How to find a cheap car hire deal in Palm Springs
In search of a cheap rental car in Palm Springs? With an average price of $106 a day, big savings are just around the corner. Whether you're after a zippy economy ride, a spacious SUV, or anything in between, we compare all the best offers to make booking easy.
$65 is the cheapest daily price offered for a rental in Palm Springs.
Planning an extended stay and want to go further than the usual stops? $312 is the best rate for a weekly rental.
If you want to time it just right, book around four weeks ahead to drive away with the best price on a Palm Springs car hire.
Thrifty, Enterprise and Budget are some of the most popular providers in the city. They're a great starting point for comparing offers.
Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Palm Springs car hire policy, whether you go with Thrifty or another supplier. Some may leave it out of the standard package and offer it as an extra.
Choosing a one-way car hire can be your secret weapon for finding a deal. Simply select 'Return car to a different location.' Providers often need to move vehicles from one location to another, which means you can snag some awesome one-way prices on a car for rent in Palm Springs.
Avoid any unexpected charges by choosing a ride with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Begin and end your trip with a full tank, paying only for what you use.
Hit the road without counting the miles and racking up additional fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and click 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you explore further.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best value with this company. Prices average $216 a day.
Coming in next, this provider offers daily rates of around $183.
The third option also performs well on price. Pick up one of their rentals for roughly $260 a day.
The Intermediate rental category is a dependable pick if you're not quite sure what sort of ride you need. It's also the vehicle type that's booked the most in Palm Springs.
Flying to Palm Springs? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're flying into Palm Springs, get on the road sooner by booking a car hire at Palm Springs International Airport. The drive time from this airport to the city centre is around 5 kilometres and takes about 10 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Palm Springs
Small: Whether you're darting along city streets or taking a quick trip, this car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect great mileage and easy handling.
Medium: Not too small, not too big, this is the kind of rental even Goldilocks wouldn't second-guess. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of interior space and fuel efficiency and are popular with couples and small families.
Large: Long drives fly by in this Palm Springs car hire category. Also known as full-size, their bigger engines are built to perform. The extra space and comfort make them a top choice for groups of friends and families.
SUV: SUVs are your four-wheel fix for wanderlust. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for city streets and country routes alike.
Van: Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Palm Springs effortlessly handles larger loads and group travel. They're spacious, versatile, and ready for whatever the journey demands.
Insurance and optional extras
Adding excess insurance to your Palm Springs car hire offers peace of mind. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of theft or an accident. Insurance policies aren't the same across all rental providers, so take the time to shop around.
Level up your ride with nifty extras like a reverse camera or navigation unit. They can turn your drive into a smoother experience when you rent a car in Palm Springs.
Good to know
Generally, you have to be at least 21 years old to rent a car in the United States. Some providers still accept younger drivers — just expect some added charges or limits. Check the companies' terms and conditions before booking.
If you're bringing the kids along, check if you should add a child car seat to your Palm Springs car hire reservation. Whether a legal requirement or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to ride.
You'll likely be asked for these three things when collecting your rental car: an official driver's licence, another form of photo ID, and a credit card that can cover the security deposit. Debit cards aren't widely accepted. Any extra must-haves will be shown in your booking.
If it's your first time driving in the United States, be aware that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.
Keep within local speed limits of about 40kph through built-up areas and around 110kph on highways. Road signs will indicate if the limit is different.
In the United States, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you expect to drink, get someone else to do the driving or use public transport instead.
One of the busiest times to be out on the roads in this destination is around 5pm. Make things easy by driving outside rush hours in general.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for all your purchases on your trip. You may find it handy to carry a mix of cash and cards to cover you in every situation.
The language most widely spoken in this country is English.
Best hotels in Palm Springs for drivers
Offering accessible parking, The Infusion Beach Club takes the guesswork out of where to leave your car. This hotel is about 3 kilometres from central Palm Springs and also comes with an indoor swimming pool and a golf course.
Drift Palm Springs, a Member of Design Hotels keeps guests happy with parking and features such as a pool bar and express check-in. It's roughly 0.16 kilometres from the city centre.
Like some more inspiration? Browse the selection of hotels in Palm Springs. You can refine your search with the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' If your car's electric, you can use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter.
You're ready to start exploring now you've locked in a car hire deal in Palm Springs and your hotel. From Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to Agua Caliente Indian Canyons and PS Drag Brunch, you'll never run out of things to do here.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Palm Springs
Around 80 kilometres west of central Palm Springs, Riverside deserves a spot on your itinerary. Make your way to must-see sights like Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and Bryant Park.
The Mission Inn Hotel and Spa and Raincross Hotel Riverside are reliable accommodation options with parking in Riverside.
Alternatively, pick up your cheap car hire in Palm Springs and head roughly 72 kilometres northwest to San Bernardino. Featuring Public Art Route 66 and Twin Parks, it's every bit as good as advertised.
Relax after a big day out in San Bernardino at DoubleTree by Hilton San Bernardino or Hampton Inn & Suites San Bernardino. These hotels are a good choice for guests bringing their own car.
Still got fuel in the tank? Cruise on over to Las Vegas, about 290 kilometres northeast of Palm Springs. From Las Vegas Strip to CityCenter, it'll round out your trip nicely.
Hit the hay in Las Vegas at either SAHARA Las Vegas or Treasure Island – TI Las Vegas Hotel & Casino. They've got a bed waiting for you and parking availability too.
