Getting Around Los Cabos Without a Car

Los Cabos colorful sign
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Visiting Cabo San Lucas or San Jose del Cabo but don’t want to rent a car? No problem!

Getting from the SJD airport in Los Cabos to the hotels and beaches is easy without your own car. There are many ways to reach your destination – from private and shared shuttles to taxis and buses. Once you get to your lodging from the airport it is even easier to get around. In addition to private drivers and taxis you can also use ride sharing apps like Uber, Didi and inRide.

Do you have to rent a car in Cabo? No! Here are some tips for getting around Cabo without a car.

San Jose del Cabo - Getting around in Cabo without a car

Getting to Los Cabos from the SJD Airport

There are several ways to get to the towns, beaches and hotels of Los Cabos from the airport. The fastest and easiest is by private driver or taxi, but of course this is also the most expensive. You can also get a shared shuttle or take the public bus. Please note that at this time Uber and other rideshare apps do not work for pick up at the airport. However you can use these apps to get a ride to the airport and to get around town. I have found the apps to be slightly less expensive than a quote from a private taxi.

Getting to Cabo San Lucas from the Cabo Airport

The easiest way to get to your accommodations in Cabo San Lucas from the SJD airport is by arranging a private driver. You can book rides online in advance or hop in a taxi when you arrive. A private shuttle can accommodate groups both large and small. Reserve a ride in a luxury SUV for two or minivan for ten!

You’ll find taxis waiting outside baggage claim at the airport and it’s easy to hop in and tell them where you need to go. A taxi into Cabo San Lucas from the airport will likely cost you about $1600MXN. Some taxis will charge an extra fee per person as well.

Be sure to check with your hotel to see if they offer a shuttle from the airport too.

If you prefer to save cash and have a bit of an adventure, you can also catch the public bus from the SJD airport to Cabo San Lucas for around $85MXN. The buses stop in front of Terminal 1, so if you are arriving on an international flight you will need to walk from Terminal 2. These Ruta del Desierto buses are colorful purple and yellow you cannot miss them. The buses run from early morning to late at night. Check their Facebook page for more information and routes. Keep in mind that the buses do not stop very close to the hotels so you may have to walk a bit.

Getting to San Jose del Cabo from the Cabo Airport

You can get from the SJD airport to your accommodations in San Jose del Cabo most quickly with a private shuttle or taxi. Arrange rides online in advance or hop in a taxi outside baggage claim when you arrive.

A taxi from the airport to San Jose del Cabo likely cost you about $1500MXN. Some taxis and shuttles will charge an extra fee per person as well. Expect to pay around $1000MXN per person.

You can save a bit of money by taking a shared shuttle from the airport to your hotel. Keep in mind that it might make several stops and take longer than going direct. Ask your hotel if they offer a shuttle too.

You can also catch the purple and yellow Ruta del Desierto bus from the SJD airport to Cabo San Lucas for around $85MXN. The buses stop in front of Terminal 1, so if you are arriving on an international flight you will need to walk from Terminal 2. Check their Facebook page for more information and routes. The bus stops are along the main road so you may have to walk a bit to your final destination.

Colectivo bus in Los Cabos - getting around Cabo without a car

Getting Around Los Cabos Without a Car

Perhaps you’ll be spending much of your vacation at the resort lounging by the pool or walking on the beach. But there is definitely more to see, do, eat and drink and we encourage you to explore!

Do I need a car in Cabo San Lucas?

If you don’t have your own car it can seem daunting to get around. But it’s quite easy!

Your hotel might be able to arrange a taxi or driver to take you and your group anywhere you want to go. If you are a more independent traveler you can call or hail your own taxi or use a rideshare app to get around. Uber, Didi and inRide are the popular apps in Baja California Sur. Keep in mind that Uber might not be able to pick you up within your hotel gates so you may have to walk to the curb. I have found Uber to be very reasonable in Los Cabos. I recommend tipping in cash if you can so the driver gets to keep all the money.

If you are a more adventurous traveler you can get around in Los Cabos by public bus. There are a few options. The first is the Ruta del Desierto bus. This purple and yellow bus has a pretty limited route so it may not get you exactly where you want to go. More intrepid visitors might try the many Colectivo buses. These have varied routes and you’ll often see them near shopping areas. You’ll have to practice your Spanish to find out their routes and stops.

The best way to get around Cabo San Lucas is on foot or by taxi. If you are shopping or bar hopping you’ll want to be able to explore at your own pace, and you definitely do not want to be driving if you are drinking!

San Jose del Cabo Without a Car

If you are staying in Cabo San Lucas and would like to explore San Jose del Cabo that is easy to do without a car. Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo are approximately 30km apart, or a 30 minute drive. A taxi or Uber might cost around $400-600MXN.

As mentioned above, you can also ride the Ruta del Desierto bus and the Colectivo buses are a great way to get around in San Jose del Cabo. It will be easier if you can speak decent Spanish so that you can find the best routes. You’ll see the many of the colectivo buses around Plaza Mijares and the shopping areas.

It’s approximately three kilometers from the beach hotels in San Jose del Cabo to the charming town square Plaza Mijares and the arts district. You can walk, but a taxi or Uber is much faster! Hop in a car then explore the area on foot. Check out our guide for the best things to eat and drink in San Jose del Cabo!

Todos Santos without a car

Traveling to Todos Santos from Los Cabos Without a Car

Would you like to travel from Los Cabos to visit the charming town of Todos Santos on a day trip or longer? It’s easy!

Arrange a private shuttle or take a tour if you’d like to visit for the day.

From the airport you can hop on the EcoBajaTours bus which will take you directly into the heart of Todos Santos in a nice minibus. Or you can head to one of the Aguila bus stations to ride to Todos Santos in style. Both trips take about an hour or two and the Aguila buses are a little less expensive and run more often.

You can book the EcoBajaTours trip online here, and the Aguila buses here. Or buy your ticket at the station – but be warned, they might be fully booked for the trip you want.

There is an Aguila bus station in San Jose del Cabo near the Walmart at Highway 1 and Calle Valerio González, and in Cabo San Lucas at Calle Miguel Hidalgo and Avenida Reforma near the Chedraui.

Visit this article to learn about things to do in Todos Santos, and be sure to check out the top restaurants and bars in Todos Santos too! Oh and if you need to get around the area without a car, we have tips for you!

Getting to La Paz on the bus

Traveling to La Paz from Los Cabos Without a Car

It’s also very easy to get to La Paz from Los Cabos! Arrange a private shuttle in advance or negotiate with a taxi to take you. It is about 160km from Cabo to La Paz and usually takes a little over two hours.

Hop on a bus to take you there at low cost – ideal if you are traveling solo on a budget. You can take the EcoBajaTours minibus from the airport or get on the Aguila bus from one of the stations in town. These buses might take a little longer than a private driver so be sure to allow three hours or so. Some routes might stop more often and take a bit longer too. Both buses stop right at the Malecon in La Paz. Take a look at our article for more information if you plan to get around La Paz without a car!

If you are considering renting a car in Los Cabos it might be a good idea to rent one only for the days you wish to explore the surrounding areas. That way you could visit Todos Santos, Pescadero, Cerritos, La Paz and many other places in Baja California Sur at your own pace.

We hope you find it easy to get around Cabo without a car! Enjoy your trip!