Closest Airport To Todos Santos, Baja California Sur: A Practical Guide From A Cabo Regular
The closest airport to Todos Santos is Manuel Márquez de León International Airport (LAP) in La Paz, about 82 km (51 miles) away, or a drive of just over an hour. Most travelers from the United States and Canada still fly into Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) in San Jose del Cabo, which is 111 km (69 miles) from Todos Santos and usually a 1.5–2 hour drive. SJD has far more direct flights, better schedules, and better prices from North America, so “closest” doesn’t always mean “best.”
If you are planning a stay at a boutique hotel, surf lodge, or Airbnb in Todos Santos, this airport choice is one of the first decisions you will make. The town draws couples, surfers, food lovers, and travelers who like the Baja desert–meets–Pacific vibe, but they often underestimate how spread out the region is. Knowing which airport to pick and how to get from the runway to your rental will save you time and money.
Quick comparison if you are choosing an airport for a Todos Santos stay:
| Airport | Distance | Drive Time | Flight Options | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAP (La Paz) | 82 km (51 mi) | 1+ hour | Mostly domestic Mexico flights | Travelers already in Mexico or connecting through Mexican hubs |
| SJD (Los Cabos) | 111 km (69 mi) | 1.5–2 hours | Many international and domestic flights | Travelers from the US, Canada, and Europe |
Todos Santos sits on the Pacific side of the Baja California Sur peninsula, roughly an hour north of Cabo San Lucas. It feels calm compared to the resort scene in Los Cabos, but that quieter atmosphere comes with extra planning: airport choice, ground transportation, and whether you need a rental car or are fine with private drivers.
Simple guide to closest airport to todos santos terms:
What To Know Before You Book Flights
If you are coming from the US or Canada, SJD is usually the smarter choice even though the drive is longer than from La Paz. You will see more nonstop flights from cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Phoenix, Dallas, Denver, Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto. That means less time in airports and fewer chances for missed connections.
LAP can work if you are already in Mexico and connecting from Mexico City, Guadalajara, or Tijuana. Just keep in mind that domestic flights into La Paz are sometimes more expensive than into SJD when you add up the whole itinerary.
From a safety perspective, Los Cabos and the corridor up to Todos Santos are among the safest parts of Mexico. The region is one of the top three safest in the country. You will see police checkpoints on Highway 19, which are standard in Baja and usually quick.
Costs to keep in mind:
- Private transfers from either airport are more expensive than shared shuttles but are direct and more comfortable.
- Shared shuttles are cheaper per person but have wait times and multiple stops.
- If you are staying in an Airbnb or a small hotel outside the center, confirm if the road is paved or dirt and if your rental car category makes sense.
If your dates are flexible, November through April is the most pleasant time to visit Todos Santos. You get milder weather, whale watching, and baby sea turtle releases along nearby beaches. Summer is hotter and more humid, and late August to early October is peak storm and hurricane season.
From SJD, plan on 1.5–2 hours to Todos Santos depending on traffic and daylight. From LAP, expect just over an hour.
If you are a budget traveler, you may be tempted by buses between major cities in Baja. They work, but most visitors heading straight to Todos Santos from an airport prefer a transfer or rental car because of timing and luggage.
Which Airport Is Closest To Todos Santos?
Travelers often assume the nearest airport is always the best choice, but in Baja that is not always true. La Paz is closer on the map, while San Jose del Cabo usually wins on flight convenience.
Los Cabos International Airport (SJD): The Practical Choice From The US And Canada
Los Cabos International Airport in San Jose del Cabo sits about 111 km (69 miles) south of Todos Santos. The drive is usually 1.5 to 2 hours along Highway 19, which passes by Cabo San Lucas and continues up the Pacific side toward Cerritos, Pescadero, and then Todos Santos.
SJD is the busiest airport in Baja California Sur, with millions of passengers per year and many direct routes from US and Canadian cities on major airlines like American, United, Delta, Southwest, and WestJet. If you care about nonstop flights, using miles, or avoiding long layovers, SJD is the one you will likely choose.
The airport itself is modern by Baja standards. You will find restaurants, some lounges, and plenty of rental car counters. It can feel crowded on Saturdays and during peak holiday periods, but the setup is straightforward once you are outside the terminal where all Cabo airport shuttles line up.
Manuel Márquez De León International Airport (LAP): Closer Drive, Fewer Flights
La Paz International Airport is about 82 km (51 miles) northeast of Todos Santos. The drive is just over an hour through the desert with mountain and ocean views in sections.
LAP mainly handles domestic routes within Mexico. You may connect here through Mexico City, Guadalajara, or Tijuana. For travelers already on a Mexico trip with internal flights booked, La Paz can make sense. If you are flying from the US or Canada, you will often see fewer schedules and higher prices once you add the connection.
