Cabo Airport Transportation: 7 Best options + prices
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Are you trying to figure out transportation from Cabo Airport to your hotel?
You are in the right place!
Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) ✈️ sees hundreds of thousands of travelers every year. It’s a busy place, and trying to figure out how to get from Los Cabos Airport to Cabo San Lucas is not easy, especially if you are a first-time visitor and don’t know the area.
The best transportation from Cabo Airport to hotel is by private transfer 🚙 It’s convenient, fast and reliable – so you can relax and stretch your legs after a long day of traveling. No need to deal with obnoxious taxi drivers and wait for a public bus.
I often go to Cabo, and since I always get tons of questions about transportation options from the airport to Cabo hotels 🏨 so I decided to share my knowledge on the topic with you.
Whether you are considering renting a car, a private shuttle or shared shuttle from Cabo Airport, or simply catching a bus, I will go over all the options in this article. I will also tell you why you should stay away from taxis in Cabo Airport, so you can save your money and avoid a big headache.
With so much to cover, let’s jump in!
Where is Cabo San Lucas Airport?
San Jose Del Cabo International Airport (SJD) is about 28 miles (45 km) from Cabo San Lucas. It’s located outside of San Jose Del Cabo, a popular beach town and a sister city of Cabo San Lucas.
Cabo San Lucas Airport Map
CABO AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION: BEST OPTIONS
1. Private transportation from Cabo Airport – My top choice 🤩
A private shuttle 🚗 is the fastest and most convenient way to get from Cabo Airport to your hotel. Your driver will meet you in the arrivals hall and drive you to your hotel. They will typically hold a paper with your name, so you don’t have to worry about looking for them 🙋🏽♀️
The journey to your hotel is much faster by a private transfer 🚗 than it is by any other type of transportation – and you don’t need to try to figure out how to get an Uber or public bus, which can be tough if you don’t speak Spansh.
Still have doubts?
A private shuttle is a perfect option to enjoy a relaxing ride in a comfortable and air-conditioned vehicle after a long flight. It’s also a good idea if you don’t speak Spanish, and don’t feel confident negotiating a rate with a taxi driver.
To make things easier, book a round-trip shuttle from Cabo Airport to your hotel 🚙 This way, you don’t have to worry about trying to find transportation for your flight back and can spend time enjoying your trip instead.
Why book a private shuttle from Cabo Airport:
✅ No need to figure out your transportation on the spot
✅ No language barrier – your driver will speak English
✅ Avoid overpaying for taxi – which is usually expensive from Cabo Airport
✅ Relax in a nice, air-conditioned vehicle after a long flight
✅ Set your arrival time – no need to adjust to anybody’s schedule
✅ Doesn’t matter if your flight is late – your driver will wait for you
✅ Enjoy door-to-door services from the airport to your hotel
Book a private shuttle from Cabo San Lucas Airport to your hotel
Luxury shuttles from Cabo Airport 💎
If you want to enjoy the ultimate comfort, book a luxury transportation from Cabo Airport. When you use a luxury transport, you get to ride to your hotel in a big SUV like Chevy Suburban, perfect for stretching your legs and enjoying the extra comfort.
2. Shared shuttle from Cabo Airport – Perfect budget option 🤑
Shared shuttles are perfect if you are looking for cheap transfers from Cabo Airport, but don’t want to take a public bus.
✅ BOOK THIS POPULAR ROUNDTRIP SHUTTLE FROM LOS CABOS AIRPORT
Shared shuttles in Cabo Airport are vans that are cheaper than private shuttles because their price is shared by multiple people. Shared shuttles usually have 10-15 passengers, but the downside is that you might have to wait for other passengers as everyone’s arrival time could be different.
Is someone’s flight is delayed, you will need to wait for them before you can depart. But the upside is that you will save quite a bit of money. In fact, a shared shuttle from Cabo Airport is cheaper than a taxi 🤯
Book a shared shuttle from Cabo Airport to your hotel
Cabo airport shuttle review
Both of the drivers were on time. Both cars were clean. Both drivers were nice and were good at their job.
Ronald Z
3. A one-way shuttle from Cabo Airport
If you are looking for cheap transportation from Cabo Airport to your hotel, a one-way airport shuttle is a great option. These shuttles cost around $20, which is much cheaper than most types of transportation except for the public bus.
👉Do I need to tip a shuttle driver in Cabo?
A one-way shuttle is shared by multiple travelers, which helps to keep the cost down, and you can enjoy a nice comfortable ride after a long flight.
Book a one way shuttle from Cabo San Lucas Airport to your hotel
4. A bus from Cabo airport – the slowest option 😕
If you are traveling on a budget, take the Ruta del Desierto bus from Cabo Airport which stops outside Terminal 1 every 10-15 minutes. If you arrive to Terminal 2, you will need to walk to Terminal 1 with your luggage.
