Why Planning Matters for Your Los Cabos Vacation
Airport transfer cabo services are essential for getting from Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) to your hotel safely and efficiently. Here’s a quick guide to getting started:
Quick Booking Guide:
- Choose your transfer type: Shared shuttles start at $13-40 USD per person, while private transfers start at $60-140 USD per vehicle.
- Book online in advance: Secure your spot, avoid airport hassles, and often save money.
- Meet your driver: Look for your provider’s umbrella number (usually 5-10) outside Terminal 1 or 2.
- Travel time: Expect 20 minutes to San Jose del Cabo and 35-45 minutes to Cabo San Lucas.
Landing in a new country can be overwhelming. After clearing customs, the last thing you want is to negotiate with taxis or steer unfamiliar transportation. Booking your airport transfer before you arrive eliminates this stress. A professional driver will be waiting, ready to take you directly to your destination.
Pre-booking offers key advantages. You will skip the taxi queues, start relaxing immediately, and lock in a guaranteed price. Most services also include flight monitoring, so if your plane is delayed, your driver adjusts automatically at no extra charge.
Understanding your transfer options helps you make the right choice for your budget and needs, whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or in a large group.
Your Complete Guide to Airport Transfer Cabo Services
Shared vs. Private Transfers Explained
When planning your Los Cabos vacation, you can choose between a shared shuttle or a private transfer. Both get you safely to your resort, but they offer different experiences.
The Budget-Friendly Route: Shared Shuttles
Shared shuttles are an economical solution, with prices from $13 to $40 USD per person one-way. You will ride with other travelers, which keeps costs low. The trade-off is time. Expect a wait of 15 minutes to an hour at the airport for other passengers to arrive, followed by 2-4 stops at different hotels. We group travelers by area to make the trip as quick as possible.
These restrictions for shared shuttles:
- They cannot enter private gated communities (drop-off is at the security gate).
- Child car seats are not permitted.
- Every person, including infants, requires their own seat.
- No complimentary beverages or grocery stops are available.
- Service generally stops between 4 and 6 PM, depending on bookings.
The Direct Experience: Private Transfers
A private transfer reserves a vehicle just for your group. This means no waiting for others and no extra stops. Your driver takes you directly to your destination. Prices start around $60 to $140 USD per vehicle, which can be cost-effective for groups.
Private transfers include complimentary beer or water for each passenger. You can also request a grocery stop in advance and we provide child car seats for safety. Our fleet includes Suburbans (up to 5 passengers), Vans (up to 9), Sprinters (up to 17), and coaches for larger groups. For more details, visit our private transportation page.
Here’s how the two services compare:
| Feature | Shared Shuttle | Private Transfer |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $13-40 USD per person (one-way) | $60-140 USD per vehicle (one-way) |
| Speed | Slower due to wait times and multiple stops | Direct route to your destination |
| Privacy | Shared with other travelers | Exclusive to your group |
| Amenities | No beverages or grocery stops | Complimentary water/beer, optional grocery stops, child car seats available |
| Luggage | Two pieces per person (notify for oversized items) | More flexible capacity with prior notification |
How to Book Your Cabo Airport Shuttle
Our online system makes booking your airport transfer cabo service straightforward. To reserve your ride, we’ll need a few key details:
- Flight Information: Your arrival and departure flight numbers and times allow us to track your flight for any delays.
- Hotel Name and Address: We can pick you up from one resort and drop you at another. For Airbnbs, select the nearest hotel and add the actual address in the special request box. Find more details on our Cabo San Lucas Airbnb transfers page.
- Passenger Count: An accurate count of adults and children is needed. Every passenger needs a seat on a shared shuttle.
- Vehicle and Trip Type: Choose between a shared shuttle or a private vehicle, and select a one-way or round-trip booking. Round-trip reservations often provide better value.
What You’ll Pay
Transfer costs depend on the service type, your destination zone, and vehicle choice. San Jose del Cabo is closest to the airport (20-minute drive), while Cabo San Lucas is further (35-45 minute drive). We also serve the Tourist Corridor, the Pacific Side, and more distant locations like La Paz and Todos Santos.
