Avis Car Hire
Palm Springs

After collecting your luggage at Palm Springs International Airport, exit the baggage reclaim area and follow the prominent signs for the Rental Car Centre. The facility is conveniently located just a short walk directly opposite the main terminal, so there’s no need to wait for a shuttle. Once inside the centre you’ll easily spot the Avis desk, where our team will be ready to assist you with collecting your vehicle.

The Palm Springs airport is designed for traveller convenience, even for late-night arrivals. The walk from baggage reclaim to the consolidated Rental Car Centre is short, well lit and clearly signed, making the journey straightforward at any hour. Since all hire companies are housed in one building directly opposite the terminal, you can expect an efficient process without the delay of waiting for an off-site shuttle. This streamlined layout helps you get on your way with minimal hassle.

Timing can vary based on factors like whether you have checked bags and how many flights arrive at once, but the process at PSP is generally efficient. A reasonable expectation during busy periods is around 45 to 60 minutes from deplaning to driving away. The airport’s compact layout, with a short walk to the rental car centre, helps save time. To streamline your experience further, have your reservation details ready when you approach the desk.

For the most direct route to downtown Palm Springs, follow the main airport exit road, which becomes Tahquitz Canyon Way. This primary street will lead you straight into the heart of the city, to the area where most hotels and attractions along Palm Canyon Drive are located. Sticking to Tahquitz Canyon Way is a good strategy for first-time visitors as it avoids smaller, more confusing side streets and provides a clear path into town.

The most straightforward route for a first-time visitor heading to Palm Desert is to take Highway 111 south. After leaving the airport, follow signs to Gene Autry Trail (which becomes Palm Drive) and then turn east onto Highway 111. This main thoroughfare runs through the Coachella Valley and takes you directly through Palm Desert. While Interstate 10 is an alternative, Highway 111 is often more direct for reaching hotels and resorts.

Palm Springs is well known for its afternoon winds, which can be quite strong, especially near the mountain passes. When driving, particularly right after leaving the airport, maintain a firm two‑handed grip on the steering wheel to counter sudden gusts. Be extra cautious when passing high‑profile vehicles like trucks or motorhomes. Also be mindful when opening car doors, as a strong gust can catch a door unexpectedly.

Parking is most challenging in the bustling downtown area along Palm Canyon Drive, especially evenings, weekends and during special events. While on‑street parking is available, it fills quickly. For a less stressful experience, consider one of the public car parks located a block or two off the main strip. Likewise, the El Paseo shopping district in Palm Desert can have high parking demand, so arriving a little early for a dining reservation is advisable.

Most resorts in Rancho Mirage with gated entrances have a dedicated lane for guests. Pull up to the security kiosk and be prepared to provide your name and reservation information. The attendant will grant you access and will typically provide a map of the property or clear directions to the main check‑in lobby. These resorts are used to guest arrivals and make the process smooth for those in hire cars.

While GPS is generally reliable, it can sometimes be slow to update immediately after you leave the rental car lot. The key is to trust the physical airport signage for the first few turns. Pay attention to the large, clear signs directing you toward major roads like Tahquitz Canyon Way for downtown Palm Springs or Kirk Douglas Way to access Interstate 10. Once you are on a main thoroughfare, your GPS should catch up and guide you accurately.

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is a very popular attraction and its car parks can fill up, particularly at weekends and on holidays. To avoid last‑minute stress, it’s good practice to arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes before your scheduled tram departure. This provides a comfortable buffer to find a parking spot, which may be in an overflow area requiring a short shuttle, and to make your way to the Valley Station without rushing.

To minimise wait times at Joshua Tree National Park, the key is an early start from Palm Springs. Aim to be on the road well before sunrise, arriving at the park entrance shortly after it opens, especially at weekends. The West Entrance in the town of Joshua Tree is the most popular and gets congested first, so beating the crowds there is crucial for a smooth start to your day.

For an efficient and scenic tour of Joshua Tree, enter at the West Entrance near the town of Joshua Tree. Drive along Park Boulevard, stopping at highlights such as Jumbo Rocks, Skull Rock and various viewpoints. Continue east through the park and exit via the North Entrance in Twentynine Palms. This route shows a great cross‑section of the park’s unique landscapes in a logical progression.

When visiting Joshua Tree in summer, your car becomes an essential support station due to the extreme heat and lack of services. Pack more water than you think you’ll need, as dehydration is a serious risk. Also bring salty snacks to replenish electrolytes, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. There are no food or petrol services within the park, so being fully self‑sufficient is key to a safe and enjoyable visit.

