SJD airport: where it is and how long the drive takes
The Cabo airport that almost every visitor flies into is Los Cabos International Airport, code SJD. It is not in Cabo San Lucas. It lies 11 km from San José del Cabo, and the drive to Cabo San Lucas takes roughly 45 minutes. Treat that as a guide, because traffic changes it. If you stay near the airport, our sister guide covers San José del Cabo.
A second airport, CSL, sits 8 km north of Cabo San Lucas and mostly serves private and charter flights. Book SJD unless your airline tells you otherwise. Terminal 1 handles domestic flights and some international ones, and Terminal 2 handles international flights, so check the terminal on your ticket.
Most people go straight from the airport to the marina or the beach. If you plan to be on the water on your first full day, read about Cabo boat tours before you choose where to stay.
Cabo airport transportation at a glance
Guide figures for 2026, not fixed tariffs. Prices in US dollars.
| Option | Route | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Authorized taxi | SJD to your stay | About 45 minutes to Cabo San Lucas | About $60 to $70 between the two towns |
| Private transfer | SJD to your stay | About 45 minutes to Cabo San Lucas | Set when you book |
| Rental car | SJD to anywhere on the peninsula | About 45 minutes to Cabo San Lucas | Set by the rental company, plus parking |
| Local bus | Between the two towns, not an airport shuttle | About 1 hour | About $2 to $3, depending on the exchange rate |
For most travelers who arrive with luggage and stay in Cabo San Lucas, an authorized taxi or a private transfer is the simplest choice. A rental car makes more sense if you plan day trips to Cabo Pulmo or Todos Santos.
Our pick: shared van from the airport
This round-trip van links Los Cabos airport and your hotel, so you can book both directions at once.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Cabo San Lucas tours after you land
Boat trips to El Arco, whale watching, snorkeling and more, with live prices and availability.
Taxi and transfer from Los Cabos airport (SJD)
Authorized taxis, private transfers and rental cars are the options at the airport.
Authorized taxi
A taxi between San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas costs about $60 to $70 as a guide. That figure covers the two towns, not a fixed airport tariff, so agree the price before you get in and ask whether it is in dollars or pesos.
Private transfer
You arrange a private transfer before your trip. The price depends on the booking. Check what is included, such as luggage and waiting time if your flight is late.
Local bus
The local bus links San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas in about 1 hour for about $2 to $3, depending on the exchange rate. It is not an airport shuttle. Check the stop and the timetable locally before you rely on it.
Car rental and parking
What to know before you collect a car, and what airport parking costs.
Renting at the airport
The airport operator keeps a directory of the rental companies at SJD. Check the insurance before you sign. Germany's foreign office advises adequate cover, especially liability. A collision damage waiver is not the same as liability cover, so ask exactly what the contract includes.
Driving safely
Watch for poorly marked topes, the speed bumps on Mexican roads. Do not leave valuables in a rental car. The emergency number is 911. More in our safety guide.
Parking at SJD
The operator lists parking hours of 08:00–20:00, prepayment at machines and spaces for disabled drivers. Rates shown in 2026 include IVA, the Mexican sales tax.
| Parking time | Rate |
|---|---|
| First hour or part of an hour | 55 MXN |
| Second hour (total) | 110 MXN |
| Third hour (total) | 165 MXN |
| Fourth hour (total) | 220 MXN |
| Daily maximum, days 1–14 | 220 MXN per day |
| Daily maximum, after day 14 | 216 MXN per day |
| Lost ticket | 230 MXN |
If you only need a car for one or two days, compare a rental from the town with airport parking for your own dates.
Compare rental car prices at Los Cabos Airport (SJD) for your travel dates on Economybookings.com.
Plan the rest of your arrival
Where to go once you have your bags.
Cabo airport: frequently asked questions
Is the Cabo airport in Cabo San Lucas?
No. SJD is near San José del Cabo, 11 km from that town. The drive to Cabo San Lucas takes roughly 45 minutes. A separate airport, CSL, lies 8 km north of Cabo San Lucas and mostly handles private and charter flights.
Which airport code should I book?
Book SJD, the Los Cabos International Airport, for scheduled flights. Check the terminal on your ticket, since Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 serve different flights.
How much is a taxi from the airport to Cabo San Lucas?
A taxi between San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas costs about $60 to $70 as a guide. It is not a fixed airport tariff, so agree the price before you ride.
Is there a bus from SJD to Cabo San Lucas?
The local bus links the two towns in about 1 hour for about $2 to $3. It is not an airport shuttle, so confirm the stop and the timetable locally.
How much does parking at SJD cost?
In 2026 the operator shows 55 MXN for the first hour or part of an hour, rising to 220 MXN for the fourth hour. The daily maximum is 220 MXN for days 1–14 and 216 MXN after that. A lost ticket costs 230 MXN.