Nailing Your Arrival: A Guide to Airport Transportation
An airport cab service connects you to your destination the moment you land. Here is a quick look at what to expect for airport transportation in Los Cabos:
Quick Guide to Airport Transportation in Los Cabos:
- Private Transfers: Direct ride to your hotel, no stops, includes welcome drinks and flight tracking
- Shared Shuttles: Budget-friendly option with 2-4 stops, 15-60 minute wait time at airport
- Booking Window: Reserve up to 72 hours before for full refund, same-day available based on inventory
- Child Safety: Car seats available for private transfers only (shared shuttles require each passenger to have their own seat)
- Pickup Locations: Outside both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at designated zones
Landing at Los Cabos International Airport marks the start of your vacation. But getting from the arrivals hall to your resort in San Jose del Cabo or Cabo San Lucas requires a clear plan. Most travelers face the same question: which transportation option actually works best?
The answer depends on your group size, budget, and timeline. A family of four with young kids has different needs than a couple traveling light. Solo travelers prioritize cost while wedding groups need coordinated logistics for multiple guests.
Los Cabos airport transportation runs smoothly when you understand your options. Professional services monitor your flight for delays, provide bilingual drivers, and offer vehicles ranging from standard shuttles to luxury SUVs. The region is one of Mexico’s three safest destinations, and legitimate airport services maintain high safety standards.
This guide covers everything from finding your ride at the terminal to understanding flat-rate pricing and tipping customs. You’ll learn the real differences between private and shared options, how to spot licensed operators, and what questions to ask before booking. Whether you’re planning a family vacation or coordinating a destination wedding, you’ll know how to secure reliable transportation that fits your needs.
Your Complete Guide to Using an Airport Cab Service
Finding Your Ride: Pick-Up Locations and Pre-Booking
The first question after landing at Los Cabos International Airport? “Where do I find my ride?” After a long flight, all you want is to get to your resort and kick off your vacation.
Here’s the simple answer: all airport shuttles and private transfers pick up directly outside both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. After you clear customs and grab your luggage, walk outside to the designated pickup zones. You’ll spot our uniformed coordinators waiting to help. They’re there to answer questions, point you toward your vehicle, and make sure you’re on your way quickly.
Pre-booking your airport transportation makes your arrival much smoother. When you reserve online through our website, we ask for your flight details. We use this to track your flight in real time. If your plane gets delayed, we already know. Our drivers stay updated, and we never charge extra for flight delays. Your vehicle will be ready when you land, whether that’s on time or three hours late.
Same-day reservations work sometimes, but they depend on what vehicles we have available. During peak travel times, booking ahead means you get exactly what you need. Plus, you can cancel any shuttle or private transfer up to 72 hours before your service for a full refund. Plans change, and we understand that.
More info about Los Cabos arrival and departure tips
Understanding Fares, Fees, and Tipping
Nobody likes surprise costs when traveling. We keep our pricing clear.
Private transfers charge per vehicle, not per person. Traveling with your family or a group? The price stays the same whether two people ride or you fill an entire SUV. This often makes private transfers affordable for groups.
Shared shuttles work differently. Pricing is per person and varies by destination within Los Cabos. A seat in a 10-passenger shared shuttle typically runs $13 to $40 per person each way. For solo travelers or couples watching their budget, shared shuttles are a great financial choice.
When you book with us, the price you see is what you pay. No hidden airport exit fees. No surprise surcharges when you arrive. You’ll know your total cost upfront, which makes planning your vacation budget easier.
Tipping in Mexico follows the same general custom as back home: it’s appreciated for good service but never required. If your driver is professional, helpful, and gets you safely to your destination, a tip shows your appreciation. The amount is up to you based on the service you receive. You can complete payment online when booking, or depending on your reservation, pay when you arrive.
Special Services: Accessibility, Families, and Groups
Getting around should work for everyone. We offer handicap units with wheelchair lift ramps for private transfers. These vehicles need advance notice when booking to ensure availability, so let us know your needs early.
Traveling with kids? We provide child car seats for any private transfer. Shared shuttles work differently. Because they carry multiple passengers with different destinations, each person needs their own seat. That includes children, and car seats cannot be used in shared vehicles.
Larger groups need larger vehicles. Whether you’re coordinating a family reunion or a wedding party heading to your resort, we have spacious SUVs, vans, and full-size coaches. Everyone travels together comfortably. We can deliver to one resort and pick up from another if your plans call for it. Just ask for a custom quote.
Private transfers include extras that make your arrival feel special. Our certified bilingual drivers ensure clear communication from the moment they greet you. Each passenger gets a complimentary beer or water. Need to stock your vacation rental with groceries? Private shuttles can make a stop at the store on the way to your accommodation. These details turn a simple ride into a proper welcome to Los Cabos.
More info about group transportation in Cabo
Choosing the Best Ride for Your Cabo Vacation
Comparing SJD Taxi’s Private and Shared Shuttle Options
When planning your Los Cabos arrival, the choice between a private transfer and a shared shuttle depends on your priorities. Are you watching your budget closely, or do you value getting to your resort as quickly as possible? Both options provide reliable transportation from the airport, but they serve different travel styles.
Let’s talk about cost first. Private transfers are priced per vehicle, which can work out well for groups or families. If you’re traveling with three or four people, splitting the cost of a private ride often makes more sense than paying per person. Shared shuttles, on the other hand, charge per passenger. A seat typically runs between $13 and $40 US dollars each way, depending on where you’re headed. For solo travelers or couples on a budget, that price is tough to beat.
