An important thing to decide when you planning a trip to Joshua Tree National Park is the best airport to fly into.
In order to help you choose the best airport for Joshua Tree National Park, in this guide we’ll look at all the airports close to Joshua Tree, so you can make the right decision.
If you just want to know the nearest airport, read my guide to the Airport Nearest Joshua Tree National Park.
🛏️TOP HOTEL PICK: Check availability now
🚘FIND THE CHEAPEST CAR RENTAL: Search Discover Cars for the best deals
✈️FIND THE CHEAPEST FLIGHTS: Search Skyscanner for the best deals
🧳GET TRAVEL INSURANCE: Get insured with Travelex before you go
📱TAKE AN AUDIO TOUR: Buy an audio tour now
No time right now to read about the airports near Joshua Tree National Park (and the best for your trip)? Pin It and save it for later:
What are the best airports near Joshua Tree National Park?
The airports near Joshua Tree National Park are:
- Palm Springs International Airport
- Ontario International Airport
- Harry Reid International Airport Las Vegas
- John Wayne Airport
- San Diego International Airport
- Bermuda Dunes Airport
- Los Angeles International Airport
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)
Palm Springs International Airport is the closest airport to Joshua Tree National Park with commercial flights. Twelve major airlines serve passengers at this air hub and fly to over thirty destinations in the US and cities in Canada and Mexico.
The airport offers plenty of ground transportation services like major car rental companies, taxis, limousines, and Rideshare companies conveniently located just right across the terminal building. Sunline Transit Agency offers bus transportation bound for Coachella Valley. Amtrak also offers bus-to-train services to Fullerton and Los Angeles.
You can access all park entrances from here in about an hour’s drive, but the nearest is the South Entrance. You can also access the park via the Morongo Basin Transportation Authority’s public transportation service.
Location
Palm Springs International Airport lies two miles east of the downtown Palm Springs area.
Distance Joshua Tree to Palm Springs
- Distance Palm Springs to Joshua Tree National Park, North Entrance: 59 miles
- Distance West Entrance Station, Joshua tree national park to palm springs: 43 miles
- Distance to South Entrance: 45 miles
Travel time Palm Springs Airport to Joshua Tree National Park
- Travel Time to North Entrance: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Travel Time to West Entrance: 54 minutes
- Travel Time to South Entrance: 51 minutes
What airlines fly out of Palm Springs International Airport? Which airports connect to there?
- Air Canada: Seasonal flights to Toronto and Vancouver
- Alaska: Year-round flights to San Francisco, San Jose and Seattle; Seasonal flights to Boise, Everett and Portland
- Allegiant: Year-round flights to Bellingham; Seasonal flights to Des Moines
- American: Year-round flights to Dallas-Fort Worth and Phoenix; Seasonal flights to Austin and Chicago
- Avelo: Seasonal flights to Bend/Redmond, Eugene, Santa Rosa
- Delta: Year-round flights to Salt Lake City; Seasonal flights to Minneapolis and Seattle
- Flair: Seasonal flights to Edmonton and Vancouver
- Jetblue: Seasonal flights to New York
- Southwest: Year-round flights to Denver, Las Vegas, Oakland, Phoenix, Sacramento, San Jose
- Sun Country: Seasonal flights to Minneapolis
- United: Year-round flights to Denver and San Francisco; Seasonal flights to Chicago and Houston
- Westjet: Year flights to Calgary and Vancouver; Seasonal flights to Edmonton and Winnipeg
Rental car options
- Onsite: Alamo, AVIS, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty
- Offsite: Desert Rent-a-Car, Go Rentals
Getting from Palm Springs International Airport to Joshua Tree National Park
- Car rental service
- Morongo Basin Transportation Authority shuttle service
Pros
- Closest airport to the park
- Plenty of domestic flights
- Plenty of car rental companies are available
- International flights to Canada and Mexico
- Budget fares are offered
Cons
- More limited flight offerings than some nearby major airports
This is the best airport for Joshua Tree National Park …
- If you want to save time and make the most of your trip
- If you’re also going to see the Palm Springs area
Ontario International Airport (ONT)
Ontario International Airport, located east of Ontario’s downtown area, provides flight services to several US domestic and international destinations in Mexico and Asia. More than ten airlines fly to this airport, so there are a reasonable number of cheaper flights and options for earning points for miles on your chosen airline.
