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How to get fromSanta Monica to Joshua Treeby bus, car, train, or taxi

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There are 6 ways to get from Santa Monica to Joshua Tree by bus, car, train, or taxi

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, drive

    best
    1. Take the bus from Downtown Los Angeles to Indiobus bus San Jose / ...
    2. Drive from Indio to Joshua Treecar car
    4h 36m
    $41–83

  2. Drive  141.6 mi

    cheapest
    1. Drive from Santa Monica to Joshua Treecar car 141.6 mi
    2h 33m
    $26–38

  3. Train, drive

    1. Take the train from L.A. Union Station to San Bernardino - Downtowntrain train SB Line
    2. Drive from Redlands - University to Joshua Treecar car
    5h 57m
    $30–44

  4. Line 20 bus, bus, drive

    1. Take the bus from Wilshire / Lincoln to 6th / Mainbus bus 20
    2. Take the bus from Downtown Los Angeles to Indiobus bus
    3. Drive from Indio to Joshua Treecar car
    4h 47m
    $40–81

  5. Line 33 bus, bus, drive

    1. Take the bus from 5th / Santa Monica to Patsaouras Transit Plazabus bus 33
    2. Take the bus from Los Angeles Union Station to Indio Bus Stationbus bus
    3. Drive from Indio Bus Station to Joshua Treecar car
    5h 44m
    $31–51

  6. Line 33 bus, train, bus, taxi

    1. Take the bus from 5th / Santa Monica to Patsaouras Transit Plazabus bus 33
    2. Take the train from L.A. Union Station to San Bernardino - Downtowntrain train
    3. Take the bus from San Bernardino Transit Center to Varner at Harry Oliverbus bus 10
    4. Take the taxi from Varner at Harry Oliver to Joshua Treetaxi taxi
    8h 7m
    $142–187

Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Santa Monica to Joshua Tree.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 195.2 mi
  • Duration: 4h 36m

What companies run services between Santa Monica, CA, USA and Joshua Tree, CA, USA?

There is no direct connection from Santa Monica to Joshua Tree. However, you can take the vehicle to 7th Street / Metro Center Station - Metro A & E Lines, walk to 7th / Hope, take the line 51 bus to 7th / Maple, walk to Downtown Los Angeles, take the bus to Indio, then drive to Joshua Tree. Alternatively, you can take a vehicle from Downtown Santa Monica Station to Joshua Tree via 7th Street / Metro Center Station - Metro A & E Lines, 7th Street / Metro Center Station - Metro B & D Lines, Union Station - Metro B & D Lines, L.A. Union Station, San Bernardino - Downtown, and Redlands - University in around 5h 57m.

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