Closest Airport to Joshua Tree National Park

Planning a trip to Joshua Tree National Park? Whether you're coming to hike among boulder-strewn trails, stargaze under dark desert skies, or explore the mystical landscape dotted with iconic Joshua trees, your journey likely begins at an airport. While Joshua Tree has no commercial airport within its boundaries, several nearby airports offer convenient access to the park. Here's a detailed guide to help you choose the best airport for your visit.

1. Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)

Distance to Joshua Tree National Park: Approximately 40 miles (1-hour drive)

Location: Palm Springs, California

Benefits: Palm Springs International Airport is the closest major airport to Joshua Tree National Park and provides a convenient entry point, especially for those flying from major U.S. cities. The airport offers various amenities, including car rental services, which is beneficial for those planning to drive into the park.

Airlines: Airlines like American Airlines, Delta, United, Alaska, and Southwest operate flights from major hubs like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, and Seattle.

Palm Springs International Airport is a preferred option for visitors who prioritize proximity. However, given the airport’s size, flights may be less frequent, so booking in advance is advisable. The drive from Palm Springs to Joshua Tree is straightforward, following Highway 62 north.

2. Ontario International Airport (ONT)

Distance to Joshua Tree National Park: Approximately 80 miles (1.5-hour drive)

Location: Ontario, California

Benefits: Ontario International Airport offers a larger selection of flights than Palm Springs, with connections to both domestic and international destinations. It’s a good choice for visitors seeking more airline options and frequent flights. Ontario also has ample car rental facilities for travelers planning to explore Joshua Tree by car.

Airlines: Major carriers include Southwest, American Airlines, Delta, United, Alaska Airlines, and some international airlines.

Ontario International Airport is a manageable drive from Joshua Tree National Park and provides access to a wide variety of services and flight schedules, making it an appealing option for those coming from different parts of the country.

3. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Distance to Joshua Tree National Park: Approximately 140 miles (2.5 to 3-hour drive)

Location: Los Angeles, California

Benefits: Los Angeles International Airport is one of the largest and busiest airports in the world, with flights from nearly every major city and numerous international destinations. This variety makes it an excellent option for travelers seeking competitive prices and frequent flights. Additionally, the airport has extensive car rental services, though booking in advance is recommended due to high demand.

Airlines: LAX is a hub for all major U.S. airlines and many international carriers, providing options from virtually every continent.

For those willing to drive a bit longer, Los Angeles International Airport offers the most flight options and, often, the most affordable fares. Be mindful of traffic when planning your trip, as driving times can vary based on conditions in the Los Angeles area.

4. San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Distance to Joshua Tree National Park: Approximately 145 miles (2.5 to 3-hour drive)

Location: San Diego, California

Benefits: San Diego International Airport provides a good balance between accessibility and convenience, especially for those combining a visit to Joshua Tree with time in San Diego. Like LAX, this airport offers a large variety of domestic and international flights.

Airlines: San Diego International Airport hosts flights from major carriers like Southwest, American Airlines, Delta, United, and several international airlines.

While it’s slightly further than LAX, San Diego International Airport is also an excellent option, especially for those who may want to explore Southern California’s coastal regions before heading into the desert.

5. John Wayne Airport (SNA) – Orange County

Distance to Joshua Tree National Park: Approximately 125 miles (2 to 2.5-hour drive)

Location: Santa Ana, California (Orange County)

Benefits: John Wayne Airport is smaller than LAX but still offers flights from various major U.S. cities. The airport’s smaller size often translates to a less hectic experience, with shorter wait times for both arrivals and departures.

Airlines: This airport serves carriers like Southwest, Delta, United, and American Airlines.

John Wayne Airport is a quieter alternative for those looking to avoid the crowds and congestion of LAX. It’s an especially good choice for visitors coming from the western U.S. or travelers looking to explore Orange County and then head to Joshua Tree.

6. Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)

Distance to Joshua Tree National Park: Approximately 200 miles (3.5 to 4-hour drive)

Location: Las Vegas, Nevada

Benefits: While further than other airports on this list, Las Vegas’s Harry Reid International Airport provides a unique alternative, especially for travelers interested in exploring Nevada. It also offers ample flights and often competitive prices for those planning to rent a car and combine their desert adventure with a Las Vegas experience.

Airlines: All major U.S. airlines, as well as numerous international carriers, operate out of Harry Reid International Airport.

While this is a more distant option, some visitors find the drive from Las Vegas to Joshua Tree scenic and enjoyable, especially for road trip enthusiasts.

Final Recommendation: What’s the Best Airport?

For most visitors, Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is the best and closest option, especially if your goal is to get into the park quickly and start exploring. Ontario (ONT) offers a great balance of affordability and proximity, while LAX and LAS are better suited to travelers with additional travel goals or budget considerations.

Getting from the Airport to Joshua Tree

No matter which airport you choose, a rental car is essential. Joshua Tree National Park is vast and has no public transportation options within its borders. The closest towns for lodging and dining—Joshua Tree, Twentynine Palms, and Yucca Valley—are all accessible by car and located near park entrances.

Major Park Entrances:

1. West Entrance: Best if coming from Palm Springs or Los Angeles

2. North Entrance: Ideal for those entering from Twentynine Palms or Las Vegas

3. South Entrance (Cottonwood): Good for those arriving from Phoenix or traveling east from Palm Springs

Other Transportation Considerations

1. Car Rentals

Given the vast and open landscapes surrounding Joshua Tree, driving is the most convenient way to access the park. Car rental services are available at all these airports, and it’s recommended to book in advance, especially if visiting during the peak seasons of spring and fall.

2. Public Transportation

There are limited public transportation options directly from any of these airports to Joshua Tree. Visitors can consider shuttle services or regional buses from Palm Springs or other nearby cities. However, having a personal vehicle is ideal for exploring the park, as it allows easy access to various trails, overlooks, and campgrounds within the park.

3. Best Seasons for Travel

While airports operate year-round, the most popular times to visit Joshua Tree National Park are in spring and fall when temperatures are more moderate. During these periods, airport traffic might be higher, and accommodations near the park may book up quickly.