Everything You Need to Know About Getting to Coachella

Pack your shades and get ready to rock your favorite festival attire—because we're heading to Coachella! Since its inception in 1999, Coachella has grown from a small gathering of alt-rock enthusiasts to an iconic cultural phenomenon, attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees yearly. The festival spans two weekends filled with unforgettable performances by the world's leading artists set against the backdrop of the desert. But Coachella is more than just a music festival; it's a vibrant celebration of art and culture featuring stunning art installations, gourmet food experiences, and interactive activities. 

As the premier Palm Springs property management company, Acme House is here to guide you through every step of the way. From the best travel tips to luxurious accommodations, this is your ultimate guide to navigating to one of the most anticipated music festivals in the world.

Getting to Indio for Coachella

Embarking on the journey to Coachella is all part of the adventure. Located in the heart of the Colorado Desert region of the Sonoran Desert, the event takes place at the Empire Polo Club. Before you map out your route, securing your festival passes is essential. Tickets to Coachella often sell out quickly, given its popularity. To purchase your passes, visit Coachella's official ticket page. Here, you'll find all the information you need on ticket types, pricing, and payment plans to make your festival planning as smooth as possible.

Making Your Way to Indio

Whether you're coming from near or far, getting to Indio for Coachella can be an exciting part of your festival journey. The route you choose depends on your starting point, preferred mode of travel, and how you want to kick-start your festival experience.

Flying to Coachella

The friendly SoCal skies offer several options for those flying in, each offering advantages depending on your travel preferences.

Palm Springs International Airport (PSP):
Just a stone's throw away from the festival grounds, PSP is the closest and most convenient entry point for those looking to minimize travel time upon landing.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX):
A central hub for international and domestic flights, LAX offers a broader flight selection and might be the best bet for those coming from farther away. The drive from LAX to Indio is about 2 hours without traffic. Make sure to leave early if you’re driving from LA.

Ontario International Airport (ONT):
An alternative for those looking to avoid the hustle and bustle of LAX, ONT is smaller and may offer a more relaxed start to your festival experience.

Driving to Coachella

If you're coming from Los Angeles, take the I-10 East, which will lead you directly to Indio. From San Diego, the I-15 North to the I-215 North and then I-10, offers a roughly 3-hour route (without traffic) to the festival grounds. Remember: be sure to leave early no matter where you’re coming from if you want to beat the traffic! 

Check out the official Coachella directions and parking page for detailed driving and parking instructions,

Getting to Coachella by Bus or Train

Let someone else handle the driving and relax on a bus or train journey to Coachella!

•  Greyhound: Offers routes from various locations to Indio.

•  Amtrak: A scenic option. Amtrak connects to nearby stations and has bus connections to Indio.

•  Sunline: Provides local bus services in the Coachella Valley, which can be a convenient option from Palm Springs.

No matter how you choose to travel, the journey to Coachella is an integral part of the festival experience, filled with anticipation and excitement for the musical and cultural feast that awaits.

Getting to Coachella from Your Vacation Rental

Navigating from your ACME House Company vacation rental to the festival grounds is a crucial part of your Coachella plan. Here's how to ensure your journey to the festival is as seamless and enjoyable as the event itself.

Rental Car

Driving your own car offers more freedom to move on your own schedule. If you’re considering this option, remember that Coachella promotes an eco-friendly approach called Carpoolchella. By arriving with four or more friends in your vehicle, you not only cut down on traffic and emissions but also get a chance to win VIP passes for life!

Ubers and Taxis

The festival facilitates a dedicated rideshare stand at Ave. 49 and Monroe St., operational from Friday to Sunday, 11 am to 3 am. To reach it, simply follow the Yellow Path from the festival, which offers amenities such as shade and phone charging stations while waiting for your ride. Be mindful that wait times peak between 12 am and 2:30 am each night. 

Shuttles

The Any Line Shuttle service is your go-to for a convenient, comfortable, and eco-conscious travel option. This service allows you the flexibility to hop on and off at various points throughout the weekend, making it a stress-free way to reach the festival. Additionally, for those coming in from afar, the LAX Shuttle Pass offered by Valley Music Travel simplifies your journey with pick-up options on Thursday or Friday and a return drop-off at LAX on Monday.

Where to Park at Coachella

Parking at Coachella is an art form. Early arrival is crucial as free parking from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. on festival days fills up quickly. 

Preferred parking provides a more convenient option, is accessible via specific routes, and requires a sticker for entry from Friday to Sunday. It's designed for quicker access to the festival grounds but does not allow for pick-ups or drop-offs​​.

For offsite parking options, there are several lots near the venue with parking spots. Utilizing offsite parking can be a wise choice, especially as the venue's parking gets full quickly. 

For detailed parking strategies and more information, visit the official Coachella website.

Where to Stay for Coachella

As Dorothy would (probably) say, “There’s no place like ACME House Co. for your Coachella stay.” We offer a wide selection of properties, from luxurious estates to quaint casitas, and provide the perfect launchpad for your festival experience. With amenities like private pools, gourmet kitchens, and spacious living areas, our homes are where you can relax and recharge in style. Don’t forget to check out our essential guides to the Palm Springs Festival and Event Season and Exploring the Great Outdoors in Palm Springs for more tips on making the most of your trip. 

ABOUT ACME HOUSE COMPANY: Acme manages Luxury Vacation Rental Homes & Condos in Greater Palm Springs and the surrounding desert cities, catering to those looking to travel to the world-renowned destination for the season, week-long stays and extended weekends. Fabulous pool homes for when you and your peeps want some together time. Visit Acme’s Website to explore more Palm Springs Vacation Rentals. 

Images courtesy of ABC News, Visit Greater Palm Springs, and VMT Travel

Published by Matthew Bruce
Wednesday, March 13, 2024