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For most travelers, the first impression of Los Cabos isn’t the Arch at Land’s End but the arrivals hall at San Jose del Cabo International Airport (SJD). While the airport is modest, the transportation experience can feel overwhelming for first-time visitors.
Once you’ve cleared customs and picked up your baggage, you’ll find yourself in a bustling corridor filled with transportation representatives and timeshare promoters. To navigate this area, it’s essential to be prepared — know in advance which service you’ve booked. This will help ensure that you reach your hotel or rental efficiently, safely, and at a fair cost.
Private Drivers: The Stress-Free Standard
Why Travelers Prefer Them
Private drivers are the most reliable and seamless option, favored by repeat visitors who value comfort and certainty. A pre-booked driver eliminates haggling, long waits, and the confusion of the airport curb.
They provide door-to-door service with fixed pricing, often accommodating flexible schedules for excursions beyond the airport.
For groups, private transfers can be surprisingly economical. Splitting the fare among passengers often makes them comparable to shuttles while offering far more convenience.
Costs and Practical Tips
Costs vary widely depending on the type and size of the vehicle, as well as the distance to the destination. For instance, a Nissan Versa, one way from SJD to a rental apartment in El Tezal, should be around USD 50. But a luxury SUV to Diamante will be considerably higher.
Cabo San Lucas is about a 30–40-minute ride, while San Jose del Cabo hotels are roughly 20 minutes away. Drivers usually wait outside the terminal holding a sign with your name. To ensure availability, book online in advance through a reputable provider, especially during peak season.
Shuttle Services: Balanced Cost and Convenience
Shared Shuttles
Shared shuttles are the budget traveler’s choice, with fares typically ranging from USD 20 to USD 30 per person. The trade-off is time: you’ll wait for other passengers and make multiple hotel stops along the Tourist Corridor or in Cabo San Lucas.
For solo travelers and couples, the price is hard to beat, but patience is required. Tickets can be purchased at the kiosks inside the airport or reserved online.
Private Shuttles
Private shuttles bridge the gap between shared rides and private drivers. They are booked in advance, cost more than shared services but less than luxury transfers, and offer a direct ride without detours. These are well-suited for families or small groups who want exclusivity without paying for a premium SUV.
Taxis: Safe but Expensive
What to Expect
Official airport taxis are plentiful and regulated, with fares set by zone rather than by meter. This ensures price transparency; however, rates are among the highest available options.
A taxi from SJD to Cabo San Lucas typically costs around USD 100 per vehicle, regardless of passenger count. While practical and safe, the price of an airport taxi tends to exceed that of a pre-arranged transfer.
Where to Find Them
Taxi stands are located just outside the airport’s main exit. You’ll need to purchase a ticket at the counter, after which you’ll be assigned a vehicle. For short distances within San Jose del Cabo, taxis can make sense. For longer trips, however, they are generally less cost-effective.
Uber: Great in Town, Not for the Airport
Availability in Los Cabos
Uber is widely used in Los Cabos for local trips, particularly around Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. Rides are inexpensive, typically ranging from USD 5 to USD 15 within town. Many residents and younger travelers prefer it for its affordability and convenience.
Airport Restrictions
Uber cannot legally pick up passengers at SJD or at many large resorts due to local regulations and conflicts with taxi unions. Drivers who attempt it risk fines or having their vehicles impounded.
As a result, Uber is not a reliable option for airport transfers. Instead, use taxis or private services for arrivals and save Uber for getting around once you’re checked in.
Keep in mind that Uber tends to work well for airport drop-offs. It’s the pickups that can be problematic.
Rental Cars: Maximum Freedom, Higher Responsibility
Who Should Rent
Renting a car is the best choice for travelers planning to explore beyond the resort zone. Day trips to Todos Santos, La Paz, or the East Cape are much easier with your own vehicle. Renting gives you complete independence, but it comes with a learning curve.
Practical Considerations
To rent, you’ll need a credit card and a driver’s license. Be prepared for mandatory insurance policies, which can significantly increase the cost of your coverage.
Driving in Baja California Sur also requires adjusting to unmarked speed bumps, limited signage, and different traffic habits.
Booking online in advance secures better rates and availability. For visitors staying mainly in resorts, however, renting often adds more hassle than benefit.
Uber: Great in Town, Not for the Airport
Availability in Los Cabos
Uber is widely used in Los Cabos for local trips, particularly around Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. Rides are inexpensive, typically ranging from USD 5 to USD 15 within town. Many residents and younger travelers prefer it for its affordability and convenience.
Airport Restrictions
Uber cannot legally pick up passengers at SJD or at many large resorts due to local regulations and conflicts with taxi unions. Drivers who attempt it risk fines or having their vehicles impounded.
As a result, Uber is not a reliable option for airport transfers. Instead, use taxis or private services for arrivals and save Uber for getting around once you’re checked in.
Keep in mind that Uber tends to work well for airport drop-offs. It’s the pickups that can be problematic.
Rental Cars: Maximum Freedom, Higher Responsibility
Who Should Rent
Renting a car is the best choice for travelers planning to explore beyond the resort zone. Day trips to Todos Santos, La Paz, or the East Cape are much easier with your own vehicle. Renting gives you complete independence, but it comes with a learning curve.
Practical Considerations
To rent, you’ll need a credit card and a driver’s license. Be prepared for mandatory insurance policies, which can significantly increase the cost of your coverage.
Driving in Baja California Sur also requires adjusting to unmarked speed bumps, limited signage, and different traffic habits.
Booking online in advance secures better rates and availability. For visitors staying mainly in resorts, however, renting often adds more hassle than benefit.