Amtrak’s trustworthy and cozy services make traveling between Palm Springs and Los Angeles a delight. Amtrak provides easy options like the Amtrak Palm Springs to Los Angeles return journey and the Amtrak Los Angeles to Palm Springs route, whether you’re returning to Los Angeles after a long day or went to Palm Springs for a relaxing vacation. We’ll go over all you need to know in our entire guide, including schedules, bus connections, stops, and more.
Amtrak Los Angeles to Palm Springs Route Details
The Amtrak route from Los Angeles to Palm Springs is shown throughout this table.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Route Name | Amtrak Pacific Surfliner (to Riverside) + Amtrak Thruway Connecting Service |
| Departure Station | Los Angeles Union Station (LAX) |
| Arrival Station | Palm Springs Station |
| Distance | Approximately 110 miles (177 km) |
| Travel Time | 3.5 to 4.5 hours (depending on connections and traffic) |
| Frequency | Multiple daily departures (check Amtrak schedule for exact times) |
| Train Service | Pacific Surfliner (Los Angeles to Riverside) |
| Connecting Service | Amtrak Thruway Bus (Riverside to Palm Springs) |
| Departure Times (Train) | Varies; typically early morning to late evening |
| Arrival Times (Bus) | Varies; typically mid-morning to late evening |
| Ticket Cost | Approximately 30−30−50 one-way (prices vary based on booking time) |
| Amenities on Train | Free Wi-Fi, power outlets, comfortable seating, café car |
| Amenities on Bus | Air conditioning, restroom, comfortable seating |
| Baggage Policy | 2 carry-on bags + 2 checked bags (additional fees may apply) |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair-accessible trains and buses |
| Booking Options | Online via Amtrak’s official website Amtrak mobile app Station or ticket counters |
| Notes | No direct train service; requires a transfer to a bus in Riverside |
Amtrak Other Routes from Los Angeles to Palm Springs
Although the most experienced route between Palm Springs and Los Angeles is by Amtrak, there are other routes. The table is shown below.
| Option | Details | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Train + Bus | Pacific Surfliner to Fullerton/Riverside + Thruway Bus to Palm Springs | Scenic views, eco-friendly, comfortable | Requires a transfer, longer travel time |
| Driving | Approximately 2 hours via I-10 E | Flexible schedule, no transfers | Traffic, parking fees, environmental impact |
| Flying | Flights from LAX to Palm Springs International Airport | Fastest option | Expensive, limited flight schedules |
| Private Shuttle | Shared or private shuttle services available | Door-to-door service | Can be costly, less eco-friendly |
Amtrak Los Angeles to Palm Springs Schedule
Planning your trip starts with checking the Amtrak Los Angeles to Palm Springs schedule.
| Departure | Arrival | Service | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Union Station | Fullerton Station | Pacific Surfliner | Departs 6:00 AM |
| Fullerton Station | Palm Springs Station | Amtrak Thruway Bus | Departs 7:15 AM, Arrives 9:45 AM |
| Los Angeles Union Station | Riverside Station | Pacific Surfliner | Departs 8:00 AM |
| Riverside Station | Palm Springs Station | Amtrak Thruway Bus | Departs 9:30 AM, Arrives 11:00 AM |
| Palm Springs Station | Fullerton Station | Amtrak Thruway Bus | Departs 4:00 PM, Arrives 6:30 PM |
| Fullerton Station | Los Angeles Union Station | Pacific Surfliner | Departs 7:00 PM, Arrives 8:00 PM |
| Palm Springs Station | Riverside Station | Amtrak Thruway Bus | Departs 5:30 PM, Arrives 7:00 PM |
| Riverside Station | Los Angeles Union Station | Pacific Surfliner | Departs 7:30 PM, Arrives 9:00 PM |
Amtrak Stop from Palm Springs to Los Angeles
Taking an Amtrak Thruway Bus from Palm Springs to Riverside and then the Pacific Surfliner train from Riverside to Los Angeles is the route to take when going from Palm Springs to Los Angeles by Amtrak. Below is a table for stops along this route.
| Location | Station Name | Mode of Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Palm Springs, CA | Palm Springs Station (PSP) | Amtrak Thruway Bus |
| Riverside, CA | Riverside-Downtown Station (RIV) | Transfer to Pacific Surfliner Train |
| Los Angeles, CA | Los Angeles Union Station (LAX) | Pacific Surfliner Train |
Cost of Amtrak Los Angeles to Palm Springs
Knowing how much your vacation will cost can help you make an efficient budget. The prices for an Amtrak trip from Los Angeles to Palm Springs are shown in the table below.
