Los Cabos, situated at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, is a stunning destination known for its beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, vibrant nightlife, and breathtaking natural landscapes. Comprised primarily of two towns—Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo—connected by a 20-mile tourist corridor, navigating this region requires some planning. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, understanding your transportation options can significantly enhance your experience in this Mexican paradise.
Understanding Los Cabos Geography
Before diving into transportation options, it’s helpful to understand Los Cabos’ layout. The region consists of:
- Cabo San Lucas: The livelier town known for its marina, water activities, shopping, and nightlife
- San José del Cabo: The more traditional Mexican town with a charming historic center, art district, and relaxed atmosphere
- The Tourist Corridor: The 20-mile stretch connecting the two towns, lined with luxury resorts, golf courses, and beaches
- Los Cabos International Airport (SJD): Located about 8 miles north of San José del Cabo and approximately 23 miles from Cabo San Lucas
This geography means that most visitors will need to consider multiple transportation methods during their stay.
From Airport to Accommodation: Your First Journey
Airport Transfers
Your transportation journey begins the moment you land at Los Cabos International Airport (SJD). You have several options for reaching your accommodation:
Pre-arranged Hotel Shuttles
Many hotels and resorts offer shuttle services for their guests. These should be arranged prior to arrival and typically cost between $15-30 per person each way. The benefit is convenience—someone will be waiting with your name on a sign, and you won’t need to negotiate prices or wait in line.
Private Transfers
For a more personalized experience, private transfers can be booked in advance through companies like us. Prices typically range from $70-150 depending on your destination and vehicle size. These services offer door-to-door convenience and often include amenities like bottled water and sometimes even cold beverages.
Shared Shuttles
Companies like Cabo Shuttle Services and Shuttle2Cabo offer shared rides to various destinations throughout Los Cabos. These cost approximately $15-25 per person and may include stops at multiple hotels. While more economical than private transfers, they can take longer due to multiple drop-offs.
Rental Cars
All major rental car companies operate at SJD Airport. Rates typically start around $30-40 per day for basic models, but watch out for mandatory insurance costs that can more than double the advertised rate. Having a car directly from the airport gives you immediate freedom to explore, but be prepared to navigate to your accommodation in an unfamiliar area. At Vacation Los Cabos, we offer car rentals as well as a safe itinerary to directly access your accommodation.
Taxis
Official airport taxis operate on a fixed-rate zone system. Expect to pay $50-80 for a ride to Cabo San Lucas or $35-60 to San José del Cabo. While convenient, this is one of the more expensive options for solo travelers or couples.
Ride-Sharing Services
Uber operates in Los Cabos, though service can be spotty at the airport due to regulations. If available, it may offer savings compared to traditional taxis, with rides to Cabo San Lucas costing around $35-45 and to San José del Cabo about $20-30.
Pro Tip: The airport exit can be overwhelming with timeshare salespeople posing as transportation or tourism officials. Ignore offers for “free rides” in exchange for attending a presentation, and proceed directly to your pre-arranged transportation or to the official transportation booth outside.
Day-to-Day Transportation Options
Once you’ve settled into your accommodation, you’ll need to consider how to get around during your stay. Here are the main options:
Rental Cars
Advantages of Having Your Own Vehicle
Having a rental car provides unmatched flexibility to explore Los Cabos at your own pace. It’s particularly valuable if you:
- Plan to visit multiple beaches in one day
- Want to explore smaller towns like Todos Santos or La Paz
- Are staying in a villa or rental home away from the main tourist areas
- Prefer independence over waiting for taxis or shuttles
Driving Considerations
Driving in Los Cabos is generally straightforward, with good highways connecting major destinations. However, there are some important considerations:
- Mexican car insurance is mandatory and rarely included in quoted rates
- The main highway (Transpeninsular Highway) is well-maintained, but smaller roads may not be
- Police checkpoints are common, especially at night
- Gas stations are less frequent than in the U.S. or Canada, so keep your tank filled
- In Cabo San Lucas, parking can be challenging in the downtown and marina areas
Public Buses
The Suburban Bus System
The most economical way to travel between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo is the “Suburban” bus system. These purple and yellow buses run regularly along the main highway, providing an affordable alternative to taxis.
- Cost: Approximately 40-50 pesos (about $2-3 USD)
- Frequency: Every 15-20 minutes during daytime hours
- Route: Along the main highway with stops near major resorts and shopping areas
- Hours: Generally 5:30 AM to 10:00 PM
To use these buses, simply wait at a designated bus stop (look for others waiting) and flag down the approaching bus. Tell the driver your destination when boarding.
City Buses
Both Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo have local bus systems that serve areas within each town. These smaller buses cost around 12-15 pesos (less than $1 USD) and can be a great way to travel like a local.
Pro Tip: Buses only accept cash (Mexican pesos), so keep small bills and coins handy. They don’t provide receipts, so this isn’t the best option if you need to track expenses for business.
Taxis
Taxis are abundant throughout Los Cabos and provide a convenient, though relatively expensive, transportation option.