A shared shuttle can be as low as $13 USD per person, while a private Suburban typically runs between $75 and $110 USD one-way.
Paying for Your Ride
We accept secure online payments via PayPal and major credit cards. Paying in advance locks in your reservation and price, giving you one less thing to handle upon arrival.
Meeting Your Driver at SJD Airport
Los Cabos International Airport has two main terminals.
- Terminal 1 (Domestic): After customs, exit and turn right. Your representative will be in the parking area at a designated umbrella number.
- Terminal 2 (International): Exit through the sliding glass doors and look for the transportation umbrellas. Your voucher will specify which umbrella number to find. Our staff are easy to spot in branded clothing.
A representative will confirm your booking and guide you to your driver. This process follows airport regulations and keeps traffic flowing.
When Plans Change
Flight delays are part of travel. We monitor your flight information and adjust your pickup time automatically, ensuring a vehicle is ready whenever you land. This service is included at no extra charge.
If you have trouble finding your driver, please call the contact number on your booking confirmation. Our 24/7 support team will assist you. For your safety, never accept rides from unofficial providers.
For more guidance on navigating the airport, see our guide on Los Cabos airport arrival and departure tips.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cabo Transfers
Luggage, Pets, and Special Requests
SJD Taxi does our best to accommodate every traveler’s needs.
Luggage Allowance
The standard allowance for shared shuttles is two pieces of luggage per person. For shuttles it is one in-lap and one standard size luggage, not oversized. For oversized items like surfboards or golf clubs, private transfers offer more flexibility for extra gear with advance notice.
Pet Policy
Pets are welcome to travel in their carriers on private transfers, not shuttles. Please let us know in advance when booking your transfer so we can prepare accordingly.
Child Safety
We provide child car seats, booster seats, or baby seats at no extra charge for private transfers. Simply request one when you book. Car seats are not permitted on shared shuttles.
For travelers with mobility challenges, we can arrange private handicap-accessible vehicles with wheelchair lifts. Please request this service in advance to ensure availability.
Grocery Stops
A popular request for private transfers is a stop at a grocery store like Mega, Walmart, or Costco. This service can be arranged in advance and may include a small fee. Due to their fixed schedules, shared shuttles cannot make store stops.
Group and Event Transportation
We specialize in coordinating transportation for weddings, corporate retreats, and other large groups. We can create a customized solution with multiple vehicles or a single large coach. Learn more about our group transportation services.
Tipping, Safety, and Other Cabo Travel Tips
Understanding local customs will make your experience even smoother.
Should You Tip Your Driver?
While not mandatory for regular taxis, tipping is customary for shuttle and private transfer drivers. A gratuity is a thoughtful way to show appreciation for their help with luggage and professional service.
What’s Included in Your Ride?
All our vehicles are air-conditioned and operated by certified, bilingual drivers. Private transfers also include traveler insurance and all toll fees. Passengers in private vehicles (SUVs, Vans, etc.) receive a complimentary beer or water. You can pre-order additional beverages during checkout.
Seriously, is Los Cabos Safe?
Yes, Los Cabos is one of the safest regions in Mexico. We prioritize your security with professionally certified drivers, a modern fleet with GPS tracking, and vehicles sanitized to international standards. For more details, read our guide on safety in Cabo San Lucas.
Know Before You Go
The legal drinking age in Mexico is 18. Cannabis is illegal nationwide. We encourage all guests to respect local laws, as detailed in official travel advisories.
Need to Make Changes? Airline Delays? No Problem!
You can modify your booking online or by contacting our team. For cancellations, we offer a full refund if you cancel at least 72 hours before your scheduled service. Submit your transfer change request online or call us at +52-800 083 7123 (Mon-Fri, 9 AM-4 PM MT). If you extend your stay, call us 48 hours before your original departure to reschedule.
Start Your Vacation Right
Our commitment to punctuality, professional drivers, and excellent support ensures a seamless start to your trip. We make your welcome to Los Cabos simple and memorable.
Ready for an easy arrival? Book your airport transfer now and let us handle the rest.