Greyhound, Amtrak, and Metro Bus and Rail services are available if you’re going to travel around Ontario and other points in the US. You can also get rideshares, taxis, and limousine services from here.
You can pick up a rental car at the airport’s onsite Rental Car Center. There’s a free shuttle service that will take you from the terminal area to this facility. If you choose a car rental service offsite, your car rental company can provide transportation and pick you up from the terminal to their location.
The nearest Joshua Tree National Park entrance is the West Entrance. From the airport, get on I-10 E, then follow until you get to Whitewater. Take exit 117 from that route, then drive to CA-62E/29 Palms Highway until you reach the entrance on Joshua Tree Village.
Location
Ontario International Airport is situated east of Downtown Ontario in San Bernardino County.
Distance Ontario Airport to Joshua Tree National Park
- Distance to North Entrance: 109 miles
- Distance to West Entrance: 93 miles
- Distance to South Entrance: 121 miles
Travel time to Joshua Tree National Park
- Travel Time to North Entrance: 1 hour and 50 minutes
- Travel Time to West Entrance: 1 hour and 35 minutes
- Travel Time to South Entrance: 1 hour and 55 minutes
What airlines fly out of Ontario International Airport? Which airports connect to there
- Alaska: Portland, Seattle
- American Airlines: Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Phoenix
- Avianca: San Salvador
- China Airlines: Taipei
- Delta: Atlanta, Salt Lake City, Seattle
- Frontier: Atlanta, Denver, Las Vegas, Orlando, Phoenix, Sacramento, San Francisco
- Hawaiian Airlines: Honolulu
- JetBlue: New York City
- Southwest: Austin, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Oakland, Phoenix, Portland, Sacramento, San Jose
- United: Denver, Houston, San Francisco
- Volaris: Guadalajara
Rental car options
- Onsite (Rental Car Center): Alamo, AVIS, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Fox, Hertz, National, Payless, Thrifty
Getting from Ontario International Airport to Joshua Tree National Park
- Car rental service
Pros
- Short drive to West Entrance; nearest international airport to the park
- Plenty of domestic and specific international flights available
- Cheaper flight options
- Plenty of choices for car rental services
- See Ontario and nearby city attractions
Cons
- Not the closest airport to the park (though it’s still close pretty close)
This is the best airport for Joshua Tree National Park …
- If you have lesser time for travel
- If you’re also seeing sights in Ontario and nearby regions
- If you’re staying near the West Entrance
Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
Harry Reid International Airport is another international airport you can choose for your trip to Joshua Tree National Park. If you’re also seeing Las Vegas or planning to see other national parks like Zion and Grand Canyon’s North and South Rim, and Page, this is a good airport to fly to.
You can fly conveniently to other states and key international cities with a wide range of airlines and flight routes available here. Check for competitive flight rates and miles for frequent flyer programs.
Ten onsite car rental companies operate onsite at this airport. You can also find several offsite rental companies around the airport.
From Harry Reid, it’s a three-and-a-half drive to the park’s South Entrance. Drive from McCarran Airport Connector to I-215 W and follow I-15 S towards Nipton Road in San Bernardino County. Take exit 286 from I-15 S, then head towards Kelso Cima Road and Kelbaker Road to National Trails Highway. Take a right turn to National Trails Highway and drive to North Amboy Road to CA-62 W. Take another right turn from there and head to Pinto Basin Road until you reach Cottonwood Springs Road in Riverside County.
Location:
Harry Reid International Airport is located in Paradise, just outside Las Vegas.
