Complete Shuttle Solution from Cabo Airport to RIU Palace
Planning your Cabo Airport to RIU Palace transfer doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re heading to RIU Palace Cabo San Lucas, RIU Palace Baja California, or RIU Santa Fe, you have several reliable options to get there safely and comfortably.
Quick Transfer Options:
- Shared Shuttle: $25 per person | 1+ hours with stops
- Private SUV: $85-89 per vehicle (1-6 people) | 30-45 minutes direct
- Distance: 25-26 miles (40-42 km) from Los Cabos International Airport (SJD)
- Travel Time: 45-90 minutes, depending on traffic and route
All three RIU Palace resorts in Los Cabos are located on beautiful Medano Beach, the area’s most popular swimmable beach. The drive from SJD Airport takes you through the scenic Cabo corridor, offering stunning desert and ocean views along the way.
It’s important to know that Uber and rideshare services are not permitted at SJD Airport due to legal restrictions. Only registered transportation companies can pick up passengers, ensuring your safety and peace of mind.
Cabo Airport to RIU Palace: Complete Transfer Guide
The journey from Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) to any of the three RIU Palace resorts covers approximately 25-26 miles through some of Mexico’s most beautiful coastal scenery. Here’s what you need to know about each resort location:
RIU Palace Resort Locations:
- RIU Palace Cabo San Lucas: 25 miles from SJD, 642 rooms (renovated 2016)
- RIU Palace Baja California: 40 km from SJD, 602 rooms, adults-only
- RIU Palace Santa Fe: 46.1 km from SJD, 902 rooms
All three resorts are on Medano Beach, which is swimmable and offers water sports, beach bars, and stunning sunset views. The drive typically takes 30-50 minutes, depending on your chosen route and traffic conditions.
We recommend taking the scenic route through San José del Cabo rather than the full toll road – the views are spectacular and you’ll get a better feel for the authentic Baja California landscape.
Flight Monitoring Included: We track all flights automatically, so even if your plane is delayed, we’ll adjust your pickup time accordingly. Check your flight status tracker before departure.
For more detailed information about shuttle options throughout Los Cabos, visit our Ultimate Guide to Cabo Airport Shuttles.
Shared Shuttle: Cabo Airport to RIU Palace Costs & Times
Shared shuttles are the most economical way from the Cabo Airport to the Riu Palace, starting at just $25 per person one-way or $50 round-trip. Here’s what to expect:
Shared Shuttle Details:
- Cost: $25 per person one-way, $50 round-trip
- Travel Time: 45-90 minutes on average (including stops)
- Wait Time: 15 minutes to 1 hour at the airport
- Stops: 2-4 stops on average at other hotels
- Passengers: Up to 10 people per vehicle
Important Shared Shuttle Rules:
- Every passenger needs their own seat, including children
- No child car seats allowed on shared shuttles
- No complimentary beverages provided
- Cannot make grocery or liquor store stops
- Delivery to security gates only for gated communities
- Service typically stops between 4 and 6 PM (varies by bookings)
We do our best to group passengers going to the same resort areas together, which helps reduce the number of stops and gets you to your destination faster.
For answers to common questions, check out our Cabo Airport Shuttle FAQ.
Private SUV Transfer: Cabo Airport to RIU Palace Experience
For the ultimate comfort and convenience, our private SUV transfers offer a premium Cabo airport to Riu Palace experience that starts your vacation right.
Private Transfer Benefits:
- Cost: starting at $89 per Private SUV vehicle (accommodates 1-5 passengers)
- Travel Time: 30-45 minutes non-stop
- Vehicle Options: Suburban, Escalade, Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter
- Complimentary: Cold beer and bottled water for all passengers
- Add-ons: Grocery stops ($40 per 30 minutes)
- Child Safety: Car seats are available upon request
What Makes Private Transfers Special:
- Licensed, bilingual chauffeurs
- Meet-and-greet service with name signage
- Luggage assistance included
- Direct, non-stop service to your resort
- Flight monitoring for delayed arrivals
- Delivery to your exact resort entrance
Vehicle Capacity & Pricing:
- Suburban (up to 5 passengers): $85 one-way, $155 round-trip
- Escalade (up to 5 passengers): $100 one-way, $170 round-trip
- Ford Transit (up to 11 passengers): $95 one-way, $165 round-trip
- Mercedes Sprinter (up to 16-19 passengers): $145-165 one-way
The beauty of a private transfer is the flexibility. Want to stop at Costco or Walmart on the way to stock up on snacks and drinks? We can make it happen for just $25 per 30-minute stop.
