Los Cabos International Airport

Welcome

Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) is notorious for its bustling timeshare and ground-transport hustle encountered between customs and the exit. Yet, for those in the know, it offers a slice of tranquility amidst the chaos with its polished VIP lounges that rival those found in larger airports. Savvy travelers who sidestep the aggressive sales and pre-book their transport can transform what could be a stressful experience into a smooth, even premium, pre-flight vibe, especially when retreating to the refuge of the VIP Lounge.

At a glance

Handling over 7.4 million passengers annually, SJD has two terminals catering to numerous international and domestic flights. Conveniently located just 11 km from San José del Cabo, the airport serves airlines like Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and United Airlines. Though it has no hub status, SJD is an essential portal to the sun, sand, and sea that Baja California Sur is famous for.

Terminals & layout

The airport's layout is split into Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, each serving distinct geographic routes and airlines. Terminal 1 sees flights primarily from Alaska, American, and United Airlines, while Terminal 2 is the domain for Delta and Southwest. Terminal 2 features eight gates, centralized near the food court and lounge access, making the terminal feel hectic during peak travel times. Finding the VIP Lounge here involves spotting an elevator near the food court taking you to a quieter space above the fray.

Getting to and from the city

Transport from SJD into San José del Cabo offers a range of options. Taxis can take you there in 20-36 minutes, costing between $1,309 and $1,785 MXN per trip, while a more economical choice might be the Ruta del Desierto bus for just 80-100 pesos. Shared shuttles like SuperShuttle Los Cabos balance time and cost effectively, covering the distance in about 35-40 minutes. With rideshare apps like Uber going for about 350 pesos, pre-booking your ride can help you avoid the infamous sales gauntlet at the exit.

Traveller essentials

Money-savvy travelers can park at the Los Cabos Airport Parking Lot for $215 MXN per day, with both on-site and off-site options available. For comfort, dining prior to your flight at places like Carl's Jr, located in both terminals, keeps the hunger at bay. And if a little last-minute shopping is needed, choices abound at shops such as Cabo Wabo and Los Cabos Duty Free in Terminal 1.

Dining & shopping highlights

With 20 restaurants across both terminals, the offerings cater to all tastes. Terminal 2 hosts a major concentration, with options like California Pizza Kitchen and Mariscos El Torito providing respite from travel-induced hunger. Grab a coffee from Starbucks whether in Terminal 1 or 2. Shopping enthusiasts will find plenty to explore, with Pandora and Swarovski in Terminal 2 offering tax-free retail therapy.

Lounges

The VIP Lounges at Los Cabos International provide an oasis for weary travelers. Both terminals feature lounges with access options ranging from credit card perks to a $800 MXN walk-up fee. Terminal 2's lounge comes with better tarmac views and often less hectic than the concourse below. Here, Wi-Fi runs smoothly, and the setting is likened to a resort lobby, with light bites and drinks to recharge while you wait.

Insider tips

• Insider: Pre-book your airport transfer and breeze past the infamous gauntlet of timeshare pitchmen in the arrivals area.
• Local: In Terminal 2, look for an elevator near the food court that leads to the VIP lounge mezzanine—it’s easy to miss but worth finding.
• Money: Use a Priority Pass or credit card perks for entry to the VIP lounges, saving you from the typical $40-60 USD access fee.
• Quiet: The VIP Lounge at Terminal 2 provides a respite with dim lighting and quieter ambiance compared to the packed gates downstairs.
• Time: During U.S. and Canada departures, use the Terminal 2 lounge to escape the main terminal's crowds before catching your flight.
• Insider: Lounge users can typically exceed the usual three-drink limit if the space isn't busy—be polite and discreet.
• Time: Lounges often shut by 18:00, so plan accordingly if your flight departs late in the evening.