How to get from Los Cabos Airport to Cabo San Lucas Marina

Getting from Los Cabos Airport (SJD) to the Cabo San Lucas Marina is straightforward, with plenty of choices—from quick pre-booked shuttles and private transfers to affordable shared vans, taxis, and rental cars—so you can match your ride to your budget, comfort level, and arrival time.

At A Glance (Los Cabos Airport to Cabo San Lucas Marina)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚐 Private Transfer (Pre-booked, Door-to-Door)	~40–60 min (traffic-dependent)	Late arrivals, families, hassle-free arrivals
🏷️ Cost: ~US$85–180 per vehicle one-way » typical transfer options | alt. quotes
🚌 Shared Shuttle (Pre-booked)	~60–120 min (stops + waiting time)	Solo travelers, good value, not in a rush
🏷️ Cost: ~US$18–40 pp one-way » compare shuttles | alt. listings
🚕 Airport Taxi (On-the-Spot)	~40–60 min	No pre-booking, fastest curbside option
🏷️ Cost: ~US$70–120 one-way (zone-dependent) » taxi vs transfer notes
📱 Rideshare (Uber)	~45–75 min (pickup-zone dependent)	App-based pricing, card payments, lighter luggage
🏷️ Cost: Varies; often lower than taxis » pickup info
🟣 Public Bus (Ruta del Desierto)	~1.5–2.5h (stops + walk/short taxi)	Lowest cost, flexible travelers
🏷️ Cost: ~MX$80–100 pp from the airport (fare can change) » bus basics
🚗 Rental Car (Drive Yourself)	~40–65 min (+ pickup paperwork)	Road trips, multiple stops, exploring beyond Cabo
🏷️ Cost: From ~US$30–80/day (seasonal) » compare car rentals

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest / Most Convenient: Choose Option #1 (Private Transfer) or Option #3 (Airport Taxi) for direct drop-off near the marina.
• Cheapest / Most Economical: Take Option #5 (Public Bus), then walk or use a short local ride to the marina.
• Best Balance (Value + Ease): Book Option #2 (Shared Shuttle) if you’re okay with extra stops.
• Most Flexible (Exploring Los Cabos): Go with Option #6 (Rental Car) if you plan to drive the Tourist Corridor, beaches, or day trips.
• App-based Alternative: Use Option #4 (Rideshare) if you want in-app pricing and card payment—expect pickup instructions and occasional restrictions.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Know your exact drop-off: “Cabo San Lucas Marina” is a large area—confirm a specific pier/restaurant/meeting point with your captain, tour operator, or hotel.
• Avoid the sales gauntlet: After customs, you’ll pass an area with aggressive salespeople (“shark tank”). Keep walking to your arranged driver or the taxi/bus area.
• Carry MXN cash: Helpful for the bus, small tips, and tolls if you’re driving.
• Build in buffer time: Baggage + immigration can be slow on peak arrival banks. If you’re catching a marina tour, aim to arrive with a cushion.
• Use official providers at the airport: For on-the-spot rides, stick to authorized transportation and posted procedures.
• Luggage in town: If you arrive before check-in, consider short-term storage near the marina using luggage storage in Cabo San Lucas City Center.

🚐 Option #1 — Private Transfer (Most Convenient, Door-to-Door)

Meet & greet Fixed pricing Best for groups

• Overview: A pre-booked car/van meets you at arrivals and takes you straight to Cabo San Lucas Marina (or a nearby hotel), typically in 40–60 minutes.
• How to book (with price): Reserve ahead with private transfers from SJD or request competing quotes via GetTransfer. Expect roughly US$85–180 per vehicle one-way depending on vehicle size, time, and pickup details.
• Pros: No waiting, ideal for kids/luggage, easy late-night arrivals. Cons: Costs more than bus/shuttle for solo travelers.
• Good to know: The airport operator publishes official ground-transport guidance; review ground transportation rules so you know where authorized pickups happen.

Step-by-step: Private Transfer

1. Book and save your voucher (include your flight number and a clear destination like “Cabo San Lucas Marina / Marina Cabo San Lucas”).
2. After landing, clear immigration (if applicable), collect bags, and exit customs.
3. Walk through the sales area without stopping; head outside to the arrivals curb.
4. Find your driver by name sign/company instructions (many services specify a meeting zone by terminal).
5. Confirm the destination and best drop-off point (closest marina gate/pier) before you depart.