Convenience is the other major factor. With a private transfer, your vehicle is waiting when you walk out of the terminal. No waiting around, no stops at other resorts. You head straight to your destination, whether that’s a resort in San Jose del Cabo or a villa in Cabo San Lucas. You can even request a grocery stop along the way to stock up on essentials before you arrive. Plus, every passenger gets a complimentary beer or water to start the vacation off right.
Shared shuttles take a different approach. You’ll typically wait 15 minutes to an hour at the airport while other passengers arrive and board. Then, the shuttle makes an average of 2 to 4 stops along the route. We group passengers heading to the same general areas to keep these rides as efficient as possible, but you are trading time for savings. Shared shuttles also can’t make grocery stops or deliver inside private gated communities. They’ll drop you at the security gate, and you’ll need to arrange the final leg yourself.
| Feature | SJD Taxi Private Transfers | SJD Taxi Shared Shuttles |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Per vehicle (great for groups) | Per person (budget-friendly) |
| Convenience | Direct, door-to-door, no stops, private experience | Multiple stops, can’t make grocery stops |
| Wait Time | No wait time, vehicle waiting upon arrival | 15 minutes to 1 hour wait at the airport |
| Stops | Non-stop to your destination | Average 2-4 stops along the route |
| Child Seats | Available upon request | Not permitted (each child needs a seat) |
| Amenities | Complimentary beer/water, option to purchase more, grocery stops | No complimentary beverages, no grocery stops |
| Drop-off | To your front door (even within private communities) | To security gate of private communities, then walk/taxi |
| Flight Tracking | Included, no extra charge for delays | Included, no extra charge for delays |
| Booking | Recommended in advance | Recommended in advance |
| Cancellation | Full refund up to 72 hours before service | Full refund up to 72 hours before service |
If you’re traveling with young kids, a private transfer is much easier. We can provide child car seats for any private ride. Shared shuttles don’t permit car seats, and each child needs their own seat. For families staying in places like Montage Los Cabos or a private villa, having your driver take you right to the front door is worth the extra cost.
Both options include flight tracking, so if your plane is delayed, we’ll know about it. No extra charges for late arrivals. You can also cancel either service up to 72 hours before your scheduled pickup for a full refund. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize speed and comfort or getting the best price. Either way, you’ll have a safe, reliable ride from the airport.
Your Pre-Flight Checklist for a Safe and Easy Transfer
After helping travelers get from the airport to their resorts for years, we’ve learned that a little preparation makes the arrival process smoother. Here’s what you should know before you land to ensure a safe, easy start to your trip.
First, book with a licensed operator. Los Cabos International Airport only authorizes specific companies to provide transportation services. These licensed providers carry proper insurance and meet safety standards. You’ll find them at the designated pickup zones outside Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
Watch out for unlicensed solicitors who might approach you inside the terminal. These individuals are operating illegally and aren’t insured. They might tell you your pre-arranged driver isn’t there or offer you a “better deal.” Ignore them. Your legitimate driver will be waiting outside at the official pickup area, not trying to find you inside the terminal.
We make sure all our drivers are professionally trained, certified, and bilingual. They’ve gone through background checks and security screening. This is about knowing you’re in safe hands from the moment you step off the plane.
Our vehicles are clean, comfortable, and regularly maintained. We use GPS tracking for security, which means our dispatch team knows where each vehicle is at all times. If you need help or have questions, our 24/7 customer support team is always available. You’ll have contact information handy when you book.
Before you travel, double-check your reservation details. Confirm your pickup time, location, and destination. Make sure we have your correct flight information so we can track any delays. If your plans change or you have questions, contact us. It’s much easier to sort things out before you land than to deal with confusion at the airport.
Los Cabos ranks among the top three safest destinations in Mexico. When you combine that safety record with a reputable transportation provider, you’re setting yourself up for a relaxed start to your vacation. This isn’t just anecdotal; a study on transportation logistics shows that pre-arranged, licensed services reduce travel stress and improve safety for arriving passengers.
More info about safety in Cabo San Lucas
Ready to Book? Here’s How to Secure Your Ride
Booking your ride should be the easiest part of planning your trip. Our process is designed to be simple so you can arrange everything in just a few minutes.
Head to our website and specify a few basic details: whether you want a private transfer or shared shuttle, your arrival at Los Cabos International Airport, your destination (San Jose del Cabo, Cabo San Lucas, or elsewhere in the region), and your flight information. That flight data is key because it allows us to track your arrival and have a vehicle ready, even if your plane is delayed.
Private transfers offer service that goes beyond basic transportation. We can provide custom quotes for unique itineraries. Maybe you’re staying at The Cape, a Thompson Hotel but flying out from Montage Los Cabos. No problem. We’ll pick you up from one location and drop you at another. If you’re staying in a private gated community, we deliver right to your front door, not just the security gate.
Those extras make a difference. Private rides include complimentary welcome drinks for each passenger. You can add a grocery stop to your itinerary so you arrive at your villa with everything you need already stocked. These details turn a simple airport transfer into part of your vacation experience.
Same-day reservations are available based on vehicle inventory, but we always recommend booking in advance. During peak travel times, waiting until the last minute can leave you with limited options. Plus, booking ahead gives you one less thing to worry about when you’re packing and preparing to travel.
If something changes and you need to cancel, you can do so up to 72 hours before your scheduled service for a full refund. Submit your cancellation request through our website or call us Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM Mountain Time.
Once your booking is confirmed, you’ll receive all the details for your arrival. You’ll know exactly where to meet your driver outside Terminal 1 or Terminal 2. Our uniformed coordinators will be there to help if you have any questions. We take care of the logistics so you can focus on enjoying the beaches and culture of Baja California Sur.
Book your private Cabo transfer now
