Coachella 2026: Event Information
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is one of the world's most iconic and influential music festivals, attracting over 250,000 attendees each year. Held annually at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, Coachella features an incredible lineup of artists across multiple genres, stunning art installations, and an unforgettable desert atmosphere.
Coachella 2026
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
The festival takes place over two consecutive weekends with identical lineups, giving attendees flexibility in choosing their dates. The venue address is 81-800 Avenue 51, Indio, CA 92201, located in the heart of the Coachella Valley, approximately 25 miles east of Palm Springs.
How to Get to Coachella
Planning your transportation to Coachella requires careful consideration. The desert location, combined with hundreds of thousands of attendees, creates unique challenges including road closures, restricted access zones, extreme surge pricing, and limited availability of rideshare services.
The most important advice: book your transportation early. Whether you choose to drive, use shuttles, or book a private car service, advance planning is essential for a stress-free Coachella experience.
Expect 3-5 hour delays on major routes during peak arrival times (Friday afternoon) and departure times (Sunday night). The I-10 and Highway 111 experience extreme congestion during Coachella weekend.
Nearest Airports to Coachella
Multiple airports serve the Coachella Valley, each offering different advantages in terms of convenience, flight availability, and ground transportation options.
| Airport | Code | Distance | Drive Time* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palm Springs International | PSP | 25 miles | 30-45 min |
| Ontario International | ONT | 85 miles | 1.5-2 hours |
| Los Angeles International | LAX | 130 miles | 2-4 hours |
| San Diego International | SAN | 150 miles | 2.5-4 hours |
| John Wayne (Orange County) | SNA | 100 miles | 1.5-2.5 hours |
*Drive times vary significantly during Coachella weekend due to traffic congestion.
Palm Springs (PSP) is the closest airport, but flights are limited and often more expensive during Coachella. LAX offers the most flight options and competitive pricing—just book reliable ground transportation in advance.
Transportation Options Compared
Understanding your transportation options helps you make the best choice for your budget, group size, and comfort preferences.
| Option | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury Car Service | Reliable, comfortable, no surge pricing | Higher upfront cost | VIPs, groups, professionals |
| Official Shuttles | Affordable, designated stops | Fixed schedules, crowded | Budget-conscious solo travelers |
| Rental Car | Flexibility, independence | Parking costs, traffic stress | Campers, road trippers |
| Uber/Lyft | Convenient pickup | 5-10x surge, 1-2 hour waits | Not recommended |
LAX to Coachella: The Complete Guide
Flying into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the most popular option for Coachella attendees due to competitive flight prices and extensive route availability. However, the 130-mile journey to Indio requires proper planning.
Route Options from LAX
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I-10 East (Primary Route): The most direct route, approximately 2-2.5 hours without traffic. Expect heavy congestion during Coachella.
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I-15 South to I-10 East: Alternative route via Riverside that may avoid some congestion, but adds 20-30 minutes in normal conditions.
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Highway 62 via Joshua Tree: Scenic desert route, useful when I-10 is severely backed up.
What to Expect
During Coachella weekend, the normally 2-hour drive can stretch to 4-5 hours or more. Professional chauffeurs familiar with festival routing can often find alternate routes and save significant time compared to navigation apps alone.
Why Choose Luxury Car Service
For discerning travelers, artists, executives, and VIP guests, pre-booked luxury car service offers unmatched advantages over other transportation options.
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Guaranteed Availability: Your vehicle is reserved exclusively for you—no surge pricing, no cancellations, no uncertainty.
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Professional Chauffeurs: Experienced drivers who know festival routing, restricted zones, and optimal timing.
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Flight Monitoring: We track your flight in real-time and adjust pickup times for delays or early arrivals.
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Comfort & Privacy: Climate-controlled luxury vehicles with WiFi, refreshments, and space to relax.
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Hourly Flexibility: Keep your chauffeur on standby for maximum flexibility during the festival.
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24/7 Support: Dedicated concierge service available around the clock during Coachella weekend.
Ready to Book Your Coachella Transportation?
Experience the difference of professional, luxury car service. No surge pricing, no uncertainty—just seamless, comfortable transportation to and from Coachella 2026.
Parking at Coachella
If you choose to drive to Coachella, understanding the parking situation is essential. All parking passes must be purchased in advance—there is no day-of parking available.
Parking Options
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General Parking (~$60/day): Located in lots surrounding the venue. Expect a 15-20 minute walk to the entrance.
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Preferred Parking (~$150/day): Closer to the entrance with shorter walking distance.
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Carpooling Encouraged: Vehicles with 2+ passengers may access priority lanes and faster entry.
Parking passes sell out quickly after general sale begins. If you plan to drive, purchase your parking pass immediately when tickets go on sale.
Insider Tips & Advice
After transporting thousands of clients to Coachella over the past decade, here are our top recommendations for a smooth experience:
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Arrive Early: Plan to arrive at the venue before gates open at noon. This avoids peak traffic and ensures good parking spots.
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Leave Before the Headliner Ends: If using on-demand transportation, leave 15-20 minutes before the final set ends to avoid the mass exodus.
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Consider Hourly Service: Having a chauffeur on standby eliminates the stress of finding transportation at 1 AM.
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Stay Hydrated: The desert heat can be intense. Bring a refillable water bottle and pace yourself.
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Confirm Transportation Details: Reconfirm pickup times and locations 24-48 hours before the festival.
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Have a Meeting Point: Cell service is unreliable at the venue. Establish a physical meeting point with your driver in advance.