Getting Around Cabo San Lucas. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental

Public Transportation

Public transportation in Cabo San Lucas offers an affordable way to move between areas. The "Ruta del Desierto" (Desert Route) buses are the main public bus system 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: Generally from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM, running every 15-20 minutes during peak hours.
Accessibility: Public buses have steps 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 inexpensive; 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 in cash (Mexican Pesos) 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 confirm the fare Before getting into the taxi. Fares are higher 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

GPS 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

Major international companies (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 significantly increase daily rate.
Never decline mandatory Mexican liability insurance.

Motorcycle & Specialty

Motorcycle and Scooter Rentals: Available from specialized shops; valid license and helmets are mandatory.
Bicycle Rentals: Limited infrastructure in Cabo proper; available from tour operators or shops for recreational cycling.
Specialty 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 mandatory.

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 outside urban areas.
Paid parking lots are available downtown and around the Marina. 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 rural roads, especially at night.

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-friendly areas.

Specialized Transportation

Beyond common methods, Cabo offers unique transportation experiences.

Boat Taxis & Water Transport

Water Taxis: Abundant at the Marina and Medano Beach, main way to visit El Arco, Lover's Beach, Divorce Beach.
Always 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 private 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 accessible taxis 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 major roads 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 your driver.
The driver will return 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.
Stick to designated paths or quieter streets when cycling for safety.
Be vigilant 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 always be observed as in other countries.
Avoid engaging with individuals offering unregulated tours or services.

Accessibility Services

While some newer resorts and major attractions 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 upon request.
Inquire directly with your accommodation or tour operators about their accessibility features.

Planning for Mobility Needs

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

Specialized Transport Overviews

Tour Buses

Typically 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 options available.
Confirm pickup times for returns.

Private Charters

Available for private tours, sport fishing, or sunset cruises, offering a luxurious and personalized experience.

Ideal for groups or special occasions.
Highest level of comfort and privacy.
Book through reputable operators.

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 rural roads.
Mandatory Mexican auto insurance is critical 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 Spanish.

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

Getting Around Cabo San Lucas