How to Take the Public Bus From Cabo Airport to Cabo San Lucas

Want to get from the Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) to Cabo San Lucas for a little more than $6 USD?

You can!

There are plenty of ways of getting around Cabo – from Uber and taxis to rental cars and pre-booked transfers. But if you’re looking for the cheapest ride from the airport, the Ruta del Desierto bus wins hands down.

It runs from SJD through San Jose del Cabo and along the Tourist Corridor to Cabo San Lucas, connecting the main towns and resort areas that make up the Los Cabos area.

Is it glamorous? Nope. There’ll be no driver waiting outside the airport holding a sign with your name on it. And it’s the slowest way to get to your hotel.

But it costs way less than a margarita – and it’s safe and surprisingly easy to use.

We’ve ridden Cabo’s public buses many times – to go snorkeling at Santa Maria Beach and to get from Cabo San Lucas to San Jose del Cabo’s Art Walk, for example.

Here’s our guide on everything you need to know about taking the bus to and from the airport – fares, where to catch it at the airport, bus stops and some insider tips to make your ride easier.

The Ruta del Desierto is the inexpensive public bus system running along Highway 1 (the Transpeninsular Highway) between the Los Cabos International Airport, San Jose del Cabo, the Tourist Corridor and Cabo San Lucas.

The buses are easy to spot by their distinctive purple-and-orange colors.

They’re not tourist buses or airport shuttles. They’re regular public transportation – used largely by locals traveling to work, shopping and getting between the different communities of Los Cabos.

You don’t need a reservation or advance ticket. Just show up, hop aboard and pay for your ride.

How much is the bus?

The current airport fare is 110 pesos p.p. (about $6.10 USD), one way. (Ruta del Desierto’s Facebook page still shows the old fare of 100 pesos in the photo above, however.)

The airport fare is the same whether you’re traveling between SJD and San Jose del Cabo, somewhere along the Tourist Corridor or all the way to Cabo San Lucas.

But compare that with the $90 to $115 USD for a taxi to Cabo San Lucas, and you can see why the bus has its fans!

A few payment tips:

• Pay in pesos – We wouldn’t rely on being able to pay in U.S. dollars.
• Bring small bills – That’s better than waving a 500-peso note at the driver and hoping for change.
• Need pesos? – Upon arriving at the international Terminal 2, there’s a Globo Cambio currency exchange counter in the baggage claim area, before Customs. There also a Banamex ATM after Customs.

Where do you catch the bus at the airport?

The Ruta del Desierto serves both airport terminals.

Terminal 2: International flights

If you’re flying internationally into Cabo, you’ll arrive at Terminal 2.

After collecting your bags and clearing Customs:

• Go up one level to Departures – After you pass the gauntlet of timeshare salespeople, take the escalator upstairs from Arrivals to Departures.
• Head outside – Once upstairs, exit the terminal on the Departures level.
• Turn right – The bus stop is along the curb toward the far end of the terminal.

Terminal 1: Domestic flights

If you arrive on a domestic flight, there’s a Ruta del Desierto stop outside Terminal 1.

How often does the airport bus run?

Here’s the “official” information:

• Frequency – Buses run about every 10 minutes, seven days a week.
• Hours – Service runs from 4:45 am to 10:30 pm.

That frequent service is a big plus. You don’t have to worry about waiting a long time for the bus to come.

Still, this is Mexico. Don’t expect Swiss-railway precision.

We once waited almost 30 minutes for a bus along the Tourist Corridor (we probably just missed one), though our waits are normally 10 to 20 minutes.

How long does the airport bus take to Cabo San Lucas?

Allow roughly 60 to 90 minutes to travel from SJD airport to Cabo San Lucas.

By comparison, driving directly from the airport to Cabo San Lucas usually takes 40 to 45 minutes in normal traffic.

Two things can stretch out the bus ride:

• Traffic – Heavy traffic can slow things down, and Highway 1 is busy.
• Stops – This isn’t an express airport shuttle. It’s a public bus, picking up and dropping off passengers along the way.

You’re saving a bundle by taking the bus – but paying for it with a little of your vacation time.

Where does the Ruta del Desierto stop?

The main southbound route starts at Santa Anita (a small town north of the airport). From there, the bus stops at SJD airport, runs through San Jose del Cabo (with stops serving downtown, the Fonatur area and the Hotel Zone). It then continues toward Palmilla and along the Tourist Corridor to Cabo San Lucas.

Some of the most useful areas and stops for visitors include:

• SJD airport
• San Jose del Cabo – Including Centro and the Fonatur area
• Costa Azul
• Palmilla
• Cerro Colorado
• Cabo Real
• Chileno
• Las Viudas
• Cabo del Sol
• El Tezal
• Medano
• Marina/Centro Cabo San Lucas
• Plaza Patio/Soriana

Along the way, the bus passes near many hotels and resorts, including Hyatt Place Los Cabos, Krystal Grand, Hilton Los Cabos and inexpensive Cabo San Lucas hotels like the Fairfield Inn.

