Rome2Rio

How to get fromSanta Cruz to Palm Desertby bus, train, plane, bus (Amtrak, Greyhound, Flixbus), or car

Find Transport to Palm Desert

See all options

There are 8 ways to get from Santa Cruz to Palm Desert by bus, train, plane, bus (Amtrak, Greyhound, Flixbus), or car

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

  1. Bus, Caltrain to San Francisco International Airport, fly

    best
    1. Take the bus from Front to Diridon Stationbus bus
    2. Take the train from San Jose Diridon Caltrain Northbound to Millbrae Caltrain Northboundtrain train
    3. Fly from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)plane plane SFO - PSP
    5h 3m
    $190–415

  2. Bus

    cheapest
    1. Take the bus from Front to Diridon Stationbus bus 17
    2. Take the bus from San Jose Diridon Station to Los Angeles Union Stationbus bus
    3. Take the bus from Los Angeles Union Station to Indio Bus Stationbus bus
    13h 15m
    $80–155

  3. Bus, train

    1. Take the bus from Front to Diridon Stationbus bus 17
    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
    17h 38m
    $182–360

  4. Drive 456.9 mi

    1. Drive from Santa Cruz to Palm Desertcar car 456.9 mi
    7h 58m
    $84–121

  5. Bus to Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport, fly

    1. Take the bus from Front to Diridon Stationbus bus
    2. Fly from Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport (SJC) to Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)plane plane SJC - PSP
    4h 22m
    $291–883

  6. Bus, train to Oakland International Airport, fly

    1. Take the bus from Front to Diridon Stationbus bus
    2. Take the train from San Jose to Oakland Coliseum/Airport Amtraktrain train
    3. Fly from Oakland International Airport (OAK) to Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)plane plane OAK - PSP
    5h 42m
    $309–853

  7. Bus via San Jose

    1. Take the bus from Ocean & Water to Diridon Stationbus bus 17
    2. Take the bus from San Jose - King Rd Pink Elephant to Downtown Los Angelesbus bus
    3. Take the bus from 612 Wall St - Los Angeles to Indio Bus Stationbus bus
    16h 47m
    $130–180

  8. Bus, train via Fontana

    1. Take the bus from Front to Diridon Stationbus bus 17
    2. Take the train from San Jose to Los Angelestrain train
    3. Take the train from L.A. Union Station to Fontanatrain train
    4. Take the bus from Fontana Metrolink Transit Center to Indio Bus Stationbus bus
    18h 39m
    $195–368

Santa Cruz to Palm Desert by bus and foot

Calendar14Weekly Services
Duration13h 15mAverage Duration
Ticket$80Cheapest Price
See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Santa Cruz to Palm Desert.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 498.5 mi
  • Duration: 5h 3m

What companies run services between Santa Cruz, CA, USA and Palm Desert, CA, USA?

You can take a bus from Front to Hwy 111 at San Luis Rey via Diridon Station, San Jose Diridon Station, Los Angeles Union Station, Indio Bus Station, and Hwy 111 at Golf Center Pkwy in around 13h 15m.

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