Getting There & Away: Joshua Tree National Park

Air Travel

Major Airports Serving the Region

Several airports serve the Joshua Tree area, offering varying convenience and flight options.

Closest Airports

Palm Springs International Airport (PSP): ~1 hour drive.
Ontario International Airport (ONT): ~1.5-2 hours drive.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): ~2.5-3.5 hours drive (traffic dependent).

Airlines & Transfers

All major U.S. Airlines serve LAX, ONT, and PSP. PSP mainly handles domestic routes. Direct international flights mainly arrive at LAX and LAS.

Transfer Options

Rental Car: Most recommended option for park exploration. DiscoverCars.com for bookings.
Shuttle Services: Limited public shuttles from PSP to nearby towns; no direct park services.
Ride-sharing/Taxis: Expensive to/from park, unreliable for in-park travel.

Seasonal Prices

Flight prices are higher during peak travel seasons like spring break and major holidays.

Early Booking

Booking flights and rental cars several months in advance often results in better prices.

Flight Deals

Dollar Flight Club for deal alerts. Skyscanner for comparing prices.

Airport Facilities

Standard Amenities

Dining options (restaurants, cafes, fast food).
Retail shops (newsstands, gift shops).
Lounges for comfort.
Wi-Fi access.

Essential Services

Restrooms and baggage claim services.
Wide array of car rental services available.
Information counters.
Charging stations for devices.

Land Transportation

Self-Driving

Driving is the main and most flexible way to visit Joshua Tree National Park. Accessed via California State Route 62.

Train & Bus

Amtrak offers service to Palm Springs; Greyhound to nearby towns. Rental car needed from these points.

Road Conditions

Main park roads are paved. Unpaved roads may need high-clearance or 4WD vehicles. Check park conditions.

Road Safety & Park Services

Driving Requirements

A valid driver's license is necessary. For international visitors, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is advisable for non-U.S. Licenses.

Driving Guidelines

Minimum age for renting a car is typically 21.
Drive on the right side of the road; seatbelts are mandatory.
Observe posted speed limits, often lower to protect wildlife.

Park Services & Wildlife

No gas stations, food services, or repair shops are available within the park. Fill up gas tanks and carry supplies before entry.

Wildlife Awareness

Be aware of wildlife on roads, especially at dawn, dusk, and night.
Animals like jackrabbits and coyotes can cross roads unexpectedly.
Obey posted speed limits within the park to safeguard wildlife.

Sea/River Arrivals

Joshua Tree National Park is an inland desert destination, located far from any significant body of water that would support sea or river transportation.

Not Applicable

No ferry services or cruise ports.
No river transportation options.
Park is a landlocked desert environment.

Departure Information

No specific exit fees or taxes are levied when departing from Joshua Tree National Park. Any standard airline taxes are included in your flight ticket prices.

Departure Procedures

Allow ample time for travel to your chosen airport, especially LAX due to traffic.
Factor in time for car rental return and airport security screening.
Airports offer standard facilities including dining, retail, and lounges.

Travel Advisory

Always fill your gas tank in Yucca Valley or Twentynine Palms before entering.
Check park conditions at visitor centers for unpaved road statuses.
Unexpected delays can significantly affect your travel time.

Cell service is limited or non-existent in many areas.
A physical map of the park is advisable.
For in-park emergencies, dial 911 if cell service is available.

Practical Travel Advice

Car Rental Tips

Book your rental car as soon as flights are confirmed, especially during peak season. Rental car availability can be limited.

Booking Reminders

A major credit card in the renter's name is necessary.
Valid driver's license from home country is acceptable for short visits.

Airport Logistics

Check your airline's recommendations for arrival time before your flight. Allow sufficient time for airport security screening.

Pre-Flight Considerations

Allow extra hours for LAX due to potential traffic delays.
Train and bus stations in nearby towns offer basic facilities.
Real-time traffic conditions on departure day are valuable.

Optimal Season

Visit in shoulder or low season for lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds.

Share Costs

If traveling with a group, share the costs of gas and the park entrance fee.

Nearby Towns

Yucca Valley, Joshua Tree Village, and Twentynine Palms offer services and lodging.

Planning Resources

Considerations

Plan carefully to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey through this remarkable landscape.

Before You Go

Plenty of water is for your entire visit.
High-energy snacks for hikes and long drives.
A physical park map is advisable due to unreliable cell service.

Park Policies

Standard U.S. Tipping conventions apply for services like restaurants (15-20%), taxis (10-15%), and tour guides (15-20%).

Important Guidelines

Check park alerts for fire restrictions or closures.
Do not approach or feed wildlife.
Stay on marked trails for safety and ecosystem protection.

Visitor Essentials

General Outlook

A memorable experience awaits, whether you seek adventure, natural beauty, or quiet solitude.

Climate Adaption

Dress in layers to adapt to the desert's wide temperature swings between day and night.

Self-Sufficiency

Plan for minimal services inside the park; bring all your necessities.

Drive Smart

A rental car is optimal for exploring Joshua Tree National Park.

Getting There & Away