Which “Cabo Airport” Are You Looking For?
When searching for cabo san lucas international airport, you’ll find that Los Cabos actually has two airports serving the region:
- Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) – The main commercial airport in San José del Cabo, handling 99% of tourist arrivals
- Cabo San Lucas International Airport (CSL) – A smaller private/regional airport located closer to downtown Cabo San Lucas
Quick Facts:
- SJD Airport: 23 miles from Cabo San Lucas, serves major airlines like American, Delta, United
- CSL Airport: 4.5 miles from Cabo San Lucas, primarily serves private jets and regional flights
- Most visitors arrive at SJD and need ground transportation to reach their hotels or resorts
The Los Cabos region includes both San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, connected by a scenic corridor dotted with luxury resorts. While CSL airport exists and serves an important niche for private aviation, the vast majority of families and vacationers will arrive at SJD airport.
Understanding which airport you’re flying into helps you plan your ground transportation accordingly. SJD requires a longer transfer time but offers more flight options, while CSL provides quicker access to downtown Cabo San Lucas for those traveling on private aircraft.
All About Cabo San Lucas International Airport (CSL)
This section provides a detailed look at the smaller, more exclusive airport located just minutes from downtown Cabo San Lucas, catering primarily to private and regional flights.
Key Details of Cabo San Lucas International Airport
If you’re flying into cabo san lucas international airport (CSL), you’re in for a treat. This unique airport holds the distinction of being Mexico’s only privately-owned international airport, and it’s incredibly convenient for those staying in downtown Cabo San Lucas or nearby luxury resorts.
Located just 4.5 miles northwest of downtown Cabo San Lucas, CSL is officially known as Aeropuerto Internacional de Cabo San Lucas. The airport uses the ICAO code MMSL and IATA code CSL, though many commercial booking systems don’t recognize the IATA code since it primarily serves private aviation.
What makes CSL special is its private ownership by Aeropuerto Cabo San Lucas Internacional SA de CV. CSL Airport operates from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM local time (Mountain Standard Time, UTC-07:00).
The proximity to Cabo San Lucas makes CSL incredibly appealing if you’re staying at luxury properties like Grand Solmar Land’s End, Solmar Resort, or the exclusive Pedregal area. Instead of the typical 45-minute drive from SJD, you’ll reach these destinations in just 10-15 minutes from CSL.
For detailed location information, you can view the coordinates on a map or visit the official airport website.
Airlines Flying from Cabo San Lucas International Airport
While CSL doesn’t handle the massive commercial traffic that SJD does, it serves an important niche in the Los Cabos aviation landscape. The airport primarily focuses on general aviation, executive jets, air taxi services, and charter flights.
JSX offers perhaps the most interesting service for American travelers, providing semi-private airline service with regular routes to Dallas Love Field and seasonal service to Los Angeles. Their 30-seat Embraer jets offer a more exclusive experience than traditional commercial flights.
Señor Air connects CSL to various Mexican destinations, serving cities like La Paz, Mazatlán, Chihuahua, Los Mochis, and Puerto Vallarta. You can learn more on regional airlines like SeñorAir and their expanding route network throughout Mexico.
Calafia Airlines uses CSL as their main hub, connecting passengers to destinations like Ciudad Obregón, La Paz, Los Mochis, and Mazatlán. This regional carrier focuses on smaller Mexican cities that aren’t typically served by major commercial airlines.
Facilities and Private Aviation Services
Despite its smaller size, CSL offers comprehensive facilities designed to provide a premium experience. The single-story terminal building features modern amenities including check-in counters, security screening that meets international standards, and customs and immigration services for international arrivals.
The VIP lounge provides a comfortable space for premium passengers, while snack bars and souvenir shops offer basic refreshments and last-minute gifts. The terminal has four gates with direct apron access, making boarding quick and efficient.
The airport’s aviation infrastructure is impressive, featuring a 2,400-meter asphalt runway that can handle various aircraft types. The facility has aircraft parking capacity for up to 34 planes and includes a dedicated general aviation apron for private aircraft.
Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) services make CSL particularly attractive for private aviation. The FBO provides fuel services for both AVGAS and Jet A fuel, professional ground handling, and comfortable passenger services. Customs clearance is streamlined for international procedures, and catering services are available through providers like Baja Catering.
The airport has invested in recent improvements including new navigation aids, updated air traffic control equipment, improved runway lighting systems, and PAPI visual aids for improved safety.
For those seeking an liftd experience, CSL offers Cabo Airport VIP services that can improve your arrival or departure experience with personalized assistance and premium amenities.
Arriving in Los Cabos: Your Guide to SJD Airport and Transportation
When most people think of flying to Cabo, they’re actually headed to Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) – the region’s main aviation hub and Mexico’s 6th busiest airport. Located in San José del Cabo, this modern facility welcomes over 7 million passengers each year who come to explore everything from the lively nightlife of Cabo San Lucas to the peaceful beaches of the East Cape.
