Los Cabos Airport Taxi & Transportation Costs 2025: What to REALLY Expect to Pay

Share The Article

Dreaming of those stunning Los Cabos sunsets and incredible Baja adventures in 2025? Fantastic choice! But hold on – before you’re sipping margaritas by the Sea of Cortez, figuring out how to get from Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) to your hotel, condo, or villa can hit your wallet harder than a surprise wave if you’re not prepared. This is one of those sneaky travel expenses that can inflate quickly, so a bit of savvy planning can mean more funds for fun.

A Friendly Heads-Up (and a Note on Currency): Listen up, travel pros – these are 2025 estimates. Prices in the travel world can shift with the seasons, how many are in your group, whether you book in advance, fuel costs, and sometimes, just the desert wind’s direction! For your convenience, most transportation operators at Los Cabos Airport quote prices in USD, and that’s what we’ll primarily use here. The local “Ruta del Desierto” bus service will be priced in Mexican Pesos (MXN), but we’ll provide an approximate USD equivalent. It’s always a brilliant idea to double-check current rates and, especially for private options, book your transport before you land!

How We Got These Numbers (Our Methodology): To bring you these 2025 estimates, The Cabo Sun didn’t just pluck figures from a saguaro cactus. We conducted in-depth research, analyzing pricing from a broad spectrum of airport transportation providers. This included official airport taxi rate indications (where available), numerous private transfer companies (from budget-friendly to luxury SUVs), and shared shuttle operators. We cross-referenced this data with publicly available information on bus routes like the “Ruta del Desierto,” scoured hundreds of recent traveler reviews and forum discussions to understand real-world figures paid, and looked for any anticipated 2025 rate adjustments. Furthermore, to gain even more precise insights into actual traveler expenditures, we surveyed over 450 individuals who recently journeyed through Los Cabos to understand the prices they encountered for their airport transportation. Our goal is to arm you with a solid ballpark figure so you can budget like a pro!

Okay, let’s get you on your way:

---

Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) to San José del Cabo

The charming, more historic town, closer to the airport, known for its art walks, colonial architecture, and a more laid-back vibe. Approximately 20-30 minutes travel time.

Organized Transport Companies (Private Car/SUV/Van)

• Cost: Expect to pay roughly $60 – $95 USD one way for a private vehicle (typically an SUV or van fitting 1-7 passengers). This is a popular choice for a direct, comfortable ride without detours. Luxury SUVs (Suburbans, Escalades) may be at the higher end or slightly more.
• Good for: Families, groups, or anyone wanting a swift, seamless start to their vacation.

Airport Taxi

• Cost: Official airport taxis, booked at designated counters inside the terminal, will likely run you $65 – $85 USD to most parts of San José del Cabo.
• Good for: Those who prefer the traditional taxi route upon arrival and haven’t pre-booked a private service.

Shuttle (Shared)

• Cost: A cost-effective option. Expect around $14 – $25 USD per person one way. You’ll share the ride, so anticipate a few stops at different hotels.
• Good for: Solo travelers, couples, or small groups on a budget who don’t mind a slightly longer travel time.

Local Bus (Ruta del Desierto)

• Cost: The most budget-friendly choice by far. Around $5 USD (approx. 80-90 MXN) per person. Buses run along the main highway.
• Good for: Super budget-conscious travelers, backpackers, or those with minimal luggage who are comfortable with a bit of adventure.
• Heads-Up: You’ll need to get from Terminal 2 (International Arrivals) to Terminal 1 to catch this bus. It drops off along the main highway, so you may have a walk (potentially across the highway and/or uphill) to your hotel. Not ideal for those with lots of luggage or mobility concerns.

---

Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) to the Tourist Corridor

This is the 20-mile stretch of stunning coastline, luxury resorts, and golf courses nestled between San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. Travel time can vary from 30 to 50 minutes depending on your specific resort.

Organized Transport Companies (Private Car/SUV/Van)

• Cost: For a private ride directly to your Corridor resort, you’re looking at approximately $75 – $110 USD one way. Prices vary based on the specific location within the Corridor and vehicle type.
• Good for: Those wanting direct, comfortable service to often sprawling resort properties, especially with golf bags or extra luggage.

Airport Taxi

• Cost: An official airport taxi to the Tourist Corridor could cost in the range of $75 – $95 USD, depending on the exact resort.
• Good for: If you haven’t pre-booked and want a direct, though often pricier, taxi.

Shuttle (Shared)

• Cost: A popular and practical option for this zone. Expect around $16 – $30 USD per person one way. You’ll share with other passengers heading to various Corridor resorts.
• Good for: Solo travelers and couples looking for a balance of cost and convenience to major resorts.

Local Bus (Ruta del Desierto)

• Cost: Around $5 USD (approx. 80-90 MXN) per person.
• Good for: Budget travelers staying at resorts directly on the highway or who don’t mind a taxi ride from a highway bus stop to their resort entrance.
• Heads-Up: Same as above – catch at Terminal 1, drops on the main highway. Many Corridor resorts have long entrances, so a secondary taxi from the highway might be necessary, adding to the cost and effort.

---

Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) to Cabo San Lucas

The vibrant heart of Los Cabos, famous for its bustling marina, El Arco (The Arch), Medano Beach nightlife, and a wide array of activities. Approximately 45-60 minutes travel time.

Organized Transport Companies (Private Car/SUV/Van)

• Cost: Private transport offers real comfort for this slightly longer journey. Expect $85 – $130+ USD one way, depending on your exact drop-off point in Cabo San Lucas (e.g., Medano Beach, Pedregal, a specific marina condo) and vehicle size/type.
• Good for: Groups, families, or anyone prioritizing a seamless, private trip directly to their accommodation.

Airport Taxi

• Cost: Official airport taxis to Cabo San Lucas will be a significant outlay, likely in the $90 – $115 USD range.
• Good for: If you absolutely need a taxi on the spot for this distance and haven’t booked ahead (be prepared for the higher cost).

Shuttle (Shared)

• Cost: A very common and efficient option for reaching Cabo San Lucas. Shared shuttles generally run $18 – $35 USD per person one way.
• Good for: Solo adventurers, couples, and small groups seeking an economical ride with direct (though shared) service to their hotel.

Local Bus (Ruta del Desierto)

• Cost: Still very economical at around $5 USD (approx. 80-90 MXN) per person. The bus terminates in downtown Cabo San Lucas (near the Puerto Paraiso mall).
• Good for: Budget travelers who are okay with a longer journey (it makes many stops) and potentially needing a short local taxi from the bus stop to their final hotel, especially if it’s not right downtown or on Medano Beach.
• Heads-Up: Again, catch at Terminal 1. It’s a viable option but factor in the extra time and potential last-mile navigation.

---

A Final Tip (and a Gentle Nudge): Unless your vacation fitness plan includes hauling luggage for miles in the Baja sun (not our idea of a relaxing start!), one of these transport options will be your gateway to paradise. Booking your transport – especially private cars or even shared shuttles – before you land in Los Cabos almost always saves you money, time, and that “Oh no, who are all these people shouting at me?” feeling at the arrivals curb. Many online providers offer competitive rates and clear instructions for meeting your driver.

Enjoy every sun-drenched moment of your Los Cabos escape! We’d love to hear what you paid – let us know in the comments below!