The drive to Salvation Mountain is a unique desert adventure that requires some planning. The most direct route is to take Highway 111 south from Palm Springs, driving along the western shore of the Salton Sea. Once you reach Niland, follow local roads for the last few miles. It’s essential to have your route mapped and downloaded beforehand, as mobile coverage can be unreliable. Ensure you have a full tank and plenty of water before you leave the main highway.

The iconic San Gorgonio Pass wind farms are visible from Interstate 10, but for a closer look you can exit onto Indian Canyon Drive or Gene Autry Trail. Driving along these roads, which run parallel to the interstate, provides numerous safe opportunities to pull onto the shoulder for photos. This allows you to get impressive shots of the turbines against the desert landscape without needing to book a formal tour.

To avoid the heaviest traffic when travelling across the Coachella Valley, plan outside the typical morning and evening commute times. Generally, traffic is busiest between 07:00 and 09:00 and again from 16:00 to 18:00 on weekdays. For a smooth day trip to destinations like Indio or La Quinta, leaving Palm Springs after 09:30 will usually provide a much clearer and more relaxed drive.

For the most efficient and comfortable drive to Temecula’s wine country, take Interstate 10 West out of Palm Springs, then connect to Highway 60 West, Interstate 215 South and finally Interstate 15 South, which leads to the Temecula exits. This all‑freeway route is generally faster and smoother than winding back roads like Highway 74, giving you more time to enjoy the wineries.

The drive from Palm Springs to San Diego involves mountain passes and can encounter significant traffic near your destination. To avoid the worst congestion, consider leaving very early in the morning, before 07:00, to clear the inland areas before commuter traffic builds. Alternatively, a mid‑day departure between 10:00 and 13:00 on a weekday can also work well, helping you miss the morning rush in one area and arrive before the afternoon peak in the other.

The drive to Los Angeles on Interstate 10 takes you through the San Gorgonio Pass, known for high winds and significant elevation changes. Be prepared for strong crosswinds that can affect vehicle handling. As you descend into the Inland Empire and closer to Los Angeles, expect a dramatic increase in traffic density. Visibility is generally clear, but the volume of traffic requires constant awareness and defensive driving.

For a low‑stress drive from Palm Springs to the Disneyland area, timing is everything. The best approach is to avoid peak Los Angeles rush hours. Plan to leave Palm Springs mid‑morning, around 09:30 or 10:00, after the morning commute has subsided. This typically allows you to arrive in Anaheim early afternoon, which aligns well with hotel check‑in times and gives you time to settle in before heading to the parks.

Visitors should be mindful of speed limit changes throughout the Coachella Valley. Limits can drop significantly when transitioning from an open highway into a town or a designated school zone. Downtown areas, especially along Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs and El Paseo in Palm Desert, have heavy pedestrian activity. Always be vigilant and prepared to stop at crossings, as local enforcement pays close attention to driver courtesy and safety.

When travelling with bulky items like golf clubs, consider vehicle size when you make your reservation to ensure adequate boot space. On collection, load suitcases and other luggage into the vehicle first, then lay the golf bag on top or alongside them. This prevents having to unpack and repack everything in the hire lot to make things fit.

Attending a major festival in Indio with a hire car requires advance planning. Familiarise yourselves with official festival maps that detail parking areas, road closures and designated rideshare pickup/drop‑off zones, as these can be far from the entrance. Expect significant traffic delays and allow much more time than you think. Since you’ll keep the car overnight at your accommodation, ensure you have a secure and designated parking spot there.

La Quinta is generally very car‑friendly, with ample parking at most shopping centres and restaurants. In popular areas like Old Town La Quinta, parking can become competitive during peak dinner hours or at weekends. The most reliable strategy is to arrive 10–15 minutes before your reservation time to secure a convenient spot. For larger shopping plazas, parking is typically abundant, making for a stress‑free experience.

While main streets within Palm Springs and other Coachella Valley towns are well lit, roads at the edge of town or in more remote areas at night can be very dark. The lack of ambient city light significantly reduces visibility. Drive cautiously, use your full beam when appropriate and remain alert, as wildlife can occasionally be on or near the road.

A popular viewpoint drive is Highway 74 up into the mountains above Palm Desert. The main road is open 24/7 and the Coachella Valley Vista Point is a fantastic spot for sunrise and sunset with no gates. Access roads are winding and unlit, so if you plan a pre‑dawn drive it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the route during daylight first. Always drive with caution on these mountain roads.

