Getting to Cabo

Everything you need to know about flights, airports, and arriving in Los Cabos

Los Cabos International Airport (SJD)

Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) is the main gateway to the region, located about 8 miles north of San José del Cabo. It's one of Mexico's busiest airports and serves millions of travelers annually with modern facilities and efficient operations.

Direct Flights from Major U.S. Cities

Cabo is incredibly accessible with direct flights from most major U.S. cities:

  • West Coast: Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle, Portland (2-3 hours)
  • Southwest: Phoenix, Las Vegas, Denver, Dallas (2-3 hours)
  • Midwest: Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas City (4-5 hours)
  • East Coast: New York, Boston, Atlanta, Charlotte (5-6 hours)
  • Canada: Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto (4-6 hours)

Major Airlines Serving Cabo

U.S. Carriers

  • • Alaska Airlines
  • • American Airlines
  • • Delta Air Lines
  • • United Airlines
  • • Southwest Airlines
  • • JetBlue Airways

International Carriers

  • • Aeroméxico
  • • Volaris
  • • WestJet (Canada)
  • • Air Canada
  • • Viva Aerobus

Best Time to Book Flights

For the best deals and availability:

  • Book 2-3 months in advance for peak season (November-April)
  • Book 4-6 weeks ahead for summer travel (May-October)
  • Tuesday and Wednesday typically have the lowest fares
  • Avoid booking during holidays when prices spike significantly
  • Set price alerts on Google Flights or Hopper for your dates

Airport Arrival Tips

  • Immigration: Have your passport and FMM tourist card ready (provided on the plane)
  • Customs: Declare any items over $300 USD; most travelers press the green button and go
  • Money Exchange: Skip the airport exchange counters (poor rates) - use ATMs or exchange in town
  • SIM Cards: Available at the airport if you need local data (Telcel is most reliable)
  • Transportation: Pre-book airport transfers or use official taxi stands - avoid timeshare hawkers

Travel Documents Required

  • U.S. Citizens: Valid passport (must be valid for duration of stay)
  • Canadian Citizens: Valid passport
  • FMM Tourist Card: Provided on flight, keep it safe - you'll need it to exit Mexico
  • Minors: Children traveling without both parents may need notarized consent letters

Pro Tip from Cabo Esteban

Book morning flights when possible - you'll arrive in Cabo with the whole day ahead of you. Plus, morning flights are less likely to be delayed. And always, always pre-book your airport transportation. The timeshare salespeople at the airport are relentless, and having a driver waiting with your name on a sign is the easiest way to breeze past them.