How to Get to Coachella | Coachella Planning & Traveling

Heading to Coachella for the first time? From booking hotels and planning your festival outfits to packing essentials and budgeting for the weekend, here’s everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable Coachella experience!

How To Get to Coachella by popular Orlando blogger Mash Elle | beauty blogger Mash Elle | festival | planning for Coachella | coachella outfits

So you just scored tickets to Coachella?! HIGH FIVE, sister! The excitement is REAL, but between booking flights, finding accommodations, planning outfits, and organizing transportation, things can get overwhelming FAST. When I attended Coachella with my friend Meghan, I remember thinking…now what?! That’s why I’ve put together this ultimate Coachella planning guide with a simple timeline, budgeting tips, and festival essentials to help you stay organized and make the most of your Coachella experience!

3 Months Before Coachella: Start Planning Your Trip

Purchase Your Coachella Tickets

First things first: secure those tickets! Coachella is one of the most popular music festivals in North America, and passes can sell out quickly. Before purchasing, decide which festival weekend you want to attend and whether you’re interested in general admission or VIP passes. Make sure you’re purchasing through the official Coachella website or an authorized ticketing platform to avoid scams. Once your tickets are confirmed, it’s officially time for a happy dance. You’re going to COACHELLA!

Start Planning With Your Friends

One of the best parts of Coachella is experiencing it with your favourite people. Start a group chat with your festival crew and get everyone on the same page about travel dates, accommodations, transportation, and your overall budget. Trust me, organizing the details early will save you so many headaches later. And obviously, now is also the perfect time to share the exciting news on Instagram. Is it even official if you haven’t posted about it?!

Download the Official Coachella App

The official Coachella app is a must-have for festival weekend. It’s a convenient way to stay updated on artist lineups, performance schedules, festival maps, and important announcements. Download it before your trip and check for updates as the festival approaches. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re trying to figure out which stage your favourite artist is performing on!

2 Months Before Coachella: Budget, Hotels & Transportation

Create a Realistic Coachella Budget

Let’s talk money, because Coachella is AMAZING, but it definitely isn’t the cheapest weekend getaway. Between festival tickets, flights, accommodations, food, transportation, and outfits, expenses can add up FAST. Before you start ordering every cute festival outfit you see online, sit down and create a realistic budget. Make sure to account for festival tickets, airfare, accommodations, shuttle passes, food, drinks, souvenirs, festival outfits, and any unexpected expenses. My biggest budgeting tip? Prioritize experiences over buying an entirely new wardrobe. You can absolutely put together adorable Coachella outfits using pieces you already own, affordable accessories, and a little creativity. If you’re looking for budget-friendly festival fashion inspiration, check out my Coachella Outfit Ideas Under $50 and Music Festival Outfit Ideas Under $50.

Book Your Coachella Accommodations

One of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your trip is where to stay during Coachella. There are several accommodation options, including festival camping, hotels, and vacation rentals in the surrounding area. Camping is a popular option if you want the full festival experience, but keep in mind that temperatures in the California desert can get extremely hot during the day. If you’re not a fan of sleeping in the heat, a hotel might be a better choice. When Meghan and I attended Coachella, we decided to stay in a nearby hotel, and it was one of the best decisions we made. After spending an entire day walking around in the desert heat, having air conditioning, a comfortable bed, and a proper shower was EVERYTHING. If you’re researching hotels near Coachella, consider accommodations in Palm Springs, Indio, La Quinta, or nearby communities. Compare the total cost, cancellation policies, and transportation options before booking. Pro tip: Book accommodations as early as possible. Hotels and vacation rentals can fill up quickly during festival weekends, and waiting until the last minute can seriously limit your options.

Arrange Your Festival Transportation

Once you’ve figured out where you’re staying, it’s time to plan how you’ll actually get to Coachella each day. Depending on your accommodations, you may be able to use a festival shuttle, drive, or arrange another transportation option. I recommend looking into official Coachella shuttle passes if you’re staying near a participating shuttle stop. It’s a convenient option that can make getting to and from the festival much easier. If you’re planning to drive, check the current festival parking rules and whether your chosen parking option requires a pass or reservation. You can find current transportation information through the official Coachella website.

1 Month Before Coachella: Flights, Outfits & Festival Essentials

Book Your Flights to California

If you’re flying to Coachella, don’t leave your travel arrangements until the last minute! Thousands of festivalgoers travel to Southern California for Coachella, which can make flights and accommodations more expensive around festival dates. Depending on your travel plans, you might consider flying into Palm Springs, Los Angeles, or another nearby airport. Compare airfare, baggage fees, rental car costs, and transportation times before making your decision. If possible, I recommend arriving at least a day before the festival begins. This gives you time to settle into your hotel, pick up anything you’ve forgotten, and avoid the stress of travelling on the same day as your first concert. If you’re turning your Coachella weekend into a longer California getaway, check out my California road trip inspiration for more travel ideas.

