Cabo to La Paz transportation options for a fun day trip
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Are you wondering about how to get from Cabo to La Paz.
This guide is for you!
La Paz is one of my favorite destinations in Baja California, and after visiting this town several times, I can tell that it’s worth your time and money.
La Paz is the capital of Baja California and is one of the most popular day trips from Cabo. Unlike the Los Cabos area which includes Cabo San Lucas and San Jose Del Cabo, La Paz is not overrun by tourists.
There’s quite a bit of domestic tourism here, as La Paz International Airport (LAP) has daily flights from many destinations in Mexico including Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara.
Alaska Airlines is also launching flights to La Paz in November 2024.
Many travelers come to La Paz to see a more authentic side of Baja California and enjoy eco-tourism in Isla Espíritu Santo and Balandra Beach.
Until not so long ago, La Paz was relatively undiscovered but now more tourists come here to visit La Paz beaches, sandboard on El Mogote dunes, and swim with sea lions at Isla Espiritu Santo.
If you are staying in Cabo but want to visit La Paz, this guide is for you. Keep on reading to find out about transportation options for all budgets and travel styles.
Where is La Paz, Mexico?
La Paz is the capital of Mexico’s Baja California Sur famous for its stunning beaches along the Sea of Cortez, vibrant street art, and authentic Baja-style food like tacos, agua chile, and different types of seafood.
❗️Do not confuse La Paz, Mexico, and La Paz, Bolivia, the highest city in the world by elevation at 3,869 meters.
What is the easiest way to get to La Paz Mexico?
The easiest way to get to La Paz is by car if you are already in Cabo. Another option is to fly to La Paz from other cities in Mexico or the United States.
How far is Cabo from La Paz?
The distance from Cabo to La Paz is 157 km (97 miles) via Baja Highway 19 and Highway 1. The journey takes about 2 hours by car.
➡️ Read: Do I need a passport for Cabo?
Planning a trip to La Paz? Use my travel resources
- Accommodations in La Paz – Booking.com, VRBO, or HostelWorld,
- Travel insurance for Mexico – SafetyWing
- Car rentals in Mexico – DiscoverCars
- Guided Tours in La Paz – Viator
- eSIM to stay connected on the road – Airalo
- Flights to Baja California – CheapAir
How do I get from La Paz to Cabo?
You can get to La Paz from Cabo by shuttle, car rental, guided tour or public bus. In this article, we are going to take a look at all options.
✅ Read: the cheapest time to go to Cabo
Is La Paz worth going to?
Yes, La Paz is worth visiting. The underrated capital of Baja California offers incredible opportunities for eco-tourism and more budget-friendly prices compared to Cabo. If you want to snorkel with adorable sea lions, spot orcas, and explore some of the best beaches in Baja, like Playa Balandra, or Playa Tecolote, La Paz should be on your bucket list.
Cabo to La Paz transportation
Cabo to La Paz driving
As someone who loves a good Baja road trip, I recommend renting a car for your trip to La Paz. When you have a car rental, you will have a chance to stop at any place that you like and also visit the best beaches near La Paz, like Playa Balandra and Playa Tecolote, which are not easy to reach without a car.
Driving to La Paz is a fun adventure. When you have a car, you can stop at Todos Santos, Santa Rita Hot Springs outside of a small town Santiago, and Los Barriles.
I drove several times to La Paz and always had a lot of fun on my journey. It’s a gorgeous drive that meanders through Baja’s desert hills where you can see the incredible scenery and make several stops in historic towns and Baja California beaches.
Where to rent a car in Cabo?
The best place to rent a car in Cabo San Lucas is San Jose Del Cabo International Airport (SJD). Major car rental companies like Hertz, Avis, and Budget have offices in Cabo San Lucas, and they can pick you up in arrivals and drive you to the car rental office where you will pick up your car.
I’ve rented a car in Cabo airport several times, and it was always a smooth experience for me. Once you arrive at the office, and sign the necessary paperwork, you will be ready to hit the road!
You can also find some car rental companies in Cabo San Lucas or San Jose Del Cabo, but you will not find as many options as in San Jose Del Cabo Airport (SJD).
You can find dozens of car rentals through DiscoverCars, my favorite platform for renting cars in Baja and other parts of Mexico.
DiscoverCars also allows you to purchase Mexican car insurance, mandatory for driving in the country. Car insurance from the United States or other countries will not work in Mexico, and you will purchase one through DiscoverCars or at your car rental office.
