KAYAK’s insights & trends for Palm Springs car hire
Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in Palm Springs with confidence.
How far in advance should you book car hire in Palm Springs?
You should book your car hire in Palm Springs around 81 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the cheapest car hire company in Palm Springs?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest hire cars were found at Budget (€23.54/day), Thrifty (€28.67/day), and Alamo (€28.88/day). The cheapest car hire price was found at Budget 3400 East Tahquitz Canyon Way (3.5 km from city centre).
What is the most popular car to hire in Palm Springs?
Hires in the SUV category (GMC Yukon or similar) are the most popular option in Palm Springs, costing €67/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as €43/day.
What is the cheapest month to hire a car in Palm Springs?
The cheapest month to hire a car in Palm Springs is April at an average cost of €45/day. February is the most expensive month to hire a car in Palm Springs when prices are €56/day on average, which tends to be 3% above the yearly average hire price for Palm Springs.
Which car hire company in Palm Springs has the most locations?
Avis and Movly each operate 2 locations in Palm Springs, more than any other car hire company.
Palm Springs car hire price comparison by vehicle type
Find the right car hire in Palm Springs by comparing prices across vehicle types.
Small
Medium
Large
4x4
Van
Pickup truck
Luxury
Convertible
Small cars
€30 - €56
All Car Types
€59 - €73
How much does it cost to hire a small car in Palm Springs?
How much does it cost to hire a medium car in Palm Springs?
How much does it cost to hire a large car in Palm Springs?
How much does it cost to hire an SUV in Palm Springs?
How much does it cost to hire a van in Palm Springs?
How much does it cost to hire a pickup truck in Palm Springs?
How much does it cost to hire a luxury car in Palm Springs?
How much does it cost to hire a convertible in Palm Springs?
Small car hire in Palm Springs typically costs around €39 per day. The best time to book is December, when prices average €30 per day, which is about 24% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 41% cheaper than the average car hire in Palm Springs, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.
Medium car hire in Palm Springs typically costs around €56 per day. The best time to book is April, when prices average €46 per day, which is about 18% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 16% cheaper than the average car hire in Palm Springs, offering a good balance of space and value.
Large car hire in Palm Springs typically cost around €60 per day. The best time to book is April, when prices average €48 per day, which is about 20% less than the yearly average. Large cars can be 10% cheaper than the average car hire in Palm Springs, offering more comfort for longer trips at a reasonable price.
SUV hire in Palm Springs typically costs around €67 per day. The best time to book is May, when prices average €56 per day, which is about 17% less than the yearly average. SUVs are typically 2% more expensive than the average car hire in Palm Springs but provide extra space and capability for groups or road trips.
Van hire in Palm Springs typically costs around €112 per day. The best time to book is May, when prices average €90 per day, which is about 20% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 42% more expensive than the average car hire in Palm Springs but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.
Pickup truck hire in Palm Springs typically costs around €66 per day. The best time to book is June, when prices average €51 per day, which is about 23% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are usually the same price as an average car hire in Palm Springs.
Luxury car hire in Palm Springs typically costs around €83 per day. The best time to book is August, when prices average €63 per day, which is about 25% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 21% more expensive than the average car hire in Palm Springs but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.
Convertible hire in Palm Springs typically costs around €86 per day. The best time to book is June, when prices average €72 per day, which is about 17% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are typically 24% more expensive than the average car hire in Palm Springs but are perfect for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.
Good to know
Most popular agency
Most popular car type
Average price
Good deal
Budget
Medium
€33/day
€28/day
Palm Springs car hire experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users
Insights shared by verified travellers who hired a car in Palm Springs
I’ve been renting for business and leisure travel for years. I don’t need to pay for extra coverage when my credit card and my own State Farm car insurance covers me anyway.
Verified travelerFeb 2026
This location is NOT at the airport. It’s about a mile away. Easily accessed by Uber (or even walk if you can leave some of your party at the airport - it’s about a 30 minute walk).
SamSept 2025
If booking at the airport, build in time to wait at the counter. If booking at the other enterprise location on airport drive, be very clear with the address you go to!
KrisOct 2025
Book ahead of time. Cars were very hard to find.
Verified travelerMay 2025
Probably should not get Black car with leather interior from May forward. It was over 110 degrees F while we were there.
Verified travelerMar 2025
Know in advance if there is a big event in town and if so be prepared to wait for a vehicle.
Verified travelerJan 2025
Do not rent an EV unless you want to spend your trip searching for charging stations
SuzanneAug 2024
Book ahead because it’s a small airport and car fleet
leslieMar 2024
Not in the airport...just to be clear on that and NO shuttle so need to take a cab, Uber or walk. Really not walkable per se, although can be done, but not with luggage But prices are good, the cars are decent, and service was excellent.
LeslieMar 2024
A lot of electric cars in the area so ask about charging and know if your complex has charging stations.
