Car rental at Palm Springs Airport

Palm Springs Airport Car Rental (PSP)

See real-time prices from 10 car hire companies. Collect your car at arrivals and go.

LocationAirport
Providers10
Price tipBook 2-4 wks ahead
Min. ageUsually 21+

Quick answer: At Palm Springs Airport you can compare rental cars from 10 providers. We show prices and terms upfront so you can choose wisely - not just cheaply.

Best priceBook 2-4 weeks ahead for better selection and lower rates.
Zero dramaChoose "full-to-full" fuel and film the car at pickup.
DepositHave a credit card in the driver's name ready - that's where most people get caught out.

Cheapest car rentals in Palm Springs Airport right now

7-day rental, pick-up 4 Dec. Prices collected 4 Nov.

Small
Mitsubishi Mirage
Mitsubishi Mirage
Alamo★8.8 (5 reviews)
  • Free cancellation up to 24 h before
  • Unlimited mileage
  • Automatic
  • 4 seats
from €280/7 days
See offer →
Mid-size
Ford Focus
Ford Focus
Dollar★8.5 (37 reviews)
  • Free cancellation up to 24 h before
  • Unlimited mileage
  • Automatic
  • 5 seats
from €231/7 days
See offer →
SUV
Chevrolet Trax
Chevrolet Trax
Dollar★8.5 (37 reviews)
  • Free cancellation up to 24 h before
  • Unlimited mileage
  • Automatic
  • 5 seats
from €261/7 days
See offer →

Car rental companies in Palm Springs Airport: sorted by rating

SupplierRatingPick-upFrom
Alamo★8.8 (5)Inside the terminal€268
Enterprise★8.8 (1)Inside the terminal€281
SIXT★8.6Inside the terminal€318
National★8.5 (1)Inside the terminal€295
Dollar★8.5 (37)Inside the terminal€226
Thrifty★8.3 (9)Inside the terminal€235
Budget★8.1Inside the terminal€235
Hertz★7.9Inside the terminal€265

Prices for a 7-day rental in EUR, collected 4 Nov, and may have changed. Ratings 1-10 from customer reviews. Search with your dates →

About Renting a Car at Palm Springs Airport

Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) has 10 rental companies gathered in a dedicated Rental Car Center, making it Coachella Valley's most comprehensive car rental hub. The airport is 5 km from Palm Springs center and 20 km from Palm Desert. PSP serves the entire Coachella Valley and is the starting point for trips to Joshua Tree National Park (55 km, 50 min east) and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (110 km, 90 min south).

Aerial Tramway station, with a cable car up to 2,600 meters elevation, is reachable in 10 minutes' drive. Pick up your car upon arrival - the Rental Car Center is located on airport grounds and requires no shuttle. Book in advance during January - April (high season) when all 10 companies may have limited availability.

Choose an SUV if you plan to drive to Joshua Tree - some dirt roads require higher ground clearance. How many rental companies are at Palm Springs Airport? At PSP we compare prices from 10 car rental companies gathered in the airport's Rental Car Center, including major chains like Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis.

Do I need to take a shuttle to the car rental? No, the Rental Car Center at PSP is located within airport grounds and you can walk there directly from the arrivals hall. How far is Joshua Tree National Park from PSP?

From Palm Springs Airport it's approximately 55 km and 50 minutes' drive to Joshua Tree National Park's western entrance via Highway 62.

We compare prices from all major providers at Palm Springs Airport so you can see the total cost upfront - including insurance, fuel terms and any extras. Most bookings include free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup, giving you flexibility if your plans change.

What to Know Before Picking Up at Palm Springs Airport

🚗 1) Pick the Right Terms

  • Fuel: "Full-to-full" is usually the fairest deal.
  • Extra driver: can cost extra - check before booking.
  • Automatic: often pricier and in shorter supply.
Pro tip: Cheapest rate + expensive terms = an expensive rental in disguise.

🪪 2) Bring the Right Documents

  • Driver's license (usually held for at least 1 year)
  • Passport or national ID
  • Credit card in the driver's name for the deposit
A valid license is accepted in most of California (USA). Check if an IDP is needed.

📸 3) Drama-Free Pickup

  • Film the car from all angles + the dashboard.
  • Photograph scratches, wheels and windshield.
  • Keep your fuel receipt when returning.
60 seconds now can save 6 weeks of email disputes.

Rental Companies at Palm Springs Airport

Providers you can compare here (availability varies by date and season).

Alamo
Ace Rent a car
Thrifty
Budget
Hertz
Avis
SIXT
Enterprise
Dollar
National

Essential Info for Renting at Palm Springs Airport

Practical answers and tips before you book.

✅ Quick Answers ▼

At Palm Springs Airport you can compare rentals from 10 providers on SmartCarRental. We show prices and terms upfront so you know what you're paying.

  • Book 2-4 weeks ahead for better selection and prices.
  • Choose "full-to-full" fuel whenever possible.
  • Have a credit card in the driver's name ready for the deposit.
🚙 Driving in California (USA) ▼

In California (USA) you drive on the right side.

  • Urban speed limit: 40-56 km/h
  • Rural roads: 89-105 km/h
  • Motorway: 105-129 km/h
  • Alcohol limit: 0.8 per mille
🅿️ Parking & Tolls ▼

Parking can be expensive in cities, always check signs for fees.

Road tolls: Check if your rental car has a transponder for easy payment.

Frequently Asked Questions - Car Rental at Palm Springs Airport

Which rental companies are available at Palm Springs Airport?▼
You can compare 10 rental companies at Palm Springs Airport on SmartCarRental. Availability varies by season and dates, so the best way to see current options is to search with your travel dates.
Do I need an international driving permit in California (USA)?▼
Requirements depend on your home country. EU, US and UK licenses are generally accepted, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license isn't in Latin script.
→ Read more in our guide
Is there an age limit for renting a car at Palm Springs Airport?▼
The minimum age to rent in California (USA) is typically 21 years. Drivers under 25 often pay an additional young driver surcharge.
→ Read more in our guide
What are the traffic rules in California (USA)?▼
In California (USA) you drive on the right side. Speed limits: 40-56 km/h in urban areas, 89-105 km/h on rural roads and 105-129 km/h on motorways.
→ Read more in our guide
What do I need to bring for pickup?▼
When collecting your car at Palm Springs Airport you'll typically need: 1) A valid driver's license (held for at least 1 year), 2) Passport or national ID, and 3) A credit card in the driver's name for the security deposit.
→ Read more in our guide
How does the fuel policy work?▼
Most providers at Palm Springs Airport use a "full-to-full" policy: you pick up the car with a full tank and return it full. This is typically the simplest and cheapest option.
→ Read more in our guide
When is it cheapest to rent a car at Palm Springs Airport?▼
Generally, booking 2-4 weeks in advance, choosing a mid-week pickup, and avoiding peak season gives you the lowest prices.
→ Read more in our guide

15-Day Weather Forecast for Palm Springs Airport

Other Rental Locations Near Palm Springs Airport

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