Distance Las Vegas to Joshua Tree National Park:
- Distance to North Entrance: 257 miles
- Distance to West Entrance: 233 miles
- Distance to South Entrance: 216 miles
Travel time Las Vegas – Joshua Tree National Park:
- Travel Time to North Entrance: 4 hours and 5 minutes
- Travel Time to West Entrance: 3 hours and 50 minutes
- Travel Time to South Entrance: 3 hours and 30 minutes
What airlines fly out of Harry Reid International Airport? Which airports connect to there?
- Major domestic and international airlines are serviced at this airport.
Rental car options:
- Onsite: Onsite (Rent-A-Car Center): Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, Sixt, Payless, Alamo, Dollar, Thrifty, National
- Other offsite car rentals are also available
Getting from Harry Reid International Airport to Joshua Tree National Park:
- Car rental service
Pros
- Major domestic and international airlines and flights are offered
- Options for budget flights
- There are plenty of car service rentals available here
- Accessibility to other national parks and places of interest like Zion, Grand Canyon’s North and South Rim, and Page
Cons
- Longer driving hours to the park
This is the best airport for Joshua Tree National Park …
- If you have more time to travel
- If you’re also seeing sights like Zion National, Grand Canyon’s North and South Rim, Page and the city of Las Vegas
- If you’re staying near the South Entrance
John Wayne Airport (SNA)
John Wayne Airport provides commercial flights to major US cities and international destinations to Canada and Mexico on several airlines.
If you’re going around the Orange County area, you can take the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) with more than 76 routes from John Wayne. You can also access train services via Amtrak, Greyhound, Metro (Los Angeles County), and Metrolink (Southern California), ten miles from the terminal. ABC Shuttle and Airway One Shuttle, taxis, and rideshare are also offered at John Wayne.
If you choose an offsite car rental, they are licensed to pick you up at the Ground Transportation Center and take you to their off-site location.
You can reach any of the park entrances by driving for more or less two and a half hours, but the West Entrance is the most accessible of the three entrances. Get on CA-55 N/State Route 55 N from the John Wayne Roadway and then drive to CA-91 E, CA-60 E/Moreno Valley Freeway, and I-10 E to Whitewater. Take exit 117 from I-10 E and follow CA-62 E/29 Palms Highway until you reach the park entrance.
Location:
John Wayne Airport is located in Orange County in Sta. Ana, California.
Distance From Santa Ana, California – Joshua Tree National Park:
- Distance to North Entrance: 138 miles
- Distance to West Entrance: 122 miles
- Distance to South Entrance: 150 miles
Travel time to Joshua Tree National Park:
- Travel Time to North Entrance: 2 hours and 30 minutes
- Travel Time to West Entrance: 2 hours and 15 minutes
- Travel Time to South Entrance: 2 hours and 35 minutes
What airlines fly out of John Wayne Airport? Which airports connect to there?
- Air Canada: Vancouver
- Alaska Airlines: Everett, Portland, San Francisco, Santa Rosa/Sonoma, Seattle
- Allegiant Air: Austin, Boise, Des Moines, Eugene, Idaho Falls, Las Vegas, Medford, Missoula, Phoenix, Provo, Sioux Falls
- American Airlines: Austin, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, New York, Phoenix
- Delta Air Lines: Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Salt Lake City, Seattle
- Frontier Airlines: Denver, Las Vegas
- JSX: Concord, Las Vegas, Mammoth. Monterey, Oakland, Reno
- Southwest Airlines: Austin, Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, Houston, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Nashville, Oakland, Phoenix, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Jose, St. Loius
- Spirit Airlines: Las Vegas, Southwest, Oakland, Phoenix
- United Airlines: Aspen (Seasonal), Chicago, Denver, Honolulu, Houston, Newark, San Francisco
- West Jet: Calgary, Vancouver
Rental car options:
- Onsite: Alamo, AVIS, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty
- Offsite: Fox/Payless, Go Rentals, Los Angeles Van Rentals, Orange County Van Rental, SNA Auto Rental, Stop-N-Go Rent-A-Car, U-Save Car & Truck Rental, United Auto Rental, United Van Rentals
Getting from John Wayne Airport to Joshua Tree National Park:
- Car rental service
Pros
- Feasible driving hours to park entrances
- Several domestic flights available here
- See other sights in Orange County area
Cons
- Only international flights to Canada and Mexico are available here
- Not the closest airport to the park, so it only makes sense if you’re visiting areas around the airport on your way to or from Joshua Tree
This is the best airport for Joshua Tree National Park …
- If you have plenty of time to travel
- If you’re planning to also visit Orange County and the Greater Los Angeles area
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Fly to over 70 domestic and international destinations at San Diego International Airport. You have lots of flight options and cheaper flight rates here, with offers for points on your airline’s frequent flyer program.
