Getting around Cabo San Lucas is one of the most important parts of planning your trip, but it’s often overlooked. Transportation affects where you can go, how long it takes to get there, and how much of the area you’re able to experience. A little local knowledge can make your days easier and your trip more enjoyable.
This guide provides you with straightforward, practical advice from people who know Cabo well. Whether you're visiting for a few days or staying longer, you'll find everything you need to move around with confidence and avoid common hassles.
Airport to Hotel, Stress-Free
Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) is located about 45 minutes from the marina district. The transfer you choose sets the tone for your entire trip.
Private luxury transportation starts at around $120 USD, depending on your hotel’s location. Providers like Vivolx (offer flight tracking, Wi-Fi, chilled water, and direct service to your hotel—no stops, no waiting. Use code ADVENTURE for an extra discount.
Shared shuttles, such as those from Los Cabos Airport Shuttles, cost about half as much, but require more time and patience. You'll wait for other passengers and make several stops along the way.
Official taxis are available outside the terminal, but they don’t use meters. You'll need to negotiate the fare in advance—expect to pay $70 to $100 USD to reach downtown. Ask your hotel for current rates to ensure a smooth negotiation.
Many resorts partner with private fleets and include transportation in the room rate. Be sure to book both your arrival and departure transfers when you reserve your stay, especially during peak holiday periods when availability is limited. Save the dispatch number for your return.
Does Cabo have Uber?
While there are mixed opinions about ridesharing services in Los Cabos, the situation is more nuanced than it may appear. Some suggest that Uber might be considered illegal due to taxi union disputes, while others highlight a Supreme Court ruling that technically permits ridesharing services. However, the reality is that this situation falls into a gray area, and with the right approach, you can navigate it effectively.
Rideshare pickups are not allowed at Los Cabos International Airport, with drivers facing significant fines if caught. In the city, however, the Uber app functions, but it's advisable to set your pickup location a block away from taxi stands to ensure a smooth experience. One of the major advantages of using Uber is the potential for fares that are 20-30% lower than traditional taxi rates, along with the convenience of credit card payments.
To make the most of your experience, be sure to download the Uber app before arriving, check real-time availability, and always have backup transportation options ready in case your preferred service is unavailable.
Regular Taxis
Traditional cabs in Cabo are fast and convenient if you know how to use them. There are no meters, so always agree on the fare before getting in. A ride from the airport to downtown typically costs between $70 and $100 USD. Short trips, like from the marina to a nearby beach, usually fall in the 250 to 300 pesos range when negotiated correctly.
Taxis are often more reliable than rideshares when leaving the airport, getting around late at night, or reaching areas with poor cell service. Always negotiate in pesos, carry small bills, and confirm whether the fare includes everyone in your group. Your hotel concierge can point you toward trusted drivers who avoid tourist markups, so take advantage of that local knowledge.
Public Bus: Riding "Ruta del Desierto"
The bright-orange Ruta del Desierto bus delivers the most budget-friendly ride between downtown and San José del Cabo. At 37-40 pesos—roughly $2-3 USD—you'll glide the entire 32-kilometre corridor for a fraction of taxi costs. Buses run from 4:30 AM until 11:00 PM, departing every eight to ten minutes.
Credit to: tripadvisor.com
Official stops display a small blue-and-white bus icon, but drivers will stop anywhere safe if you flag them down. Pay in cash—exact change keeps everyone happy. Grab the right-hand window seat for uninterrupted Sea of Cortez views; dawn light over the bay transforms your commute into a sunrise cruise.
Renting a Car in Cabo San Lucas
Freedom to chase hidden coves on your own schedule requires four wheels. Daily rates hover around $50 USD, but economy deals as low as $25 regularly appear on booking sites. Before you celebrate that bargain, Mexican law requires third-party liability insurance, regardless of what coverage your credit card promises.
Behind the wheel, expect sudden speed bumps—topes—on otherwise smooth highways, and the occasional police checkpoint where officers wave you through unless you've forgotten your seat belt. In town, legal street parking is marked by white curbs; red means "tow zone." When in doubt, slip into a paid lot near the marina and keep your ticket handy.