How much is the bus from Cabo Airport?
A Ruta del Deserto bus ticket costs 80 Mexican Pesos and has to be paid in cash. You can buy a ticket from the bus driver.
If you plan to take a bus from Cabo Airport, avoid exchanging U.S. dollars at Cabo airport, because they usually don’t have a good exchange rate.
Ruta del Deserto bus stops
Ruta del Deserto bus has two main stops: La Comer in San Jose Del Cabo and Puerto Paraiso Mall in Cabo San Lucas. It also makes numerous stops along the way, including several resorts along the tourist corridor between San Jose Del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas.
The biggest disadvantage of this bus is that it takes a while to arrive to your hotel.
⚠️ Be prapred for a long ride, because this bus makes numerous stops along the way. Although it’s cheap, Cabo bus isn’t the most comfortable or convenient way to get to your hotel. If time is short and you want to get to your hotel fast, book a private shuttle.
The bus stops only at select hotels along the tourist corridor in Cabo San Lucas. If your accommodation is not along the way, you can walk or catch a quick Uber from a bus stop.
Additionally, you can always request a stop along the way, but you will likely need to do it in Spanish because not all bus drivers in Cabo speak English.
How do I find Ruta del Deserto bus?
The buses are purple and yellow, which makes them hard to miss, they make stops at most bus stations and you can check their schedule online.
5. Renting a car in Cabo Airport – best option for adventurers 🤠
A car rental in Cabo is the best option for fun day trips from Cabo San Lucas to Todos Santos, La Paz, or even Loreto.
Major car rental companies like Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Dollar have offices in Cabo Airport, and you can pick up your vehicle after you land. All you need to do is book it online ahead of your trip.
Once you clear the customs, a rep of a car rental company will meet you in arrivals and drive you to their office (many car rental companies are within a 5-minute drive from Cabo Airport), where you will fill out the required paperwork and start your journey.
Where can I find car rentals in Cabo San Lucas?
The best place to rent a car in Cabo San Lucas is DiscoverCars, an online platform with dozens of vehicles of different makes and models. DiscoverCars has affordable prices and a flexible cancellation policy. You can also get Mexican car insurance from them, which is required for all car rentals in Mexico.
US car insurance is not valid in Mexico, and car rental companies in Cabo San Lucas will not accept it. When you book your car through DiscoverCars, you can pay for your car insurance.
✅ CHECK PRICES ON RENTAL CARS IN CABO
What documents do I need to rent a car in Cabo San Lucas?
To rent a car in Cabo, you need a passport, a driver’s license, a credit or debit card, and Mexican car insurance, which you can purchase from your car rental company.
- A passport (you can’t use a passport card, only a book)
- A driver’s license
- A credit or debit card
You will need a valid driver’s license to rent a car in Mexico. You can drive in Mexico with a valid US license, a Canadian license, and most European licenses. If you are traveling to Cabo from countries that don’t use the Roman language alphabet, you will need an international driver’s license, for which you can apply online before your trip.
✔️A credit or debit card
You will need a credit or debit card to pay for a car rental in Cabo. It’s also possible to pay in cash, but it’s not common.
Why you shouldn’t pay for your car rental in Cabo with a debit card
A car rental company will put a hold on your debit card ranging between s$1,000-$2,000. If you return your car rental with no damages, the hold on your credit card will go away, and you will get your money back.
Why it’s better to pay for your rental car with a credit card
It’s better to pay for your rental car with a credit card, because if you use a debit card, a car rental company will take the required amount straight out of your checking account, which means you will not have access to that money for the duration of your trip.
✔️A Mexican car insurance
You will have to buy Mexican car insurance. Car rental companies in Cabo can’t legally force you to buy their car insurance, but they also can’t to accept US car insurance.
You have two options:
Get third-party insurance ahead of your trip or get insurance from your car rental company, which is easier. Some U.S. credit cards also offer car insurance options, but they are considered a third-party company, and not all car rental companies in Cabo accept them.
✅ DiscoverCars has car insurance plans that run as low as $10 a day.
Why renting a car in Cabo is a good idea:
✔️You want to see the Cabo area outside the resort area
✔️You don’t want to rely on Uber and taxi to get around
✔️You don’t want to take guided tours and want to explore on your own terms
✔️You want to see remote areas like Cabo Pulmo National Park, or hike in the Sierra de la Laguna, which can only be accessed by a 4×4 car
✔️You don’t want to use shuttles to get to your hotel and would rather have your own vehicle
✔️Cabo is just a starting point for your trip in Baja California, and you plan to go north from here
6. Uber in Cabo Airport – not always available 🛑
As of August 2024, Uber can pick you up on the second floor on the arrival of Cabo Airport.
Uber in Cabo is still in limbo, as the company has faced strong opposition from local taxi companies, and local officials, who oppose giving it a full permit to operate in the country. Uber previously could only drop off passengers at Cabo Airport, but not pick up.
