How to Get Around Baja California Sur: Cabo, La Paz & Loreto Transportation Guide
Whether you're visiting Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, La Paz, or Loreto, this guide breaks down the best ways to get from the airport—and how to get around once you arrive
Planning a trip to Baja California Sur? Getting around is a little different than in places like Riviera Maya—distances are longer, public transportation is limited, and your choice of transport can seriously shape your trip. Whether you're visiting Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, La Paz, or Loreto, this guide breaks down the best ways to get from the airport—and how to get around once you arrive.
How do you get around Baja California Sur?
The best way to get around Baja California Sur is by rental car if you plan to explore multiple destinations like Cabo, La Paz, and Loreto. For shorter stays, private airport transfers, taxis, and Uber (available in some areas) are convenient options, though public transportation is limited.
Airports: Which Airport Should You Fly Into?
Image courtsey of Fideicomiso de Turismo de Los Cabos
Traveling Between Destinations
Here are distances between common locations in Baja California Sur. This info will help you when planning your arrival and departure flights and transfers.
Cabo → La Paz
- About 2–2.5 hours by car
- Scenic desert drive
Best options:
- Rental car
- Private transfer
La Paz → Loreto
- About 4–5 hours by car
Best options:
- Rental car
- Domestic flight
Cabo → Loreto
- About 6–7 hours by car
Best options:
- Flight (recommended)
- Road trip if you want an adventure
Your transportation plan starts with choosing the right airport—and in Baja California Sur. Unlike more compact destinations, distances between places like Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, and Loreto are significant, and transportation options are more limited. Choosing the right airport in Baja Sur is less about choice and more about which one services your location.
Los Cabos International Airport (SJD)
There are over 500 weekly flights from the US and Canada to Cabo. US West Coasters think of Cabo as their secret since it is less than a 3 hour flight. Los Cabos International is a suitable airport to fly into if you are visiting Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, or Todos Santos. This airport is not for trips to Loreto! For very detailed information on 2026 routes and carriers including maps be sure check out the Los Cabos Flight Connectivity Guide from the Los Cabos Tourism Board.
Best for:
-
- Cabo San Lucas
- San José del Cabo
- Todos Santos
- Located about 45 minutes from Cabo San Lucas
- Most international flights arrive here
- Easiest airport for first-time visitors
Manuel Márquez de León International (LAP)
La Paz’s airport is small, easy to navigate, and a much calmer alternative to Los Cabos if you are staying in La Paz. Located about 20 minutes from downtown La Paz, it primarily serves domestic flights with a few seasonal international routes.
Many travelers will fly into Los Cabos and take a local connecting to La Paz instead of several hours of driving.
Best for:
- La Paz
- Smaller, quieter airport
- Mostly domestic flights
- About 20 minutes to downtown La Paz
Loreto International Airport (LTO)
Loreto’s airport is one of the smallest and most convenient in Mexico. With very limited flights (mostly from select U.S. cities and within Mexico), arrival is quick and stress-free—often just minutes from plane to exit.
Best for:
- Loreto
- Very small and easy to navigate
- Limited flight options
- Closest access to the Sea of Cortez marine parks
Transportation From the Airport
Private Airport Transfers
Best for:
- Comfort and convenience
- Groups or families
- First-time visitors
- Pre-booked and reliable
- Direct service to your hotel or Airbnb
- Stress-free option
Shuttle Services
Best for:
- Budget-conscious travelers
- Solo travelers
- Shared vans with multiple stops
- More affordable than private transfers
- Longer travel times
Rental Cars
Best for:
- Exploring beyond your resort
- Multiple destinations
- Ideal if you plan to visit places like Todos Santos or drive from Cabo to La Paz
- Roads are generally safe and maintained
- Insurance is required
Taxis
Best for:
- Short, direct trips
- Available at airports but can be expensive
- Prices are typically fixed (not metered)
- Always confirm the price before getting in
Pro Tip: Confirm the price of your trip before you depart!
The most convenient option from Los Cabos International Airport is a pre-booked private transfer, while shared shuttles offer a more budget-friendly alternative. I always recommend my clients book airport transportation in advance. This helps make your arrival in Mexico much smoother, especially in destinations where taxis can be limited, expensive, or inconsistent. After a flight, having a driver or shuttle already arranged means you can avoid long waits, confusing pickup areas, and last-minute price negotiations. Pre-booked transportation also gives you peace of mind knowing exactly how you’re getting to your hotel, resort, or vacation rental — particularly helpful for late arrivals, families, groups, or first-time visitors.
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Traveling in Baja Sur from Cabo to Loreto
The best way to get around Baja California Sur is by rental car if you plan to visit multiple destinations like Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, and Loreto, while taxis, private transfers, and Uber work well for shorter stays. Roads are very accessible and well maintained in these areas making renting a car a good choice. Roads such as Highway 19 from Cabo to La Paz by way of Todos Santos and Highway 1 by way of El Triunfo are generally considered safe to travel. US auto policies are not recognized in Mexico so be sure to purchase insurance through your agent, rental company, or get coverage through travel insurance.