Walking & Biking
The waterfront concentrates everything within fifteen minutes on foot. Walk the Marina boardwalk, cut through Puerto Paraíso Mall for air conditioning, then hit downtown taco stands without calling a ride. The key is timing—early morning or after sunset keeps pavement temperatures manageable and extends your camera battery life.
Sidewalks near hotels and shopping areas are wide enough for comfortable walking, but older neighborhood lanes narrow significantly. Watch for delivery vans and uneven curbs, especially after dark.
Local waterfront outfitters rent fat-tire beach cruisers and basic mountain bikes by the hour—perfect for covering more ground without the heat exhaustion. The best biking happens on quieter streets away from tourist traffic.
The Electric Bike Beach & Desert Adventure takes you off the beaten path and into Cabo’s untouched desert trails and pristine beaches. With powerful e-bikes, you’ll cruise effortlessly across the sand and through the cacti-lined landscape while soaking in postcard-worthy views.
Knowledgeable guides lead the way, and every tour includes a full safety briefing and protective gear. If you're looking for a truly memorable experience, choose the 4 PM departure and end your ride beside a campfire as the sun sets over the Pacific.
Water Taxis to Land's End & Beaches
The marina pier is your gateway to Sea of Cortez adventures. Local panga captains know every hidden cove and granite arch that larger tour boats can’t access. From sunrise to early afternoon—before the wind picks up—they run steady shuttles to Lover’s Beach, Divorce Beach, and Land’s End.
Bring enough pesos for the round-trip fare and a tip. These seasoned skippers read the water like a map, and your ride quality depends on their real-time ocean knowledge. Always confirm your pickup time before getting dropped off—cell signals often cut out behind the rock formations, and tides can shift faster than expected.
If you prefer a more comfortable option, you can also reach Land’s End by booking a luxury sailing tour or the Two Bay Snorkel experience. Both include scenic views of the arches along with extra time on the water.
Tours with Hotel Pickup
Booking a Cabo Adventures tour with hotel pickup is one of the easiest ways to simplify your day. Instead of arranging rides or dealing with marina parking, you meet your guide at your hotel and start your adventure without stress.
Our team knows the resort corridor and gets you to the dock right on time. After a day of snorkeling or exploring the coast, a clean, air-conditioned ride with cold water and gear storage makes the return just as smooth. Transportation is available with most Cabo Adventures tours, making your experience easier from start to finish.
Money, Safety & Etiquette Tips
- Use pesos whenever possible. U.S. dollars are accepted in Los Cabos but it’s recommended to use pesos whenever possible. Carry small bills for paying buses, taxis, and tips, as many drivers may not be able to provide change. Paying in pesos helps you avoid unfavorable exchange rates.
- Have cash on hand. Credit cards are accepted by online shuttle services and rental counters, but street taxis, buses, and water-taxi drivers typically operate on a cash-only basis.
- Reserve car seats in advance. Mexican law requires car seats for children under five, but most taxis don’t carry them. If you're traveling with kids, request one when booking a private transportation.
- Be prepared for emergencies. Dial 911 for police, fire, or medical help. English-speaking operators are available. Keep a photo of your passport on your phone to speed up identification if needed.
Getting around Los Cabos becomes second nature once you understand the rhythm of each transport option. Whether you're catching dawn waves via the budget-friendly Ruta del Desierto or negotiating a panga ride to hidden coves, the key is matching your transport choice to your ocean adventure goals.
Book a Tour with Cabo Adventures for Easy Transportation and Expert Guidance
If you want to focus on enjoying your time on the water and around Cabo without worrying about transportation, booking a tour with Cabo Adventures is the way to go. Our tours include convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, so you don’t have to manage logistics or timing.
With Cabo Adventures, you spend more time enjoying the Sea of Cortez and less time figuring out how to get there. Let us take care of the transportation so you can focus on the adventure.
