Getting Around Los Cabos:
The Honest Tourist Transportation Guide

The most common mistake tourists make is assuming they can grab an Uber curbside at Los Cabos International Airport (SJD). They cannot. Due to union regulations, Ubers are banned from picking up at the terminal (though, it will drop you off there—no problem!)
The workaround is to walk to nearest OXXO shop you see on your maps app and order an Uber from there. However, rules change, so this may become a non-option at any given day, so always check.

For solo travelers trying to minimize spending at all costs, there is the "Ruta del Desierto" bus (purple and orange). It costs roughly $4–$5 USD (80-85 Pesos).

The Warning: This is not a comfortable tourist experience. It is "survivor mode" travel.

• Conditions: The AC is frequently broken, the bus is often overcrowded (standing room only), and drivers are known for aggressive, fast driving.
• The "Last Mile" Problem: The bus only drops you at highway stops. You will likely be dropped on the side of a dusty road with your luggage, requiring a long walk or a separate taxi to actually reach your hotel lobby or Airbnb.
• Verdict: Only recommended if you are young, fit, traveling light, and on a strict shoestring budget.

Renting a car gives you freedom, but the local industry is notorious for hidden fees. Follow these rules to avoid the dreaded "Insurance Scam."

Always book online through major aggregators like Expedia or well-known international brands.

• Airport vs. Downtown: Choose a rental agency at the Airport. Airport agents generally have more inventory and are less aggressive with upselling than the agents in downtown Cabo San Lucas.
• The "US Site" Trick: If possible, book using the American version of the rental site (e.g., Expedia.com vs Expedia.mx). The prices and insurance inclusions are often clearer and cheaper on the US version.
• Logistics: Most rental lots are just outside the airport. If you have a confirmed reservation, the company provides a free shuttle from the terminal to their lot.

Mexican law requires Third Party Liability (TPL) insurance. This is where the scams happen. Agents at the counter often claim your online booking doesn't include it and try to force you to buy expensive daily coverage.

Your Game Plan:

1. Book Coverage Online: When booking, select the desired coverage option that explicitly states it satisfies local requirements.
2. Do Not Budge: If the agent claims your insurance isn't valid, they are likely lying to earn a commission.
3. The "Supervisor Script": If they refuse to honor the price, calmly ask to talk to a supervisor, and contact Expedia (other company you used to book) right away. A magic word "PROFECO" may work as well. PROFECO is Mexico's federal consumer protection agency—essentially like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), but with the legal power to fine businesses and enforce your rights if you get ripped off. It is the only thing that dishonest companies and workers are afraid of in Mexico, and often will help to resolve issue at the spot if you act like you know local laws and that you will make a claim about them to PROFECO.
4. The Result: Usually, once they realize you know the game and are willing to involve corporate support, they will "suddenly" find a way to honor your original price.

Once you are settled at your hotel, the rules regarding rideshare apps change.

Inside the towns of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, Uber is legal, safe, and significantly cheaper than taxis (often 60% less).

Many resorts and hotels won't allow Uber to pick you up, and will insist on using their taxi service. The workaround it is simply walk passed the lobby to the main entrance and order Uber right after you exit hotel gates. However, some hotels (Nobu for example) have their security booth a few miles away from their actual hotel entrance, so choose wisely if you plan to venture from your hotel premises often and don't want to spend a fortune on their taxi.

Important for Night & Remote Areas: Buses do not run at night. If you are staying at a remote resort along the Pacific Coast or the Tourist Corridor, getting an Uber on-demand can be difficult due to a lack of nearby drivers.

• The Fix: Use the "Schedule a Ride" feature in the Uber app. Drivers rarely cancel scheduled pickups, ensuring you aren't stranded after a late dinner (or even during the day—trust me, they do not like to go to pick you up to remote locations and I've seen people panicking because they needed a ride for scheduled activity or even their flight but no driver could be found).

Is Uber safe?—yes, Uber is safe to use in Cabo. I always recommend my clients for Cabo sunset beach photo sessions to use Uber. Just make sure that you chose the pick up spot at the maps correctly because many drivers don't speak and English, so it may difficult to provide them with any additional info/clarifications.

You may see smaller, older buses (colectivos) winding through the backstreets.

Avoid These: These operate on complex, unwritten local routes. Unless you speak fluent Spanish and understand the local neighborhood geography, it is nearly impossible to use them effectively. Stick to Uber or the main highway bus.