How Far Is Cabo San Lucas to Todos Santos?
The distance from Cabo San Lucas to Todos Santos is approximately 47 miles (76 kilometers), and the drive takes about one hour via Highway 19. Here is a quick breakdown of what to expect:
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Detail |
Info |
|---|---|
Distance |
~47 miles / 76 km |
Drive time |
~1 hour (60-70 minutes) |
Route |
Highway 19 north, direct |
From SJD Airport |
~1 hour 15 minutes |
Road type |
Paved, well-maintained highway |
Tolls |
Yes, cash required |
Todos Santos sits on the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur, just northwest of Cabo San Lucas. The two towns feel worlds apart in vibe, but they are surprisingly close in distance.
Most travelers make this trip as a day trip, leaving Cabo in the morning and returning before dark. The route follows Highway 19, a well-maintained road that runs along the Pacific coastline with open desert views and stretches of ocean visible from the road.
Whether you are planning to rent a car, book a private transfer, or figure out the bus schedule, this guide covers everything you need to know to get from Cabo San Lucas to Todos Santos and back comfortably.
Understanding the Distance from Cabo San Lucas to Todos Santos
Driving Distance from Cabo San Lucas to Todos Santos
The actual physical distance between the active marina of Cabo San Lucas and the historic town center of Todos Santos is exactly 75.99 kilometers (47.22 miles) when traveling along the main highway. Under normal traffic conditions, a driver can expect to spend about 1 hour and 9 minutes on the road.
If the trip begins further east at the Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) near San José del Cabo, the drive time increases to approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. This route bypasses the main city center of Cabo San Lucas by using the toll road, connecting directly to Highway 19. For those planning their route, additional details can be found on How Far is Todos Santos from Cabo San Lucas, and How Do I Get There? which outlines the geographical relationship between these two destinations.
Private Shuttle Services and Travel Times
For travelers who prefer not to handle the logistics of driving in a foreign country, private transportation services offer a direct and comfortable alternative. A private transfer from Cabo San Lucas to Todos Santos typically takes about 60 minutes, delivering passengers directly to their hotel, rental home, or historic landmark.
SJD Taxi provides private SUVs, Suburbans, Escalades, transit vans, and Sprinters for this exact route. Because these are private bookings, there are no additional stops or waiting times for other passengers. The driver can also accommodate specific requests, such as a quick grocery stop to stock up on snacks or regional wine before arriving at the destination.
Transportation Options and Travel Costs
Transportation Type |
Average Cost (USD) |
Travel Time |
Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|
Private Transfer |
$125 – $200 (one-way) | 60 – 70 minutes | Families, groups, door-to-door comfort |
Shared Shuttle |
$13 – $40 (per person) | 75 – 90 minutes | Solo travelers, budget-conscious visitors |
Public Bus |
$10 – $15 (per person) | 90 – 150 minutes | Backbackers, light luggage travelers |
Uber / Rideshare |
$60 – $110 (one-way) | 65 – 75 minutes | Spontaneous trips (return rides hard to find) |
Rental Car |
$30 – $80 (per day + insurance) | 60 – 70 minutes | Independent explorers, beach hoppers |
For a comprehensive analysis of these options, travelers can read The Best Ways to Reach Todos Santos from Cabo San Lucas to determine which service fits their specific budget and timeline.
Private Transfers and Shuttles
Choosing a private vehicle is the most convenient way to make the trip. These services provide direct door-to-door transport, meaning the driver can navigate the cobblestone streets of Todos Santos and drop passengers off directly at their accommodation, such as the Hotel Villa Santa Cruz or the San Cristobal hotel.
For families traveling with young children, private transfers are highly recommended because they allow for the installation of child car seats. SJD Taxi can provide proper child car seats for any private transfer. It is also worth noting that private transfers can enter gated residential communities to drop guests off directly at the front door, a service that shared shuttles cannot provide.
Shared Shuttle Services
Shared shuttles represent an economical choice for solo travelers or couples. A single seat in a shared shuttle generally costs between $13 and $40 USD each way, depending on the exact drop-off point.
However, travelers should be aware of certain operational differences:
- Shared shuttles do not permit child car seats.
- Each passenger, including children, must have an individual paid seat.
- There is typically a wait time at the airport of 15 minutes to an hour before departure.
