Uber Airport Transfer in Cabo?

Uber Airport Transfer in Cabo

Thinking about a Uber Airport Transfer in Cabo in 2023? Many travelers from the United States and Canada are familiar with Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare services. In fact, when visiting Los Cabos you probably have just considered the convenience of getting an Uber “wherever” you are. They’re convenient, probably readily available, and simple to use back home. But in reality, Uber may not be as affordable as private transportation in Cabo.

Private Transportation in Cabo vs. Uber

Uber in Cabo is illegal.. There are a number of factors to consider before you get on the plane to Cabo. Los Cabos Safety and crime stats are readily available for Mexico online. 

• Where is the airport in Cabo San Lucas? Its airport code is SJD and is located in San Jose del Cabo, about 24km from Cabo San Lucas.
• Do I need to exchange money in Cabo?  We recommend if possible, buying Pesos from your bank before you come. But if not there is a currency exchange at SJD Airport.
• Do US Dollars or Canadian Dollars work in Cabo? US dollars work well and most banks or currency exchanges will buy your foreign money to convert to Pesos.
• Is Cabo Safe? Yes, it’s probably safer than your town, seriously! Most you hear about is cartel-related terror and that is not active in the Los Cabos region.
• Can I get an airport transfer when I arrive? You can, however, depending on the time of year, week, and day it could be challenging. If nothing is arranged after a long flight you’ll likely pay for convenience, and not save money.
• Can I get an Uber in Cabo? Yes, in certain places you can but expectations may not meet what you are used to, or, the value expected will be subpar.

Is private transportation at Cabo Airport affordable? Yes, and it is consistent in quality and service. Maintenance of fleet and bilingual, knowledgeable drivers that are trained and more importantly, licensed to be at the airport and resorts and insured. Private transportation and shuttle providers in Cabo offer a more personalized experience. Private transportation offers premium amenities like in-car Wi-Fi, refreshments, and personalized arrival service.

Private transportation in Cabo can access the airport, inside a resort, and in private communities where villa rentals and private homes are. They prioritize the safety of passengers of which many times are children. Many have baby and toddler seats whereas an Uber will not.

Safety is the first priority. Cabo airport private transportation service providers invest in the quality of their vehicles. This includes regular maintenance which is required to meet permitting and licensing. Ubers have no local requirements to meet for safety that are regulated. All private transportation companies carry insurance on their vehicles, drivers, and occupants. General Uber drivers may or may not have a valid license or insurance, even for occupants in the vehicle.

Private transportation companies have to maintain license access to the airport and resorts for their vehicles and drivers. Those mean they meet a higher standard compared to an Uber driver or independent single operator. 

Private transportation services in Los Cabos care more about your experience. Drivers work for gratuities, do not expect them. A thank you goes a long way while negative feedback from a service will carry real change. Companies have too much invested and want to deliver a luxury experience at a fair price. Uber drivers may not carry the same integrities as they have little to lose.

When you add up all the aspects we’ve outlined you can decide if a private transfer in Cabo is worth more or not.

Is Uber safe in Cabo San Lucas?

The safety of using Uber in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, like in any other city, depends on various factors such as the time of day, the area you are traveling to, and personal security measures you take. However, Uber is not operating under legal transportation authority in Cabo San Lucas. As with any ride-sharing service, it’s important to take basic safety precautions such as verifying the driver’s information before getting into the car, letting someone know your whereabouts, and following your intuition. Additionally, it’s recommended to only use Uber in well-lit, populated areas, and to avoid sharing personal information with your driver.

Does Cabo have Uber?

Uber is operating in Cabo but not in a full legal capacity. As Uber has spread across the globe there has been adoption for convenience and benefit for independent drivers and the public.  There are a number of Uber’s in Cabo but many are not allowed in the places you want them.

Uber is not allowed in Los Cabos Airport and inside many resorts in the region. Want to avoid a taxi inside your resort to run out to dinner? Sure, hail an Uber but you’ll need to leave the resort property to get into it when it does show and if the Uber even shows and does not cancel last minute after you’ve waited for 15 minutes. This is typical of what travelers experience with Uber in Los Cabos.

Is Uber OK in Cabo?

This can be subjective. Many have acceptable small sedans that meet the requirements of Uber. You likely have a smaller sedan and can expect that your driver speaks little English. Recently in 2023 there have been reports of customers being “ghosted” on a pick-up with Uber. 

Is Uber good in Cabo?

I suppose this is subjective to the tourist and considerations of safety and laws of a foreign country. Many local Uber drivers in Cabo will use the Uber service to connect with those wanting service and then cancel the ride on arrival. They then ask for cash payments for the transfer. Doing so, outside of the Uber app removes responsibilities, terms of service, and more importantly safety in the event of an accident. If you are injured in a Uber in Cabo and they didn’t transact through the app how will that driver pay for your hospital bills? When paying cash to an Uber in Cabo you are doing a non-taxable transaction that is subject to fines, jail, or more if caught by the local transportation inspection authorities.

Can Uber pick you up at Cabo Airport?

No. Uber Airport Transfer in Cabo does not have the required federal permits to pick up arriving passengers at the Los Cabos Airport. While you can use the Uber rideshare app at the airport you will need to take your luggage and walk an approximate ½ mile to locations along the shoulder of the main highway to meet an Uber. 

Can Uber take me the Los Cabos Airport?

Yes, they could however, you will need to meet them with your luggage off the resort or private community property. In addition, new restrictions with Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico which owns and operates SJD Airport may require Uber drop-offs in locations that are distant from the terminal. This means you may have to walk further with all your luggage to get to the terminal to check in, get through security, and to your gate to leave.