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Getting Around Cabo San Lucas

Getting Around Cabo San Lucas

Baja California Sur Mexico Travel Guide

Public Transportation

Public transportation in Cabo San Lucas offers an affordable way to move between areas. The "Ruta del Desierto" (Desert Route) the bus is the main municipal bus service for inter-city travel along the Tourist Corridor.

Smaller, older local buses serve specific routes within Cabo San Lucas town, connecting downtown with residential areas. Fares are paid in cash (Mexican Pesos) directly to the driver.

Routes & Accessibility

  • Ruta del Desierto: Follows Highway 1, connecting Cabo San Lucas, resorts, and San Jose del Cabo.
  • Operating Hours: Usually from 5:MIDNIGHT TO 10:00 PM, running every 15-20 minutes during peak hours.
  • Accessibility: Public coaches have stairs and are generally not wheelchair accessible.
  • Tips: Wave at the bus from designated stops. Know your destination or a nearby landmark.

Affordable Fares

Public bus fares are cheap; a ride from Cabo San Lucas to San Jose del Cabo typically costs around 30-40 MXN ($1.50-$2 USD).

Main Stops

Look for stops near Walmart, Lazaro Cardenas street downtown, and the Marina in Cabo San Lucas.

Cash Payment

Fares are paid with physical money (The Mexican currency) directly to the driver upon boarding; exact change is appreciated.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxi Information
  • Licensed taxis are typically white or yellow with clear markings.
  • Always verify the fare Before getting into the taxi. Fares are greater than buses.
  • Cash (USD or MXN) is preferred. Carry small bills.
Ride-Sharing Apps
  • Uber and DiDi operate in Cabo. They offer transparent pricing displayed in the app.
  • Pickups can be tricky at the airport or busy hotel zones due to local tensions.
  • Always confirm car make, model, license plate, and driver's name match the app.

Safety Considerations

Licensed Taxis

Generally safe. Confirm fare beforehand.

Ride-sharing Safety

LOCATION tracking, driver info, trip sharing for added security.

Avoid Unmarked Cars

Do not use unmarked cars posing as taxis.

Airport Pickups

Only authorized airport taxis pickup directly at curb.

Rental Options

Car, motorcycle, and scooter rentals are available, offering flexibility for exploration.

Car Rental

  • Big multinational corporations (Hertz, Avis, Budget, National, Enterprise) and local companies operate.
  • Valid driver's license from home country, minimum age (21/25), and major credit card for deposit.
  • Mandatory Mexican Liability Insurance: Must purchase locally; can considerably increase daily rate.
  • Never decline mandatory Mexican liability insurance.

Motorcycle & Specialty

  • Motorcycle and Scooter Rentals: Available from specialized shops; an up-to-date license and helmets are mandatory.
  • Bicycle Rentals: Limited infrastructure in Cabo proper; available from tour operators or shops for fun cycling.
  • Unique Vehicles: ATV/UTV rentals for off-road tours (usually part of organized tours); golf cart rentals at some resorts.
  • Driving Laws: Drive on the right, speed limits in kilometers/hour, seatbelts are required.

Road Conditions & Parking

  • Main roads are generally good, but be aware of "topes" (speed bumps) which can be numerous and poorly marked.
  • Roads can be narrow and winding beyond the city limits.
  • Paid parking lots are available downtown and around the Harbor. Resorts offer guest parking.
  • When parking on the street, look for meters or attendants (tip may be expected).
  • Driving under the influence is illegal with a zero-tolerance policy.
  • Watch for stray livestock on roads in rural areas, especially in the evening.

Walking & Cycling

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

Cabo San Lucas Marina, Downtown Cabo San Lucas (Lazaro Cardenas), Medano Beach, and San Jose del Cabo Art District.

Walking Tours

Guided or self-guided tours are possible, often combining history with food tastings.

Bicycle Safety

Limited dedicated bike lanes. Cycling on busy highways is not recommended. San Jose del Cabo offers more bike-welcoming neighborhoods.

Specialized Transportation

Beyond common methods, Cabo offers unique transportation experiences.