Getting to the main embarking points (Arrivals pickup zone)

• From Terminal 2: Exit the main arrivals doors; meet at the designated zone given in your booking instructions.
• From Terminal 1: Exit arrivals and follow your provider’s “meet & greet” directions.
• If you can’t find your driver: Use airport Wi‑Fi, message/call via your booking app, and stay in well-lit official pickup areas.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #2 — Shared Shuttle (Most Popular for Value)

Lower cost Pre-bookable May have stops

• Overview: A shared van or mini-bus takes multiple passengers to hotels and major zones in Cabo. Plan 60–120 minutes total depending on waiting time and stops.
• How to book (with price): Compare airport shuttle listings on GetYourGuide airport transfers, browse similar options via Klook searches, or check Trip.com transfer listings. Typical one-way prices are ~US$18–40 per person.
• Pros: Cheaper than private cars; easy online booking. Cons: Waiting for other passengers; multiple drop-offs.
• Pro tip: If you’re heading straight to the marina for a tour, choose a shuttle that can drop you downtown (or at a hotel adjacent to the marina) to reduce last-mile time.

Step-by-step: Shared Shuttle

1. Book a shuttle that clearly states Cabo San Lucas (downtown/marina area) and your preferred terminal pickup.
2. Confirm baggage allowance and whether it’s “shared” vs “semi-private.”
3. On arrival, exit customs and find the shuttle representative per your voucher instructions.
4. Wait for boarding (some services depart on a schedule; others leave when a van fills).
5. Request the closest safe drop-off point to the marina; finish with a short walk or local ride if needed.

Getting to the main embarking points (Shuttle meeting point)

• Arrivals hall meeting: Most shuttles meet just outside arrivals or at a marked transportation desk.
• Have your voucher ready: Name + destination + number of passengers speeds check-in.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚕 Option #3 — Airport Taxi (Fastest On-the-Spot Option)

Immediate Tourist pricing Simple route

• Overview: Airport taxis are readily available and go straight to Cabo San Lucas. Expect 40–60 minutes to the marina area depending on traffic and route.
• How it works: In many cases, you purchase a taxi voucher at an official booth, then present it at the taxi stand.
• Cost: Commonly ~US$70–120 one-way (zone and vehicle dependent).
• Pros: No pre-booking; quick departure. Cons: Usually pricier than rideshare or shuttles.
• Official info: Check the airport operator’s guidance on authorized ground transportation.

Step-by-step: Airport Taxi

1. Exit customs and proceed toward the official transportation/taxi area.
2. Ask for the fare to “Cabo San Lucas Marina” (or a nearby landmark, e.g., Puerto Paraíso / Marina gate) and confirm if the price is per vehicle.
3. Pay at the official booth (if required) and get a voucher/receipt.
4. Go to the taxi stand, hand over your voucher, and confirm your destination again with the driver.
5. On arrival downtown, request drop-off at the most convenient marina entrance for your boat/tour meeting point.

Getting to the main embarking points (Taxi booth & taxi stand)

• Terminal exits: Taxi booths are typically near the arrivals exits.
• Safety tip: Use authorized taxi stands and keep your receipt until you’ve arrived.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

📱 Option #4 — Rideshare (Uber) (App Pricing, Varies by Pickup Rules)

Cashless In-app directions Pickup-zone dependent

• Overview: Uber operates in Los Cabos and provides airport pickup guidance in-app. Total time is often similar to taxis (~45–75 minutes), but you may need to walk to a specific pickup spot.
• How to book (with price): Use the Uber app and follow SJD pickup instructions. Prices are dynamic; if surge pricing is high, compare against a shared shuttle or a pre-booked transfer.
• Pros: App tracking, card payments, ETA transparency. Cons: Airport pickup locations/rules can change; availability fluctuates.
• Alternative: If you want multiple quotes from licensed drivers, try GetTransfer in Cabo San Lucas (still pre-arranged, but often flexible on vehicle class).

Step-by-step: Rideshare (Uber)

1. Connect to airport Wi‑Fi or data and open Uber.
2. Set destination to “Cabo San Lucas Marina” (or your exact marina meeting point).
3. Confirm the pickup terminal/zone shown in the app; follow signs and walk to the indicated pickup area.
4. Match the license plate and driver name before getting in.
5. Near the marina, ask for a drop-off close to your pier/gate to reduce walking with luggage.

