Palm Desert car hire

Driver's age: 26-65

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Cheap car hire in Palm Desert

Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.
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Economy car
Economy
M
Compact car
Compact
M
Intermediate car
Intermediate
M
Standard car
Standard
M
Full-size car
Full-size
M
Luxury car
Luxury
M
People carrier car
People carrier
M
Passenger van car
Passenger van
M
Commercial car
Commercial
M
Pick-up truck car
Pick-up truck
M

Palm Desert car hire experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users

Insights shared by verified travellers who hired a car in Palm Desert 
Verified travelerApr 2024
We rented a compact car which fully met our needs. The trunk space was large, good on gas, easily fit 4 people.
CHARLESApr 2024
Service was excellent during a busy time. 1/2 hr wait. Try to get your car duing slack hours.
Verified travelerMay 2023
Set your pickup for earlier than you need the car.

KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in Palm Desert

  • Renting a car during your stay in palm Desert city can be a significant step in experiencing the great adventure of exploring the city and its environs. From San Diego, which is approximately 121 miles, to Los Angeles, which is 122 miles, having a car guarantees smooth movement between these great cities. With a car, you can easily have a personal retreat at palm springs which is about 14 miles from this city.
  • Most Palm Desert car rentals have set their minimum car rental age at 25. If you are between 21 and 24, you may find a few cheap car rentals in Palm Desert that will allow you to rent a car under their young driver’s policy. This policy will require you to pay a young driver’s surcharge. For most car rentals, this surcharge is not included in your car rental price. It is accumulated daily and paid at the car rental counter before you can proceed to your car rental lot to collect your car.
  • Palm Springs International Airport, which serves both the Coachella Valley and Palm Springs, has a variety of rental cars available at affordable prices at the rental center located in the terminals of the Airport. At the Airport, there are various car rentals in Palm City centers that you can book through KAYAK, including Enterprise Rent-A-Car, 1 Car Rental Palm Springs Airport, and national car rental. In all these Palm Desert car rentals, you must remember that the price range is between around $28 and $103 per day, depending on your chosen rental car.
  • When renting your car from Palm Desert car rentals as a Person with Reduced Mobility (PRM), review most of these car rentals’ extra amenities to determine the most appropriate for your rental services. Most of the cheap car rentals in Palm Desert may offer PRM-friendly amenities such as; left-foot accelerators, a GPS navigation system, a surrogate driver, reduced-effort braking systems, adaptive electronic controls, and pedal and steering wheel extenders. Unlike the other free amenities, you should note that requesting a surrogate driver will attract a daily surcharge.
  • Palm Desert is a busy City; it may be difficult for you to move around the city, especially in the crowded streets. However, having a car can be a significant step since it can easily allow one to move around to different destinations within the city. Even though the city provides driving through golf carts, the freedom is only available to permitted drivers who are allowed to travel to schools and other critical places like government offices.
  • If you rent your car from the cheap car rentals in Palm Desert for your road trip to your scenic destinations within and outside Palm Desert with your kids, you should adhere to Palm Desert’s child seat safety guidelines. Based on these guidelines, your kids under 8 should be secured with an age-appropriate seat. Your kids between 0 and 1 year should travel in a forward-facing toddler seat. Kids between 2 and 3 years old should travel in a forward-facing toddler seat, while kids between 4 and 8 years have to travel in a forward-facing booster seat. Those who are over 8 years should sit in the back seat with their safety belts on.
  • Driving through the Rancho Mirage of Palm Springs can be a significant challenge, especially if you do it during rush hours of around 5:30 pm in the evening. Passing through the Coast and downtown LA in the city can be frustrating, and it is best to avoid these roads during these times. Driving through various identified highways in the town on Fridays can be frustrating since the day is known for the heavy traffic you may experience when driving. Therefore, you must stick to the 10E drive during this day to avoid being caught up in the heavy traffic during rush hours.
  • Book your car hire in Palm Desert at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
See more tips

FAQs about hiring a car in Palm Desert

  • How much is the price of fuel in Palm Desert?

    The average price of fuel in Palm Desert is €3.16 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between €38 and €50, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular car hire in Palm Desert?

    Full-size (Chevrolet Tahoe or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Palm Desert.

  • Which car hire agencies are at Palm Springs airport (PSP)?

    The only car hire company onsite at Palm Springs airport is Thrifty.

  • 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 Thrifty.

  • How can I find car hires near me in Palm Desert?

    Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.

  • How much does a Full Size car hire cost in Palm Desert?

    A Full Size car hire in Palm Desert costs €90 per day, on average.

  • What type of car is recommended for driving in Palm Desert?

    Lacking a reliable means of movement at a place such as Palm Springs, an essential point of attraction near the city, can make it hard for you to thoroughly explore all corners of the springs. Having a car can be of great benefit because it will enable you to get to various destinations within the park than a bus that leaves you a bit far from the place which will require you to cover a distance to those destinations. Even though the Springs are small and easy to move around, the whole resort area covers a considerable distance that requires car Rentals in Palm City.

  • Are there toll roads in Palm Desert?

    One of the things you should consider when renting your car from the cheap car rentals in Palm Desert is the toll-free roads. The toll-free roads will help you to avoid the extra daily charges that raise the overall cost of renting a car.

  • What's the speed limit in Palm Desert?

    The speed limit within Palm Desert City keeps changing depending on the implementation on certain roads. After visiting car Rentals in Palm Desert and driving through the city, remember that the speed limit depends on the specific highway. For example, you must maintain a maximum speed of 50 mph when driving between Gerald Ford Drive and Dick Kelly. For San Carlos and Portola avenues, you must keep a speed limit of 30 mph. Additionally, a speed limit of 35 mph is required for University Park drive and 25 mph for Painters' path.

  • Can I rent an electric car from any cheap car rentals in Palm Desert?

    Renting an electric car from the cheap car rentals in Palm Desert is enabled by the availability of about 25 public EV charging stations. These charging stations can be accessed at the airport parking points, outside the major malls and supermarkets, and in the public garages and gas stations within and outside Palm Desert.

  • Where are the best places to park in Palm Desert?

    Palm Desert has various parking slots that charge no single cent for the service. The Parkview Professional Building, City Hall, and Renova Energy are some places within the city that offer free parking for its visitors. Tower Market, Presidents Plaza East, and Presidents Plaza West are located within the town, offering free parking that is not limited to visitors but is open to everyone. However, if you want a stay that may last for a month or even more, several places offer to park but for pay that caters for the entire month. Gary C provides the service at around $135 Camilo G for around $100, Mel T for $80, and Sabastian S for around $146, all per month. However, you must book the slot early to secure the place.

See more FAQs

Palm Desert car rental reviews and directory 
All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car hire booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.

Budget

Best rated

Cleanliness

7.1

Comfort

7.7

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.7

Value for money

7.4

One location in Palm Desert

Show locations

Locations in Palm Desert

74-881 Hovley Lane East

+1 760 776 9565

Monday08:00 - 16:00
Tuesday08:00 - 16:00
Wednesday08:00 - 16:00
Thursday08:00 - 16:00
Friday08:00 - 16:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday09:00 - 12:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

8.0 Very Good

Anonymous, Feb 2024

People carrier

KAYAK
Inside of car, front and bach seats, and trunk area strewn with trash from prior renters. Very disappointing, otherwise the experience was “good” overall.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Aug 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

The drop off was a bit complicated since the Budget airport location is closed. Fortunately the Avis people found us and checked in the car. They were all very nice at pick up and drop off

10.0 Wonderful

Jason, Jul 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Pickup and dropoff was easy, and the car was clean when I got it

Cons:

nothing! The car was clean when I got it, the service was top notch, the return was seamless. nothing else I could ask for in a rental agency, you have my business next time!!!

1 out of 2

Avis

Cleanliness

7.1

Comfort

7.9

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.7

Value for money

8.0

One location in Palm Desert

Show locations

Locations in Palm Desert

74-881 Hovley Lane East

+1 760 346 7429

Monday08:00 - 16:00
Tuesday08:00 - 16:00
Wednesday08:00 - 16:00
Thursday08:00 - 16:00
Friday08:00 - 16:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday09:00 - 12:00

Filters

Reviews

6.0 Okay

Anonymous, Dec 2023

Intermediate

KAYAK
They committed fraud on me, they charged me an extra 134 dollars from my account, they claim that I did not fill the gas tank and that is lies. I have proof that if I did fill it, if I have to go to court for this, I will do it if they do not return my money.

10.0 Wonderful

Nancy, May 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

The staff was great at this location. Best experience ever at a rental car agency!

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Mar 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

They didn’t have any cars to rent!

2.0 Poor

Chanel, Mar 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

Car was not available!!