- The shuttle will make an average of 2 to 4 stops along the route to drop off other passengers.
- Shared shuttles cannot enter private, gated communities; passengers are dropped off at the main security gate.
- These shuttles do not offer complimentary beverages, and they cannot make stops at grocery stores along the way.
For those interested in premium shared options, details are available on Ride in Style with the Best Cabo to Todos Santos Shuttles.
Road Conditions and Safety Tips for the Drive
Navigating Tolls and Speed Bumps
Highway 19 is a well-paved, modern four-lane highway that is generally easy to navigate. However, drivers must be prepared for a cash toll when using the bypass road from the airport. This toll station requires payment in Mexican Pesos or US Dollars; credit cards are not accepted.
Drivers must also stay alert for speed bumps, locally known as topes. These are often unmarked or poorly signed, especially when approaching smaller communities like Pescadero or Cerritos. Passing over a tope at high speed can cause severe vehicle damage.
Safety on Highway 19
The route is highly secure, as Baja California Sur is recognized as one of the top three safest states in Mexico. However, the most significant hazard on this road is not crime, but wandering livestock. Cows and horses frequently step onto the highway, particularly in the early morning and after dark.
For this reason, driving should be restricted to daylight hours. The lack of highway lighting makes night driving highly risky. If an emergency occurs, roadside assistance is available, but cell service can be spotty in certain low-lying desert stretches.
Planning Your Day Trip Itinerary in Todos Santos
Top Things to Do and See
Todos Santos was designated a Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) by the Mexican government due to its rich history and cultural preservation. Originally founded as a mission in 1723, the town later became a prominent sugar cane milling center. Today, those old brick chimneys still stand as historical markers.
Visitors can explore the historic center on foot. Key landmarks include the Mision de Nuestra Senora del Pilar and the plaza. The town is highly regarded for its art galleries, where local and international painters showcase their work. No visit is complete without a stop at the iconic Hotel California for a photo and a look at its historic architecture. For a deeper look at local attractions, travelers can read Beyond the Hotel California: Essential Things to Do in Todos Santos.
Where to Eat and Drink
The culinary scene in Todos Santos has grown from simple taco stands to world-class farm-to-table dining. For a casual lunch, La Morena is highly recommended for its fresh shrimp tacos and local fish ceviche.
Those looking for craft cocktails can find excellent options in the historic brick buildings near the plaza. The drinking age in Mexico is 18 years old, and while alcohol is widely available, travelers should remember that cannabis remains illegal nationwide.
Best Beaches Near Town
The Pacific Ocean near Todos Santos is beautiful but possesses powerful undercurrents and heavy surf.
- Playa Los Cerritos: Located about 15 minutes south of town, this is the safest and most popular swimmable beach in the area. It is highly favored by surf schools and beginners due to its sandy bottom.
- Punta Lobos: This beach is closer to the town center. While swimming requires extreme caution here, visitors can watch local fishermen beach their boats at high speeds onto the sand in the afternoon, which is a classic Baja spectacle.
Detailed information on the region is available at Cabo San Lucas to Todos Santos – Travel Modes & Distance: Car, Public Transport and Bus Todos Santos to Cabo San Lucas: Compare prices and save money.
Frequently Asked Questions about Traveling to Todos Santos
Is Todos Santos walkable or do I need a car?
The historic downtown area of Todos Santos is compact and highly walkable. Visitors can easily explore the shops, galleries, and restaurants on foot. However, the main beaches, such as Cerritos or Punta Lobos, are located several miles outside of the town center. If visitors arrive without a vehicle, they will need to rely on local taxis to reach the shoreline.
What is the best time of day to visit?
The ideal plan is to depart Cabo San Lucas around 9:00 AM. This allows visitors to arrive just as the shops and galleries open, avoiding the midday heat. Planning to head back to Cabo by 4:30 PM or 5:00 PM ensures the drive is completed entirely during daylight hours, avoiding the hazards of night driving.
Are there ATMs and do businesses accept credit cards?
There are several bank ATMs located near the main plaza in Todos Santos. While many larger restaurants and established art galleries accept major credit cards, smaller craft shops, street vendors, and public transit operators only accept cash. It is highly recommended to carry a sufficient amount of Mexican Pesos for tips, tolls, and small purchases.