SJD handles the heavy lifting for Los Cabos tourism, operating 24/7 with three connected terminals. Terminal 1 focuses on domestic flights, while Terminal 2 and the connected Terminal 3 handle international arrivals with expanded facilities including VIP lounges and duty-free shopping. The airport features 19 boarding gates total, with 10 offering jet bridges for larger aircraft.
The airport sits about 8 miles from downtown San José del Cabo and roughly 23 miles from Cabo San Lucas – that’s about a 40-minute drive to the marina area where most of the action happens. This distance is why choosing the right ground transportation matters so much for your arrival experience.
Major airlines make SJD incredibly accessible from North America. American Airlines, Delta, and United provide extensive service from major US cities, while Southwest Airlines has been expanding with competitive fares. Alaska Airlines connects the West Coast, JetBlue serves the East Coast, and Air Canada along with WestJet handle Canadian travelers. Mexican carriers like Volaris and Aeroméxico round out the domestic options.
With connections to over 30 US cities and 11 Canadian cities, getting to Los Cabos has never been easier. If you’re still shopping for flights, you can find your Cabo flights through various carriers to compare options and pricing.
Navigating Ground Transportation from the Airport
Once you’ve cleared customs and stepped into the Los Cabos sunshine, you’ll need to get to your final destination. Here’s where a little planning goes a long way – we strongly recommend pre-booking your transportation for a stress-free start to your vacation.
Pre-booking your ride eliminates the uncertainty of finding available transportation, especially during busy seasons. You’ll have guaranteed availability with fixed pricing, professional bilingual drivers, and the peace of mind that comes with using registered transportation services only. We even monitor your flight for delays, so your driver will be waiting no matter when you actually land.
All airport shuttles are located outside both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. After exiting the airport, check your voucher for the umbrella number and head to the corresponding pickup area to meet your transportation representative.
Shared shuttles offer an economical option, typically costing $13-$40 USD per person each way depending on your destination. These 10-passenger vehicles serve hotels and resorts only – they can’t deliver inside private gated communities, though they can drop you at the security gate. The trade-off for the lower cost is wait time – expect 15 minutes to 1 hour at the airport while other passengers are collected, plus 2-4 stops along the route as people are dropped off.
Shared shuttles have limitations you should know about. They can’t make grocery stops, don’t provide beverages, and don’t allow car seats for safety reasons. Each person needs their own seat, including children. Most shared shuttle service stops between 4-6 PM, so late arrivals might need private transportation.
Private transfers offer a completely different experience. Whether you choose SUVs like Suburbans or Escalades, spacious vans, or even limousines, you’ll go directly to your destination. We include complimentary beer or water for each passenger, can arrange grocery stops, and provide child car seats for families. Private transfers can deliver inside gated communities right to your front door.
For everything you need to know about your transportation options, check out our Ultimate Guide to Cabo Airport Shuttles.
Your Arrival and Departure Questions Answered
Is Los Cabos safe? Absolutely. Los Cabos ranks as one of the top three safest destinations in Mexico, with significant investment in tourism infrastructure and security. You can relax and enjoy your vacation with confidence.
What if my flight is delayed? Don’t worry — we monitor all flights for delays and cancellations. Your driver will be waiting regardless of when you actually arrive. If you need assistance, please contact our customer service team (available Monday–Friday, 9 AM–4 PM MTN).
Can I get child car seats? Yes, we provide child car seats for any private transfer at no additional charge. However, shared shuttles cannot accommodate car seats due to safety regulations and capacity restrictions. Each person, including children, needs their own seat on shared shuttles.
What’s your cancellation policy? You can cancel any shuttle or private transportation up to 72 hours before your service for a full refund, minus a $5 USD processing fee. Submit cancellation requests through our website or by calling customer service.
Can I make same-day reservations? Yes, we accept same-day reservations based on availability. However, booking in advance ensures better vehicle availability and pricing.
Important local information: The legal drinking age in Mexico is 18 years old, and cannabis remains illegal nationwide. These are good things to know as you plan your Los Cabos trip.
We serve the entire Los Cabos region, from the laid-back charm of San José del Cabo to the lively marina district of Cabo San Lucas. Our transportation reaches The Corridor’s luxury resorts, the artistic community of Todos Santos, remote East Cape beaches, and even La Paz, the state capital three hours from SJD.
Popular resort destinations we serve include Grand Solmar Land’s End, Four Seasons Costa Palmas, One&Only Palmilla, Le Blanc Los Cabos, Montage Los Cabos, The Cape Los Cabos, JW Marriott Los Cabos, Esperanza Resort, Las Ventanas al Paraíso, and hundreds of other hotels and vacation rentals throughout the region.
For more detailed arrival and departure information, including customs procedures and terminal navigation, check out our comprehensive guide: Get all our Los Cabos Airport Arrival and Departure Tips.
