Welcome to Cabo: Your Ultimate Airport Transfer Guide
Arriving at Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) should be the start of your relaxation, not a source of stress. This guide will help you understand the transportation options to get you from the airport to your hotel or villa. The main choices are a shared shuttle or a private transfer. Your decision will depend on your group size, budget, and how quickly you want to start your vacation.
Here’s a quick overview:
- Shared Shuttle – $11-35 per person one-way; an affordable choice with a few stops and potential wait times.
- Private Transfer – $135-310+ per vehicle; a direct route with no stops, ideal for families and groups.
- Distance & Time – San Jose del Cabo is about 8 miles (15-30 min), while Cabo San Lucas is 29 miles (45-60 min).
- Pre-Booking – Recommended to avoid airport hassles and secure a ride.
This guide covers the costs, what to expect at the airport, and how to choose the best ride for your trip to Los Cabos.
Shared Shuttle vs. Private Transfer: The Main Options
Your ride from Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) sets the tone for your trip. You’ll choose between a shared shuttle and a private transfer, each with its own benefits.
A shared shuttle is a cost-effective option where you share a van with other travelers heading in the same direction. The price is per person, making it a good choice for solo travelers or couples. Expect a wait at the airport (15-60 minutes) as the shuttle fills up, and multiple stops (usually 2-4) at other resorts before yours. Shared shuttles cannot make grocery stops and do not deliver to the front door of private residences, dropping off at the security gate instead.
On the other hand, a private transfer offers a vehicle exclusively for your group. It’s a direct ride to your destination with no waiting for other passengers. This is ideal for families, larger groups, or anyone who values privacy and speed. Private transfers often include complimentary water or beer and can make pre-arranged grocery stops for a fee. They also provide direct service to private villas and condos.
| Feature | Shared Shuttle | Private Transfer |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $11-$35 USD one-way per person | $115-$300+ USD one-way per vehicle |
| Travel Time | 45 min – 1.5 hours (with stops) | Direct, faster (e.g., 45-60 min to Cabo San Lucas) |
| Privacy | Shared with other travelers | Exclusive to your group |
| Luggage Space | Limited (1 suitcase, 2 carry-ons per person) | Based on vehicle size |
| Amenities | Basic, no drinks or grocery stops | Complimentary water/beer, grocery stops (fee), car seats |
| Direct Route | No, multiple stops | Yes, direct to destination |
| Wait Times | 15-60 minutes at airport | None, driver waiting |
| Car Seats | Not available; each person requires a seat | Yes, available upon request (no extra charge) |
| Private Residences | Drops at security gate | Delivers to front door |
What to Expect: Costs, Zones, and Travel Times
Where you stay in Los Cabos affects your transfer cost and travel time. Shared shuttles cost between $11 and $35 USD per person one-way, while private transfers start around $115 USD per vehicle and go up depending on size and destination.
Los Cabos Transportation Zones and Travel Times from SJD Airport:
- San Jose del Cabo (Zone 1): Closest to the airport (25-30 min). Home to resorts like Hyatt Ziva and Royal Solaris.
- Tourist Corridor (Zone 2): The stretch between the two towns (30-45 min), with resorts like Hilton Los Cabos and Grand Velas.
- Cabo San Lucas (Zone 3): The center of the action (45-50 min). Find resorts like Riu Palace and Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach.
- Cabo San Lucas Pacific Side (Zone 4): More secluded properties (50-60 min), including Nobu Hotel and Hard Rock Hotel.
- Other Locations: Areas like Todos Santos or La Paz are further (1.5-2 hours) and typically require a private transfer.
Many private transfer services use the toll road to save time and avoid local traffic.
For more details on private transportation options and pricing, you can check out our services: More info about our private transportation services.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Ride
Picking the right airport transfer is about more than just price. Consider your group, luggage, and any special needs.
- Group Size: For groups of four or more, a private transfer can be as economical per person as a shuttle and is far more convenient.
- Budget: Shared shuttles are cheaper per person, but private transfers offer more value in time and comfort.
