The Group Travel Guide to Airports in & Around Indio, California

Planning group travel through the Coachella Valley? Coordinating ground transportation to and from airports around Indio can be one of the most stressful parts of your itinerary—especially when you’re moving a crowd. Skip the caravans, rideshares and parking headaches by booking a private airport shuttle with Charter Bus Rental Indio. Whether you need quick pickup from Palm Springs International (PSP) for a corporate team or reliable drop-off at Ontario International (ONT) after a music festival, our fleet of charter buses and minibuses is here to help! Call 442-933-6810 anytime to get started on an instant, all-inclusive quote.

Quick Answer:

There are three airports that serve the Indio area: Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), Ontario International Airport (ONT), and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice for your group will depend on your specific needs. Some groups may even want to fly into one airport and out of another. And no matter what your itinerary looks like, Charter Bus Rental Indio is ready to provide seamless ground transportation throughout the Coachella Valley!

Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)

Address: 3400 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Distance from Indio: ~20 miles (about 30 minutes)

Palm Springs International Airport is the closest commercial airport to Indio, making it the most convenient option for groups flying in or out of the city. PSP offers nonstop flights to destinations across the U.S. and Canada, with major carriers including Alaska, American, Delta, Southwest, United, Air Canada, and WestJet. During the busy winter and spring seasons, you’ll find more than 30 direct routes to cities like San Francisco, Seattle, Dallas, Denver, Chicago, Atlanta, Vancouver, and Toronto. Even off-season, there’s a strong schedule of daily flights connecting the Coachella Valley to key hubs.

If you’re planning a trip during peak tourism periods—such as Coachella or Stagecoach festivals, or the winter snowbird influx—book your flights well in advance. PSP’s compact terminal and single-runway layout mean the airport can get crowded, especially on weekends. Fortunately, its small size also makes for quick baggage claim and short walks between gates, which your group will appreciate after a long flight.

Charter Bus Rental Indio can have a private bus waiting curbside at the Commercial Vehicle Loading Zone outside baggage claim, ready to whisk your group directly to a hotel, event venue, or any other destination. Avoid the hassle of splitting into multiple taxis or rideshares, and enjoy a comfortable ride with luggage safely stowed in the undercarriage compartment of your charter bus.

What to Eat and Do at PSP

Palm Springs International is known for its open-air design, with outdoor courtyards and mountain views. While the dining options are limited compared to larger airports, you’ll find local favorites like California Pizza Kitchen and Peet’s Coffee, plus a few bars and grab-and-go spots. If you have extra time before your flight, relax in the courtyard garden or browse the shops for souvenirs. Groups looking for more substantial dining or shopping can ask their bus driver to make a stop in downtown Palm Springs before heading to the airport.

Ontario International Airport (ONT)

Address: 2500 E Airport Dr, Ontario, CA 91761
Distance from Indio: ~85 miles (about 1 hour 40 minutes)

Ontario International Airport is a major gateway to Southern California’s Inland Empire, serving more than 5 million passengers annually. It’s significantly larger than PSP, with two terminals and more than a dozen airlines offering nonstop service to destinations nationwide. ONT’s biggest advantage for Indio-bound groups is its abundance of flight options—including budget carriers like Frontier and Southwest, which often have lower fares than LAX or PSP. You’ll find frequent connections to cities such as Phoenix, Las Vegas, Denver, Dallas, Houston, Seattle, Portland, and Atlanta.

While Ontario is farther from Indio than Palm Springs, the drive is straightforward via I-10, and traffic is usually lighter than the congested routes leading to LAX. This makes ONT a popular alternative for groups who can’t find suitable flights into PSP or want to avoid the crowds at Los Angeles International. Charter Bus Rental Indio regularly provides airport transfers between ONT and the Coachella Valley, ensuring your group travels together on a schedule tailored to your flight times.

Where to Load/Unload at ONT

Charter buses and other oversized vehicles can pick up and drop off passengers at the designated Commercial Vehicle Area outside each terminal’s baggage claim. Your bus rental will have no trouble navigating ONT’s spacious roadways and parking lots. If your group needs to wait for multiple arriving flights, the driver can circle the terminal or park in the Cell Phone Waiting Lot until everyone is assembled.

