Travel times and route options to SJD

Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) is the commercial airport for travelers flying to Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. With no traffic, the airport is about a 20-minute drive from San José del Cabo when using the toll road and about 30 minutes when taking Highway 1. From Cabo San Lucas, the trip is about 35 minutes if using the toll road, and closer to 50 minutes if using Highway 1.

Airport route with minimal traffic

If you're in a rush, I recommend using the toll road, as it often saves time and usually costs only about 50 pesos. Uber or taxi drivers will often ask if you're in a hurry or have a preference for which route to take. Depending on the time of day and traffic conditions, travel times can increase significantly, so be sure to check your GPS ahead of time. An accident on Highway 1 can sometimes add a couple of hours to your trip.

Arriving in SJD

As the plane prepares for landing, flight attendants will distribute a customs form, which you are required to fill out and submit upon entry. Only one form is needed per family, and it asks for basic details such as the duration of your stay, what you're traveling with, and a few other questions.

After collecting your luggage from baggage claim, you'll hand the completed form to the customs agent. I recommend bringing a pen so you can fill out the form on the plane. If you forget, you'll need to wait in line inside the airport to borrow one.

Passing through immigration in Cabo

Once you deboard, your first stop will be the immigration desks. The line here can get pretty backed up, but it moves fairly quickly. If you have temporary or permanent residency, you can pass through immigration on the citizen side, which typically has no line. Have your passport and flight information ready, as the officer at the desk will ask for both. They’ll also inquire about where you’re staying and the length of your stay. If you’re overwhelmed with hotel and resort options while planning your trip, Trivago is useful to compare prices all on one site.

After getting your passport stamped, proceed through the glass doors to the baggage claim area. In my experience, the airport does a great job getting bags from the plane to the carousel quickly. However, they often have an employee removing bags from the carousel and piling them to the side, which can cause a bit of a traffic jam and, in my opinion, defeats the purpose of the carousel.

SJD Airport Currency Exchange

While waiting for your luggage, you can visit the currency exchange desk just steps away from the carousel to convert your dollars to pesos. Alternatively, you can wait and compare rates at various exchange locations throughout Cabo to ensure you’re getting the best deal. You'll need your passport to exchange money. I recommend converting enough cash to cover meals, tips, and any cash-only transactions, which are still relatively common in Mexico.
Directly to the left of the currency exchange is the Animal Health Inspection office, where you'll need to present paperwork for your pets if you're bringing them into Cabo. When I brought my cat, I only needed to show a vaccination record, but check the airport’s website before your trip to ensure you have all the necessary documents.

Getting through customs in Cabo

Once you have your luggage, pesos, and pet paperwork in order, you’ll line up to submit your customs form. After the agent takes your form and tears off the portion they need, you’ll be asked to press a red button. If the light turns green, you’re free to head outside and enjoy a margarita or cold cerveza. If the light turns red, you’ll need to send your bags through the scanner and undergo a search by an agent.

In all my trips to SJD, I've only received the red light once. They questioned me about an item in my bag that was still in its original packaging. After explaining, they allowed me to keep the item. If you have something new, I suggest removing it from its packaging to avoid any issues. Be sure to check the airport's website for an updated list of what you can and cannot bring into the country.

The last area before exiting the airport is the gauntlet of transportation and service desks. As you walk through, you'll be approached by people offering taxis, rental cars, etc. I’ve not used these services myself, but I’ve heard from others that they’re not the best options. On one occasion, I took a taxi and was charged significantly more than an Uber (the taxi cost $50 USD, while an Uber from the same location was about $20).

Getting picked up from the Cabo airport

(Edited July 9th, 2024)

Due to recent rule changes, Ubers are no longer allowed to pick up passengers directly from the airport. When I asked my Uber driver about it, he explained that the National Guard had become stricter about Uber operations around the airport. If you still want to take an Uber, you’ll need to walk down the sidewalk, past the gas station, and out of the airport.

The last time I landed in SJD, I ordered an Uber as usual. When my driver arrived, he drove past me and messaged me to meet him at the Oxxo store down the sidewalk. After walking there, I saw him drive by again. He messaged me again, saying the National Guard was following him, and he couldn’t stop to pick me up. I walked further toward the airport exit, and on his third pass, he was able to stop briefly, allowing me to jump in. To avoid this hassle, I recommend taking a taxi or shuttle from the airport.

Taxis are almost always available. Just make sure you're clear about your destination and agree on a price before getting in. Alternatively, you can schedule private transportation through your hotel or a third-party service. A quick Google search for “SJD shuttle” will give you a variety of options. If you're being picked up by friends, they’ll need to wait for you in the pickup parking lot.

Regarding the cantinas outside the airport—if you’re excited to be in Cabo and want a drink, go for it! However, if you're hungry, I strongly recommend waiting until you're outside the airport to eat, as there are much better options nearby. My experience with the food at these bars has been subpar.

Heading home from SJD

After enjoying the sunshine, beautiful beaches, and delicious food, when it’s time to head home, plan to arrive at the airport about two hours before your boarding time. This amount of time has always been sufficient for me, but adjust based on your comfort level and situation. If you're running late, consider taking the toll road.

SJD Airport Shopping Area

After checking your bags, head upstairs and through security, which opens additional gates during busier times. Security here operates similarly to TSA PreCheck at other airports: you don’t need to remove your shoes, belt, or sometimes even your jacket, though there is no dedicated TSA PreCheck line. Once through security, you'll walk through a large area with various shops selling perfumes, tequilas, souvenirs, snacks, and more. If you forgot to get a gift for your mom, there are plenty of duty-free options (meaning they aren’t taxed). From there, it’s a short walk to your gate, and you can grab something from Sbarro, Subway, or Carl’s Jr. along the way.

If you loved your trip and have questions about renting, buying, or investing in property in Los Cabos, send me a message. Have a safe flight!

Flying in and out of Los Cabos International Airport (SJD)