- Luggage & Special Equipment: Shared shuttles have strict luggage limits. If you have extra bags, golf clubs, or surfboards, book a private transfer and select a vehicle that fits your gear.
- Pet Travel Policy: Most services allow pets in a carrier, but you must inform them when booking.
- Families with Children: Private transfers are the clear winner. SJD Taxi provides child car seats at no extra charge, a service not available in shared shuttles. The direct route also means less hassle for tired kids.
For more details on how we can accommodate your group, big or small, check out our insights on group transportation: More info about our group transportation services.
The Logistics: Booking and Arriving for Your Airport Transfer in Cabo San Lucas
Once you’ve landed, the journey from the plane to your hotel should be simple. Smart planning for your airport transfer in Cabo San Lucas makes all the difference.
How to Pre-Book a Reliable Service
Pre-booking your airport transfer is highly recommended. It saves you from waiting in lines, guarantees you have a ride during busy seasons, and helps you avoid the aggressive timeshare sellers inside the airport. Knowing your ride is sorted brings peace of mind.
When looking for a service, find a company with a professional website and clear information. Before you book, check the cancellation policy. SJD Taxi allows for a full refund with at least 72 hours’ notice, offering flexibility if your plans change.
Booking directly with a provider like SJD Taxi also simplifies communication and handling special requests with their bilingual staff. If you like to cross-check companies, traveler review sites such as Tripadvisor can give you a sense of recent experiences and service standards.
Navigating SJD Airport: Finding Your Driver
Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) can feel busy, but knowing where to go makes it easy. After clearing immigration and customs, you will walk through a hallway with many timeshare salespeople. Politely say “no, thank you” and keep walking outside the terminal doors. Do not engage with them; they are not your transportation provider.
Your driver will be waiting for you outside.
- Terminal 1 (Domestic Flights): After exiting the building, turn right. Your representative will be in the airport parking lot.
- Terminal 2 (International Flights): Exit through the double sliding glass doors. Your driver will be waiting underneath Awning #10.
Due to airport rules, a representative may greet you first and then call your driver to pull up, which can take 10-12 minutes. Your SJD Taxi representative will hold a sign for easy recognition.
One of the best reasons to pre-book is how flight changes are handled. SJD Taxi monitors your flight status. If your flight is early or delayed, your driver will be there when you land, and you won’t face extra charges.
For more detailed tips on navigating the airport, check out this guide: Los Cabos Airport Arrival and Departure Tips.
Start Your Vacation the Right Way
A smooth arrival sets the tone for your entire trip. With your transportation handled, you can start enjoying the desert landscapes and ocean views immediately. Los Cabos is widely considered a safe destination in Mexico, a fact often reflected in international travel advisories, and using a professional transfer service with licensed drivers adds another layer of security.
Your bilingual driver can also be your first local guide. Don’t hesitate to ask for tips on restaurants, activities, or local culture as you head to your resort. A good driver knows the area well and can help you find hidden gems beyond the tourist trail.
Final Tips and Booking Your Perfect Airport Transfer in Cabo San Lucas
Here are a few final points to help you book the right transfer for your trip.
- Child Car Seats: For families with young children, safety is key. For private transfers, SJD Taxi provides quality child car seats and boosters upon request at no extra cost. This service is not available on shared shuttles.
- Grocery Stops: A private transfer allows you to add a one-hour grocery stop for a fee (around $40 USD). It’s a convenient way to stock your kitchen with drinks and snacks. Shared shuttles cannot make these stops.
- Private Residences and Gated Communities: If you’re staying in a villa or a gated community like Pedregal or Diamante, you need a private transfer. They can drive you directly to your door, whereas shared shuttles can only drop you at the main security gate.
- Service Operating Hours: Shared shuttles usually stop running between 4 PM and 6 PM. If you have a late-arriving flight, a private transfer is your best option, as they operate 24/7.
Choosing your airport transfer in Los Cabos is a simple decision when you know your options. SJD Taxi specializes in making your arrival simple, with flight monitoring and a fleet for every group size.
Ready to secure your hassle-free start to your Los Cabos adventure? Book your airport transfer now.
