Private car transfer
from Las Vegas to Palm Springs

Consider visiting the Lion Habitat Ranch, home to the original MGM studio logo lions. Here, you can learn more about the preservation of these incredible creatures and visit with other animals from across Africa and Australia. Or, before you cross into California, swing by the Seven Magic Mountains, a technicolor testament to man’s interactions with the Nevada desert.

With a Daytrip private car service, you can also opt for a direct journey across the 232-mile (373 km) distance. Your friendly local driver will assist you with your luggage at both destinations and do everything in their power to ensure you have the safest, most comfortable trip possible.

The original settlers of the area over 2000 years ago were the Cahuilla people, who lived here apart from other cultures for centuries before European arrival in California. The city’s name comes from its Cahuilla name: "Se-Khi", translating roughly to “boiling water” referring to the natural springs. Around 10% of the area in Palm Springs is part of the Cahuilla Reservation. Visitors can learn more about the native history here by visiting sites such as Tahquitz Canyon and viewing the artifacts and petroglyphs preserved in the stone.

In the 1900s, Palm Springs began to develop as a resort town, originally thought to provide a dry, hot, reprieve for those on the mend from illness. Even then, the city followed its current patterns of population booms in the cooler months and exoduses in the hottest summer months. This pattern continues today, with skiers using the city as a gateway to some of the most popular ski resorts on the West Coast.

Regardless of when you visit, you'll find Palm Springs is a scenic resort town with ample opportunities for shopping and exploring the local art studios as well as learning more about the native history of California.

Stop along the way

As this route into California passes near the road to several national parks and fascinating sites such as the Lion Habitat Ranch, it is a great chance to turn your travel day into a sightseeing tour. With a private driving transfer, you can make the most of your time en route and enjoy parts of Nevada and California that you might not otherwise get to explore.

Flight from Las Vegas to Palm Springs

There are flights leaving from Las Vegas that take just over 2 hours to reach Palm Springs. However, they're not as fast as they sound as you'll spend about an hour getting to and from the airports, and two hours for check-in and security. Once you factor these in, the total travel time is over 4 hours, making a private car transfer faster and more convenient.

And because of the short distance, these are not the most financially or environmentally viable options. Tickets for this jet route start at $160 but can cost upwards of $530 depending on how far in advance you book your trip.

Bus from Las Vegas to Palm Springs

There are several different bus and shuttle routes from Las Vegas to Palm Springs, all of which will require at least one transfer to a second bus partway through the journey. The fastest bus route takes 6.5 hours, with a transfer in San Bernardino, and will drop you off at the Casino Morongo where you’ll then need to taxi to your accommodation. Tickets are not cheap and you can expect to spend at least $100-130.

Longer bus routes (9 to 10 hours) go by Santa Ana and require you to switch there to a train bound for Anaheim (Fullerton Metrolink Station), before getting on the final bus to Palm Springs. This journey starts at $60 and may be the cheapest transport option.

Private drive from Las Vegas to Palm Springs

The best option for many travelers is to take a private car service from Las Vegas to Palm Springs. This option is the fastest and easiest by far, getting you door-to-door in just 4 hours (barring traffic). That's right, dealing with taxis to and from the airport, or wasting time just sitting around in uncomfortable seats. And you can even stop for sightseeing if you want to enjoy some local attractions that you missed.

And since Daytrip's car service starts at $226 per person, it can actually be cheaper than flying (not to mention much more environmentally friendly)! There are plenty of other benefits too, like a flexible booking policy that lets you change or cancel up to 24 hours before departure, and responsive 24/7 customer service.

Take the Aerial Tramway

The Aerial Tramway is the world’s largest rotating cable car, covering a 2.5-mile loop above the stunning forest below in Mt. San Jacinto State Park. The views here are not to be missed, and reaching the top via. The tramway means you can enjoy observation decks, restaurants, a natural history museum, and a plethora of ongoing hiking trails for those seeking a more adventurous journey.

Visit the Palm Springs Art Museum

Nestled in the Coachella Valley, the innovative Palm Springs Art Museum has exhibitions spanning both visual and performing arts and will give you a great taste of the area’s artistic influences. Every third Sunday of the month, the museum hosts a free family day for kids of all ages to enjoy a fun and creative day out.

Go to Joshua Tree National Park

This incredible Joshua Tree National Park features the meeting point of the Colorado and Mojave desert ecosystems and is renowned for its unique rock formations, stunning desert landscapes, and, of course, the iconic, twisted Joshua Trees that give the park its name. There are plenty of hikes as well as guided tours throughout the area, and cliffside trails will offer you views of the entire Coachella Valley on a clear day.

Check out the Air Museum

The Palm Springs Air Museum is one of the top Aviation museums in the world, displaying an impressive collection of vintage aircraft and allowing visitors to see planes from key moments in American history up close in a series of climate-controlled hangars. This is the perfect stop for any history buff or aviation enthusiast.

If you're not planning on skiing, it may be a good idea to time your visit for the spring, autumn, and early winter months (October through December). You'll still have cooler weather while beating the biggest influx of tourism. Timing your trip outside of the peak season may also provide you with better deals on accommodation and activities.