Verified travelerFeb 2024
I enjoyed driving around Palm Springs. I mostly drove around town and did a day trip to Joshua Tree. The traffic was pretty easy - busiest right around downtown. There is a free underground parking garage near the art museum. It's a convenient place to park if you want to be right in the downtown area.
Verified travelerJan 2024
Use google maps. Couldn’t live without it. Takes all the stress out of driving in new place.
Verified travelerDec 2023
Make sure you rent from the airport location, not the one on the road called “Airport…” that one is close enough to be confused, but it is a $20 Uber ride away.
Verified travelerJan 2024
Cool driving except non respect of speed limitation
Verified travelerFeb 2024
Get there before 1202 because you won’t be able to rent the car you already reserved. Who closes at noon
Verified travelerOct 2023
Get the SUV if you plan to go anywhere near Joshua Tree
Verified travelerOct 2023
It's a Joy to drive around
Verified travelerOct 2023
It's a Joy to drive around
TerrySept 2023
Bring your GPS if not familiar with area.
MarkOct 2023
Rent off site away from the airport.
Verified travelerMay 2023
Save money by booking car off site from airport- be aware only open until noon on weekends
KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in Palm Springs
You’ll want a hire car while staying in the Palm Springs resort community so that you can take advantage of its award winning golf courses, art galleries, and chic boutiques. With a hire car you can also drive through the desert to Joshua Tree National Park, the Living Desert, or one of its other forests or botanical gardens.
Palm Springs International Airport is small, relaxed, and hassle free. Despite its size, many major carriers fly out of this airport. It also offers most of the amenities of any large airport including on-site car hire agencies such as Alamo, Avis, Budget, and more. Once you are off the plane, simply go to baggage claim, and retrieve your belongings, and the car hire company is right there.
When driving through the desert, make sure to have plenty of petrol since you don’t know how close the next station will be. Additionally, because of heat you should have plenty of drinking water with you in case of car trouble. If it rains when you are driving through the city, be on the alert for street and parking lot floods.
Note that in the winter the population increases considerably, resulting in more traffic. Traffic is thickest in Palm Springs between 7:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. Commuters returning home from work can also cause traffic backups between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Some of the heaviest traffic is on Hwy 91 and State Route 111.
25% of our users found a car hire in Palm Springs for €28 or less
Medium hire cars in Palm Springs are around 42% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about hiring a car in Palm Springs
What type of car is recommended for driving in Palm Springs?
With all of the shopping outlets, casinos, and parks to visit, you’ll likely be on the road quite bit. Be sure that your car has good air conditioning for those hot summer days in the desert. You’ll also need a car with lots of trunk space to accommodate your sports gear like golf clubs or hiking equipment.
What’s the speed limit in Palm Springs?
No matter what road you are driving on in California, the maximum speed limit is 65 mph; this includes highways. If you are driving in more residential neighborhoods, the typical speed limit is 25 mph. In more built-up areas such as those with stores and malls, you may be able to drive between speeds of 25 mph and 65 mph. Although it may not be noted, around schools the maximum speed is also 25 mph.
Where are the best places to park in Palm Springs?
The city of Palm Springs now has a new downtown parking garage with plenty of parking. Public parking is offered here for a few hours. There is also plenty of parking around if you are willing to walk a few blocks to the main strip or to Palm Canyon Drive.
How much does it cost to hire a car in Palm Springs?
On average a car hire in Palm Springs costs €33 per day.
Which car hire agencies are at Palm Springs airport (PSP)?
The only car hire company onsite at Palm Springs airport is Budget.
Which car hire companies will pick you up at Palm Springs airport (PSP)?
The only car hire company that offers shuttle or pick-up services from Palm Springs airport to off-airport locations is Budget.
How can I find car hires near me in Palm Springs?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
How much does a Medium car hire cost in Palm Springs?
A Medium car hire in Palm Springs costs €54 per day, on average.
How much does a Small car hire cost in Palm Springs?
A Small car hire in Palm Springs costs €48 per day, on average.
How much does a Special car hire cost in Palm Springs?
A Special car hire in Palm Springs costs €52 per day, on average.
Great friendly service. Upgrade at an excellent price. My rental was new and clean and fun to drive. They picked me up at my home and dropped me off after the rental. They were super easy to deal with. Highly recommend Enterprise Rent A Car.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Feb 2026
Intermediate SUV
Great price and very easy to pick up and drop off.
8.0 Very Good
Brian, Jan 2026
Luxury SUV
Didn’t have the car I requested at pick up
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Nov 2025
Compact SUV
Excellent service from staff.
4.0 Mediocre
Sam, Sept 2025
Compact
Waited 30 mins to get checked in which is ridiculous. Also had two enterprise locations with similar names which was confusing and i went to the wrong one.
10.0 Wonderful
Michael, Aug 2025
Standard SUV
Really appreciated the customer care when picking up the car. The agent took time to get us into the perfect car for our long journey from Palm Spings, CA to Bellevue, WA.
