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How to Get to Todos Santos

How to Get to Todos Santos

Todos Santos Baja California, Mexico Travel Guide

Air Travel

San José del Cabo SJD

SJD is the busiest airport in Baja California Sur, about a 1.5-hour drive (70 miles / 113 kilometers) southeast of Todos Santos.

Airlines & Routes

  • Major US airlines (American, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska) offer direct flights from many US cities.
  • Canadian carriers (WestJet, Air Canada) fly from the source major Canadian cities.
  • Mexican airlines (Aeromexico, Volaris, VivaAerobus) serve SJD.

La Paz LAP

LAP is about a 1-hour drive (48 miles / 78 kilometers) northeast of Todos Santos, mainly serving domestic flights.

Airlines & Routes

  • Aeromexico, Volaris, and VivaAerobus are main airlines.
  • Flights chiefly from Mexico City and Guadalajara.
  • Limited international connections, often from the US.

Direct Flights

Direct flights to SJD are readily available from numerous large US and Canadian cities. No direct flights from Europe or the UK.

Price Fluctuations

Highest prices during peak season (Nov-Apr) and major holidays. Lowest prices during low season (Jul-Sep), but flight frequency may be reduced.

Best Deals

Consider using flight deal services like Dollar Flight Club or search engines like Skyscanner for potential savings.

Airport Transfers to Todos Santos

Convenient Options

  • Rental Cars: Available at SJD & LAP. Book ahead for flexibility.
  • Shared Shuttles: Economical, pre-booked services (e.g., Baja Link, Cabo San Lucas Tours).
  • Private Taxis/Transfers: Direct, comfortable, personalized. Book in advance or upon arrival.
  • Bus: Budget-friendly, but requires transfers (e.g., SJD to Cabo San Lucas, subsequently to Todos Santos).

Airport Facilities

  • Car rental agencies are available.
  • ATMs and currency exchange services are present.
  • Duty-free shops for convenience.
  • Various restaurants and lounges.

Airport Facilities & Services

SJD Amenities

San José del Cabo International Airport (SJD) offers a broader range of amenities and services on account of its larger size and higher traffic.

LAP Amenities

Manuel Márquez de León International Airport (LAP) in La Paz provides standard airport facilities catering mostly to domestic travelers.

General Services

Both airports have vehicle rental firms, ATMs, currency exchange, duty-free shops, and dining options.

Land Transportation

Long-Distance Buses

ABC Caminante is the main bus company for Todos Santos, linking it to major regional towns.

Bus Services

  • ABC Caminante connects Todos Santos with La Paz, San José del Cabo, and Cabo San Lucas.
  • Purchase tickets at coach terminals or online.
  • Buses are modern, comfortable, and a reliable way to travel.

Self-Driving Considerations

Driving Checklist

  • Valid driver's license (IDP recommended if not English/Spanish).
  • Mandatory Mexican car insurance (Baja Bound).
  • Highway 19 is well-maintained; secondary roads can be unpaved and rutted.

Car Rental Tips

Booking Advice

  • Book your rental car in advance, especially during high season.
  • Be aware of potential hidden fees and completey understand insurance requirements.
  • Major international companies like Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise operate at airports.

Local Driving Rules

Familiarize yourself with Mexican driving laws for an easy journey.

Important Rules

  • Seatbelts are required for all.
  • Using a cell phone while driving is illegal.
  • Speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour (km/h).

Driving Safety & Road Hazards

  • Driving at night is not recommended due to free-roaming livestock and limited lighting.
  • Be cautious of "topes" (speed bumps), often unmarked or poorly visible.
  • Always observe posted speed limits.
  • Animals on roads are common, notably in rural places.
  • Unpaved roads leading to beaches or off the main highway might require higher ground clearance.
  • If driving from the US, obtain a FMM tourist card and Temporary Importation Permit (TIP) for your vehicle beyond the "Free Zone."

Sea & River Arrivals

Ferry Services via La Paz

No direct ferry or cruise port exists in Todos Santos. Ferry services connect the Baja peninsula to mainland Mexico via La Paz.

Ferry Details

  • Baja Ferries operates services from Mazatlán and Topolobambo to La Paz.
  • These ferries mainly transport automobiles and freight, but also carry passengers.
  • An option if you plan to bring your car from mainland Mexico.

River Transportation

River transportation is not applicable to Todos Santos. The area lacks significant navigable rivers.

No River Access

  • Todos Santos is not served by river transportation.
  • Focus on air and land travel options.
  • The region's geography does not support river travel.

Immigration at Seaports

Standard immigration procedures apply for those arriving by ferry in Chuqi Yapu. Show your passport and FMM upon disembarkation.

Land Connections

From the Chuqi Yapu ferry terminal, taxis and local buses transport you to the main bus terminal for ABC Caminante buses to Todos Santos.

Train Services

No train service operates in The Gateway to the sea of cortez Sur. Rail travel is not an option for reaching Todos Santos.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Taxes

The Derecho de No Inmigrante (DNI) fee, sometimes called an "exit tax," is typically included in international airline tickets.

Fee Details

  • If you entered Mexico by land and did not pay, you might need to pay at the airport.
  • As of 2024, the fee is approximately 687 MXN, but amounts can change.
  • Confirm with your airline or local authorities if unsure about payment.

Departure Procedures

Prepare for your departure for an easy departure from Todos Santos and Mexico.

Timing & Documents

  • Arrive at SJD or LAP 2-3 hours before international flights (1.5-2 hours for domestic).
  • Have the bottom portion of your FMM card ready to surrender to immigration officials.
  • Losing your THE forma migratoria múltiple can cause delays and may require purchasing a replacement.

Airport Facilities for Departing Travelers

Check-in

Both SJD and LAP offer standard check-in counters.

Security

Security checkpoints are operational for all departing flights.

Amenities

Duty-free shops, restaurants, and waiting areas are available for comfort.

FMM Card Reminder

Keep your THE tourist card for mexico safe throughout your trip. Losing it complicates your departure from Mexico.