- Must visit
Palm Springs Art Museum
A leading Palm Springs museum with modern and contemporary art, architecture, and rotating exhibitions in a downtown setting.
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santa Monica, CA to Palm Springs, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Santa Monica, CA to Palm Springs, CA will cost around $30 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $30.
On Sat, Oct 31, we found 1 buses from Santa Monica, CA to Palm Springs, CA, including 1 direct services.
On Sat, Oct 31 the direct buses cover the 181 km distance in an average of 2 h 30 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 30 m .
On Sat, Oct 31 the slowest buses will take 2 h 30 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

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Buses from Santa Monica, CA to Palm Springs, CA run on average 15 times per day, taking around 2h 46m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $29 (€24) if you book in advance.
There are 12 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:30, the last at 23:30. The fastest bus covers the 112 miles (181 km) distance in 1h 50m.
Distance 112 miles (181 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price $29 (€24) |
Buses per day 15 |
Direct buses 12 |
Fastest bus 1h 50m |
First bus 12:30 AM |
Last bus 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Santa Monica, CA to Palm Springs, CA.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:35PM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 2h25 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:55PM | Arrival Time 09:25PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:55PM | Arrival Time 11:30PM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $43 |
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Palm Springs, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Palm Springs, CA trip today.
A leading Palm Springs museum with modern and contemporary art, architecture, and rotating exhibitions in a downtown setting.
A compact aviation museum with vintage aircraft, exhibits, and stories from military and civil flight history.
A small local museum on Agua Caliente history and culture, featuring artifacts and interpretation near downtown.
A scenic downtown shopping and walking street lined with public art, patios, boutiques, and mountain views.
A dramatic desert canyon on tribal land with trails, a palm oasis, and striking rock formations near the city.
A celebrated residential area known for preserved mid-century homes and self-guided architecture sightseeing.
Date shake blends Coachella Valley dates with ice cream or milk. It is a classic desert treat tied to the region's date farms and roadside stops.
A citrusy salad of grapefruit, oranges, and greens reflects the desert's winter citrus harvest and the area's resort-era light California eating style.
Medjool dates grown in the Coachella Valley are eaten fresh, stuffed, or in desserts. They are one of the region's most iconic agricultural products.
Casual date farm stop in nearby Indio known for date shakes, sandwiches, and local date products with a relaxed desert roadside feel.
Stylish fine-dining restaurant known for seasonal Californian plates, elegant service, and a polished resort atmosphere near downtown.
Long-running deli and bakery serving classic breakfasts, pastrami, sandwiches, and comfort food in a busy casual setting.
Palm Springs is pricier than many US desert cities, with higher hotel rates in peak season and resort dining, though casual meals and rideshares remain manageable.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-$2 per drink at bars, and 10-15% for taxis. Small tips are appreciated at cafes, but not always expected.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Palm Springs, CA.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Monica, CA to Palm Springs, CA by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Palm Springs, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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