Car hire in Palm Desert, United States

Use the same magic that powers our flight search to find cheap car rental in Palm Desert

Compare car hire on price, ease of pick-up, a fair fuel policy and more

Find Palm Desert car rental deals you can amend or cancel if your plans change

Select your Palm Desert pick-up location

There are 16 car hire locations in Palm Desert. Choose the cheapest or easiest now.

The most popular car rental companies in Palm Desert

Hiring a car in Palm Desert: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyAce Rent a Car
Most popular carPremium/Luxury, Pickup
Average daily priceR 1,397
Best time to book2 weeks before

How to book the best car rental deals in Palm Desert

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Palm Desert car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Palm Desert

  • Searching for a cheap rental car in Palm Desert? With an average price of R 1,397 a day, you're headed for some big savings. Whether you're after a small ride, a roomy SUV, or anything in between, we compare all the top offers to land you a bargain.

  • Lock in your ride in August and watch the savings roll in. It's the cheapest month to rent a car in Palm Desert, with average daily rates of R 559.

  • Snap up a cheap rental car in Palm Desert by booking in advance. You're more likely to get the car you like and a price you'll love.

  • Hertz, Budget and Avis are some of the top providers offering car hire deals in Palm Desert.

  • The coverage Hertz or another supplier offers for your Palm Desert car hire can vary, so always read the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will charge extra for it.

  • Choosing a one-way car hire can be the key to cheaper deals. Simply check 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for rent in Palm Desert. Providers sometimes have to move vehicles between locations, which means you can snag some excellent one-way prices.

  • Spend less on fuel by choosing a car hire in Palm Desert that has a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up your ride with a full tank and refill it before drop-off, so you're only paying for what you use.

  • Want to explore without worrying about how many miles you clock up? Find rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and drive as far as you like without the extra charges.

Compare car hire types in Palm Desert

  • Small: These cheap rental cars in Palm Desert may be small in size, but they're big on practicality. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to manoeuvre, great on mileage, and a match made in heaven for city driving.

  • Medium: A top choice when you want something that has a few more features but is still easy to drive. This category includes compact and intermediate models that offer a bit of extra space compared to smaller options.

  • Large: Long drives fly by in this Palm Desert car hire category. Also known as full-size, their bigger engines are built to perform. The extra space and comfort make them an excellent choice for groups of friends and families.

  • SUV: SUVs are ready whenever wanderlust hits. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and country routes alike.

  • Van: Choose this category of vehicle when you need a car for rent in Palm Desert that can handle the big jobs. Typically featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to transport more, whether that's equipment, baggage or groups of people.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Excess insurance covers the cost you'd have to pay if your Palm Desert car hire is stolen or damaged. While not mandatory, it can be a real lifesaver if something goes wrong. Keep in mind that not all insurance policies are the same, so make sure you understand exactly what's included.

  • Make your trip smoother when you rent a car in Palm Desert by adding some nifty extras. Think things like a GPS unit to keep you headed the right way, or reverse cameras that give you confidence when parking.

Good to know

  • The minimum age to rent a car in the United States is generally 21 years old. However some providers make their own rules, so always go over your rental company's terms to make sure you meet the requirements.

  • Bringing the kids with you? Car seat regulations vary depending on where you are, and the correct setup may depend on their age, height and weight. Make sure you add the right one to your Palm Desert car hire booking.

Hit the road: Where to drive from Palm Desert

  • You'll want to explore the leading attractions in the city once you've lined up a car hire deal in Palm Desert. Desert Springs Golf Club and Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert are essential viewing before leaving town.

  • If you're looking for a place to stay in Palm Desert while touring around, consider Best Western Plus Palm Desert Resort or The Oasis Resort.

  • Keep travelling to Riverside. Around 97 kilometres west of central Palm Desert, it's home to favourite sights like Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and Bryant Park.

  • The Mission Inn Hotel and Spa and Raincross Hotel Riverside are recommended accommodation options in Riverside.

  • Alternatively, collect your cheap car hire in Palm Desert and drive about 97 kilometres north-west to San Bernardino. Featuring Public Art Route 66 and Twin Parks, its attractions speak for themselves.

  • San Bernardino has some comfortable stays that make it easy to unwind, including DoubleTree by Hilton San Bernardino and Empire Inn.

  • Still got fuel in the tank? Take off to Las Vegas, about 290 kilometres north of Palm Desert. From Las Vegas Strip to Ciudad del Pecado o Las Vegas, it's the grand finale your trip deserves.

  • Snooze the night away in Las Vegas at SAHARA Las Vegas. The Strat Hotel, Casino & Tower has a cosy bed waiting for you too.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Palm Desert will set you back around R 1,397 per day or R 6,287 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Palm Desert is an intermediate SUV. The most popular is Premium/Luxury, Pickup.
The cheapest car hire company in Palm Desert is currently Turo, followed by Dollar.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Palm Desert is currently August.
On average, around R 6,287. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Palm Desert is R 4,198.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Palm Desert for a whole month is R 25,540. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Palm Desert, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Palm Desert that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Palm Desert.
Most places – Palm Desert included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is R 947 per day. The average price per day is around R 1,128.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Ace Rent a Car, Avis and Alamo offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Thrifty as the best overall in terms of experience.
We search the internet for all kinds of vehicle hire deals, including vans. But at the moment, we can't find any van hire in Palm Desert.