If you have plans to see other areas in California, Amtrak Intercity and COASTER commuter trains are readily accessible from this airport. You can also take City Bus Public which connects to the San Diego area’s Trolley, COASTER, and Amtrak stations. Limousine and luxury sedan services are also provided by this airport.
Car rentals at San Diego International have both several onsite and offsite rental services.
The West Entrance is the closest. From San Diego International Airport, get on I-5 S. Drive from I-15 N, take I-215 N, CA-60 E/Moreno Valley Freeway and I-10 going to Whitewater. Head towards exit 117 from I-10 E then continue on CA-62 E/29 Palms Highway all the way to Park Boulevard in San Bernardino County.
Location:
San Diego International Airport lies three miles northwest of San Diego area, California.
Distance from San Diego to Joshua Tree National Park:
- Distance San Diego – Joshua Tree National Park, North Entrance: 182 miles
- Distance to West Entrance: 166 miles
- Distance to South Entrance: 195 miles
Travel time to Joshua Tree National Park:
- Travel Time to North Entrance: 3 hours and 15 minutes
- Travel Time to West Entrance: 2 hours and 55 minutes
- Travel Time to South Entrance: 3 hours and 15 minutes
What airlines fly out of San Diego International Airport? Which airports connect to there?
Multiple nonstop domestic and international flights to major US cities and around the world fly to and from San Diego International.
Rental car options:
- Onsite: Alamo, AVIS, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Fox, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt, Thrifty, Zipcar
- Offsite: Mex/Ace Rent A Car, NU Car Rentals
Getting from San Diego International Airport to Joshua Tree National Park:
- Car rental services
Pros
- Accessibility and convenience for domestic and international flights
- More flight route options
- Plenty of car rental services available
- Affordable flight rates
Cons
- Longer driving hours
This is the best airport for Joshua Tree National Park …
- If you have plenty of time to travel
- If you want to see areas around San Diego or between San Diego and Joshua Tree
Bermuda Dunes Airport (UDD)
Bermuda Dunes Airport is a small airport in the town of Bermuda Dunes in Southern California. It lies 13 nautical miles from the Palm Springs district and is technically the nearest airport to Joshua Tree National Park. However, there are no commercial flights here – this airport services scenic, aircraft rentals, private charters, and business charters.
If you prefer to fly by charter going to Joshua Tree National Park, this airport is a good choice, especially if you want to save on driving hours going there. You can go for Ultimate Jetcharters, Gary Air, Jackson Jet Center, West Coast Charters, or Advanced Air Charters.
You can visit areas in Coachella Valley via cab, rideshare, or limousine services available at Bermuda Dunes. Go Rentals provides onsite car rentals here but you can also choose other offsite car rental companies like Desert Rent-A-Car, Enterprise, AVIS, and Hertz.
You can reach the park’s entrance in less than an hour from the airport. From Avenue 24 and Jefferson Street, drive on I-10 in Indio. Follow I-10 E to Cottonwood Springs Road, then head to exit 168 coming from I-10 E. Turn left on Cottonwood Springs Road to get to the South Entrance.
