Coachella 2025: What to expect and what it cost to get there

Coachella is back, and the desert is calling. This year, festival fever is very real — flight searches to Palm Springs are up 58% and to Los Angeles are up 40% compared to last year. Whether you’re flexing your flower crown or just there for the vibes, here’s what to expect in the desert this year.

What to expect during Coachella.

The countdown is almost over — Coachella kicks off in just two days, and here’s what’s waiting for you in the desert:

Massive headliners

Lady Gaga returns with a brand-new show, Post Malone is closing out both Sundays and Green Day will make their long-awaited Coachella debut. Plus, Travis Scott is set to unveil a surprise desert-themed performance.

Festival favorites

The lineup is stacked beyond the headliners — catch Missy Elliott, Charli XCX, Megan Thee Stallion, and Ed Sheeran (his first-ever Coachella appearance). Whether you’re into pop, rap, indie, or EDM, there’s something for every vibe.

Iconic art installations

Giant cloud sculptures, a 3D-printed adobe oasis, and evolving plant pyramids are just a few of the jaw-dropping pieces this year, thanks to a partnership with the Desert X art exhibition.

Desert-ready fashion and weather

Metallics, mesh, and early 2000s nostalgia rule the looks. Expect daytime highs in the low 90s — pack sunscreen, shades, and layers for when temps drop at night.

Upgraded festival perks

Stay charged and connected with new solar-powered Anker lockers around the grounds.

Pro tip

Download the festival app to map out your must-see sets, food stops, and art installations — and stay ahead of last-minute changes.

How much people paid to attend this year.

If you’re already en route or about to pack your bags, here’s what your fellow festival-goers shelled out to get to the desert this year:

Flights

Palm Springs International (PSP): The closest airport came at a cost — airfare averaged $392, an 18% increase compared to 2024.
Los Angeles International (LAX): A more budget-friendly option, with flights averaging $283, up 13% year-over-year.

Pro tip: Flying into LAX and grabbing a rental car or shuttle to the festival saved travelers a chunk of change.

Hotels

Palm Springs: Surprisingly, hotel rates dipped this year. Rooms averaged $392 per night, about 6% cheaper than last year — a rare (and welcome) break for festival budgets.

If you waited to book, though, be prepared for slim pickings and potentially higher rates now that the festival is just days away.

A tree-lined road across a parking lot and a cluster of residences in a city. Palm Springs, California

Where the festival crowd is coming from.

Travelers from New York, Washington, D.C., Boston, San Francisco and Chicago are leading the festival migration this year.

One standout? Baltimore — with a staggering 315% jump in flight searches. The East Coast is bringing serious energy to the desert.

Weekend 1 vs. Weekend 2: What’s the vibe?

Young man and woman are having fun at the festival

Weekend 1: As always, it’s the main event. Expect the most celebrity sightings, viral moments, and buzz.

Weekend 2: A little more laid-back and budget-friendly, but with the same epic lineup.

If you’re heading out for Weekend 1, get ready for the frenzy. If you’re waiting for Weekend 2, you might enjoy a slightly chiller (and cheaper) experience.

🌴 Pack light, dream big, and let the desert take it from here.

Flight data: Based on flight searches made on KAYAK in the period between 9.26.2024 – 3.26.2025 for flights with departure between 4.10-14.2025 (Weekend 1) and 4.17-21.2025 (Weekend 2) from any US airport. For year over year comparisons, they were compared to searches made in the period between 9.26.2023 – 3.26.2024 with departure between 4.11-15.2024 (Weekend 1) and 4.18-22.2025 (Weekend 2). All prices are on average for economy, round-trip tickets. Prices may vary and savings cannot be guaranteed. Percentages for changes in searches and costs are approximate.

Hotel data: Based on hotel searches made on KAYAK in the period between 9.26.2024 – 3.26.2025 for check-in between 4.10-14.2025 (Weekend 1) and 4.17-21.2025 (Weekend 2). For year over year comparisons, they were compared to searches made in the period between 9.26.2023 – 3.26.2024 with check-in between 4.11-15.2024 (Weekend 1) and 4.18-22.2025 (Weekend 2). All prices are average for 1 night in a double room in 3-4 star hotels, unless otherwise noted. Prices may vary and savings cannot be guaranteed.

Coachella 2025: What to expect and what it cost to get there.