Plan Your Coachella Outfits

Okay, now for one of my absolute FAVOURITE parts of Coachella: THE FASHION! Coachella is basically a giant playground for festival fashion, and it’s the perfect excuse to experiment with your personal style. Think flowy dresses, crochet pieces, denim shorts, statement sunglasses, fringe, cowboy boots, and fun accessories. The best part? There really aren’t any rules when it comes to expressing your style. That said, comfort is just as important as looking cute. You’ll be walking, dancing, and standing for hours, so make sure your outfits are practical for warm daytime temperatures and cooler desert evenings. My advice? Plan three main festival outfits and pack a couple of backup pieces in case the weather changes or you decide to switch things up.

If you need some inspiration, I’ve shared plenty of festival fashion looks on Mash Elle over the years. Check out my Coachella Inspired Swimwear and Festival Outfit Ideas, Festival Inspired Bell Bottoms, Bohemian Tie Dye Dress, Cute Tie Dye Romper for Coachella, and How to Style Lace and Fringe for Festival Season. If you love DIY accessories, you’ll also want to check out my DIY Floral Halo Tutorial. These looks are perfect for finding inspiration without feeling like you need to spend a fortune on an entirely new festival wardrobe.

Shop for Your Coachella Packing Essentials

Beyond your outfits, there are a few practical items that can make your festival weekend significantly more comfortable. Think comfortable shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a portable phone charger, and a small bag that meets the festival’s current entry requirements. You’ll also want to check the official Coachella permitted-items list before purchasing anything specifically for the festival. Rules about bags, water containers, and other personal items can change. One thing I learned from attending Coachella is that being prepared makes the entire experience SO much more enjoyable. Cute outfits are fun, but comfortable shoes and sunscreen? Absolute necessities!

1 Week Before Coachella: Pack & Create Your Festival Schedule

Start Packing for Coachella

Don’t wait until the night before your flight to start packing. Give yourself a few days to organize your outfits, check the weather forecast, and make sure you have everything you need. Between the desert heat, long festival days, and cooler evenings, packing strategically can make a huge difference. Here’s a handy Coachella packing checklist to help you get started!

Coachella Packing Checklist:

Three festival outfits and backup clothing
Comfortable walking shoes or boots
Sunglasses and a hat
Light jacket or layers for cooler evenings
Small festival-approved bag
Sunscreen and SPF lip balm
Travel-size toiletries and makeup essentials
Hair ties and hair accessories
Portable phone charger and charging cable
Festival wristband and identification
Personal medications
Hand sanitizer and tissues
Reusable water bottle, if permitted
Hotel and transportation confirmations

The Day Before Coachella: Final Preparations

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!

Three days of dancing in the California desert? You’re going to want to stay hydrated, girl! Start drinking plenty of water before the festival and continue throughout the weekend. Between the heat, walking, and long days outdoors, dehydration can sneak up on you. Take advantage of available water stations, schedule breaks in shaded areas, and don’t ignore signs of overheating. Trust me, the last thing you want is to feel exhausted before your favourite artist even takes the stage.

Charge Your Phone and Portable Charger

Between taking photos, filming Instagram Stories, checking the festival schedule, and finding your friends in a sea of people, your phone battery is going to be working overtime. Charge your phone and portable charger the night before, and consider downloading any important travel information in advance. Cell service can be unreliable at large festivals, so it’s also smart to agree on a designated meeting spot with your friends in case you get separated. You’ll definitely want enough battery life to capture those unforgettable Coachella moments!

15. Get a Good Night’s Sleep

I know, I know. You’re probably way too excited to sleep! But Coachella is a marathon, not a sprint. Between the heat, crowds, walking, and dancing, you’ll want to feel as rested as possible. Get a good night’s sleep, eat a proper breakfast, and give yourself enough time to get ready without rushing. Tomorrow, you’re going to COACHELLA!

More Coachella Outfit Ideas, Travel Tips & Festival Inspiration on Mash Elle

Planning your festival weekend? I’ve shared plenty of Coachella fashion inspiration, beauty tutorials, and travel memories on Mash Elle over the years. Whether you’re looking for affordable festival outfits, boho hairstyles, or firsthand Coachella tips, these posts are a great place to start!

How to Plan for Coachella: The Ultimate Festival Planning Guide & Checklist