Taxi Considerations
- No Meters: Taxis in Los Cabos don’t use meters. Always agree on the fare before getting in.
- Zones: Fares are typically based on zones rather than actual distance.
- Typical Costs:
- Within Cabo San Lucas: $10-15 USD
- Within San José del Cabo: $8-12 USD
- Between towns: $40-50 USD
- To/from remote beaches: $20-60 USD depending on distance
- Availability: Readily available at hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, and tourist areas
- Tipping: Generally 10-15% is appropriate
Taxi Stands
In both Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, you’ll find official taxi stands (sitios) where you can get a ride. Hotels also have relationships with specific taxi companies and can arrange one for you, though sometimes at a premium.
Ride-Sharing Services
Uber operates in Los Cabos, offering an alternative to traditional taxis. While generally less expensive than taxis, availability can vary by area and time of day. The service works just like it does in the U.S. or Canada, though you may want to download the app and set up your account before traveling to Mexico.
Water Taxis
For reaching Cabo San Lucas’s famous beaches like Lover’s Beach and Divorce Beach, or for quick trips across the marina, water taxis are an excellent option.
- Cost: $10-15 USD per person each way
- Departure Points: Mainly from the Cabo San Lucas marina
- Negotiation: Prices are negotiable, especially for round trips or groups
- Schedule: No fixed schedule; they depart when filled or upon request
Bicycles and Scooters
Some resorts offer bicycle rentals, and there are rental shops in both main towns. While biking along the tourist corridor isn’t recommended due to highway traffic, bicycles can be a fun way to explore within San José del Cabo or Cabo San Lucas.
Scooter rentals are also available, starting at around $40-50 per day. However, they should only be considered by experienced riders due to local traffic conditions.
Transportation to Popular Destinations
East Cape Beaches
The beautiful East Cape beaches like Playa Los Frailes and Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park are best accessed by rental car. The roads are partially unpaved, making a 4WD vehicle preferable, especially after rain.
Todos Santos
This artist’s colony and surfing destination is about an hour’s drive from Cabo San Lucas. While tours are available, having a rental car offers the most flexibility to explore this charming town at your own pace.
La Paz
The capital city of Baja California Sur is approximately a 2-hour drive from Los Cabos. You can visit as part of an organized tour, take an intercity bus ($15-20 one-way), or drive yourself if you have a rental car.
Pacific Side Beaches
Beaches like Playa Cerritos, known for surfing, are located on the Pacific side and are best reached by rental car. Some shuttle services also offer transportation to popular surfing beaches for around $25-30 per person each way.
Money-Saving Transportation Tips
Combine Public Transportation and Walking
Stay near areas of interest and combine public buses with walking to save on transportation costs. Both Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo have walkable downtown areas.
Weekly Car Rentals
If you need a car for multiple days, weekly rates often offer significant savings compared to daily rentals. Consider renting for your entire stay even if you only need the car for part of it.
Resort Shuttles
Many larger resorts offer complimentary shuttles to popular destinations like downtown areas or shopping centers. Ask about these services when booking or upon arrival.
Shared Airport Transfers
Book round-trip shared airport transfers in advance for better rates than arranging each leg separately.
Safety Considerations
- Avoid driving outside major tourist areas at night
- Never drink and drive (Mexico has zero tolerance laws)
- Use only official taxis or recognized ride-share services
- Keep small denominations of cash for buses and tips
- Store rental car documents safely but accessibly in case of police checkpoints
Eco-Friendly Transportation Options
Los Cabos is increasingly focusing on sustainability. Consider these eco-friendly transportation options:
- Use public transportation when possible
- Walk or bike for short distances
- Share rides to popular attractions
- Choose newer rental car models with better fuel efficiency
- Consider staying in locations that minimize daily travel needs
Stay in the Perfect Location: Vacation Los Cabos Properties
The Ultimate Home Base for Your Los Cabos Adventure
After understanding all your transportation options, choosing the right place to stay becomes even more important. Vacation Los Cabos offers premium properties strategically located to minimize transportation hassles while maximizing your vacation experience.
Our properties feature:
- Prime locations near major attractions
- Private pool villas with stunning ocean views
- Luxury condos in walking distance to restaurants and beaches
- Complimentary concierge service to arrange all your transportation needs
- Exclusive partnerships with trusted transportation providers
The Bottom Line: Choosing Your Best Transportation Mix
For most visitors, the ideal approach combines several transportation methods:
- Airport transfers: Pre-arranged private or shared shuttle for convenience
- Around town: Walking, buses, and occasional taxis or Uber
- Special excursions: Rental car for specific days or organized tours
- Resort-based trips: Hotel shuttles or taxis
By planning your transportation strategy before arriving and staying at a strategically located Vacation Los Cabos property, you can balance convenience, cost, and the freedom to explore this beautiful region on your own terms.
Remember that Los Cabos is constantly evolving, with transportation options and prices subject to change. Checking recent reviews and updated information shortly before your trip can help ensure you have the most current details for navigating this stunning corner of Mexico.