Learn more about our premium options at Cabo Airport Transportation.
Booking & Arrival Process Step-by-Step
Booking your Cabo airport to Riu Palace transfer is straightforward, and we’ve streamlined the arrival process to make it as smooth as possible.
Booking Process:
- Select Your Service: Choose shared shuttle or private transfer
- Pick Your Dates: One-way or round-trip options available
- Provide Flight Details: We’ll monitor for delays automatically
- Receive Confirmation: Voucher with pickup details sent immediately
- Same-Day Bookings: Available based on inventory
Airport Arrival Process:
- Collect Luggage: Grab your bags from baggage claim
- Exit Terminal: Look for ground transportation signs
- Check Your Voucher: Find your assigned umbrella number
- Locate Pickup Point: Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 have designated areas
- Meet Your Driver: Look for signage with your name or group
- Enjoy the Ride: Relax and let us handle the rest!
Flexible Cancellation Policy:
- Cancel up to 72 hours before service for a full refund
- $5 USD processing fee applies to all cancellations
- Same-day arrival bookings are available based on availability
Flight Delays? Don’t worry! We monitor all flights and adjust pickup times automatically. Your driver will be there when you land, whether you’re on time or running late.
For specific information about RIU Palace transfers, visit SJD Cabo Airport Transportation to RIU Palace.
Add-On Perks: Beers, Grocery Stops & Group Options
One of the things that sets us apart is our attention to the little details that make your journey from the Cabo Airport to the Riu Palace memorable from the start.
Welcome Drinks & Refreshments:
- Complimentary cold beer and bottled water on all private transfers
- Purchase additional beverages (beer, water and more) during booking
- Sparkling wines, Champagne, and Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label are available for special occasions
- Sorry, no beverages are provided on shared shuttles
Grocery & Liquor Store Stops:
- Walmart: 7 AM – 10 PM, 5-10 minutes from resorts
- Costco: Great for families and longer stays
- La Europea: Premium liquor store with 110+ tequila varieties
- Cost: $40 USD per 30-minute stop (private transfers only)
Group & Wedding Transportation:
We specialize in larger groups and special events. Our fleet includes:
- Mercedes Sprinter (up to 19 passengers)
- Coach Buses (up to 42 passengers)
- Multiple vehicle coordination for large parties
- Custom quotes for groups over 17 people
- Wedding party coordination and timing
| Feature | Shared Shuttle | Private Transfer |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per person | $25 | $89-120 (depends on group size) |
| Travel time | 1 hour + | 30-45 minutes |
| Stops allowed | No | Yes ($40 30 min grocery or 60 min) |
| Beverages | None | Beer & water included |
| Car seats | Not allowed | Available on request |
| Group size | Individual seats | 1-47 passengers |
| Luggage space | Limited | Ample |
Quick FAQ: Rules, Safety, Uber & Free Shuttle Myths
Let’s clear up some common questions about getting from Cabo Airport to Riu Palace:
Transportation Rules:
- Uber Status: Banned at SJD Airport due to legal and safety regulations
- Rideshare Services: Not permitted for airport pickup
- Only Registered Companies can legally provide airport transfers at SJD and CSL Airports
- Child Car Seats: Available on private transfers, not on shared shuttles or Ride-Share
Resort Shuttle Myths:
- “Free” Hotel Shuttles: RIU Palace resorts may offer complimentary transfers for Riu Class program members, but this depends on your specific package and a required 5-7 days’ advance request with them.
