How to find a cheap car hire deal in Palm Springs
Searching for a cheap rental car in Palm Springs? This is where the booking magic happens. With prices averaging R 1,836 a day, we compare all the best offers so you can choose fast, spend less, and hit the road happy.
R 687 is the cheapest daily price you'll find for a rental in Palm Springs.
Making it more than a quick visit? Grab a weekly rental from R 4,809 and take the time to discover more.
We've cracked the code on when to book. Around four weeks in advance gives you the best shot at finding the best price on a Palm Springs car hire.
Browse the offers available with Thrifty, Enterprise and Budget. They're some of the most popular providers in the city.
Whether you book with Thrifty or a different supplier, make sure you understand the coverage on your Palm Springs car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others sell it as a separate extra.
Choosing a one-way car hire can be the key to finding a deal. Click 'Return car to a different location.' Providers sometimes have to move vehicles from one branch to another, which means you can lock in some awesome one-way prices on a car for rent in Palm Springs.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your ride with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. No surprise refueling fees tacked on at the end either.
Hit the highway without tracking every mile and racking up additional fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and click 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you explore without limits.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll get the best value with this company. Prices average R 1,495 a day.
Offering daily rates of around R 1,312, [this provider](this provider](https://www.skyscanner.co.za/car-hire/car-hire-with-provider/ace-rent-a-car/1149)) comes in next.
The third option also keeps costs reasonable. Expect to pay roughly R 1,486 a day for one of their rentals.
The Economy rental category is a dependable choice if you're unsure which ride is right for you. It's also the vehicle type that's rented the most in Palm Springs.
Flying to Palm Springs? Think about an airport pick-up
Make an early start on your Palm Springs plans by booking a car hire at Palm Springs International Airport. The city centre is about 5 kilometres from this airport, which is a drive of around 10 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Palm Springs
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Palm Springs gets you moving without breaking the bank. These agile, fuel-efficient cars are good for short trips and city driving.
Medium: Not too small, not too big, this is the Goldilocks of rentals! Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of interior space and fuel efficiency and are popular with couples and small families.
Large: You've got the suitcases, the kids, the snacks, the works. Large vehicles have got the capacity to fit it all in without a hassle. Perfect for long-distance journeys, this Palm Springs car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV goes wherever you do. It's your ultimate road trip companion, ready for highways, backroads, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also deliver on space and improved safety features.
Van: Choose this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Palm Springs that can handle the big jobs. Featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're built to carry more, whether that's supplies, baggage or the whole travel crew.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your Palm Springs car hire offers peace of mind. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of theft or an accident. Insurance policies aren't the same across all rental providers, so check how each one stacks up.
From GPS units to mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, the right extras can make all the difference on the road. Think about which features will make your trip more comfortable when you rent a car in Palm Springs.
Good to know
You usually have to be at least 21 years old to rent a vehicle in the United States. Being younger isn't always a deal-breaker — just expect some extra rules or charges. Check the companies' terms and conditions before you book.
Travel plans include the kids? Child car seat laws vary according to the location, and the correct setup may depend on their weight, height and age. Confirm whether you need to add one to your Palm Springs car hire booking.
You'll need to hand over a few things when collecting your rental car: a valid driver's licence, another form of photo ID, and a credit card to cover the deposit amount. Debit cards usually aren't accepted. Any extra must-haves will be shown in your booking.
Spend some time getting acquainted with your rental. Check your seat and mirrors, test the lights and blinkers, and get a feel for its handling before you set off. And remember to stay on the right side of the road in the United States.
Local speed limits can vary, but it's normally around 40kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways. Always check the posted signs.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% applies in the United States. The safest way to stay legal to drive is to avoid drinking altogether.
One of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination is around 5pm. Make travel easier by steering clear of peak periods.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for all your purchases and expenses throughout your trip. You may find it helpful to carry a mix of cards and cash so you're covered for every situation.
Best hotels in Palm Springs for drivers
Spend less time worrying about where to park and more time making the most of Twin Palms Resort - A Gay Men's Resort. About 3 kilometres from central Palm Springs, it comes with accessible parking, room service and bicycle rentals.
Thompson Palm Springs, by Hyatt is another practical pick for a trip that's big on driving. It features parking, along with room service and a 24-hour front desk. Base yourself here and you'll be roughly 0.16 kilometres from the city centre.
Explore the full lineup of hotels in Palm Springs and pick the stay that suits your trip. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to your needs — like 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with charging access.
After you've found a car hire deal in Palm Springs and the right hotel, it's time to plan your first stops. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, Agua Caliente Indian Canyons and Indian Canyons Hiking Trails give you a real taste of the city.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Palm Springs
Riverside should be on your itinerary if you'd like to visit Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and Fox Performing Arts Centre. This city is about 80 kilometres west of central Palm Springs.
The Mission Inn Hotel and Spa and Raincross Hotel Riverside are recommended accommodation options with parking in Riverside.
Add San Bernardino to your holiday plans too. Pick up your cheap car hire in Palm Springs and drive around 72 kilometres northwest to discover main draws such as Public Art "Route 66" and Arrowhead Viewing Spot & Historical Monument.
Take it easy after a day spent exploring San Bernardino at DoubleTree by Hilton San Bernardino or Hampton Inn & Suites San Bernardino. These hotels are a good choice for guests bringing their own car.
Stretch your journey and road-trip it to Las Vegas, around 290 kilometres northeast of Palm Springs. Kick things off at Ciudad del Pecado o Las Vegas, then spend some time at Las Vegas Strip.
Catch up on sleep in Las Vegas at either Sahara Las Vegas or Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino. They've got a bed waiting for you and a place for your wheels too.