This has changed as of August 2024, as some travelers reported that Uber can now pick up passengers on the upper levels of departures.
Cabo Airport doesn’t have any ride-share signs, and you will need to communicate with your driver to confirm a pick-up spot. Brushing up on your Spanish is a good idea, because not all Uber drivers in Cabo speak English.
7. Taxi in Cabo Airport – the worst option 😫
A taxi from Cabo Airport is the most expensive way to get to your hotel. Taxi drivers in Cabo often take advantage of tourists who don’t speak Spanish and can’t negotiate rates on a spot.
After you land, go through the customs and walk in the the arrivals, you will see multiple taxi drivers trying to offer you a ride. Don’t do that! While it seems like a no-brainer, a taxi from Cabo Airport to your hotel will cost you a top dollar, as most taxi drivers charge tourists the highest price.
Only take a taxi if you have no other options and need to get to your hotel urgently. Agree on the price with a driver before starting your ride to avoid extra charges.
If you feel like a taxi driver is trying to rip you off, never agree to their terms!
👉 That’s why I recommend booking a shuttle before your trip.
How much is a taxi from Cabo airport to downtown?
You will pay around $70 for a trip from Cabo airport to downtown. If you speak Spanish, you can negotiate the rate, but don’t expect it to come down signficantly, because taxi drivers at Cabo airport try to charge a top dollar.
Cabo San Lucas airport taxi rates
Expect to pay $50-70 USD for a taxi from Cabo San Lucas Airport to your hotel, on average. Some taxi drivers can charge as much as $100 depending on how far your hotel is from the airport.
Is it safe to take a taxi in Cabo San Lucas?
Taking a taxi in Cabo San Lucas is safe, however, you should take only licensed taxis that are operated by legitimate companies. Whenever in doubt, ask your taxi driver to show their license.
San José del Cabo Airport Transfers 🚙
You can book a transfer to San Jose Del Cabo from Cabo Airport ahead of your trip.
A private round trip from Cabo Airport to San Jose del Cabo costs only $140 and provides fast door-to-door service to avoid taxi and public transportation at Cabo Airport. It’s a perfect option to relax and stretch your legs after a long flight.
You might also like these popular tours in Baja California:
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- Best cooking classes in Cabo to learn Mexican cooking
- Best ATV tours in Cabo San Lucas
- 9 Best surfing lessons in Cabo San Lucas for all levels
- 8 Best zipline tours in Cabo San Lucas
- 9 Private boat tours in Cabo San Lucas
Cabo Airport Transfers: FAQ’s
How long does it take to get from Cabo Airport to Cabo?
It takes an average of 40 minutes to get from Cabo Airport to your hotel, although your travel time greatly depends on the type of transportation. A private shuttle can get you to your hotel in less than 40 minutes, if there’s no traffic, while a public bus usually takes at least an hour.
How do I get from the airport in Cabo to my hotel?
You can get from Cabo Airport to your hotel by taxi, car rental, or private shuttle. The cheapest way to travel from the airport to your hotel is by private shuttle, which you can book online ahead of your trip.
How do I get from Cabo to airport?
The best way to get from Cabo to airport is by pirvate or shared shuttle. Your driver will pick you up from your hotel at a scheduled time and drive straight to departures.
How much is a shuttle from Cabo Airport?
A shuttle from Cabo Airport costs anywhere from $20 for a shared mini-van to $160 for a private round-trip SUV.
How much is a cab from Cabo airport to the hotel?
A cab from Cabo Airport can cost as much as $100 for a one-way trip, depending on where your hotel is. It’s not uncommon for cab drivers in Cabo to charge tourists exorbitant prices, so it’s best to arrange your transportation ahead of your trip.
Are there Ubers at Cabo airport?
Yes, there are Ubers at Cabo airport, but getting an Uber can be complicated because it is still technically illegal in Cabo. Some Uber drivers could be reluctant to pick up passengers at Cabo Airport because of the restrictions, so you should always have a backup plan.
How much is a taxi from Cabo airport to downtown?
A taxi from Cabo Airport to downtown is usually around $80 and higher, depending on the time of the day. If you are visiting Cabo during the low season, you might be able to get a better price.
Cabo Airport transfers: final word
There are many ways to get from Cabo Airport to your hotel. If you want maximum comfort, you should book private transportation that will get you to your hotel quickly and with no hassle, and if you have more time and want to save money, a shared van is a better option.
Finally, a public bus is a great way to save money, if you are traveling to Cabo on a budget, but if you want to explore the area more, you can rent a car in Cabo Airport, and drive it to your hotel.
A taxi is the most expensive way to get from Cabo Airport to your hotel, and you should use it only as a last resort.
I hope this article made it easier for you to figure out transportation options and you were able to figure out how to get from Cabo Airport to your hotel.