- How to Check: Call your resort directly to confirm
- Reality Check: Most travelers need to arrange their own transportation
Safety & Legal Information:
- Los Cabos Safety: Ranked as one of the top 3 safest destinations in Mexico
- Drinking Age: 18 years old in Mexico
- Cannabis: Illegal nationwide
- Beach Safety: Check flag systems – some Cabo beaches have strong currents
- Swimming: Medano Beach (where the RIU resorts are located) is the safest swimming beach in the area
Money-Saving Tips:
- Round-trip bookings offer better value than two one-way trips
- Groups of 4-6 people often find private transfers cost-effective when split
- Book in advance for guaranteed availability and best rates
- Look for promotional codes (like “cabo6” for 6% off private shuttles)
Pro Tips, Savings & Easy Booking
Savvy travelers know booking your Cabo Airport to Riu Palace transfer doesn’t have to break the bank. Round-trip bookings are your best friend when it comes to savings. You’ll typically save $10-20 by booking both directions together, plus you won’t have to worry about arranging return transportation during your vacation.
Here’s where the math gets interesting: private transfers become incredibly economical when you’re traveling with family or friends. A private SUV costs $85-89 regardless of whether there’s one person or six people inside. So if you’re a group of four, you’re looking at about $21 per person for a direct, comfortable ride with cold drinks included.
Book in advance whenever possible. Not only do you get better rates, but you also guarantee your spot. Los Cabos is a popular destination, and during peak seasons like Christmas, New Year’s, and spring break, transportation can fill up quickly.
Don’t forget to use promotional codes! Each month, we provide a coupon code at the top of the website that gives you 10% off private shuttles, and we often have seasonal promotions running.
SJD Taxi loves putting together custom packages for larger groups or those planning a destination wedding. Traveling with extended family? We can coordinate multiple vehicles, stagger pickup times for different flight arrivals, and even arrange special touches like decorations for celebrations.
A few practical booking tips: Double-check which RIU Palace resort you’re staying at when booking – there are three different ones in Los Cabos. Keep your flight information handy and ensure it’s accurate so we can monitor for delays. And always save your voucher (screenshot it on your phone) because you’ll need that umbrella number when you arrive at the airport.
US dollars are widely accepted throughout Los Cabos, but having some pesos can sometimes get you better rates for tips and small purchases. Regarding tips, 10-15% is customary for good service, and our drivers always appreciate recognition for going the extra mile.
For more detailed information about all our private transportation options, check out Cabo Private Transportation.
Reserve a Shuttle to RIU Cabo San Lucas Now
Your Cabo airport to Riu Palace journey should feel like the vacation officially begins, not another travel hassle. After helping thousands of travelers make this exact trip, we’ve learned that the little details make all the difference between a good transfer and a great one.
What makes SJD Taxi different? We’re locals who genuinely love this place. Our drivers know every shortcut, every scenic route, and exactly how long each journey takes at different times of day. More importantly, they understand that you’ve probably been traveling for hours and just want to get to your resort, grab a drink, and enjoy paradise.
Whether you choose our shared shuttle at $25 per person for budget-friendly travel or our private transfer at $89 per vehicle for maximum comfort and convenience, you’re getting more than just transportation. You’re getting a warm welcome to Los Cabos, complete with local knowledge, flight monitoring, and genuine hospitality.
The beauty of our service is its flexibility. Need to stop at Walmart for snacks and sunscreen? We can do that. Traveling with little ones who need car seats? We’ve got you covered. Flight delayed by three hours? No problem—we’re tracking it and will be there when you land.
Booking is simple and secure. Our checkout process works with travel insurance policies, and we provide all the documentation you need for any reimbursement claims. With our 72-hour cancellation policy (just a $5 processing fee), you can book early and adjust if your plans change.
Still have questions about safety? Los Cabos consistently ranks as one of the top three safest destinations in Mexico. For a comprehensive look at what makes this area so secure, read our guide: Is Cabo San Lucas Safe?
Bienvenidos a Los Cabos! Welcome to paradise, and welcome to the start of something amazing.
