Why Taking the Bus from Cabo Airport to La Paz Is Easier Than You Think
Figuring out how to get from the Los Cabos airport to La Paz? It’s more straightforward than you might expect. Here’s a quick look at your options:
Quick Answer: Your Transportation Options
Option |
Cost |
Travel Time |
Drop-off Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Public Bus |
~$37-39 USD | 3-3.5 hours | La Paz Malecon bus station |
Shared Shuttle |
$149 USD per person | Under 3 hours | Your hotel or Malecon |
Private Transfer |
~$285 USD (entire vehicle) | 2-2.5 hours | Your hotel door |
Bus Departure Times: 12:30 PM – 5:30 PM (hourly departures from SJD Airport)
La Paz is 133 miles north of Los Cabos Airport, a drive that showcases some of the most stunning desert and coastal scenery in Baja California Sur. While Los Cabos is known for its busy resort scene, La Paz offers a quieter, more local Mexican experience with beautiful beaches and a laid-back waterfront.
Getting there is simple. You have three main choices: the budget-friendly public bus, a shared shuttle, or a private transfer for maximum comfort. This guide will walk you through finding your ride at the airport, booking a ticket, and what to expect on the way to La Paz.
Where to Find Your Ride at SJD Airport
Los Cabos Airport has two terminals. All authorized ground transportation picks up passengers outside the terminals after you pass customs.
- For Terminal 1 (Domestic Arrivals): Exit through the left-hand doors after customs. Walk past the timeshare salespeople (a polite “no gracias” works well) and through the next set of sliding doors. Your representative will be on your right near the food court, holding a sign.
- For Terminal 2 (International Arrivals): Exit the terminal after customs and the timeshare hall. Cross the street to the numbered “Umbrella Area” and find your representative holding a sign under your assigned umbrella.
Keep your booking confirmation handy. While US dollars are accepted, having pesos is useful for tips.
Schedules, Booking, and What to Expect
Understanding schedules and booking is the next step to a stress-free transfer.
- Schedules for Buses and Shuttles:
- Public Bus: The public bus offers about 17 daily connections, with hourly departures from SJD Airport to La Paz from 12:30 PM until 5:30 PM.
- Shared Shuttles: These also depart hourly from SJD Airport to La Paz, roughly from 12:30 PM to 5:30 PM. Return shuttles from La Paz to SJD usually run hourly from 7 AM to 11 AM. Always check your booking for specific times.
- Private Transfers: These operate 24/7 on your schedule, making them perfect for early or late flights.
- Booking Your Ticket: For shared shuttles and private transfers, booking online in advance is best to guarantee your spot. SJD Taxi tracks flights in real-time, so your driver will be waiting even if your flight is delayed, at no extra charge. While you can sometimes buy public bus or shuttle tickets on arrival, availability may be limited. Most online bookings accept major credit cards, while cash (pesos or USD) is often accepted at the airport.
- Recommended Advance Booking Time: Book shared shuttles and private transfers at least 72 hours in advance, or up to two weeks ahead for holidays.
- Potential Delays or Wait Times: Public buses follow a schedule but can face traffic delays. Shared shuttles may wait 15-60 minutes at the airport to gather passengers and will make 2-4 stops. Private transfers depart immediately with no waiting.
- Cancellation and Refund Policies: Policies vary. Local providers like SJD Taxi often allow cancellations up to 72 hours prior for a full refund, less a small fee. Check the terms when booking, as some tickets are final sale.
The Ride: What It Is Like Traveling from Cabo Airport to La Paz
The journey from Los Cabos Airport to La Paz introduces you to the stunning landscapes of Baja California Sur.
- Travel Time: The journey takes about 2-2.5 hours by private transfer, under 3 hours by shared shuttle, and 3-3.5 hours by public bus.
- The Route and Scenery: The trip follows the well-maintained Mexican Federal Highway 1, offering beautiful desert landscapes with cacti, mountains, and views of the Sea of Cortez. Watch for speed bumps (“topes”) near towns.
- Comfort During the Ride: All options have air conditioning. Public buses are comfortable, with some offering Wi-Fi and restrooms. Shared shuttles use modern vans, while private transfers provide a luxury SUV or van, often with complimentary water and beer.
- Drop-off Points in La Paz: Public buses and basic shuttles drop off at the main bus station near the Malecon, requiring a local taxi to your hotel. The Platinum Shared Shuttle and private transfers offer direct door-to-door service to your hotel or rental.
Which Transfer Option Fits Your Trip? Comparing All La Paz Transportation Choices
Choosing how to get from Los Cabos Airport to La Paz depends on your travel style, budget, and priorities. Here is a breakdown of the main options.
Public Bus vs. Shared Shuttle: What’s the Real Difference?
While both are budget-friendly options, the public bus and shared shuttles offer different levels of convenience and service. The bus is the most economical choice, while a shared shuttle provides a more direct journey. Here’s how they compare:
Feature |
Public Bus |
Shared Shuttle (SJD Taxi Platinum) |
|---|---|---|
Cost per Person |
~$37-39 USD | $149 USD |
Travel Time |
3-3.5 hours | Under 3 hours |
Drop-off Location |
La Paz Malecon bus station | Your hotel/resort door |
Luggage Allowance |
1 suitcase, 1 hand luggage | 2 suitcases (50 lbs each), 1 personal item |
Comfort |
Standard bus, AC | Premium van, AC, limited passengers |
Wait Times |
Adheres to schedule | 15 min – 1 hour at airport, multiple stops |
Child Seats |
N/A (check provider) | Not permitted |
Beverages |
No | No |
For more details on shuttle options to La Paz, you can visit the SJD Taxi La Paz shuttle page.
When to Book a Private Transfer for Maximum Convenience
A private transfer is the most comfortable and efficient option, especially for groups, families, or travelers who value flexibility.
- Speed and Efficiency: Private transfers are the fastest route (around 2 hours) with no waiting at the airport or extra stops. They are often cost-effective for groups of two or more compared to individual premium shuttle tickets.
- Convenience and Flexibility: Enjoy door-to-door service to any hotel or Airbnb, even in gated communities. Private transfers operate 24/7, perfect for late arrivals, and can accommodate special requests like a grocery stop.
- Family-Friendly Safety: Private transfers are the only option that can provide pre-booked child car seats, a key safety feature not available in shared shuttles. SJD Taxi offers them complimentary upon request.
- Personalized Comfort: Your driver will greet you with a sign and assist with luggage. Most services include complimentary water and beer for a relaxing start to your vacation.
For those who value comfort and flexibility, a private transfer is a great way to start your trip. You can find more information about booking private transportation for your Los Cabos trip.
Final Tips for a Smooth Trip from Cabo Airport to La Paz
To ensure a seamless transfer, keep these final tips in mind:
- Book Ahead: Always book your transportation in advance to guarantee your spot and avoid stress, especially during peak season.
- Confirm Luggage & Pet Policies: Check your provider’s specific luggage allowance. If traveling with pets, a private transfer is your only option and requires prior authorization and a health certificate.
- Prioritize Child Safety: For young children, a private transfer with a pre-booked car seat is the safest choice. Shared shuttles do not permit them.
- Drive Safely: If you rent a car, be aware that Highway 1 is safe but avoid driving at night due to the risk of free-roaming livestock on the road.
- Stay Informed: Keep your booking confirmation and provider’s contact info handy. Reputable companies like SJD Taxi monitor flights for delays. For more insights, check out these Los Cabos Airport arrival and departure tips.