Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) is the only commercial airport serving Cabo, about 45 minutes from Cabo San Lucas and 15 minutes from San José del Cabo. It has four terminals — T1 and T4 for international flights, T2 and T3 for domestic. Expect immigration lines during peak arrivals, a random customs button, and timeshare promoters in the arrivals hall you should ignore.
Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) — officially known as Aeropuerto Internacional de Los Cabos — is the gateway for almost every visitor to Cabo. It's Mexico's seventh-busiest airport, handling 6+ million passengers a year, with direct flights from major US and Canadian cities. The airport is well-organized and modern, but it has quirks: four terminals, separate immigration and customs lines, aggressive timeshare promoters in the arrivals hall, and a 45-minute drive to Cabo San Lucas. This guide walks you through arrival, departure, and everything between.
Terminals at SJD
SJD has four terminals. Terminal 1 handles most international flights from the US and Canada — airlines like Alaska, American, Delta, United, and Southwest use T1. Terminal 2 serves domestic Mexican flights (Aeroméxico, Volaris, Viva Aerobus). Terminal 3 is the newest, handling some international flights and private aviation. Terminal 4 opened in 2022 and serves additional international carriers. Your airline's terminal matters for both arrival and departure — confirm before you travel, since walking between terminals isn't always practical. All terminals have ATMs, currency exchange, restaurants, and duty-free (post-security). T1 and T4 are the terminals most US travelers see, with familiar fast-casual restaurants, bars, and shops post-security. Pre-security amenities are limited, so eat and shop after clearing security. Free WiFi is available throughout the airport. Lounges are limited; some premium credit cards and Priority Pass memberships get you access.
Arrival: Immigration & Customs
After deplaning, follow signs to Migración (immigration). Lines can move slowly during peak arrival windows when several long-haul flights land close together, especially on weekends and during high season. Have your passport and customs declaration form ready. The immigration officer may ask the purpose of your visit, how long you're staying, and where you're staying — answers should match your form. Mexico has phased out the paper FMM at major airports, replacing it with a digital record tied to your passport stamp. After immigration, collect your bags and proceed to customs. Mexico uses a random red and green button system: press the button, and a green light means you walk through, while a red light means a brief bag inspection. The whole process typically takes 30-90 minutes depending on lines. Travelers with Global Entry or Mexico's Viajero Confiable can use expedited lanes. Have a pen for filling out forms, and keep your passport accessible.
The Arrivals Hall & Timeshare Promoters
Once you clear customs, you exit into the arrivals hall — and the gauntlet begins. The arrivals hall at SJD is lined with booths staffed by aggressive timeshare promoters offering "free" airport transfers, excursions, and meal discounts in exchange for a "short presentation." They're not airport staff, and the presentations are high-pressure sales pitches that can last hours. They often wear official-looking lanyards and use your name from a passenger list. The only correct response is a polite but firm "no, gracias" without stopping. Keep walking. Don't give them your hotel name, your flight details, or your contact information. If you have a pre-booked shuttle, the legitimate company will have a representative with a sign outside the terminal — push through the timeshare gauntlet to find them. The official taxi kiosk and licensed rental car desks are also outside the timeshare zone. Never accept a "free" ride from someone who approaches you in the arrivals hall — they're timeshare salespeople, not drivers.
Getting to Your Hotel
SJD is about 45 minutes from Cabo San Lucas and 15 minutes from San José del Cabo. Pre-booked shared shuttles run $15-25 per person and make multiple hotel stops — convenient but slow. Private transfers run $70-120 for up to 8 passengers and go directly to your hotel; pre-book online for the best rates. Official airport taxis charge $80-100 to Cabo San Lucas and $35-50 to San José — expensive but reliable. Rideshare (Uber, DiDi) pickups aren't permitted at SJD due to agreements with the taxi union, so don't count on Uber from the airport. Rental car desks for major brands (Hertz, Avis, Budget, National, Alamo) are in the arrivals hall; book ahead and decline pressure tactics on insurance. For the return trip, schedule your shuttle pickup 3-4 hours before an international departure to account for traffic and check-in lines. Most resorts can arrange return transfers if you didn't pre-book round-trip.
Departure: Check-in & Security
When you fly out of SJD, the departure process reverses the arrival. Arrive at the airport at least two to three hours before international departures — check-in and security lines can stretch during high season, Spring Break, and holiday weekends. Confirm your terminal before you head over, since airlines use different terminals and walking between them isn't always practical. Mexico no longer runs a separate immigration check on departure at most airports, so you'll go straight from check-in to security. After security, you'll find duty-free shopping, restaurants, bars, and limited lounges. Terminal amenities vary, with T1 and T4 having the most options for US-bound travelers. Free WiFi is available throughout. Keep your passport accessible through check-in, and double-check that you have all documents before boarding. If you have a late afternoon or evening flight, most resorts offer late checkout for a fee, or you can use the resort pool and beach areas for the day. Bring snacks — post-security food options are limited in some terminals.
FAQ
How far is Los Cabos airport from Cabo San Lucas?
About 45 minutes by car, depending on traffic. San José del Cabo is only 15 minutes from the airport. Pre-booked shared shuttles ($15-25 per person) and private transfers ($70-120) are the most reliable ways to your hotel.
How many terminals does SJD have?
Four — Terminal 1 handles most international flights from the US and Canada, Terminal 2 serves domestic Mexican flights, Terminal 3 handles some international and private aviation, and Terminal 4 (opened 2022) serves additional international carriers. Confirm your airline's terminal before travel.
Can I use Uber at Los Cabos airport?
No. Rideshare pickups at SJD aren't permitted due to agreements with the taxi union. Pre-book a shuttle, take an official airport taxi, or rent a car. From your hotel back to the airport, Uber and DiDi work fine.
How early should I arrive at SJD for my flight home?
At least two to three hours before international departures, especially during high season, Spring Break, and holiday weekends. Check-in and security lines can stretch. Mexico doesn't run a separate immigration check on departure at most airports.
Should I trust the people offering free rides at the airport?
No. They're timeshare promoters, not airport staff. They offer "free" transfers and excursions in exchange for a high-pressure sales presentation that can last hours. Keep walking, say "no, gracias" firmly, and find your pre-booked shuttle outside the terminal.
Does SJD have lounges?
Yes, but limited. Some premium credit cards (Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve) and Priority Pass memberships get you access. Check your benefits before travel. Terminal amenities vary, with T1 and T4 having the most options for US-bound travelers.
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