How to Get to Cabo San Lucas. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Major Airport & Airlines

Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) serves Cabo San Lucas. It is approximately 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 offer direct flights to SJD from major U.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 smaller domestic terminal. Facilities include shops, restaurants, car rental desks, currency exchange, ATMs, and free Wi-Fi.

Transfer Options

Shared Shuttle Services: Most economical (DiscoverCars.com for car rentals that might include shuttles). Reputable companies offer pre-booked transfers.
Private Transfers: More expensive, but direct, comfortable, and quicker. Recommended for groups or families.
Taxis: Available outside terminals, but generally more expensive than shared shuttles. 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 to offices. Understand Mexican auto insurance requirements before renting.
Do not accept rides from individuals inside the airport offering transportation; use 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 during this period.
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 secures better 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 departure.

Land Transportation

Driving from the US Border

Driving from the U.S. To Cabo San Lucas via Highway 1 (the Transpeninsular Highway) is a very long journey, taking approximately 18-24 hours 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 (tourist card) when entering by land.

Long-Distance Bus & Road Conditions

Autobuses Aguila is the main long-distance bus company, 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 potholes.
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 can be numerous and poorly marked.

Self-Driving Considerations

Fuel stations are available along major routes but 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.
Download offline maps of 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 major port 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 on mainland 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; politely decline if uninterested.

Monitor weather forecasts if traveling during hurricane season (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, subject to change.

Departure Checklist

Arrive at SJD at least 2-3 hours before scheduled international departure.
Proceed to airline counter for check-in and baggage drop.
Present passport and the departure portion of your FMM to immigration officials.

Airport Facilities for Departing Travelers

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

Amenities Available

Duty-free stores for last-minute purchases and local crafts.
Selection of restaurants, cafes, and bars 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 departure tax is not included 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) due to 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 can lead to issues upon departure.
Keep this form safe throughout your trip; it is collected by immigration upon exit.

Pre-Planning for Departure

Confirm your flight status and any potential delays before heading to the airport. Arrange 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, go to 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.

How to Get to Cabo San Lucas