Which Airport Makes Sense For You?
| Airport | Distance To Todos Santos | Average Drive Time | Flight Availability | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SJD | 111 km (69 miles) | 1.5–2 hours | Many international and domestic options | Easier flights from US/Canada, more schedule choices, more competition on fares | Longer drive to Todos Santos |
| LAP | 82 km (51 miles) | 1+ hour | Mostly domestic Mexican routes | Shorter drive, quieter airport | Fewer flight options from US/Canada, more connections, sometimes higher total cost |
If you are a family, a couple on a short trip, or anyone who hates layovers, SJD usually wins. If you are already visiting La Paz or other parts of the Sea of Cortez like La Ventana and then heading down to Todos Santos, LAP becomes the obvious choice.
Getting From The Airport To Todos Santos
Once your flight is locked in, the next decision is how you want to get from the airport to your hotel or rental. In this region, you cannot rely on ride-sharing apps for airport pickups due to local regulations, so you will be choosing between private transfers, shared shuttles, or a rental car.
Transportation Options From SJD To Todos Santos
From SJD, you can use SJD Taxi for two main options:
- Private transfers
- Shared shuttles
Private transfers are straightforward. A driver meets you outside the terminal and takes you directly to your place in Todos Santos, whether that is a hotel in the historic center or a rental near Playa La Pastora or Pescadero. You can request a grocery stop on the way, which is handy if you are staying in a villa or Airbnb. Private SUVs, Suburbans, Escalades, vans, Sprinters, and limousines include a complimentary beer or water for each passenger. You can pre-purchase more beer, water, or champagne during your reservation checkout.
Shared shuttles are the budget choice. Seats in a shared 10-passenger shuttle typically range from 13–40 US dollars per person each way, depending on how far you are going. You will wait 15 minutes to an hour before departure because the shuttle fills with passengers going to nearby resorts or towns, and then expect 2–4 stops along the way.
Important things to know about shared shuttles:
- They require a seat for every person, including children.
- They do not allow car seats.
- They do not make grocery or store stops.
- They do not offer water, beer, or other drinks.
- They cannot enter private, gated communities. You are dropped at the security gate.
For private transfers:
- Child car seats are available if you request them.
- Drivers can enter private communities and go to your front door.
- You can add a grocery stop.
All Cabo airport shuttles are outside both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. You can try to book on arrival, but during busy times availability may be limited. Same-day reservations are allowed and are always based on current inventory.
If you cancel any local shuttle or private transportation at least 72 hours before your service, you can get a full refund. You can submit a cancellation request through the online form or by calling +52-800 083 7123 Monday through Friday, 9 am–4 pm Mountain Time.
For shared shuttles, service most days ends between about 4 pm and 6 pm, depending on advance bookings and airline arrivals. If you land late, plan on a private transfer or rental car.
SJD Taxi collects your flight information at booking and monitors your arrival for delays or cancellations so there is a vehicle ready when you land. If anything goes sideways, contacting the company you booked with is the fastest way to fix it.
Transportation Options From LAP To Todos Santos
From La Paz, private transfers are the most common choice. The drive is shorter than from SJD, and the road is easy. SJD Taxi can arrange a custom quote for the roughly one-hour trip from LAP to your hotel or rental in Todos Santos.
You can also rent a car at LAP or SJD. A rental is helpful if you plan to split your time between Todos Santos, Cerritos, and perhaps down to Cabo San Lucas or San Jose del Cabo. That some vacation rentals are on dirt roads where a small SUV may be more comfortable than a compact car. For more information about road conditions in Baja California Sur, check the official Mexico tourism website.
Getting Around Todos Santos
How much you move around during your stay will depend on whether you are in a central hotel or a more remote Airbnb and how much you care about surfing, beaches, and day trips.
The historic center of Todos Santos is comfortable on foot. You can walk between galleries, coffee shops, and restaurants without needing a car. This works well if you are staying near the plaza and only want a couple of beach days.
If you care about surfing at Playa Los Cerritos, watching sunset at The Green Room, visiting Playa La Pastora, or heading down to Pescadero or Cerritos, then you will want wheels. Many travelers either:
- Rent a car at the airport.
- Book private drivers for set days and activities.
Booking a private driver with SJD Taxi gives you flexibility without worrying about parking, insurance, or driving at night. You can arrange single trips to specific beaches or restaurants or plan a full day along the coast. This works well for groups staying in villas or couples who do not want to think about driving after cocktails or mezcal.
If you are budget conscious and not in a rush, local buses and colectivos exist between towns like Cabo San Lucas, Pescadero, Cerritos, and La Paz, but schedules and stops can be confusing if you do not speak Spanish.
Your Mini-Guide To Experiencing Todos Santos
Once your airport and rides are set, you can focus on the part that actually matters: how you want your days to feel in Todos Santos. The town is a Pueblo Mágico for good reason. It combines an artsy center, strong food scene, and Pacific beaches that still feel relaxed compared to Los Cabos.