Boat Taxis & Water Transport

  • Water Taxis: Abundant at the Boat basin and Medano Beach, main way to visit El Arco, Lover's Beach, Divorce Beach.
  • Be sure to negotiate the fare before boarding a water taxi.
  • Glass-Bottom Boats: Many water taxis offer marine life views around El Arco.
  • Charter Boats/Yachts: Available for custom tours, sport fishing, or sunset cruises.

Accessibility & Tours

  • Tour Buses: Serve specific excursions like day trips, not hop-on-hop-off services.
  • Accessibility Services: Some newer resorts offer ramps and elevators; public areas can be challenging.
  • Private transfer services or wheelchair-friendly cabs may be available upon request.
  • No cable cars, funiculars, or other unique local transport systems exist.

Walking Safety

Avoid Alone at Night

Do not walk alone late at night in unlit or deserted areas, especially away from main tourist zones.

Cycling Caution

Exercise caution when cycling on highways with high traffic volume. Stick to designated paths or quieter streets.

Respect Local Zones

Be aware of your surroundings, especially in less tourist-centric neighborhoods.

Water Taxi Tips

Booking Your Ride
  • Negotiate and confirm the fare Before boarding any water taxi.
  • If taking a water taxi to Lover's Beach, confirm the pick-up time with the driver.
  • The driver will go back to pick you up at the agreed-upon time; be punctual.
What to Expect
  • Many water taxis offer glass-bottom views of marine life around El Arco.
  • They drop off directly at popular beach spots like Lover's Beach.
  • Fares vary depending on the destination and the length of your trip.

No-Go Areas for Pedestrians and Cyclists

  • Avoid walking alone late at night in unlit or deserted areas.
  • Do not cycle on busy highways (like the Tourist Corridor) due to fast-moving traffic.
  • Remain in designated areas paths or quieter streets when riding a bicycle for safety.
  • Be watchful and aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas.
  • Some residential or non-tourist areas may not be as safe for walking after dark.
  • Always use caution at intersections, even in pedestrian-friendly zones.
  • Be mindful of vehicles, as pedestrian right-of-way may not consistently be observed as in other countries.
  • Avoid engaging with individuals offering unregulated tours or services.

Accessibility Services

Whereas some newer holiday resorts and popular tourist spots cater to accessibility, overall public infrastructure can be challenging.

Infrastructure & Challenges

  • Newer resorts and attractions may offer ramps and elevators.
  • Public areas, sidewalks, and public transport can be challenging due to uneven surfaces or lack of ramps.
  • Private transfer services or accessible taxis may be available on request.
  • Inquire directly with your accommodation or tour operators about their accessibility features.

Planning for Mobility Needs

  • Check availability and features of accessible services in advance.
  • Plan your paths carefully, favoring areas known for better accessibility.
  • Focus on resort properties or specific spots that clearly state accessibility options.
  • Consider bringing compact, foldable devices for mobility if needed.

Specialized Transport Overviews

Tour Buses

Usually for specific excursions like day trips to Todos Santos, rather than continuous loops.

  • Not a hop-on-hop-off model.
  • Pre-booking usually required.
  • Convenient for organized trips.
Boat Taxis

Abundant at Marina and Medano Beach. Main way to visit El Arco, Lover's Beach, and Divorce Beach.

  • Negotiate fare before boarding.
  • Glass-bottom choices available.
  • Confirm pickup times for returns.
Private Charters

Available for bespoke tours, sport fishing, or evening boat trips, offering a high-end and personalized experience.

  • Ideal for groups or special occasions.
  • Highest degree of comfort and privacy.
  • Book through respected tour providers.

Important Considerations for Getting Around

Safety when Hailing
  • Always confirm taxi fare Before starting your journey to avoid unexpected costs.
  • Verify ride-sharing vehicle details (make, model, license plate, driver) match the app.
  • Avoid sharing taxis with strangers unless part of a designated shared service.
Road Awareness
  • Be highly cautious of unmarked speed bumps (Topes), especially on roads in rural areas.
  • Mandatory Mexican auto insurance is essential for any car rental or self-driving.
  • Night driving is discouraged outside well-lit urban areas due to hazards.

Navigation Tip

For a smooth taxi experience, have your destination written down or ready to show on a map in The castilian language.

Consider downloading offline maps of the area on your smartphone for use without an internet connection.

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