Los Cabos

Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) is not just a transit hub, but a true gateway to one of the most picturesque and prestigious regions of Mexico. Located at the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula, it serves as the starting point for journeys along the sunny corridor between the cities of San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. This modern airport welcomes millions of tourists arriving here for the unique experience of the desert meeting the ocean. Being one of the busiest in the country, it offers convenient connections to dozens of cities in North America and Europe.

Los Cabos Airport is well-organised for passenger comfort. It consists of two main terminals: Terminal 1 primarily serves domestic flights, while Terminal 2 handles international destinations. In both terminals, travellers will find all necessary services: from car rental desks and currency exchange points to numerous Duty Free shops, souvenir stalls, restaurants, and VIP lounges for comfortable flight waiting. Thanks to modern infrastructure and clear navigation, the airport ensures a pleasant start and end to your trip, although arriving in advance is recommended during peak season hours due to potential congestion.

If you need to contact representatives of Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), please use the following contact information:

• Official Website: The most up-to-date information on flights, services, and regulations can be found on the airport's official website: aeropuertosgap.com.mx/es/los-cabos
• Help Desk Phone: For immediate information, you can call +52 (624) 146 5111.
• Airport Address: Carretera Transpeninsular Km. 43.5, S/N, 23420 San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur, México.
• Email: For official enquiries, it is recommended to use the contact form available on the airport website in the contacts section.
• Social Media: The airport is part of the GAP group (Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico). News and updates can be tracked on their general social media pages.
• Lost Luggage Information: For questions regarding luggage lost on board the aircraft, please contact your airline directly. If you have lost items within the terminal building, contact the airport's "Lost and Found" service.
• Passenger Support Contacts: The main channel for passenger support is the help desk phone. Many issues can also be resolved via online forms on the website.

Getting to Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) from the resort areas of San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas is quite simple, as the region's transport infrastructure is well-developed and tourist-oriented. The choice of transport depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and desired level of comfort. The trip from the centre of San José del Cabo usually takes about 15–25 minutes, while from the more distant Cabo San Lucas, it takes approximately 40–50 minutes.

The most budget-friendly option is the public bus Ruta del Desierto. This modern air-conditioned bus runs along the entire tourist corridor, connecting the airport, San José del Cabo, and Cabo San Lucas. Stops are located right at the terminals. This is an excellent choice for travellers with light luggage, but bear in mind that the journey may take longer due to numerous stops.

A more comfortable yet still affordable method is the collective transfer (shuttle). Many companies offer passenger transport services in minibuses. You can book a seat online in advance or find a company counter upon arrival at the airport. Shuttles drop tourists off at hotels, making it a convenient compromise between cost and comfort. This option is especially beneficial for solo travellers or couples.

Taxi is the fastest and most convenient, but also the most expensive way to get to the airport. Official taxis can be found at the terminal exits. It is recommended to use the services of authorised carriers and confirm the cost of the trip before it begins, as prices are generally fixed and depend on the destination zone. Ridesharing services (such as Uber) also operate in the region, but their access to pick-up and drop-off zones at the airport may be limited.

For those planning to actively explore the surroundings, the best solution is car rental. Offices of all major international and local rental companies are present at Los Cabos Airport. By booking a car in advance, you can save time and money. If you are travelling to the airport in your own or a rented vehicle, short-term and long-term parking is available in immediate proximity to the terminals.

Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) consists of two main passenger terminals, which are clearly divided by flight type. Terminal 1 serves domestic flights within Mexico, while Terminal 2 is designated for all international flights, including those arriving from the USA, Canada, and other countries. It is important to note that the terminals are located in different buildings at some distance from each other.

Terminal 1 is a more compact and structurally simple building. It serves airlines such as Aeromexico, Volaris, and Viva Aerobus on domestic routes. The check-in and security screening process here is usually faster than in the international terminal. Inside, there is a basic range of services: several cafes, shops, and waiting lounges.

Terminal 2 is significantly larger and more modern, as it receives the main flow of tourists. Immediately after arrival, passengers go through passport control, collect luggage, and pass through customs inspection. The departure area features numerous duty-free shops, restaurants, bars, and VIP lounges. Navigation in Terminal 2 is intuitive, with signs duplicated in English.

Since the terminals are not connected by a covered walkway, transport is required to move between them. If you have a connecting flight from international to domestic (or vice versa), you will need to exit one building and travel to the other by taxi or shuttle. Consider this time when planning your trip, allowing at least 20-30 minutes for the transfer, excluding waiting time.

We recommend arriving at the airport well in advance to complete all formalities. For international flights from Terminal 2, it is better to arrive 2.5–3 hours before departure, especially during peak season. For domestic flights from Terminal 1, 1.5–2 hours is usually sufficient. Carefully check your flight information and terminal number on your ticket to avoid confusion upon arrival at the airport.

The history of Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) is a chronicle of a secluded coastal corner transforming into a global tourism hub. Opened in 1986, the airport was built to serve the growing flow of travellers who had discovered the beauty of the resorts of San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. Initially modest, it quickly became a key element of infrastructure, contributing to the tourism boom in the region.

As the popularity of Los Cabos grew in the 1990s and 2000s, the airport constantly expanded. The original Terminal 1, which eventually focused on domestic flights, was joined by new terminals to serve millions of international guests, mainly from the USA and Canada. Each stage of development was a response to growing demand and a desire to provide world-class service.

