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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Palm Desert
Palm Desert
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Palm Desert
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Palm Desert
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Palm Desert
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in Palm Desert?
Palm Desert is a vibrant city known for its stunning desert landscapes, world-class golf courses, and upscale shopping. While alternative transportation options exist, renting a car provides the flexibility to fully explore the area's attractions at your own pace.
Explore Desert Landscapes. With a rental car, you can easily access scenic drives and hiking trails in Joshua Tree National Park and the surrounding desert areas. Public transportation to these locations is limited.
Convenient Access to Golf Courses. Palm Desert is a golfer's paradise, and having a car makes it simple to reach various golf courses throughout the region. Transporting golf equipment is also much easier with a rental car.
Shopping and Dining Flexibility. From El Paseo Shopping District to unique local eateries, a car allows you to explore Palm Desert's diverse shopping and dining scene without relying on taxis or ride-sharing services.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Palm Desert
Before renting a car in Palm Desert, be aware of the standard terms and conditions. These typically cover age requirements, license validity, insurance, deposits, mileage, and fuel policies.
Area
Approximately 69.9 square kilometres (27 square miles)
Population
Approximately 52,000 residents
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST), UTC-8 (UTC-7 during daylight saving time)
Ideal for
Road trips and exploring the desert region
Rush Hours
Expect moderate traffic during peak tourist seasons
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Palm Desert require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to additional surcharges.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.
3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals include basic insurance, but additional coverage options like collision damage waiver (CDW) are available. A security deposit is usually required and held on the renter's credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary, with some rentals offering unlimited mileage and others imposing restrictions. Fuel policies often require returning the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons such as GPS navigation or child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Palm Desert – How Much Does It Cost?
The average daily rate for an economy-class car rental in Palm Desert is approximately from £31.75 / $40 / €37.50 per day. Prices can fluctuate based on demand and availability.
Business:
from £39.69 / $50 / €47.00 per day
Electric:
from £31.75 / $40 / €37.50 per day
Classic:
from £23.81 / $30 / €28.20 per day
Executive:
from £47.63 / $60 / €56.40 per day
7 Seater:
from £55.56 / $70 / €65.80 per day
Automatic:
from £31.75 / $40 / €37.50 per day
SUV:
from £35.71 / $45 / €42.30 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (December to April): Sees higher demand and prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (May to November): Often comes with discounts, excluding holidays and special events
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Palm Desert?
To book a car in Palm Desert, follow these simple steps to secure the best deal and ensure a smooth rental experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s a compact car for city driving or an SUV for desert adventures.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental vehicle.
General Information About Palm Desert
Palm Desert offers a blend of natural beauty and urban amenities. Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore local attractions, shopping centres, and desert landscapes.
Palm Desert is known for its upscale resorts, golf courses, and stunning desert scenery. Driving is generally straightforward, though awareness of local traffic laws and parking regulations is beneficial.
Top Attractions to Discover
El Paseo Shopping District
Upscale shopping and dining experiences.
Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
A unique zoo and botanical garden showcasing desert wildlife and plants.
Indian Canyons
Scenic hiking trails and natural desert beauty.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Located in shopping districts and near major attractions.
On-Street Parking
Available, but check for time limits and parking fees.
Hotel Parking
Many hotels offer free parking for guests.
Gas Stations in Palm Desert
Major Brands Available
Chevron, Shell, and ARCO stations are easily found.
Located Along Major Roads
Gas stations are conveniently located along Highway 111 and other main routes.
Open Late
Most stations are open late, with some operating 24/7.
Useful Tips for Visiting Palm Desert
Stay Hydrated
Carry water, especially when exploring the desert.
Watch for Wildlife
Be aware of desert animals when driving.
Plan for Heat
Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day.
Check Road Conditions
Be aware of weather and potential road closures.
Key Transportation Hubs in Palm Desert
Airports
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)
The nearest major airport, located about 14 miles from Palm Desert.
Bus Stations
SunLine Transit Agency
Provides public transportation services throughout the Coachella Valley.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Palm Desert?
To rent a car in Palm Desert, you'll need a valid driver's license, a credit or debit card, and proof of identity.
A valid driver's license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old.
A credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit.
A passport or another form of identification may be required for international renters.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Palm Desert as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Needed a quick getaway, and Palm Desert was perfect! Having a car made exploring so easy; the scenery was stunning. Highly recommend!
Maria Garcia
Reviewed: 31.08.2024
Low-key relaxing.
Ethan Miller
Reviewed: 03.03.2025
Back in Palm Desert after ages! It's changed, but still lovely. The resort food was a bit pricey.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 24.05.2025
Palm Desert was lovely; seeing friends made it perfect. Renting a car was a breeze, although the resort's Wi-Fi was spotty.
Ava Wilson
Reviewed: 16.08.2025
Palm Desert lived up to the hype! Having a car was a lifesaver for exploring. The only downside was the resort restaurant's limited menu.
David Lee
Reviewed: 03.05.2025
Pretty chill vibe.
Jessica Garcia
Reviewed: 16.12.2024
Soaking up the sun and exploring Palm Desert was amazing! Having a car made everything so convenient.
Evelyn Carter
Reviewed: 24.03.2025
Great seeing friends in Palm Desert! The resort pool was a bit crowded.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 05.03.2025
Busy business trip, but Palm Desert was a breeze! Getting around with my rental car was super convenient. Loved the desert landscape.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 12.04.2025
Efficient business trip to Palm Desert. Having a car made everything so easy!
Kevin Brown
Reviewed: 10.03.2025
Pretty relaxed, really.
Chris Evans
Reviewed: 15.04.2025
Pretty chill, really.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 18.08.2025