Is Uber Permitted In Los Cabos? Yes, But Not Always

So, you’ve just landed in paradise. The sun is shining, the air smells of salt and vacation, and you’re ready to hit the beach. You pull out your phone to call an Uber and… you pause. You remember hearing whispers on travel forums, a confusing story from a friend. Is Uber even a thing here in Los Cabos?

Let’s clear the air once and for all: Yes, Uber is absolutely legal and widely available in Los Cabos. But—and this is a big but—it comes with one giant, airport-shaped exception.

The Fine Print On Ridesharing in Los Cabos

To be perfectly clear, while the Mobility and Transportation Law of the State of Baja California Sur was reformed around 2019-2020 to create a legal pathway for ride-sharing services, this law places the burden of compliance on the individual drivers.

This means that although Uber is legally permitted to operate, not every driver on the platform may have completed the expensive and time-consuming process of securing their official state permit and the correct commercial insurance. For passengers, this creates a small but real risk: your ride could be interrupted by a transportation authority during an enforcement check, or more importantly, you might not be covered by the proper insurance in the unlikely event of an accident.

The Easy Part: Cruising Around Town

Once you’re settled in your hotel or rental, using Uber is a dream. Whether you’re in Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, or traveling the 20-mile Tourist Corridor between them, ride-sharing apps like Uber and its competitor, Didi, are your best friend.

A trip from your resort to a downtown restaurant that might cost $30 USD in a traditional taxi can often be had for $12-$15 with Uber. The app works just like it does back home: you see the price upfront, you track your driver, and you pay through your phone. It’s convenient, generally much cheaper, and takes the guesswork out of haggling. For getting to dinner, the marina, or that organic market you heard about, it’s a total game-changer.

The Hard Part: The Airport

Now, for the Los Cabos International Airport (SJD).

Here’s the deal: Mexican airports operate under federal rules, not state or local ones. Inside this federal zone, only the official, unionized airport taxis have the license to pick up passengers. They pay a hefty fee for this exclusive right, and they guard it fiercely.

If you try to request an Uber from the arrivals curb where everyone is being herded into taxi vans, your app will likely show “No cars available.” If a brave Uber driver does accept, they risk a massive fine and harassment from the taxi drivers. It’s a drama you don’t want to be a part of.

To legally get your Uber, you need to leave the federal airport zone. It sounds daunting, but it’s just a short walk. Simply wheel your luggage out of the terminal, past the mobs of taxi promoters, and walk across the access road towards the highway. A popular pickup spot is right near the OXXO convenience store across the parking lot. Once you’re off airport property, you can request your ride without any issue. Your Uber will arrive in minutes, and you’ll easily save $40-$50 on your trip to the hotel zone. It’s the single best money-saving hack for arriving in Cabo.

The Easy Part (Again): Getting Back to the Airport

Leaving paradise is hard enough, but your ride there is simple. Getting dropped off at the airport by an Uber is perfectly fine. The restrictions only apply to pickups. So when your vacation is over, you can call an Uber from your hotel lobby and get dropped off right at the departures curb, no problem.

The Verdict:

Don’t be afraid to use Uber in Los Cabos. It’s a fantastic and affordable tool for exploring everything the region has to offer. Just remember the golden rule: for pickups from the airport, take a short walk to save a big buck. Now you’re armed with the knowledge to navigate Cabo like a pro. Go enjoy that sunshine!