How far is La Paz from Los Cabos driving?
La Paz is about 139 miles (222 km) from Cabo San Lucas, which takes about 2 hours, and 15 minutes, on average.
Is it safe to drive from Cabo to La Paz?
La Paz is one of the most popular day trips from Cabo, and the drive between 2 cities is perfectly safe.
How long is the drive from La Paz to Cabo?
The drive from Cabo to La Paz takes at least 2 hours.
Where to stop between Cabo San Lucas and La Paz?
There are two ways you can travel between Cabo San Lucas and La Paz: One via Todos Santos and another one via Santiago. A trip via Todos Santos is much shorter and will take 2 hours and 15 minutes, while a route through Santiago takes an average of 2 hours and 40 minutes.
Todos Santos
If you decide to go to Cabo San Lucas via Todos Santos, you can stop in Todos Santos for a quick lunch break, walk the historic streets of this town, and spend some time on the beach.
Los Barriles
If you travel to Cabo San Lucas via Santiago, you can stop in Los Barriles, a quiet beach town along the Sea of Cortez, and Santiago, from where you can visit Santa Rita Hot Springs and hike scenic Fox Canyon to see the stunning Cascada Sol De Mayo.
Cabo Pulmo National Park
If you have more time, rent a 4X4, and make a stop in Cabo Pulmo National Park, a real treasure of Baja California where you can snorkel, scuba dive, and enjoy pristine beaches and spectacular landscapes free from mass development that you see in Cabo.
Tips for driving in Baja California:
1. Don’t drive at night
Driving at night in Baja is often discouraged because of the potholes on the roads and livestock that are found at night along highways.
2. Check road conditions
Some roads in Baja California can be flooded during the rainy season, making them impassable. Always check if rain is in the forecast before getting on the road.
3. Always have cash
Many small stores and gas stations in rural Baja don’t accept credit cards, so you should always have Mexican Pesos.
4. Rent a 4×4 car
If you want to enjoy off-roading and visit places off the beaten path like Cabo Pulmo, you should rent a 4×4, which can handle some of the roughest roads in Baja. Some roads around the peninsula have potholes and bumps, and aside from the main highways in Baja, secondary roads can be in poor condition.
5. Have plenty of snacks and water
Baja is known for its long driving distances, and you could drive for a few hours before you see a gas station or convenience store. Always have plenty of snacks and water in your vehicle.
6. Keep your tank full
Keeping your tank full is crucial while driving around Baja. Gas stations are often scarce in Baja, depending on where you go.
7. Download offline maps
Your cell phone signal can disappear entirely even if you drive on Baja’s main highways, so it’s crucial to download an offline map or bring a paper map. Get Airalo eSIM card to stay connected while on the road in Baja.
Cabo to La Paz bus
Autobuses Águila, the main bus company in Baja California, operates several daily buses to La Paz. You can catch a bus at the main bus station in Cabo. Another company that operates public buses in Baja California is Autobuses ABC Plus, so you should check them.
How long is the bus ride from Cabo to La Paz?
The bus ride from Cabo San Lucas to La Paz takes about 2,5 hours. A public bus is the cheapest but longest way to travelbetween these two cities. If you are short on time, you are better off taking a guided tour or renting a car.
Cabo to La Paz shuttle
For a more convenient trip, book a private shuttle to La Paz. Private shuttles leave Cabo daily and can get you to your destination within 2 hours.
It’s a great way to avoid expensive taxis in Cabo Airport, which often charge a fortune even for a short trip, and avoid dealing with public transportation, which can be difficult if you don’t speak Spanish.
Your driver can pick you up at the airport or your hotel in Cabo and drive you to La Paz without any delays along the way.
Uber from Cabo to La Paz
Uber is the most expensive form of transportation that will set you back at least $130. Unless you are in a hurry and need to get to La Paz, immediately, it’s best to choose other forms of transportation. Renting a car for a day will be cheaper than taking a one-way Uber to La Paz.
How much is a taxi from Cabo to La Paz?
Expect to pay no less than $150 for a taxi to La Paz from Cabo, because taxis in Cabo San Lucas are notorious for their crazy high prices. Taxi drivers in Cabo sniff tourists from a mile away, and although you can hail a taxi cab in downtown Cabo, expect to pay a high price for that convenience.
DiDi in La Paz
DiDi is a ride-share app that’s available in many destinations in Mexico including La Paz. I haven’t used DiDi personally, but I was told that it’s a popular alternative to Uber.