Getting to the main embarking points (Rideshare pickup zone)

• Follow app directions: Pickup points may vary by terminal and time of day; rely on the in-app map.
• Have a backup: If no cars are available, switch to airport taxi or shared shuttle.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🟣 Option #5 — Public Bus (Ruta del Desierto) (Cheapest)

Lowest cost More stops Local experience

• Overview: The Ruta del Desierto bus connects the airport area, San José del Cabo, and Cabo San Lucas. It’s the cheapest way to reach Cabo without a car, but it’s slower and stop-heavy.
• Typical time: ~1.5–2.5 hours from the airport depending on traffic and stops (plus the last-mile to the marina).
• Fare: Usually around MX$80–100 from the airport (fares can change; bring cash).
• Pros: Extremely affordable. Cons: Less comfortable with big luggage; can be slow; may require walking or a short local taxi/ride to the marina.

Step-by-step: Public Bus to the Marina

1. From Terminal 2, walk to Terminal 1 if needed (the bus stop is commonly referenced at Terminal 1).
2. Look for the Ruta del Desierto bus stop area; buy a ticket if there’s a seller or pay onboard (cash).
3. Board the bus heading toward Cabo San Lucas (confirm with the driver if unsure).
4. Ride to a central Cabo San Lucas stop, then walk to the marina (often ~10–20 minutes) or take a short local ride.
5. If you’re traveling with lots of luggage, consider mixing modes: bus to Cabo + short rideshare/taxi to the marina gate.

Getting to the main embarking points (Airport bus stop)

• Terminal guidance: Confirm the current bus stop location at the airport (it can shift with construction/operations).
• Cash ready: Bring small MXN bills/coins for easier payment.
• Night arrivals: If buses are infrequent late at night, switch to shared shuttle or taxi.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚗 Option #6 — Rental Car (Most Flexible for Exploring)

Freedom Parking needed Great for day trips

• Overview: Rent a car at SJD and drive to Cabo San Lucas Marina in about 40–65 minutes, depending on the route and traffic.
• How to book (with price): Compare deals on car rental search. Prices vary widely by season and insurance coverage—read the fine print carefully.
• Pros: Stop anywhere (viewpoints, beaches, grocery runs). Cons: Parking near the marina can be tight; you may encounter toll roads; Mexico insurance rules can be confusing.
• Official info: The airport operator lists on-site agencies on its car rental page.
• When it’s worth it: If you’re staying several days and plan to explore the Corridor, San José, or beaches beyond Cabo.

Step-by-step: Rental Car to Cabo San Lucas Marina

1. Reserve ahead (better choice/price), confirm terminal pickup and hours.
2. At arrivals, follow “Car Rental” signs to the desks or shuttle pickup (depending on company).
3. Inspect the car, confirm insurance/coverage details, and save the rental agreement.
4. Set navigation to “Cabo San Lucas Marina” and choose your preferred route (toll vs non-toll if offered).
5. Park at a marina lot or nearby public parking; allow extra time in peak evenings.

Getting to the main embarking points (Car rental desks / pickup area)

• Paperwork time: Add ~20–45 minutes for queues, deposits, and inspection.
• Fuel tip: Fill up away from the immediate airport area if you want to avoid rush pricing and maximize your options.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Los Cabos Airport to Cabo San Lucas Marina)

What’s the easiest way to get from Los Cabos Airport (SJD) to Cabo San Lucas Marina?
For most travelers, a private transfer is the simplest: meet at arrivals and go straight to the marina area.

What’s the cheapest way to get to the marina?
Use the Ruta del Desierto public bus, then walk or take a short local ride to the marina.

How long does it take from SJD to the marina?
Plan around 40–60 minutes by car (taxi/private transfer) and 60–120+ minutes by shared shuttle; the public bus can take 1.5–2.5 hours depending on stops.

Can I use Uber from the airport?
Uber provides airport pickup instructions for SJD; follow the app’s pickup directions and be prepared for designated zones or a short walk. If pickups are restricted or cars are scarce, use an airport taxi or a shared shuttle.

Where should I tell the driver to drop me for the marina?
If you don’t have an exact pier, ask for a drop at a marina entrance near your operator’s meeting point. If you’re meeting a boat tour, confirm the exact dock/landmark with them beforehand.

Is the public bus safe?
Many travelers use it for budget trips. Keep valuables close, use common sense, and consider a shuttle/taxi at night or if you’re carrying multiple large bags.

Do I need pesos (MXN) for transportation?
For the bus and small tips, yes—carry some MXN. Many shuttles, transfers, and rideshare payments can be handled by card/in-app, but cash is still useful.

What if I arrive very late?
Late-night public transport can be limited. Pre-book a private transfer (best) or plan to use the airport taxi stands.