Plan Your Cabo Trip

For resort stays with planned excursions, a car isn't necessary—taxis and tours are readily available. Rent a car if you want to explore independently, visit the East Cape, or take day trips to Todos Santos and La Paz. This is the single most common Cabo car rental surprise. Mexican law requires Third-Party Liability (TPL) insurance, and your US or Canadian auto policy does not satisfy it. Neither does your credit card — credit card rental benefits cover collision damage to the rental car (CDW), which is a different thing entirely, and that coverage is usually secondary. You must buy Mexican-issued TPL. Expect it to add roughly $10-15 USD per day at the counter, which is why a car advertised at $8-12/day online can double or triple at pickup. If you decline the agency's coverage entirely, expect a credit card hold anywhere from $500 to $2,700. Some agencies will refuse to release the car unless you buy their policy, even though third-party coverage is legally valid. Bring printed proof of whatever coverage you have, and read the final contract before initialing. Day trips from Cabo →

Researched August 2026

Cabo taxis do not use meters. Agree the fare before you get in, every time. Typical 2026 rates: short hops within Cabo San Lucas (hotel to marina, Medano, or downtown) run about $10 USD / 200 pesos, though drivers often open at $15. Cabo San Lucas to a Corridor resort is $20-40 depending how far down. Cabo San Lucas to San Jose del Cabo is $50-70. Taxis are priced per vehicle, not per person, so they can beat shuttles for groups. Pesos sometimes get you a slightly better rate. Overcharging tourists is the single most common complaint here — if you are badly overcharged or feel unsafe, the tourist police line is +52 624 143 3977.

Researched August 2026

Yes, Uber operates in Los Cabos and is often cheaper than traditional taxis. The app works the same as in the US. Note that some taxi unions resist Uber, so pickups may occur at designated spots rather than street corners near hotels.

Four options from SJD, roughly 29 miles / 40-50 minutes to Cabo San Lucas: Official taxi from the kiosk (zone-based flat rate, $90-115 to Cabo San Lucas) — bring cash, card terminals frequently fail. Pre-booked private transfer ($84-130 per vehicle) — usually the same price or cheaper than the taxi, and the driver is waiting. Shared shuttle ($13-50 per person) — cheapest door-to-door, but expect 60-90+ minutes with other stops. Ruta del Desierto public bus (flat MX$80 from the airport) — by far the cheapest, but not practical with heavy luggage or kids. Uber cannot pick up at the airport. Airport transfer tips →

Researched August 2026