts to allow faster-moving traffic to pass safely. While there are some straight sections with passing zones, the safest and most courteous approach is to pull over and let others by, ensuring a pleasant drive for everyone.