Andrea + Edgar 2k25

How to Travel to Palm Springs // Where To Stay

Palm Springs is a city in the Sonoran Desert of Southern California, known for its hot springs, mid-century modern architecture, and stylish hotels. Just about two hours from Los Angeles by car, it’s also accessible by bus, train, or a small airport—making it easy to get to no matter where you're coming from.

Travel Options
Option 1: From Mexicali (Border City Adjacent to California)

Getting to Mexicali: Round-trip flights to Mexicali from several Mexican cities usually cost $2,000–$3,000 MXN. The airport is small and easy to navigate.

Crossing the Border and Traveling to Palm Springs

By Bus (Budget-Friendly Option)

  • Take a taxi or Uber to the Calexico border crossing (~20–30 minutes)
  • Cross the border on foot
  • Bus options:
    • To Palm Springs: Departs 5:35 PM (Greyhound)
    • To Desert Hot Springs: Departs 9:20 AM
  • Tickets are around $29 USD

By Rental Car (More Flexibility)

Cross-Border Car Rental Policy: Rentals from Mexicali are allowed to cross into the U.S. You must purchase:

  • Mexico insurance (if driving within Mexico)
  • Extension of liability protection to cross into the U.S. (~$10 USD/day), which includes:
    • TPL (up to $100,000 USD)
    • PAI for passengers ($2,000 USD/person; $10,000 USD/accident)
Option 2: Fly to Los Angeles

Flights Round-trip flights from Mexico to Los Angeles cost around $200 USD if purchased in advance.

Getting to Palm Springs from LAX: Take the LAX FlyAway bus to Union Station (Downtown LA). From there, take a train or bus to Palm Springs.

  • Train: Departure: Union Station at 10:00 PM / Arrival: Palm Springs at 12:36 AM (Approx. 2.5-hour ride)
Option 3: Flying Directly to Palm Springs

The most direct option is to fly all the way to Palm Springs from Mexico. While there aren’t truly direct flights, this route saves you from coordinating additional travel once you land.

However, this option is more expensive than the others and typically costs around $450 USD round-trip from Mexico.

Where to Stay

If you're coming with friends, we highly encourage you to check out some cute Airbnb or Vrbo rentals either in downtown Palm Springs for the scene or near the ranch for convenience. Here's the location of the venue if you want to search nearby stays:
📍 67555 20th Avenue, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240

Desert Hot Springs

(Tends to be more budget-friendly and offers mineral pools)

  • With Mineral Pools
  • Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel – Around $96 USD/night
  • Miracle Springs Resort and Spa
  • Miracle Manor
  • Boutique Stay
  • The Getaway Boutique
Palm Springs
  • Most Affordable
  • Holiday Inn – Basic chain option with comfort and reliability
  • Mid-Range
  • The Riviera – Retro resort vibe
  • The Ace – Trendy and artistic
  • Holiday in the Sun – Classic 1960s Palm Springs preserved style
  • Expensive (But Not Ultra-Luxury)
  • Ingleside Inn Estate – Historic charm
  • The Arrive – Sleek, newer hotel
  • The Avalon – Stylish and centrally located
  • Very Expensive
  • Korakia Pensione – High-end boutique stay
  • The Thompson – Chic and modern, located near the cathedral