Inexpensive Way to get from Las Vegas to Palm Springs
 

I will be travelling from Vegas to Palm Springs in April. A one way (<1hr) flight is $250 and a one way rental looks like it's not much less ($175 one way drop fee). Are there any other alternatives? Of course, I don't want to spend the whole day getting there either....Hoping someone has some ideas. Thanks!

Unless you want to take the bus, I can't think of another way. You should check to see if there are any direct Greyhound routes. That might not take much longer than driving.

If you like desert scenery, the drive to Palm Springs through the Mohave Desert and Joshua Tree NP is quite beautiful.

Greyhound is about $70 and it takes 6.5 to 10.0 hours. The fast bus leaves at 2:45 and arrives at 9:00: https://www.greyhound.com/farefinder/step2.aspx

I found a car at Enterprise for $180, including drop off fee.

HTTY

You can book one-way car rentals on Hotwire. I'd see if that can save you any money. Remember that a car is almost essential for Palm Springs, so you will probably need a car rental regardless unless you are visiting friends who already have transportation.

The one way car rental sounds like the way to go. I looked at the Hertz website and a Kia Rio, Toyota Corolla or a Chevy Malibu for $110 - 120 picking up at McCarren and dropping off at PSP the same day. Figure another $50-60 for gas and save almost $100 over flying. Between airport arrival, TSA etc you won't save that much time flying. If you drove I-15 to Highway 247 in Barstow, 247 to Yucca Valley, then Highway 62 to I-10 to PS it would take about 4 to 4-1/2 hours. The scenery is somewhat stark and pretty in some places.

Second the comment that you will need a car in Palm Springs anyway.

Where do you go after Palm Springs? That may be a factor in the rental car choice.

Avis $135 no drop charge
Alamo $110 no drop charge
Hertz on West Sahara Ave $90 not sure about drop charge, call.

Thanks so much for all of your advice/feedback. I don't need a car in Palm Springs as meeting up with friend but was able to find one of the lower cost rentals.

Southwest flies from PSP to ONT (Ontario) for about $60 one way on their "Wanna Get Away" fares (Fridays and Sundays are more). These do need to be purchased as far ahead as possible or they sell out.

Ontario is less than an hour from PSP, it'a actually the airport of choice for many residents.

Your friends might be willing to pick up there, or you may find a one way rental at around $50. (Try Kayak)