Best Time Of Year To Visit
November to April brings warm days, cooler nights, and better surfing conditions for many breaks along this coast. This is also whale season, usually November through March, and the peak time for baby sea turtle releases, mainly December through February.
June to September is hot and more humid. If you do not mind the heat and want fewer travelers around, this period can still work, but build in AC, shade, and siesta time. Late summer into early fall is also when storms and hurricanes are more likely in Baja California Sur.
If you like a quieter town with decent weather, October–November and April–May are good shoulder months.
Things To Do In And Around Todos Santos
- Surfing: Playa Los Cerritos is the go-to surf beach in this part of Baja and works for many levels, depending on the day. You can rent boards and book lessons right on the sand.
- Art and culture: The historic center has small galleries, shops like ULULA, Etnica, and Nomad Chic, and landmarks such as Iglesia Mision Todos Santos. Many visitors wander over to see Hotel California, even if they are not staying there.
- Wildlife: Joining a sea turtle release with groups like Tortugueros Las Playitas is a grounded way to spend an evening on the beach. If you want whale watching, boat tours usually leave from Cabo San Lucas, about an hour south, and some travelers pair that with a day in town.
- Hiking: The hike to Punta Lobos gives you sweeping coastal views. Start early, wear sunscreen, and bring more water than you think you need. Apps like AllTrails can help with routes.
- Wellness: Paradero’s spa near Todos Santos offers sound baths and other treatments that appeal to travelers who like design-forward hotels and slower mornings.
- Beaches: Beyond Los Cerritos, you have Playa Pescadero, Playa La Pastora, and Playa Las Palmas. Some beaches here have heavy shore breaks and strong currents. Pick your swimming spots with care.
Where To Eat And Stay
The food scene punches above the town’s size. You will find farm-to-table spots, casual taco joints, and places that feel made for slow dinners.
Restaurants worth planning around:
- Jazamango: Garden-forward cooking, wood-fired dishes, and a setting that works well for a longer meal.
- Oystera: In a former sugar mill with oysters and seafood.
- The Green Room: On La Pastora Beach, with toes-in-the-sand seating and strong tostadas.
- Tenoch at Paradero: Focused on Baja ingredients, good for those who like design and food together.
- Others to look for: Taller 17, Carnitas Machin for breakfast, Dum for Mediterranean flavors, Hierbabuena, La Esquina for brunch, DoceCuarenta, Same Same But Different for smoothies, and Fish Tacos Santo Chilote.
Places to stay across budgets and styles:
- Paradero Todos Santos: Design-focused property that blends into the desert, adults-only, known for experiences tied to the landscape.
- Villa Santa Cruz: Oceanfront boutique hotel with some tented suites that feel like Baja-style glamping.
- Hotel San Cristobal: Beachfront, adults-only, with a strong sense of place.
- El Perdido: Desert hideout that appeals to travelers who want to feel away from town.
- Perro Surfero: Budget-friendly and good as a base if you care more about waves than thread count.
If you like Paradero’s look, you might also look at high-end properties around Los Cabos such as Nobu, Esperanza, or Montage. They are different settings but appeal to a similar traveler who likes strong design and service.
Practical Travel Notes For Baja First-Timers
- Getting around: You can use taxis, private drivers, or a rental car. Ride-sharing apps are common in parts of Los Cabos but cannot legally pick up at the airport.
- Money: Use ATMs inside banks in San Jose del Cabo or La Paz, or in larger supermarkets, to withdraw pesos. Avoid random standalone ATMs.
- Tipping: In restaurants, 10–20 percent is normal if service is good. Tip drivers and guides in pesos or dollars.
- Language: Basic Spanish helps. In tourist areas, English is widely understood, but you will still see menus or signs only in Spanish.
- Drinking age: The drinking age in Mexico is 18.
- Cannabis: Cannabis is illegal nationwide.
You can request custom quotes for transfers, ask to be dropped at one property and picked up from another, and build in grocery stops if you are staying in a rental. If Todos Santos is one stop on a longer Los Cabos trip that includes San Jose del Cabo, Cabo San Lucas, Cerritos, or the East Cape, it is worth comparing your flight times and transfer costs before you commit.
Final Tips For A Smooth Arrival
Planning your airport and ground transportation before you leave home makes your first day in Todos Santos much easier. Decide early if you want the control of a rental car or the simplicity of private or shared shuttles.
SJD Taxi offers private transfers with options like grocery stops and child car seats, and shared shuttle seats that work well for budget travelers who do not mind a short wait and extra stops. You can cancel up to 72 hours before your pickup for a full refund, and flight monitoring helps reduce stress if your airline changes schedules.
If you are timing a trip around whale season or winter holidays, check availability and book your airport ride early. If you are still comparing towns, weigh Todos Santos against staying directly in Cabo San Lucas, quieter San Jose del Cabo, or surf-focused Cerritos before you lock everything in.