Los Cabos Airport to Pescadero – Your Complete Transportation Guide (2025)
So you've booked your trip to Pescadero, Baja California Sur—a stunning, under-the-radar coastal village between Todos Santos and Cerritos Beach. Now comes the practical question: how do you actually get there from Los Cabos International Airport (SJD)?
The good news? It's easier than you think. The drive from Los Cabos Airport to Pescadero takes about an hour and delivers some of the most scenic coastal and desert landscapes in Baja. Here's everything you need to know about transportation options, costs, drive times, and insider tips for a smooth journey.
Distance & Drive Time
Distance: Approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles)
Drive Time: 55-70 minutes depending on traffic and stops
Route: Highway 19 North via Cabo San Lucas and Todos Santos
The route is straightforward, well-paved, and scenic. You'll pass through Cabo San Lucas, skirt the Pacific coast, and wind through the Sierra de la Laguna foothills before arriving in Pescadero. It's one of those drives where you'll want to stop for photos—desert cacti against blue sky, dramatic coastal cliffs, and roadside fruit stands selling mangoes and papayas.
Transportation Options
Option 1: Rental Car (Highly Recommended)
Cost: $30-60 USD per day depending on vehicle type
Pros: Freedom, flexibility, essential for exploring the area
Cons: Requires international driver's license or valid U.S./Canadian license
Why This Is Your Best Bet:
Renting a car is the most practical and rewarding option for staying in Pescadero. The town is spread out, beaches like Cerritos and San Pedrito require short drives, and Todos Santos (10 minutes north) is where you'll find most restaurants, galleries, and services. Public transport is limited, and relying on taxis for every outing adds up quickly.
Where to Rent:
Major rental agencies (Hertz, Avis, Budget, Sixt) operate at Los Cabos Airport. Book in advance for better rates and vehicle selection. Smaller local agencies like Cactus Rent-a-Car often offer competitive pricing and more personalized service.
What to Rent:
A standard sedan or compact SUV is sufficient. Roads are paved, and you don't need 4WD unless you plan to explore very remote dirt roads. Opt for full insurance coverage—Mexican roads can surprise you.
Insider Tip:
Fill up on gas before leaving Cabo San Lucas. Gas stations become scarcer as you head north. There's a Pemex in Todos Santos, but it's wise to keep your tank above half.
Option 2: Private Shuttle
Cost: $80-150 USD one-way for 1-4 passengers
Pros: No driving stress, direct door-to-door service
Cons: More expensive, requires advance booking
How It Works:
Several companies offer private shuttle services from Los Cabos Airport to Pescadero, including Cabo San Lucas Tours, Cabo Airport Shuttle, and local operators. You'll be picked up at arrivals and driven directly to your accommodation. Some shuttles can stop in Cabo San Lucas or Todos Santos for grocery runs if requested.
When to Choose This:
If you're not comfortable driving in Mexico, don't want to deal with rental logistics, or are traveling with a group and can split the cost, a private shuttle is a solid choice.
Insider Tip:
Book at least 48 hours in advance, especially during peak season (November–April). Communicate your exact address in Pescadero—some drivers aren't familiar with smaller vacation rentals.
Option 3: Taxi / Rideshare
Cost: $100-150 USD one-way
Pros: Immediate availability at the airport
Cons: Expensive, difficult to arrange for return trip
How It Works:
Official airport taxis queue outside arrivals and can take you to Pescadero. Uber and other rideshares are not reliably available in Pescadero, so taxis become your go-to for the return trip—and you'll need to arrange one in advance through your accommodation host or a local contact.
When to Choose This:
If you miss your shuttle, arrive late at night, or have a very short stay and don't want to rent a car for just a day or two.
Insider Tip:
Negotiate or confirm the fare before getting in. Official airport taxis have set rates, but it doesn't hurt to ask.
Option 4: Public Transportation (Not Recommended)
Cost: $10-15 USD
Pros: Cheapest option
Cons: Time-consuming, inconvenient, not practical for vacation
How It Works:
Technically, you can take a local bus from Cabo San Lucas to Todos Santos, then catch another bus or taxi to Pescadero. But this involves navigating bus schedules, multiple transfers, and hauling luggage through crowded terminals.
When to Choose This:
If you're on an extreme budget and have plenty of time. Otherwise, skip it.
The Drive: What to Expect
The route from Los Cabos Airport to Pescadero is one of Baja's most scenic drives. Here's what you'll experience:
Leg 1: Airport to Cabo San Lucas (20 minutes)
Modern highway, well-signed, relatively flat. You'll pass resorts, shopping centers, and the outskirts of San Jose del Cabo.
Leg 2: Cabo San Lucas to Todos Santos (45 minutes)
This is where the magic begins. Highway 19 hugs the Pacific coast, offering glimpses of turquoise water, rocky cliffs, and vast desert landscapes. You'll climb into the Sierra de la Laguna foothills, pass roadside stands selling tacos and fruit, and spot turnoffs for hidden beaches.
Leg 3: Todos Santos to Pescadero (10 minutes)
A quick, easy stretch. Todos Santos is worth a stop if you need groceries, gas, or an ATM. From there, it's a straight shot to Pescadero.
Road Conditions:
Highway 19 is fully paved and well-maintained. Occasional speed bumps (topes) appear near towns—slow down or risk a jarring surprise. Watch for livestock, especially at dawn and dusk.
Tips for a Smooth Journey
Download Offline Maps: Cell service can be spotty. Download Google Maps for offline use before leaving the airport.
Bring Cash: Many gas stations, tolls, and roadside vendors don't accept cards. Have pesos on hand.
Stop for Supplies: Stock up on groceries, water, and alcohol in Cabo San Lucas or Todos Santos before reaching Pescadero. Options are limited once you arrive.
Drive Defensively: Mexican driving culture is different. Be patient, watch for pedestrians, and don't assume others will follow traffic laws.
Enjoy the Scenery: This isn't a rush. Pull over at viewpoints, snap photos, buy fresh mango from a roadside stand. The journey is part of the experience.
Check Your Rental Agreement: Ensure your rental includes liability insurance required by Mexican law.
The Bottom Line
Getting from Los Cabos Airport to Pescadero is straightforward, scenic, and worth the hour-long journey. For most travelers, renting a car offers the best combination of freedom, flexibility, and value. If driving isn't your style, private shuttles provide a stress-free alternative.
Whichever option you choose, know this: the moment you leave the airport chaos behind and head north on Highway 19, you'll feel the shift. The pace slows. The landscape opens. And by the time you arrive in Pescadero, you'll understand why this corner of Baja feels like a well-kept secret.
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