SJD Airport

December 4, 2025 By Los Cabos SJD, SJD Airport Comments Off
Map of SJD Airport Terminal 2 arrivals area.

The Ultimate Traveler’s Guide to SJD Airport (Los Cabos International Airport)

Flying to paradise? Your journey starts at SJD Airport (Los Cabos International Airport). Located just outside San José del Cabo, SJD is the primary gateway for travelers visiting Cabo San Lucas, the Corridor, and San José.

While landing in Baja is exciting, navigating a foreign airport can be stressful. From clearing immigration to avoiding the infamous “Shark Tank” of timeshare sellers, this guide covers everything you need to know to get from the tarmac to your hotel with a margarita in hand.

What is SJD Airport? SJD stands for San José del Cabo, the airport code for the main international hub serving the Los Cabos region. It is officially named Los Cabos International Airport.

  • Location: San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico.

  • Distance to San José del Cabo: ~20 minutes.

  • Distance to Cabo San Lucas: ~40–50 minutes.

Navigating the Terminals: Terminal 1 vs. Terminal 2 One of the most common questions travelers ask is: “Which terminal will I arrive at?”

  • Terminal 1: Generally, handles domestic flights within Mexico (Volaris, Viva Aerobus, Aero México).

  • Terminal 2: This is the International Terminal. If you are flying from the USA or Canada (American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, WestJet), you will almost certainly arrive here.

The Arrival Process: Step-by-Step

1. Immigration (Passport Control) Upon landing, you will proceed to immigration. Mexico has modernized this process significantly. Many travelers from the US and Canada can now use the automated e-gates (E-Gates) for faster entry. Have your passport ready.

2. Baggage Claim After passport control, follow the signs to the baggage claim carousels. Screens will indicate which carousel is assigned to your flight.

3. Customs Inspection Grab your bags and head toward the exit. You may be asked to press a button on a traffic light system (Red/Green light) or pass your bags through a final x-ray scanner. This is a standard procedure to check for prohibited items.

WARNING: Surviving “The Shark Tank” > Pro Tip: This is the most critical part of your arrival at SJD Airport.

After you pass customs, but before you exit the building, you will walk through a hall filled with counters and aggressive salespeople. This area is locally known as “The Shark Tank.”

These individuals will offer you “free taxis,” “discounted tours,” or ask for “transportation validation.” They are timeshare salespeople.

  • Do not stop.

  • Do not show your voucher.

  • Keep walking until you exit the sliding glass doors to the outside.

  • Your official driver is waiting outside the building, not inside.

SJD Airport Transportation Options Once you are outside the sliding glass doors, you need a reliable way to get to your resort.

1. Private Transportation (Recommended) Pre-booking a private SUV or van is the highest-rated option for safety and speed. You avoid lines, get a set price, and your driver greets you with a sign.

2. Rental Cars All major car rental agencies have shuttles circulating SJD Airport. Note that mandatory Mexican liability insurance can significantly increase the price quoted online.

3. Taxis Airport taxis are available, but they can be expensive compared to pre-booked services and pricing varies based on the zone of your hotel.

4. Uber/Rideshare Important: Uber is generally not allowed to pick up curbside at the arrival’s terminal due to local regulations. You may have to walk with your luggage to the main highway to catch a rideshare, which is not recommended in the heat.

Departing SJD: What to Expect When it is time to go home, plan to arrive at the airport 3 hours before your flight. SJD is a busy airport, and security lines can be long during peak season (November–April).

  • VIP Lounges: SJD offers VIP lounges in both terminals (Priority Pass is widely accepted) with food, drinks, and Wi-Fi.

  • Shopping: There is a wide duty-free section for tequila and souvenirs.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about SJD Airport

  • Is SJD Airport safe? Yes, it is a modern, high-security international airport.

  • Can I pay with US Dollars at the airport? Yes, USD is accepted almost everywhere inside the airport, though the exchange rate may not be favorable.

  • Is there Wi-Fi? Yes, free Wi-Fi is available, though it can be spotty. It is best to arrange your transportation before you land.