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How to Get to Cabo San Lucas

How to Get to Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas Baja California Sur, Mexico Travel Guide

Air Travel

Major Airport & Airlines

Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) serves Cabo San Lucas. It is about 45 minutes northeast of the city. SJD is a modern and busy airport. It handles a large volume of international and domestic flights.

Flights & Routes

  • Numerous airlines provide direct flights to SJD from principal U.S..S. And Canadian cities.
  • Travelers from Europe, Asia, or other continents typically require a connection through an U.S. Or Mexican hub.
  • High Season (Nov-May): Increased flight frequency and higher prices. Book flights well in advance.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

SJD has two main international terminals and a littleer domestic terminal. Facilities include shops, restaurants, car rental desks, currency exchange, ATMs, and free Wi-Fi.

Transfer Options

  • Shared Shuttle Transport: Most economical (DiscoverCars.com for car rentals that may have shuttles). Reputable companies offer pre-booked transfers.
  • Private Transfers: More expensive, but direct, comfortable, plus swifter. Recommended for groups or families.
  • Taxis: Available outside terminals, but generally costlier than shared transport. Negotiate price beforehand.

Major US Airlines

American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and JetBlue. Check Dollar Flight Club for deals.

Major Canadian Airlines

Air Canada, WestJet, and Sunwing. Look for flights on Skyscanner for comprehensive options.

Mexican Airlines

Aeromexico, Volaris, and Viva Aerobus provide domestic connections to Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Tijuana.

Transfer Options Continued

Ride-sharing & Car Rentals

  • Ride-sharing (Uber/DiDi): Pickups can be tricky due to local regulations; drivers may request you walk off airport property.
  • Rental Cars: Agencies at or near the airport with shuttle service for offices. Understand Mexican auto insurance requirements before renting.
  • Do not accept rides from individuals inside the airport offering transportation; utilize official channels.
  • Check your FMM card when you receive it upon arrival; ensure it is stamped correctly.

Low Season Flight Benefits

  • Low Season (Aug-Oct): Reduced flight frequency but often lower prices and more deals on airfare.
  • Flexibility with travel dates allows for greater savings in this timeframe.
  • Compare flights using tools like Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner for the best options.
  • Consider SafetyWing travel insurance for flexible coverage.

Air Travel Tips

Book in Advance

For high season or major holidays, early booking ensures lower rates and availability.

Check In Early

Arrive 2-3 hours before departure for international flights to allow for check-in and security.

Confirm FMM

Ensure immigration stamps your FMM upon arrival; keep it safe for your exit.

Land Transportation

Driving from the US Border

Driving from the U.S. To Cabo San Lucas via California STATE route 1 (the Transpeninsular Highway) is a very long journey, taking approximately 18-ALL day and night from Tijuana. No passenger train services exist in Baja California Sur.

Driving Requirements

  • Valid U.S. Or Canadian driver's license and vehicle registration.
  • Mandatory Mexican auto insurance: U.S./Canadian policies are not valid. Purchase locally.
  • Individuals still need a FMM (entry card for tourists) when entering by land.

Long-Distance Bus & Road Conditions

Autobuses Aguila is the main long-distance bus line, connecting Cabo San Lucas to La Paz (2.5-3 hours) and Todos Santos (1 hour). Buses are modern and air-conditioned.

Road Safety Tips

  • Highway 1 is generally paved, but some sections can be narrow or have chuckholes.
  • Driving at night is not recommended outside of well-lit urban areas due to unlit roads and stray livestock.
  • Be cautious of Topes (speed bumps), which may be numerous and poorly marked.

Self-Driving Considerations

Fuel stations are available along main roads it can be sparse in some stretches. Fill up when opportunities arise. Roadside assistance in remote areas may be limited.

Important Driving Notes

  • Consider a rental car with roadside assistance included.
  • Get offline maps for Baja California Sur; cell service can be spotty.
  • Always confirm the final rental price includes mandatory Mexican auto insurance.

Sea/River Arrivals

Cabo San Lucas is a main seaport of call for cruise ships. Passengers are tendered to the main marina downtown. No direct car or passenger ferries connect mainland Mexico directly to Cabo San Lucas.

Cruise & Ferry Information

  • Cruise ship immigration is simplified and managed by the cruise line.
  • Ferries operate from La Paz (north of Cabo) to Mazatlán and Topolobampo not on an island Mexico.
  • From the cruise tender dock, walking, water taxis, and taxis are available.

Important Travel Warnings

  • Mexican auto insurance is mandatory; US/Canadian policies are not valid.
  • Be very aware of Topes (speed bumps); they often lack proper signage.
  • Avoid high-pressure timeshare solicitations; graciously refuse if uninterested.
  • Monitor weather forecasts if traveling during the season for hurricanes (June-November).
  • Observe warning flags on beaches due to rip currents; red flag means unsafe swimming.
  • Petty theft can occur; use hotel safes for valuables.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

The Mexican Departure Tax (DNI) is usually included in international airline tickets. Confirm with your airline. If not included, pay it at the airport before departure. The approximate fee is 687 MXN, can be altered.

Departure Checklist

  • Arrive at SJD at least 2-3 hours before scheduled international departure.
  • Proceed to airline counter for check-in and bags drop-off.
  • Provide your passport and the departure portion of your ENTRY card for tourists to immigration officials.

Airport Facilities for Departing Travelers

SJD offers various facilities in departure areas to render your wait comfortable, including duty-free shops, souvenir stores, and various dining options.

Amenities Available

  • Duty-free stores for last-quick purchases and local crafts.
  • Selection of restaurants, cafes, and taverns for meals and drinks.
  • Lounges (airline or priority pass) for a quieter environment and amenities.

Wi-Fi Access

Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout Los Cabos International Airport for departing travelers.

Payment of Taxes

If the exit tax is not part of the price in your ticket, look for signs at the airport indicating where to pay this tax.

Peak Travel Time

Allow extra time during peak travel seasons (holidays, Spring Break) as a result of potentially longer lines at the airport.

Tips for Departure

FMM Card Verification

Double-check your FMM card when you receive it upon arrival. Confirm the immigration officer stamps it correctly and indicates your permitted length of stay.

Why This Matters

  • Incorrect stamping may result in issues upon departure.
  • Keep this form safe for the duration of your journey; it is collected by immigration upon exit.

Pre-Planning for Departure

Confirm your flight status and any potential delays before heading to the airport. Set up your airport transfer in advance, especially during early morning or late-night departures.

Smooth Exit

  • Verify flight details online or with your airline's app.
  • Pre-book shared shuttle or private transfer.
  • Ensure all baggage requirements are met to avoid last-minute issues.

Departure Tax & Security

Departure Tax

The DNI fee is usually included in international air tickets. Confirm with your airline.

Security Screening

Be prepared for security screening procedures. Follow all instructions from airport staff.

Lost FMM

If your FMM is lost, visit the immigration office at the airport for assistance before your flight.

Final Departure Reminder

Ensure you have all necessary documents, especially your passport and the departure portion of your FMM, easily accessible.