Location:
Bermuda Dunes Airport is located in the town of Bermuda Dunes, thirteen nautical miles from Palm Springs.
Distance to Joshua Tree National Park:
- Distance to North Entrance: 71 miles
- Distance to West Entrance: 53 miles
- Distance to South Entrance: 38 miles
Travel time to Joshua Tree National Park:
- Travel Time to North Entrance: 1 hour and 20 minutes
- Travel Time to West Entrance: 1 hour and 5 minutes
- Travel Time to South Entrance: 45 minutes
What airlines fly out of Bermuda Dunes Airport? Which airports connect to there?
- Charter flight services: Ultimate Jetcharters, Gary Air, Jackson Jet Center, Advanced Air Charters, or West Coast Charters
Rental car options:
- Onsite: Go Rentals
- Offsite: Desert Rent-A-Car, Enterprise, AVIS, Hertz
Getting from Bermuda Dunes Airport to Joshua Tree National Park:
- Car rentals
Pros
- Faster way to get to the park to save up on travel time
- Visit Coachella Valley and nearby attractions
Cons
- Only charter flights are available
- Flights might be more expensive
- Limited car service rentals
This is the best airport for Joshua Tree National Park …
- If you prefer to fly charter
- If you need to save up on travel time
- If you want to visit sights in Coachella Valley
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
If you’re looking for a major international airport near Joshua Tree National Park, Los Angeles International Airport is a great option. This is a major airport with flights to multiple city destinations in the US and worldwide. While this may not be the nearest airport to Joshua Tree Nation Park by location, you’ll have the convenience of flights to Los Angeles international airport with plenty of route options.
Go around Los Angeles and nearby areas via Taxi services, service buses, and public transport providers. Car rentals are located offsite but they have courtesy shuttles to pick you up and drop you off at their locations.
Access from any of the entrances to Joshua Tree National Park to Los Angeles will take you around more or less than three hours.
Location:
Los Angeles International Airport lies in Los Angeles’ Westchester neighborhood.
Distance from LA to Joshua Tree National Park:
- Distance LA to Joshua tree, North Entrance: 162 miles
- Distance Los Angeles to Joshua Tree National Park, West Entrance: 146 miles
- Distance South Entrance, Joshua Tree to LAX: 174 miles
Travel time LAX to Joshua Tree National Park:
- Travel Time North Entrance, Joshua Tree National Park from Los Angeles: 3 hours and 5 minutes
- Travel Time Los Angeles – Joshua Tree National Park, West Entrance: 2 hours and 50 minutes
- Travel Time South Entrance, Joshua Tree National Park to LAX: 3 hours and 10 minutes
What airlines fly out of Los Angeles International Airport? Which airports connect to there?
Major US domestic flight services and international airlines fly to and from this Los Angeles International.
Rental car options:
- Offsite: Alamo, AVIS, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Fox, Hertz, National, Sixt, Thrifty, Zipcar
Getting from Los Angeles International Airport to Joshua Tree National Park:
- Car rentals
Pros
- More options on domestic and international flights
- More flight routes available
- Budget flights offered
Cons
- Longer driving hours to the park
This is the best airport for Joshua Tree National Park …
- If you have plenty of time to travel
- If you’re planning to go around the Los Angeles area
- You want the best range of flight options and prefer direct flights
FAQs About Airport Near Joshua Tree National Park
Which is the best entrance to Joshua Tree National Park?
The most popular entrance to the park is the West entrance. Joshua Tree National Park has other two entrances, which can be a better option during the busy season. The Joshua Tree south entrance is also near the Cottonwood Visitor Center which you can visit.
How far is San Francisco to Joshua Tree?
The distance to Joshua Tree National Park from San Francisco is 500 miles.
