The Ultimate Guide to Los Cabos International Airport (SJD)

Welcome to paradise! If you are planning a vacation to the stunning beaches of Baja California Sur, your journey begins at Los Cabos International Airport (IATA code: SJD).

Located just 20 minutes from the historic San José del Cabo and about 40 minutes from the nightlife of Cabo San Lucas, SJD is the sixth-busiest airport in Mexico. However, for first-time visitors, navigating terminals, customs, and the infamous “Shark Tank” can be overwhelming.

This complete guide covers everything you need to know to get from the tarmac to your hotel margarita stress-free.

SJD Airport Terminals: Where Will You Land?

Los Cabos International Airport has two main terminals. Knowing which one you are flying into is crucial for arranging your transportation.

Terminal 2: International Arrivals

If you are flying from the United States or Canada, you will almost certainly land at Terminal 2. This is the newer, modern terminal featuring VIP lounges, Duty-Free shops, and plenty of air conditioning.

• Airlines: American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue, WestJet.

Terminal 1: Domestic & Select International

Terminal 1 primarily serves domestic flights within Mexico, though it occasionally handles some international charters.

• Airlines: Volaris, VivaAerobus, Aeromexico, Magnicharters.

Pro Tip: If you are catching a connecting flight, be aware that Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are not connected by airside walkways. You must take a short taxi or shuttle ride between them.

Step-by-Step Arrival Guide

1. Immigration

Upon landing, you will proceed to immigration. Mexico has been modernizing this process. While physical FMM (tourist card) forms are being phased out for air travelers, always have your valid passport ready.

• Wait times: Can range from 15 minutes to over an hour during peak season (Spring Break and Holidays).

2. Baggage Claim

After clearing immigration, you will enter the baggage claim area. There are free luggage carts available, though porters will expect a tip if they assist you.

3. Customs: The Red/Green Light

Mexico uses a unique random selection system for customs. You will place your bags on a belt and press a button:

• Green Light: You are free to go.

• Red Light: Your bags will be searched by customs officers.

• Note: Do not bring more than $10,000 USD in cash, and be mindful of bringing excessive electronics (like multiple laptops) which may be taxed.

The “Shark Tank”: A Warning for New Travelers

This is the most critical advice for your arrival at Los Cabos International Airport.

After you pass customs, but before you exit the building to the street, you will walk through a hall known locally as the “Shark Tank.”

This area is filled with timeshare salespeople dressed in uniforms that look like official airport staff. They may shout “Taxi?”, “Information?”, or “Free ride?”

• The Rule: Do not stop. Keep walking.

• The Truth: They are not official airport staff; they are selling timeshare presentations.

• The Fix: Smile, say “No gracious,” and keep walking until you see the sunlight and the sliding glass doors leading outside.

Transportation: How to Get to Your Hotel

Once you exit the sliding doors, you are officially in Cabo! Now you need to get to your resort. Here are your options:

1. Private Transportation (Highly Recommended)

For the safest and most seamless experience, pre-booking a private driver is the gold standard. Your driver will greet you outside the terminal holding a sign with your name, offering cold water/beer, and taking you directly to your hotel without stops.

• Why book private? It guarantees your rate, avoids negotiating in Spanish, and ensures you travel in a licensed, insured vehicle.

• Recommendation: Cabosaferide.com offers top-rated private transfers with bilingual drivers.

2. Rental Cars

All major rental agencies (Hertz, Avis, Enterprise) have shuttles that pick you up at the terminal and take you to their off-site lots.

• Warning: Be careful of “low” online rates ($5/ day) as they often require mandatory, expensive Mexican liability insurance upon arrival.

3. Uber and Rideshare

Can Uber pick up at Los Cabos Airport? Technically, no. Due to local regulations, Uber drivers are not allowed to pick up passengers curbside at the terminals.

• To catch an Uber, you must walk with your luggage out of the airport property to the main highway. In the Baja heat, this is rarely worth the savings.

Departure: Tips for Flying Home

• Arrive Early: It is recommended to arrive 3 hours before your international flight. Check-in lines and security can get very long on weekends.

• VIP Lounges: Terminal 2 has an excellent VIP lounge (accessible via Priority Pass) with food and open bar—perfect for waiting out a flight delay.

• Duty-Free: Don’t buy tequila at the resort gift shop! The Duty-Free at SJD offers better prices on premium tequilas like Clase Azul and Don Julio 1942.