Imperial

Located in the sunny Imperial Valley in southern California, the city of Imperial offers a unique opportunity to experience desert landscapes near the border with Mexico. This developing city serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the region, easily accessible by direct flight or a picturesque drive along the roads of the American Southwest.

The most convenient way to reach the city is via the local Imperial County Airport (IPL), which serves the valley and handles regular flights, connecting the region with major hubs such as Los Angeles. This allows you to land directly at your destination, saving time on ground transfers.

Alternatively, you can consider flying into neighbouring transport hubs. The closest is the international airport in the city of Mexicali (27 km), though this requires crossing the border. For those travelling within the USA, convenient options include airports in the cities of Yuma (90 km) and Palm Springs (139 km).

There is no direct railway service to the city of Imperial, as there is no active passenger station here. Travellers preferring trains are advised to travel to the nearest major stations where trains stop, and complete the journey by rental car.

Convenient transfer points could be Yuma or the resort city of Palm Springs, where trains arrive from various regions of the country. The railway network is also developed in the neighbouring city of Mexicali, which may be relevant for tourists planning a complex route across the border.

Intercity buses connect Imperial with neighbouring regions, offering a budget-friendly travel option. The shortest route runs from the city of Mexicali: the bus covers the distance of about 60 km in approximately 2.7 hours, taking into account the time for border control.

A journey from the city of Yuma will take about 4.2 hours, allowing you to enjoy the desert landscapes of Arizona and California. The trip from the popular resort of Palm Springs lasts around 3.9 hours, covering a distance of just over 211 km.

Travelling by car is one of the most comfortable ways to reach the city of Imperial, providing freedom of movement across the picturesque valley. Closest is Mexicali: the 34 km journey will take just about 40 minutes, however, it is worth allowing extra time for potential queues at the border.

From the city of Yuma, you can drive there in approximately 1.1 hours, covering 104 km on excellent highways. The road from Palm Springs (161 km) will take about 1.8 hours and offer views of the Californian desert; car rental is often more economical than using taxis for such distances.

To ensure your trip to Imperial is as comfortable as possible and leaves only pleasant impressions, it is worth preparing in advance for the local climate and lifestyle. Here are some useful recommendations for travellers:

1. Clothing and Essentials. The climate here is desert and very hot, especially in summer, similar to the Gulf region. Pack light clothing made of natural fabrics, sunglasses, and headwear. In the evenings, temperatures can drop, so a light jacket will be useful.
2. Transport. Public transport is not widely developed, so for comfortable movement around the city and surroundings, renting a car is highly recommended.
3. Finance. The official currency is the US Dollar (USD). Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, but keeping some cash for small expenses and gratuities is always useful.
4. Health and Safety. Always carry a supply of drinking water to avoid dehydration in the dry climate. The city districts are generally safe, but standard precautions are advisable.
5. Communication. The main language is English, however, due to the proximity of the border, many locals speak fluent Spanish, which may facilitate communication.
6. Local Etiquette. In the USA, it is customary to leave tips in restaurants and taxis (usually 15–20% of the bill). People here are friendly, and a polite greeting is always appreciated.
7. What to Avoid. Do not plan long walks at midday during summer months without reliable sun protection — the risk of heatstroke is very high.
8. Additional Advice. If you plan to visit natural attractions around the city, ensure you have a full tank of fuel, as petrol stations in the desert can be infrequent.

Following these simple rules will help you enjoy the unique atmosphere of the Imperial Valley without any hassle.