If you find your vehicle needs have changed during your trip, contact the rental location directly. The local staff can provide accurate information on available vehicles and walk you through the exchange process. To ensure a smooth and efficient swap, handle this during regular business hours when the branch is fully staffed and has the widest selection.

Making a quick grocery stop after leaving PSP is very convenient. Several large supermarkets are located in shopping centres along the main routes from the airport, such as Ramon Road and Gene Autry Trail. These centres are designed for easy access from the main road and feature large car parks, allowing you to park, shop and be back on your way to your hotel or resort with minimal fuss.

When navigating roundabouts, yield to traffic already circulating and choose your lane before entering based on the exit you need. For multi‑lane turns, get into your chosen lane well in advance and use your indicator to clearly communicate your intentions. California drivers can be assertive, so being predictable and decisive is the best way to navigate confidently. Pay close attention to signs and road markings to guide you.

During Modernism Week expect a significant increase in both vehicle and pedestrian traffic, especially in neighbourhoods hosting home tours and downtown event venues. Be prepared for temporary street closures and extremely high parking demand. The best strategy is to plan ahead, allow considerable extra travel time, and be prepared to park several blocks away and walk. Using event shuttles, when available, can also be a great way to get around.

Your luggage is most vulnerable when left unattended in a car. If you must make a stop between the airport and your hotel, always park in a busy, well lit area. Ensure all belongings are secured out of sight in the boot before you leave the vehicle. The most secure practice is to drive directly to your accommodation to drop off luggage before you begin exploring or running errands.

A perfect half‑day scenic drive is the loop up Highway 74 to the Coachella Valley Vista Point. Starting from Palm Springs you’ll drive through Palm Desert and then ascend the winding mountain road, which offers breathtaking views over the valley floor. After time at the viewpoint you can descend and loop through other desert towns like Indian Wells or La Quinta. This drive provides an adventurous feel without needing a full day.

For easy, stress‑free breaks with children, community parks are an excellent option. Towns like Palm Desert and La Quinta have large parks with play areas, restrooms and abundant, easy parking. Another great choice is The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, which is family friendly and has a large, dedicated car park. These locations are designed to accommodate families and make ideal pit stops.

Petrol stations are plentiful within Palm Springs and surrounding Coachella Valley towns. However, once you head east toward Joshua Tree or south toward the Salton Sea, services become limited and far apart. It’s crucial to begin any desert day trip with a full tank. Don’t assume you’ll find petrol once you’re on more remote highways or inside the national park.

As you drive toward Palm Springs International Airport you’ll see large, clear signs for "Rental Car Return" posted on all major approach roads, including Tahquitz Canyon Way and Kirk Douglas Way. Simply follow those dedicated signs and they will guide you directly into the correct entrance for the consolidated rental return facility. The entrance is separate from the main passenger departure and arrival lanes, making it easy to find.

For an early morning flight it’s wise to build in a small cushion of time for your car return. While the process at PSP is typically very fast, allowing an extra 15 to 20 minutes is a good safety measure. This buffer accounts for any short lines at the return desk or a brief wait for the airport shuttle if needed, ensuring you can proceed to airline check‑in and security feeling relaxed.

The most efficient way is to follow signs for "Departures" to drop off passengers and their luggage at the airline curbside. After they are safely out of the vehicle, continue following the airport roadway signs. You’ll be directed to loop back around and can then easily follow the separate signs for "Rental Car Return." This sequence prevents you from getting stuck in the wrong lane.

Before setting off on a long desert drive, take a few moments in the hire lot for a quick check. Confirm the air conditioning is working effectively, as it’s essential in desert heat. Do a quick visual inspection of the tyres. Also take a minute to pair your phone with the car’s Bluetooth system for hands‑free navigation and calls while you still have a strong signal.

A good strategy for a multi‑destination trip is to use a central location as a base for regional exploration. Stay in the Palm Springs area for the first part of your trip and use it as a hub for exploring the Coachella Valley and making a day trip to Joshua Tree. Then pack up and drive to San Diego for the second portion. This approach minimises the hassle of daily hotel changes and constant packing.

A hire car offers the perfect blend of relaxation and freedom for a Palm Springs break. Spend most of the day enjoying your hotel or resort pool and, when you fancy a change of scenery, the car gives you the freedom to drive to a nice restaurant for dinner, explore downtown shops, or take a short scenic drive. It provides ultimate flexibility without the wait times or availability concerns of other transport options.