How to drive from San Francisco to Joshua Tree National Park
If you are planning for a long drive from SFO to Joshua Tree National Park, you can get on US-101 S going to Leavesley Road in Gilroy. Take exit 357 from there and head off to I-5 S in Merced County from CA-152 E. Continue your way on I-5 S to Whitewater, then take exit 117 from I-10 E. Drive on CA-62 E/ 29 Palms Highway Drive towards Park Boulevard in San Bernardino County.
How far is Joshua Tree National Park from Sedona?
Sedona, AZ to Joshua Tree National Park is around 320 miles. To drive from Sedona to Joshua Tree National Park will take you around 5 hours.
How far is La Quinta to Joshua Tree National Park?
The driving distance from La Quinta to Joshua Tree National Park is 70 miles, which will take about an hour and a half.
How far is Anaheim to Joshua Tree National Park?
From Anaheim to Joshua Tree National Park is 115 miles and will take you around 2 hours to drive there.
How to Decide your flights to Joshua Tree National Park
Before deciding on an airport near Joshua Tree, CA, you need to consider the following specifics of your travel itinerary:
- Where else are you planning to go on your trip? Some airports near Joshua Tree National Park are also near other attractions and national parks and it might make more sense to fly there instead of an airport closer to Joshua Tree.
- When are you going? Some airports have seasonal flights and depending on when you visit, this may affect which airport you choose.
- Where are you staying? Joshua Tree National Park has three park entrances so deciding which entrance you’ll take can help you find the nearest airport to Joshua Tree. The park’s West Entrance lies at Joshua Tree Village, south of Highway 62 and Park Boulevard junction. The North Entrance is located south of Highway 62 and Utah Trail junction in Twentynine Palms. Lastly, you can find the South Entrance near Cottonwood Spring along Interstate 10.
- How much time do you have? Are you traveling for a short period? Some airports take longer to drive from/ to than others.
- What’s your budget? Different airports have various flight rates and others offer more budget flight deals.
- Do you have a frequent flyer program with a specific airline? Some airports have fewer airlines and flight routes than other airports.
- Where are you flying from? Some airlines fly to Joshua Tree National Park airports offering nonstop routes. You can find international flights at larger airports.
- What type of car do you want to rent when you arrive? With limited public transportation, you can opt for car rentals to get you around the park. Some airports have more car rental companies available than others.
Map of Airports Near Joshua Tree National Park
Travel Insurance for Joshua Tree National Park
When you’re flying to Joshua Tree National Park, consider getting travel insurance too. Make sure it includes trip cancellation, in case you need to cancel your flight before your travel, so that you can get a refund.
A great insurance option is Travelex. It has coverage for all you’ll need. You can swap this link for either choose the best travel insurance plan for your trip here or get a quote right now:
Have a great trip to Joshua Tree! I hope this guide has helped you decide on the best Airport to Fly into Joshua Tree.
You might also like
Joshua Tree National Park Guide
The 10 Best Hikes in Joshua Tree National Park
The Closest Airports To Joshua Tree National Park
The 20 Best Vacation Rentals near Joshua Tree
Fun Facts about Joshua Tree National Park
How to Get to Joshua Tree National Park
Visiting Joshua Tree National Park Throughout The Year
Best Time To Visit Joshua Tree National Park
Which of the flights to Joshua Tree, CA did you choose? I’d love to know. Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know (you can also pick up extra planning tips, share your photos and stories with other national park lovers and more).
Now you know all the Joshua Tree airport options, Pin It to your Joshua Tree National Park board for easy reference!
Are you just starting to think about taking a national parks trip? Get Inspiration
Are you starting to plan a trip to Joshua Tree National Park? Read my Guide to Joshua Tree National Park
Are you looking for a place to stay near Joshua Tree National Park? Find a vacation rental near Joshua Tree National Park
Are you ready to book your trip? Use these Planning and Booking Resources
About the Author
James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.
He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.
Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for most of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, comprehensive camping and hiking gear reviews and buying guides, and helpful packing lists and gift guides will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.
As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.
Parks Collecting is a participant in the Amazon.com Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.