Rented an Intermediate SUV such as a Mazda CX-5. Only had Jeep Wranglers available. While technically the same class, it’s like driving a truck vs a car. This after a 45 wait in line, so there was no appetite to exchange after finding out. And Avis refused to work with us since the rental was technically with KAYAK
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Mar 2026
Full-size
Everything worked out great. Car was the perfect size and the process was extremely smooth and friendly.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Mar 2026
Intermediate SUV
Our preferred vehicle choice was not available but were given a complimentary upgrade at no extra charge. The drop of process was simply and easy, just pull up and hand the keys to the awaiting lot attendant,
8.0 Very Good
Anonymous, Mar 2026
Intermediate
The car had 50,000 plus miles on it and the very helpful AVIS clerk said I could return it if there were any issues. It showed signs of wear but that was ok with me. When one of the tires started losing pressure after a week or so I took it back but they didn’t have any replacements. They told me to take it to a specific tire dealer to get it fixed at no cost. The tire dealer said in addition to the leak, the front tires were bald and they shouldn’t have rented it in that condition. They replaced the front tires and fixed the leak and in under an hour.. Avis paid directly so I didn’t need to put out any money. Overall it worked out fine but Avis shouldn’t have rented the car to me without ensuring the tires were safe.
Our check in experience was efficient and dropping the rental car off was easy. The vehicle was clean and it met our needs.
10.0 Wonderful
Anne, Apr 2026
Intermediate SUV
Dropoff and pickup was excellent .. Car had stains on back seat .. Doors seemed heavy and would swing back when pushed open ..
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Apr 2026
Compact SUV
The pick up location closes at 4pm during the week and NOON on the weekends. This is not posted on any information given by Kayak, priceline or any confirmation email. There is no after hours number. So we were stranded with a toddler in the heat with no way to get the car we booked and paid for. We specifically booked a gas cars, only to be told they don’t have any available at pick up. The man working the counter was rude and unhelpful and tried to charge us 2x what our reservation quoted. Do not rent here
8.0 Very Good
Anonymous, Apr 2026
Intermediate
all good except check in - payment kiosk wasn't working. Clerk had to try three different machines - not his fault. Tech error.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Mar 2026
Standard SUV
Terrible pick up experience, did not communicate extra hold charge, car seat was not in car, took much longer to pick up. Poor communication.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Mar 2026
Compact SUV
just awful. the line was long and slow. we decided to rent another car from another agency. that is how bad it was.
staff pleasant. When returning Car early due to illness, hurts refused to credit unused days
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, May 2025
Standard SUV
Had no issues with Hertz at all. Wish that the Volvo did not require re-pairing phone and navigation every time I got into it.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, May 2025
Standard SUV
I had changed my reservation April 2nd. Cars were now half the price. They told me my reservation was now confirmed for a mid size car. $448 us. Arrived in Palm Springs, they new nothing of it, regardless of my confirmation. Ended up with the original vehicle. They have now charged me $950 us. I have a complaint in. Never again.
10.0 Wonderful
Lisa, Apr 2025
Compact SUV
All was good! Lines were short and moved quickly at Palm Springs and the staff was very nice and efficient.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Mar 2025
Pick-up truck
Vehicle had a bad battery and had to be boosted and returned and then I was charged extra for exchanging it. They could not have done worse if they tried.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Feb 2025
Intermediate SUV
The agent at pick up said that Kyak did not include the tax in the price and so in fact I didn’t get the best deal as it stated when I booked. So I had to pay an Extra $24 usd. That was disappointing. I won’t use Kyak again.
Very nice woman helped me when we first picked it up.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Mar 2025
Intermediate
Fast and easy. Staff at pick up was very nice and efficient. Drop off was just as easy. Car was great. No hassles!
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Dec 2024
Full-size SUV
Heather at the counter was friendly. But we reserved a Nissan pathfinder or similar full size suv described as 7 passenger 4 bags. I screenshotted the Kayak description. A pathfinder is 165 cu. Ft. They only offered us a little Kia Sorento that yes has 7 passenger but with 3rd row up there’s only room for 1 bag. Sorento is only 120cu. Ft. Huge difference. We had 6 people and 2 bags and 2 backpacks we couldn’t fit in it. The only option we were given was to pay an additional $200 a day to get a suburban. That was a huge expense we weren’t expecting so we had to cut some things out of our vacation. I will never do business with Kayak or Dollar again. I’m traveling this week for work and using expedia and enterprise zero issues and even was offered an upgrade at no charge if I’d like. I travel a lot and am disappointed in both Kayak and Dollar they started our vacation off on the wrong foot. Dollar blames Kayak for bad descriptions.
Some Palm Springs car providers already include Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection Waiver into the hire price but not all of them. We recommend always be aware of your coverage when hiring a car in Palm Springs.
Keep in mind that car hire insurances often have a deductible clause, which is the amount you’ll have to pay if something happens during the time of your hire. If you want to avoid unwanted surprises, you should consider adding a no-deductible option to your Palm Springs car hire.
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