Airport Transportation

Your complete guide to getting from the airport to your hotel

Transportation Options from SJD Airport

The airport is about 30-45 minutes from most hotels in Cabo San Lucas and 15-20 minutes from San José del Cabo. Here are your best options for getting to your accommodation.

Private Transfers (Recommended)

The most convenient and stress-free option. A driver meets you at arrivals with a sign, helps with luggage, and takes you directly to your hotel.

Pros:

  • • No waiting or haggling
  • • Fixed price booked in advance
  • • Air-conditioned vehicles
  • • Direct to your hotel
  • • Easy to avoid timeshare pitches

Cost:

  • • $60-80 USD to Cabo San Lucas
  • • $40-60 USD to San José del Cabo
  • • $50-70 USD to Corridor hotels
  • • Prices for up to 4-6 passengers

Recommended services: Cabo Airport Shuttle, USA Transfers, Cabo San Lucas Tours

Shared Shuttles

Budget-friendly option where you share a van with other travelers heading to nearby hotels.

Pros:

  • • Most affordable option
  • • Pre-bookable online
  • • Reliable service
  • • Meet other travelers

Cons:

  • • Multiple hotel stops (can take longer)
  • • Wait for other passengers
  • • Less flexible schedule
  • • Limited luggage space

Cost: $15-25 USD per person

Rental Cars

Good option if you plan to explore beyond your resort, but not necessary if you're staying in one area.

Pros:

  • • Freedom to explore at your pace
  • • Visit remote beaches and towns
  • • No waiting for taxis or Ubers
  • • Cost-effective for groups

Cons:

  • • Mandatory Mexican insurance ($25-40/day)
  • • Parking fees at hotels/restaurants
  • • Aggressive rental counter upsells
  • • Can't drink and drive

Cost: $40-80 USD per day + insurance. Major companies: Hertz, Budget, Avis, Europcar

Official Airport Taxis

Available at official taxi stands outside the terminal. Prices are fixed but higher than pre-booked options.

Warning: Only use official taxi stands. Avoid anyone approaching you inside the terminal offering rides - these are often timeshare pitches disguised as transportation.

Cost: $80-120 USD to Cabo San Lucas, $60-80 USD to San José del Cabo

Cabo Esteban's Recommendation

For most travelers, I recommend booking a private transfer in advance. It's worth the extra $20-30 over a shared shuttle for the convenience and peace of mind. You'll have a driver waiting for you, no stops at other hotels, and you can start your vacation immediately.

If you're planning to explore multiple towns, eat at local spots, or visit remote beaches, consider renting a car. Just book directly with major companies online to avoid the aggressive upselling at the airport counters, and budget for the mandatory Mexican insurance.