A turning point in the airport's history was the devastating Hurricane Odile in September 2014. The elements caused immense damage to the infrastructure, seriously damaging terminals and runways. This event was a true test, but simultaneously a catalyst for large-scale renewal. The subsequent reconstruction was not just a repair, but a complete modernisation.

Today, Los Cabos Airport is a modern and high-tech complex, which is one of the busiest in Mexico in terms of international traffic volume. It has not only recovered from the blow of the elements but has become better, safer, and more efficient. Its history is a vivid example of how an infrastructure facility can not only facilitate regional development but also demonstrate resilience and the capacity for rebirth.

Los Cabos Airport offers passengers a wide range of services, ensuring a comfortable stay while waiting for a flight. The infrastructure is well-developed and distributed across two terminals: Terminal 1 serves mainly domestic flights, and Terminal 2 serves international ones.

For those wishing to have a snack or do some shopping, the airport presents a large selection. You will find restaurants serving Mexican and international cuisine here, as well as popular fast-food chains and cosy coffee shops. In the departure zone, there are Duty-Free shops where one can purchase perfumes, tobacco products, and beverages, as well as souvenir stalls with local crafts, tequila, and sweets — an excellent option for last-minute gifts.

For a more comfortable wait, passengers can utilise the services of VIP Lounges. They offer a secluded atmosphere, complimentary snacks and drinks, press, and comfortable seating. Access to such lounges is usually paid, but may be complimentary for holders of certain bank cards or business class tickets. Wireless internet (Wi-Fi) is available throughout the airport territory, and special stations are equipped for charging gadgets.

It is easy to find ATMs and currency exchange points in the terminals, which is convenient for arriving tourists. In case of unforeseen situations, there is a first aid station at the airport. For travellers with small children, nursing rooms are provided where you can take care of your baby in a quiet environment.

The airport is equipped for passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps, lifts, and specially equipped restrooms. If necessary, assistance services can be booked in advance through your airline. There are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, however, many accommodation options are located a few minutes' drive away; some of them offer guests a complimentary shuttle.

At Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), passengers are offered a decent selection of establishments where one can have a snack or a full meal. Most cafes and restaurants are located in the "airside" zone, i.e., after passing through passport and customs control. Venues exist both in Terminal 1, serving domestic flights, and in Terminal 2, from where international flights depart.

For those short on time, familiar international fast-food chains and coffee shops like Starbucks operate in both terminals, where you can grab a coffee and a sandwich. If you have time before departure, it is worth visiting one of the sit-down restaurants. Often you can find bars here, for example, the Corona Beach Bar, where it is pleasant to enjoy a cold beverage, or restaurants offering both international and local cuisine. This is a great way to spend time comfortably whilst waiting for boarding.

While in Mexico, be sure to take the last opportunity to enjoy authentic food. Look for establishments featuring tacos, burritos, or quesadillas on the menu — this is the ideal farewell lunch. Regarding special dietary needs, vegetarians will find it easy to locate dishes with vegetables, cheese, and beans. For those adhering to a gluten-free diet, the good news is that many Mexican dishes are prepared based on corn tortillas. Nevertheless, it is always better to clarify ingredients with staff. Specialised vegan or Halal establishments may not be available, but it is often possible to arrange for recipe modifications.

It is worth noting that prices for food and drinks at the airport are significantly higher than in the city of San José del Cabo or at the resorts. Most establishments operate on a flexible schedule adjusted to flight timetables — from early morning until late evening. Food courts and coffee shops are ideal for a quick snack, while for a leisurely lunch or dinner, choose restaurants in the departure zone where you can relax before your flight in a calmer setting.

To ensure your journey through Los Cabos Airport goes as smoothly as possible, make use of our tips. This will help save time and stress, making the start or end of your holiday in San José del Cabo more comfortable.

Plan your arrival at the airport in advance. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive 2.5-3 hours before departure, and for domestic ones — 1.5-2 hours. During high season (from December to April), queues for check-in and security screening can be longer, so an extra buffer of time will not hurt. If possible, complete online check-in to save time at the counters.

When choosing a seat on a plane departing from Los Cabos, give preference to a window seat. Depending on the route, you may be treated to stunning views of the desert landscapes of the Baja California peninsula, washed by the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez. This is a wonderful opportunity to take farewell photos.

Hand luggage rules are standard for most international flights. Liquids — only in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. Electronics are usually requested to be taken out and placed in a separate tray during screening. Be careful with souvenirs: fragile ceramics or glass items are best securely packed in checked luggage.

If you have a connecting flight in Los Cabos to a domestic flight within Mexico, note that you will need to pass passport control, collect your luggage, pass customs, and then re-check it for the next flight. Allocate at least two hours between flights for this.

Customs control in Mexico has its own peculiarity. After collecting luggage, you press a button on a special traffic light. If the green light turns on — you pass without inspection. Red light — your luggage will be inspected by a customs officer. This is a random selection system, so be prepared for either outcome.

To save money, book your airport transfer online in advance — this is almost always cheaper than taking a taxi on the spot. Avoid exchanging large sums of currency at the airport, as the rate here is usually less favourable. Bring an empty reusable water bottle with you, which can be filled after passing security screening.

In case of flight delay, first contact your airline representative for information on the new departure time and possible compensation (e.g., meal vouchers). Los Cabos Airport offers several cafes and shops where you can pass the time while waiting.