Main bus stops in town

San Jose del Cabo

To get off in San Jose del Cabo, southbound stops include one near Tacos Rossy and another in front of the Chedraui Selecto grocery store.

Cabo San Lucas

When coming from the airport, get off on Blvd. Lazaro Cardenas (across from the Puerto Paraiso mall) for downtown Cabo San Lucas and the marina.

Will the bus drop you at your hotel?

Maybe close. But probably not at the front door.

The Ruta del Desierto largely sticks to Highway 1. Many Tourist Corridor resorts are set back from the highway or down access roads, while hotels in Cabo San Lucas may be some distance from the bus stop.

That means you may have to walk for the final leg.

Check your hotel’s location before hopping on the bus. Saving money loses some of its charm when you discover you have to drag a 50-lb suitcase down a dusty road in the midday sun.

Taking the bus back from Cabo San Lucas to Cabo airport

Yes, you can take the Ruta del Desierto back to SJD too.

In Cabo San Lucas, catch a northbound bus heading toward San Jose del Cabo and the airport.

• Where to catch the bus – The main northbound bus stop is near Puerto Paraiso mall on the Transpeninsular Highway (Highway 1).
• What to tell the driver – Tell the driver you’re going to the aeropuerto so there’s no ambiguity about where you’re headed.
• How much time to allow – We’d budget at least 90 minutes for the bus journey itself when heading to SJD – possibly more during busy traffic periods – plus the amount of advance airport check-in time recommended by your airline.

Are the buses air-conditioned and comfortable?

Now for the reality check.

Some buses are newer and air-conditioned.

Others are, frankly, a little shabby, with open windows and plenty of wear-and-tear. We’ve even ridden one where the back door stayed open, flapping, the whole time as we trundled along.

They’re reasonably comfortable, though, if you manage to get a seat.

And if you’re lucky, you might even get some live entertainment. On one trip, a freelance guitarist hopped aboard and strummed a few tunes. How fun is that!

Afterward, he passed around his hat for tips, and most locals happily tossed in a few pesos. Then he jumped off – presumably to catch another bus and put on another mini concert.

Is the public bus in Cabo safe?

We’ve always felt safe riding the Ruta del Desierto.

That said, use the same common sense you would on public transportation anywhere. Keep your phone, wallet and passport secure, and keep an eye on your luggage.

If you arrive very late at night, have lots of luggage or simply don’t feel comfortable navigating public transportation in an unfamiliar place, an airport shuttle or private transfer will be easier.

Riding the bus between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo

You can also use the Ruta del Desierto for getting around once you’re settled into your hotel.

The latest 2026 fares depend on how far you travel:

• Local trip – 16 pesos
• Tourist Corridor trip – 38 pesos
• Longer trip between the two towns – 49 pesos

Even the longer ride between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo at 49 pesos costs only about $2.70 USD.

You’ll find designated bus stops along the route, some with benches and covered shelters.

But we’ve also found the buses are pretty good about stopping if you’re between stops and wave one down.

Tell the driver your destination when you board, especially if you’re heading to a beach or resort along the Tourist Corridor.

Who is the Cabo airport bus best for?

The Ruta del Desierto makes the most sense if you’re:

• Traveling on a budget – At 110 pesos, it’s tough to beat.
• Traveling solo – The savings compared with paying for a whole taxi or private vehicle can be substantial.
• Packing light – A carry-on is a whole lot easier to manage than three monster suitcases.
• Not in a rush – Stops and traffic are part of the deal.
• Comfortable with public transportation – There’s a little more figuring-it-out involved than climbing into a pre-booked shuttle.
• Up for a mini-adventure – You’ll see a more local side of Los Cabos along the way.

We’d be less enthusiastic about it if you have mobility issues, young children, lots of luggage or a hotel that’s not close to the bus route.

Is the bus from Los Cabos airport to Cabo San Lucas really the best deal?

On price alone? Absolutely. At just over $6 USD, the Ruta del Desierto is the cheapest way to get from SJD to Cabo San Lucas.

But there’s another option worth considering – and it’s one of our top tips when visiting Cabo. Book your airport transportation with one of Cabo’s excellent transfer companies. That’s what we do.

Private transfers

Prefer a private direct ride?

Here’s a one-way airport transfer to Cabo San Lucas for $70 for up to 5 passengers. See details in our guide to the best Cabo airport transfers.

More choices

And for all your other options – including Uber, taxis and rental cars – see our complete guide on how to get around Cabo.

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