Dining and Amenities at ONT

Ontario International offers a solid selection of restaurants, bars, and shops in both Terminals 2 and 4. Grab a meal at Urban Crave, Einstein Bros. Bagels, or Wahoo’s Fish Taco, or unwind with a drink at Cross Grain Brewhouse. There’s also a duty-free store for international travelers and several newsstands. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and there are plenty of charging stations for devices. If your group has a long layover, consider taking a short bus trip to nearby attractions like Ontario Mills shopping mall or the historic Graber Olive House.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Address: 1 World Way, Los Angeles, CA 90045
Distance from Indio: ~140 miles (about 2 hours 30 minutes, depending on traffic)

Los Angeles International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in California, handling more than 80 million passengers per year. LAX is a global hub with nonstop flights to hundreds of domestic and international destinations, served by every major airline. For groups traveling to or from Indio, LAX offers the greatest flexibility in terms of flight schedules, airlines, and ticket prices—but it comes with the challenges of heavy traffic, sprawling terminals, and crowded facilities.

Unless your group is already based in Los Angeles or can only find affordable flights through LAX, it’s generally not the most convenient option for Indio trips. The drive from LAX to the Coachella Valley can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the infamous LA traffic. However, if your group is flying internationally or coming from a city not served by PSP or ONT, LAX may be your best bet.

Charter Bus Rental Indio has extensive experience providing airport shuttles between LAX and Indio, including for large-scale events like Coachella and Stagecoach. We’ll coordinate the pickup in the designated bus lanes at your arrival terminal, assist with luggage loading, and ensure a smooth departure onto the freeway. Onboard amenities like reclining seats, Wi-Fi, power outlets, and restrooms will keep your group comfortable during the long ride east.

Eating and Shopping at LAX

LAX boasts an impressive array of dining and retail options across its nine terminals. From celebrity-chef restaurants like Wolfgang Puck Express to local icons like Shake Shack and Urth Caffé, there’s something for every palate. The airport also features high-end boutiques, duty-free stores, and art installations. If your group has a lengthy layover or delay, consider storing your luggage and taking a bus excursion to nearby Venice Beach or Santa Monica Pier before returning for your flight.

Other Nearby Airports

Depending on your group’s origin and destination cities, you might consider flying into or out of smaller regional airports within a reasonable driving distance of Indio. These include:

• John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County (~110 miles west)
• San Diego International Airport (SAN) (~150 miles south)
• Burbank Bob Hope Airport (BUR) (~135 miles northwest)

While these airports typically offer fewer flight options than PSP, ONT, or LAX, they can be less crowded and easier to navigate. Charter Bus Rental Indio can arrange custom pickups and drop-offs at any airport in Southern California, giving your group maximum flexibility in planning your travel itinerary.

Why Book Airport Transportation With Us?

Coordinating airport transportation for a group of any size can be a logistical headache. Between juggling flight schedules, luggage, and ground transfers, it’s easy for someone to get lost in the shuffle—or for the whole group to miss a tight connection. Charter Bus Rental Indio simplifies the process by providing a dedicated vehicle and professional driver focused solely on your group’s needs.

Our fleet includes everything from compact 18-passenger minibuses to full-size 56-passenger motorcoaches, so we can accommodate groups of all sizes. A minibus is perfect for a small corporate team or family reunion, while a pair of 50+ passenger charter buses can handle an entire sports team or wedding party with room to spare. Onboard amenities like climate control, reclining seats, overhead storage, and onboard restrooms ensure everyone arrives refreshed and ready for the next leg of their journey.

One of the biggest advantages of booking a private airport shuttle is the ability to customize your route and schedule. Unlike public transit or shared shuttles, your bus operates on your timetable, picking up and dropping off wherever you need. If some members of your group arrive on different flights or at different terminals, your driver can make multiple stops to collect everyone before heading to Indio. Once you’re on the road, you can request breaks for meals or sightseeing along the way.

For groups flying into the Coachella Valley for a multi-day event or festival, having a charter bus on standby means you don’t have to worry about renting cars, arranging carpools, or dealing with parking. Your driver can shuttle attendees from the airport to their hotels, then provide daily transportation to and from the event venue. At the end of your stay, everyone boards the bus for a stress-free ride back to the airport, with plenty of time to check bags and clear security.

Book Seamless Airport Transfers in Indio

Whether you’re flying a team of executives into Palm Springs for a conference or bringing hundreds of festival-goers to Indio for Coachella, Charter Bus Rental Indio is your trusted partner for airport transportation. Our 24-hour reservation specialists are standing by at 442-933-6810 to help you choose the right bus, plan your route, and secure a competitive quote. With a private shuttle waiting at the terminal, your group can skip the stress and start enjoying the journey!