Taxis are widely available but can be expensive since fares are not metered and the cost should always be confirmed in advance. Uber is available in Cabo San Lucas and La Paz, but (to my knowledge) is still not avialable in smaller destinations like Loreto. Public transportation is very limited, especially between destinations, so most travelers rely on private transportation, rental cars, or taxis. Below we will break down the specific options and recommendations for each city.
Getting Around Cabo San Lucas & San José del Cabo
In Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, transportation is the most developed. Uber and taxis are widely available, though taxis can be expensive. If you plan to explore beaches, restaurants, and the corridor between the two towns, having a rental car gives you the most flexibility.
Tips to Explore: Cabo San Lucas and Cabo San Jose are connected by an incredibly scenic 20 mile corridor that has a number of beaches and desert views. If you are looking for silent and secluded beaches head over to the East Cape.
Uber & Rideshare
- Available in Cabo
- Can be cheaper than taxis
- Pickup rules vary at resorts and the airport
Taxis
- Widely available
- Expensive compared to Uber
- No meters—set price in advance
Rental Car
- Best if you want flexibility
- Easy to drive between Cabo and San José del Cabo
- Parking usually available at hotels and restaurants
Getting Around La Paz
La Paz is more laid-back and easier to navigate. The malecón and central areas are very walkable, and Uber is affordable and reliable. You may only need a rental car if you plan to visit nearby beaches like Balandra or Tecolote.
Walking & Biking
- Great for the malecón (waterfront area)
- Many hotels, restaurants, and beaches nearby
Uber & Taxis
- Uber is available and affordable
- Taxis are easy to find but pricier
Rental Car
- Helpful for visiting beaches like Balandra or Tecolote
- Not necessary if staying central
Image courtsey of Fideicomiso de Turismo de Los Cabos
Getting Around Loreto
In Loreto, things are even simpler. The town is small, safe, and highly walkable, making it easy to get around on foot. For exploring beaches or areas just outside town, you can rent a car, bike, or even a golf cart, while taxis are available but limited.
Walking
- Most of downtown is easily walkable
- Ideal for a relaxing, low-key trip
Rental Car or Golf Cart
- Useful for exploring nearby beaches
- Some hotels offer rentals
Taxis
- Limited but available
- Arrange through your hotel when possible
Image courtsey of Fideicomiso de Turismo de Los Cabos
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Best Transportation Option by Travel Style
Luxury & Stress-Free
- Private airport transfers
- Occasional taxis or Uber
- No rental car needed
Adventure & Explore
- Rental car
- Combine destinations
- (Cabo + La Paz or Loreto)
- Flexibility to visit remote beaches
Budget Travel
- Shared shuttles
- Uber where available
- Limited taxis
Quick Comparison: Transportation Options
- Private Transfer → Most convenient, higher cost
- Shuttle → Budget-friendly, slower
- Rental Car → Best for flexibility
- Taxi → Easy but expensive
- Uber → Affordable (limited availability depending on area)
Final Tips for Getting Around Baja
- Distances are bigger than you think—plan travel days carefully
- Always factor in insurance when renting a car
- Book airport transportation in advance during peak season
- Don’t rely on public transportation—options are very limited
Plan Your Baja Trip
Whether you’re heading to the beaches of Cabo San Lucas, the relaxed vibe of La Paz, or the charm of Loreto, having the right transportation plan makes all the difference. If you want help mapping out the best routes, transfers, and itinerary across Baja, explore our custom travel planning services. We are the top Mexico Travel Agency for travel to Baja California Sur.
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FAQ: Baja California Sur Transportation
How do you get around Baja California Sur?
The best way to get around Baja California Sur is by rental car if you plan to visit multiple destinations like Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, and Loreto, while taxis, private transfers, and Uber work well for shorter stays.
Do you need a car in Baja California Sur?
You only need a car if you plan to explore beyond your hotel or visit multiple towns; otherwise, airport transfers and local transportation are usually enough.
Is Uber available in Baja California Sur?
Uber is available in Cabo San Lucas and La Paz, but (to my knowledge) is still not avialable in smaller destinations like Loreto.
Are taxis expensive in Cabo San Lucas?
Taxis in Cabo San Lucas are widely available but can be expensive since fares are not metered and the cost should always be confirmed in advance.
What is the best way to get from Los Cabos Airport to your hotel?
The most convenient option from Los Cabos International Airport is a pre-booked private transfer, while shared shuttles offer a more budget-friendly alternative.
Is it safe to drive in Baja California Sur?
Yes, driving is generally safe in Baja California Sur, with well-maintained highways between major destinations like Cabo San Lucas and La Paz.
How far is Cabo from La Paz?
Cabo San Lucas is about a 2 to 2.5-hour drive from La Paz.
Is public transportation available in Baja California Sur?
Public transportation is very limited, especially between destinations, so most travelers rely on private transportation, rental cars, or taxis.
What is the best way to travel between Cabo, La Paz, and Loreto?
The best way to travel between Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, and Loreto is by rental car for flexibility or by domestic flight for longer distances.
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