Guided tours from Cabo San Lucas to La Paz
If you don’t feel confident renting a car in Cabo and don’t want to deal with public transportation, a guided tour is a perfect option! Many La Paz tours include a walking tour of the city and stops in popular places nearby like Balandra Beach or Isla Espíritu Santo.
Your tour will pick you up from your hotel in the morning and drop you off in the evening when you come back. All tours to La Paz include English-speaking guides.
During whale shark season, you can also enjoy whale shark tours in La Paz which allow you to swim with these gentle giants.
Best guided tours of La Paz, Mexico
Cabo to La Paz train
As of 2024, there’s no train from Cabo to La Paz.
Cabo Airport to La Paz
If you fly to Cabo Airport but want a convenient transfer to La Paz, you can book Los Cabos Airport Shuttle through Los Cabos Airport. When you land at the airport, your driver will pick you up at the arrivals and drive you to your destination in La Paz.
How much is the shuttle from Cabo to La Paz?
A shuttle from Los Cabos Airport to La Paz will cost at least $250 depending on the size of the vehicle required for your travel group.
Airfare to La Paz, Mexico
You can book a flight to La Paz, Mexico from Mexico City, Culiacán, Hermosillo, Tijuana, Leon, and Guadalajara.
There are also flights to La Paz from several destinations in the United States during the high season.
San Jose Del Cabo to La Paz
If you need to get from San Jose Del Cabo to La Paz, you can use a public bus or rent a car for your trip
Best things to do in La Paz
1. Visit the Malecón
Take a stroll along the Malecón, a waterfront promenade with scenic views of the Sea of Cortez, shops, restaurants, and street performers.
2. Take a tour of Espiritu Santo Island
Take a boat tour to Espiritu Santo Island for snorkeling, kayaking, and observing marine life such as sea lions and dolphins.
3. Go whale watching
Depending on the season (usually January to March), you can go whale watching to see gray whales during their migration.
4. Check out La Paz Cathedral
Visit the Cathedral of La Paz, a historic landmark located in the city center with its distinctive architecture.
5. Visit Museums and Cultural Centers
Explore museums such as the Anthropology Museum of Baja California Sur or the Regional Museum of Anthropology and History to learn about the region’s history and culture.
6. Enjoy water sports
Besides kayaking and snorkeling, you can try paddleboarding, jet skiing, or sailing in the calm waters around La Paz.
7. Take a day trip from La Paz
Consider day trips to nearby towns like Todos Santos, known for its art galleries and surfing beaches, or Cabo Pulmo National Park for its coral reef and diving spots.
Best hotels in La Paz, Mexico
- Hotel Catedral La Paz – One of the best hotels in the city’s downtown, La Catedral has stellar reviews from travelers thanks to its top-notch services and friendly and welcoming staff.
- Hotel & Suites El Moro – A perfect place if you are looking for a resort-style vacation, El Moro boasts some of the best amenities of all hotels in La Paz.
- Hotel Lorimar – If you are looking for a budget stay in La Paz, don’t miss Hotel Lorimar, a basic but comfortable and quiet place that has everything for you to rest after a long day on the road.
La Paz, Mexico: FAQ’s
Are there Cabo to La Paz flights?
As of 2024, there are no flights between Cabo and La Paz.
Is it worth visiting La Paz Mexico?
If you want to see the best beaches in Baja California and enjoy some eco-adventures, you should put La Paz on your Baja itinerary. La Paz is often overlooked in favor of Cabo, but it offers a more authentic taste of Baja California and more budget-friendly prices.
How far is LA from Cabo by plane?
The flight from LA to Cabo takes an average of 2 hours.
Is La Paz Mexico safe?
Although La Paz is relatively safe for most travelers, you should follow safety precautions and stay away from beaches and remote areas at night.
Is La Paz cheaper than Cabo?
Yes, La Paz is much cheaper than Cabo. While Cabo has become one of the most expensive beach towns in Mexico, La Paz is still more budget-friendly. While Cabo has Some of the best luxury hotels in Mexico, La Paz has a better selection of inexpensive accommodations.
Cabo San Lucas to La Paz: final thoughts
La Paz is one of the most underrated cities in Baja California that offers a mix of culture and history of Baja California and some of the best outdoor opportunities like snorkeling, scuba diving, sand boarding, and beach-going. If you like adventure, you will have a great time in La Paz.
