How to Get Around Cabo, Mexico: Your Transportation Options

Los Cabos actually consists of two cities that are separated by about 22 miles (35 kilometers): Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo.

As a popular destination for adventure seekers and travelers of all kinds, including families with kids, Los Cabos is easy to navigate. Whether you are interested in lounging on the beach, dining and shopping, exploring Los Cabos houses for sale, trekking to nearby villages and towns, or hiking along the coastline or in one of the many mountains and canyons in the area, your transportation options are many and various. With a little advanced planning, you can get anywhere in and around Los Cabos.

Flying to Los Cabos to Shop for a Home

Over two dozen global airlines regularly fly into the Los Cabos International Airport (Aeropuerto Internacional de Los Cabos), which is located in San José del Cabo. These airlines include AeroMexico, Air Canada, and the U.S. airlines Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, and United Airlines. Visit the airport’s website to see the full list.

Catching a Ride at the Airport

The least expensive way to get to Los Cabos from the airport is by taking the bus that departs from Terminal 1 (just look for the purple-and-yellow buses). This bus runs every ten minutes or so and stops at both San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, including many beaches and hotels. Since most of the drivers speak at least a rudimentary English, you can discuss your destination with them. Cabo San Lucas is about 29 miles (48 kilometers) south of the Los Cabos airport. San José del Cabo is about 8 miles (13 kilometers) south of the airport.

The airport shuttles are another convenient option. They offer shared, private, and VIP services with cars, vans, and limousines, and they can stop at Costco, Walmart, and Mega supermarkets. In addition to Los Cabos, the shuttle can take you to Todos Santos, Los Barilles, Cabo Pulmo, La Paz, and other towns. During your stay in Los Cabos, you can also hire a private driver from the shuttle companies to take you on day trips around Los Cabos or out for a night on the town. Make reservations in advance on the airport website.

Most hotels and resorts also have shuttles that will pick you up for free or for a small fee. If you use a hotel shuttle, be sure to tip your driver.

Renting a Car While Viewing Houses With Your Realtor

Having your own transportation will certainly give you more flexibility as you attend open houses and explore areas where you’re interested in buying property in Cabo. Renting a car may also be the cheapest option if you plan to do a lot of grocery shopping or sightseeing or to take many trips to nearby towns. There are many car rental agencies at the airport and in Los Cabos. To rent a car, all you need is a U.S. license. You can rent in advance, either directly through the website of a reputable car rental company or through third-party travel sites like Orbitz, Expedia, and Travelocity.

Keep in mind that although the rental rates typically listed on the rental sites are very low, in Mexico you must acquire liability insurance as a foreigner. The cost of the insurance increases the total price substantially. You can buy insurance through the car rental company. Cabo Luxury offers rental cars at competitive, pre-negotiated, all-in rates plus the cost of insurance.

When you drive in Los Cabos, all signs will of course be in Spanish; if you don’t speak the language, though, Google Maps can help you navigate. Google Maps can also convert kilometers into miles. Be sure to obey the speed limit of 55 miles per hour (about 90 kilometers per hour). It’s taken seriously in Mexico, and fines for speeding are hefty.

We also recommend having cash on hand for tolls and tips for attendants at the gas stations, which are full-service.

The traffic lights in Mexico blink three times before they turn from yellow to green, so we don’t advise driving through a yellow light the way many drivers do in the United States.

Taxis in Los Cabos

In Los Cabos, taxis are available 24 hours a day, every day, and they will take you to the airport, nearby towns, and anywhere in Los Cabos. You may not need a taxi for the downtown areas, since everything there is concentrated. But traveling between towns does require a vehicle. The rates are negotiable but on the high side. You can also try Uber, which has a presence in Los Cabos.

Water Taxis and Ferries

You’ll find a cluster of water taxis near the downtown marina. They can take you for a scenic cruise or to popular Cabo beaches like Playa El Medano or Playa del Amor (near the iconic Land’s End rock formation). The rates are pretty low. But since water taxis aren’t metered, be sure to negotiate the price before the ride begins.

For longer trips, you can take a ferry that leaves daily from La Paz (not from Los Cabos) and travels to mainland Mexico. The ferry website lists rates for different types of cabins and for transporting vehicles.

As you can see, there options here to fit any budget. Just remember to book in advance when possible, to negotiate and tip when appropriate, and to use reputable transportation companies (your Cabo real estate agent can steer you in the right direction).

24/7 Concierge and Transportation Services

Local companies like Cabo Luxury, a concierge and villa rental company in Cabo, offer private transportation services at reasonable prices, including to persons who don’t rent through the company. You’ll be dealing with a team of native-English-speaking professionals who have established relationships with local businesses and can cater to your many needs — on your schedule.

Transportation services include airport transfers and individualized tours with a personal driver. Whether you want an excursion, a ride to the golf course, or a ride to a mall in town, the itinerary is yours to customize. Through Cabo Luxury, you can also book a private yacht or fishing charter. If you’re renting a car during your trip, Cabo Luxury also offers free pickup and delivery of your rental vehicle.

If you are thinking of buying property in Los Cabos, our dedicated and knowledgeable agents can help. Contact us anytime with questions or to get started.