| Expense | Cost (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Train Ticket | 25−25−40 | One-way fare on the Pacific Surfliner. |
| Bus Ticket | 15−15−25 | One-way fare on the Amtrak Thruway Bus. |
| Total Round-Trip Cost | 80−80−130 | Depending on discounts and booking time. |
| Onboard Dining | 5−5−15 | Snacks and beverages from the café car. |
| Baggage Fees | 0−0−20 | Free for 2 carry-ons and 2 checked bags. |
Why Choose Amtrak for Your Los Angeles to Palm Springs Trip?
Choosing Amtrak for your trip from Los Angeles to Palm Springs offers several advantages, including comfort, convenience, and scenic views. Below is a table why Amtrak is a great option for this journey:
| Reason | Details |
|---|---|
| Scenic Journey | Enjoy stunning views of Southern California’s coastline (on the Pacific Surfliner) and desert landscapes (on the Thruway Bus). |
| Comfortable Travel | Spacious seating, ample legroom, and air-conditioned trains and buses. |
| Eco-Friendly Option | Trains produce fewer emissions compared to cars or planes, making Amtrak a greener choice. |
| Avoid Traffic | Skip the stress of driving on busy Southern California freeways like I-10. |
| Convenient Connections | Seamless transfer from the Pacific Surfliner train to the Thruway Bus in Riverside. |
| Affordable Pricing | Competitive fares, often cheaper than flying or driving when factoring in gas and parking. |
| Amenities | Free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and a café car on the train for snacks and drinks. |
| Baggage Allowance | Generous baggage policy with options for carry-on and checked luggage. |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair-accessible trains and buses, making it inclusive for all travelers. |
| No Parking Hassles | Avoid the cost and hassle of finding parking in Palm Springs or Los Angeles. |
| Relaxing Experience | Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride without the stress of driving. |
| Multiple Departures | Flexible schedule with multiple daily departures to fit your travel plans. |
| Family-Friendly | Affordable fares for children and a comfortable environment for families. |
Tips for a Smooth Amtrak Journey
- Book in Advance: Secure your tickets early to get the best fares and ensure availability.
- Check Schedules: Confirm the Amtrak Los Angeles to Palm Springs schedule and Amtrak from Palm Springs to Los Angeles timings before your trip.
- Pack Light: Amtrak allows generous baggage allowances, but packing light can make your journey more comfortable.
- Arrive Early: Arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before departure to allow time for boarding.
Final Thoughts
Amtrak offers a convenient and comfortable way to travel between Palm Springs and Los Angeles. You can relax during the ride with options like the Amtrak Palm Springs to Los Angeles route, the Amtrak Palm Springs to Los Angeles return trip, and the Amtrak Bus Palm Springs to Los Angeles. Make sure to plan your trip right now by looking at the Amtrak itinerary from Los Angeles to Palm Springs!
A Few Well-Liked Amtrak Routes
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- Amtrak Los Angeles to Seattle Train Route
- Amtrak Los Angeles to San Joaquin Station
- Amtrak Los Angeles to Santa Barbara
- Amtrak Union Station to Los Angeles
- Amtrak Los Angeles to California
- Amtrak Los Angeles to Sacramento
- Amtrak Los Angeles to Chicago
- Amtrak Los Angeles to San Luis
- Amtrak Los Angeles to Alaska
FAQs about the Amtrak Los Angeles to Palm Springs
Approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on connections and traffic for Amtrak Los Angeles to Palm Springs.
It’s a combination of train and bus services connecting Los Angeles and Palm Springs.
It’s the return trip using the same combination of bus and train services.
Amtrak tickets from Los Angeles to Palm Springs typically cost 30 −30−50 one-way, depending on booking time and availability.
Yes, round-trip tickets are available and often cost less than two one-way tickets.
Yes, contact Amtrak’s lost and found department.
Since Amtrak trains don’t run daily, weekend schedules tend to have more availability. For better pricing and less crowding, consider booking on weekdays when possible.
Yes, Palm Springs Station (PSP) is wheelchair accessible, and Amtrak provides accessible seating and services for passengers with disabilities.
Yes, Amtrak offers flexible ticketing policies. Depending on the fare type, you may be able to change or cancel your ticket with minimal or no fees.