Amtrak had what could be described as a "cute" little station in Indio, inherited from SP. While not anything special it was in a nicer area than Palm Springs' current one and had available transportation, including a shuttle to/from at least one area hotel which we used on our one time there. I can't recall the reason for its closure but believe Amtrak did receive funding from the State to reopen it in 2020. Of course we all know what happened after that.
The stop used to be Indio. They replaced it with Palm Springs.
The US car rental firms are well used to foreign people renting cars, in my experience.
Here are some pictures of the former Indio station. It looks like the original SP station was torn down and replaced after Amtrak took over. The former station is now a UP office. There's a small platform remnant on the north track.Amtrak had what could be described as a "cute" little station in Indio, inherited from SP. While not anything special it was in a nicer area than Palm Springs' current one and had available transportation, including a shuttle to/from at least one area hotel which we used on our one time there. I can't recall the reason for its closure but believe Amtrak did receive funding from the State to reopen it in 2020. Of course we all know what happened after that.
Having done the opposite - on a trip to the UK where I was supposed to meet my parents at Gatwick and drive with them to Hastings, then a change of plan caused me to have to do the drive alone, having never driven in the UK before, including a stretch of the dreaded M25 - I would say going from UK to US roads is probably an easier transition, especially if one is driving out West where roads are wide and weather generally good. Contrast that with the UK, driving through villages laid out hundreds of years before the automobile, hoping that you are clearing the cars parked half on the sidewalk on a street barely wide enough for 2 cars.
There is no issue with foreigners renting cars. It happens all the time.
OK, based on you and others, I stand corrected. However, I do stand with saying it is not a good idea and could be disastrous.
In the weeks before the trip you can pay attention to railcams and follow the set that will become yours. Of course, switching does happen, but it can give you some insight.
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