Rome2Rio

How to get fromSan Francisco to Palm Desertby plane, bus (Flixbus, Greyhound), train, bus, car, or subway

Find Transport to Palm Desert

See all options

There are 8 ways to get from San Francisco to Palm Desert by plane, bus (Flixbus, Greyhound), train, bus, car, or subway

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

  1. Fly from San Francisco International Airport

    best
    1. Fly from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)plane plane SFO - PSP
    3h 19m
    $195–382

  2. Bus

    cheapest
    1. Take the bus from San Francisco to Los Angeles Union Stationbus bus FlixBus 2005
    2. Take the bus from Los Angeles Union Station to Indio Bus Stationbus bus Greyhound US1000 / ...
    13h 16m
    $88–153

  3. Caltrain, train, bus

    1. Take the train from San Francisco Caltrain Southbound to San Jose Diridon Caltrain Southboundtrain train
    2. Take the train from San Jose to Los Angelestrain train
    3. Take the bus from Fullerton Amtrak Station to Palm Desert Amtrak Bus Stopbus bus
    18h 6m
    $182–359

  4. Drive 499.1 mi

    1. Drive from San Francisco to Palm Desertcar car 499.1 mi
    8h 21m
    $92–132

  5. Fly from Oakland International Airport

    1. Fly from Oakland International Airport (OAK) to Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)plane plane OAK - PSP
    3h 19m
    $291–818

  6. BART, bus via Anaheim

    1. Take the subway from Civic Center / UN Plaza to Berryessa / North San Josesubway subway
    2. Take the bus from San Jose, CA - Huong Lan Sandwich to Los Angeles, CA - Chinatown Stationbus bus
    3. Take the bus from Fullerton Amtrak Station to Palm Desert Amtrak Bus Stopbus bus
    13h 34m
    $99–145

  7. BART, bus

    1. Take the subway from Civic Center / UN Plaza to Berryessa / North San Josesubway subway
    2. Take the bus from San Jose - King Rd Pink Elephant to Huntington Parkbus bus
    3. Take the bus from 2474 E Florence Ave - Huntington Park to Indio Bus Stationbus bus
    17h 25m
    $107–152

  8. Train, bus

    1. Take the train from Oakland to Los Angelestrain train
    2. Take the train from L.A. Union Station to Fontanatrain train
    3. Take the bus from Fontana Metrolink Transit Center to Indio Bus Stationbus bus
    19h 35m
    $208–388

San Francisco to Palm Desert by bus and foot

Calendar4Weekly Services
Duration13h 16mAverage Duration
Ticket$88Cheapest Price
See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from San Francisco to Palm Desert.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 447 mi
  • Duration: 3h 19m

What companies run services between San Francisco, CA, USA and Palm Desert, CA, USA?

Alaska Airlines, Inc. and United Airlines fly from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) every 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus from San Francisco to Hwy 111 at San Luis Rey via Los Angeles Union Station, Indio Bus Station, and Hwy 111 at Golf Center Pkwy in around 13h 16m.

Airlines
Train operators
Bus operators

Want to know more about travelling around United States

Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket?', 'Should I book online before I travel? ', 'How much should I expect to pay?', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' - to help you get the most out of your next trip.

Related travel guides

Need to know: Greyhound

Read the travel guideNeed to know: Greyhound

More Questions & Answers