1 out of 2

Hertz

Cleanliness

6.7

Comfort

7.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.0

Value for money

6.7

2 locations in Palm Desert

Show locations

Locations in Palm Desert

44 400 Indian Wells Lane

7607757217

Opening times not available

74855 Country Club Dr.

+1 760 568 6200

Monday08:00 - 16:00
Tuesday08:00 - 16:00
Wednesday08:00 - 16:00
Thursday08:00 - 16:00
Friday08:00 - 16:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Sept 2024

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
Still too expensive!!

8.0 Very Good

Anonymous, Apr 2024

Compact SUV

KAYAK
Understaffed

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Mar 2024

Intermediate

KAYAK
Kayak allowed me to reserve a car, but when I arrived at the counter, there was no car available because the Hertz staff member told me KAYAK does this all the time

10.0 Wonderful

Diane, Dec 2021

KAYAK
Tim was helpful and fun to work with.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Dec 2021

KAYAK
Car could have been cleaner

1.9 Poor

PETER, Jun 2021

KAYAK
The SUV I rented more than 8 days before the pick up date , wasn't ready and i called 3 times. they never called me until i was 3 hours late for my pickup time , someone told me I have to rent a small car drive it to another location and pick up my desired type of car. The car smells cigarette. have rough sound from the back while driving. I tried to cancel the reservation but the lady said she can't and it has to be through her manager because I paid already for the rental, I decided to take the SUV as it was too late for me to change my plans. Adding assault to the injury ,when I returned the SUV washed in and out and full tank, the guy told me I have to pay 150$ tax , so I told him I paid everything ahead of my rental and he was .... oh let me see what I can do... as he is doing me a favor by waiving taxes, so unprofessional and annoying.

1 out of 7

Dollar

5.6

Fair

One location in Palm Desert

Show locations

Locations in Palm Desert

74855 Country Club Drive

+1 760 568 6200

Monday08:00 - 16:00
Tuesday08:00 - 16:00
Wednesday08:00 - 16:00
Thursday08:00 - 16:00
Friday08:00 - 16:00

Filters

No reviews available

Thrifty

5.5

Fair

One location in Palm Desert

Show locations

Locations in Palm Desert

74855 Country Club Dr.

+1 760 568 6200

Monday08:00 - 16:00
Tuesday08:00 - 16:00
Wednesday08:00 - 16:00
Thursday08:00 - 16:00
Friday08:00 - 16:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00

Filters

No reviews available

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

No score available yet

3 locations in Palm Desert

Show locations

Locations in Palm Desert

49499 Eisenhower Dr

+1 760 564 7859

Monday00:00 - 00:00
Tuesday00:00 - 00:00
Wednesday00:00 - 00:00
Thursday00:00 - 00:00
Friday00:00 - 00:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

73088 Highway 111

+1 760 341 4470

Monday08:00 - 16:00
Tuesday08:00 - 16:00
Wednesday08:00 - 16:00
Thursday08:00 - 16:00
Friday08:00 - 16:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

78385 Varner Rd Ste D

+1 760 772 0281

Monday08:00 - 16:00
Tuesday08:00 - 16:00
Wednesday08:00 - 16:00
Thursday08:00 - 16:00
Friday08:00 - 16:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Mar 2025

Standard

KAYAK
All went smoothly.

10.0 Wonderful

Mitchell, Jan 2025

Intermediate

KAYAK
Easy and quick service

2.0 Poor

Lee, Dec 2024

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
The booking was not in the system correctly. They found it but it alter 20 mins

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Nov 2024

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
The personnel at this particular enterprise or outstanding. Very helpful, professional, welcoming.

10.0 Wonderful

CHARLES, Apr 2024

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
excellent

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Mar 2024

Compact SUV

KAYAK
Great will definitely use again

1 out of 8

Eagle Rent A Car

No score available yet

One location in Palm Desert

Locations in Palm Desert

74855 Country Club Dr.

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

46 travellers who hired a car in Palm Desert gave the car agency they used an average rating of 5.6

Car hire locations in or near Palm Desert

Good to know

Most popular car type

Full-size

When to book a car hire in Palm Desert

Average daily price per month
Car hire prices as pick-up date approaches

Car hire insurance in Palm Desert

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) & Theft Protection Waiver

Some Palm Desert 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 Desert.

Deductible

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 Desert car hire.

Palm Desert car hire information

Pick-up locationPalm Desert
Car types
Hire locations6
Airport locations0

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