Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) has three passenger terminals. Almost all flights from the US and Canada land at Terminal 2, the main international terminal. After deplaning you clear immigration, collect bags, pass customs, then walk out past a row of timeshare and vendor booths to the official meeting area, where a prearranged driver waits with your name. The whole arrival process takes 30-60 minutes.
Which terminal will I arrive at?
SJD (Aeropuerto Internacional de Los Cabos) sits about 13 km north of San José del Cabo and serves the entire Los Cabos corridor. It is not a single building — it has separate terminals connected by a short shuttle/walk. Knowing where you land matters mostly for where your driver meets you, because each terminal has its own arrivals exit.
| Terminal | Primarily handles | Most travelers |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal 2 (T2) | International flights — US, Canada, most legacy carriers | This is where the large majority of arriving tourists land |
| Terminal 1 (T1) | Domestic + some international/charter flights | Mexican-domestic connections and select carriers |
| Terminal 3 (T3) | Additional international + charter / seasonal carriers | Some US charters and overflow international |
The SJD arrival process, step by step
For first-time visitors the arrivals flow at SJD is the most stressful part of the trip — not because it is hard, but because the exit funnels you through an aggressive sales gauntlet. Here is exactly what happens, in order:
- Deplane and follow the "Migración / Immigration" signs. Have your passport ready; Mexico no longer issues paper FMM tourist cards at most SJD lines — the entry stamp is electronic, but keep any QR/confirmation handy.
- Clear immigration. Lines move faster at T2 than they used to, but a peak-arrival bank of flights can mean 20-40 minutes. Families and travelers with reduced mobility can ask staff for priority lanes.
- Collect your checked bags at baggage claim. Free luggage carts are usually available.
- Pass through customs (Aduana). You press a button at the "semáforo" — green means walk through, red means a quick random bag inspection. Most travelers get green.
- Walk out into arrivals. This is the gauntlet: rows of booths with people in branded shirts calling out, sometimes by your name, offering "free rides," "transportation," or "information." Most are timeshare presentations disguised as transport desks.
- Keep walking to the official meeting area outside the terminal, where your prearranged driver waits with a sign. Do not stop at the indoor booths.
Where do I meet my driver?
Prearranged private transfers meet you just outside the terminal doors, past the vendor area, in the designated transportation pickup zone. When you book with us, your confirmation includes the exact meeting instructions for your terminal, the driver carries a sign with your name, and we share a WhatsApp contact so you can message the moment you clear customs. Because we track your flight, the driver is already in position if you land early or late.
How long is the transfer from SJD to my hotel?
SJD is at the northern end of the corridor, so San José del Cabo is the closest zone and Cabo San Lucas / the Pacific side is the farthest. Approximate private-transfer drive times (no shuttle stops):
| Destination zone | Drive time | From price (van, 2-4 pax) |
|---|---|---|
| San José del Cabo | 20-30 min | from $84 USD |
| Puerto Los Cabos | 25-35 min | from $84 USD |
| Tourist Corridor | 30-40 min | from $92 USD |
| Cabo San Lucas | 40-50 min | from $107 USD |
| Pacífico / Quivira | 45-55 min | from $115 USD |
| Todos Santos | 60-75 min | from $169 USD |
A shared shuttle to the same zones takes longer — typically 15-60 extra minutes of waiting plus 2-4 drop-off stops before you reach your hotel. For families, early arrivals, or anyone who wants to go straight to the resort, a private transfer is the time saver.
Terminal amenities and practical tips
- ATMs and currency exchange: available, but airport exchange rates are poor. Withdraw pesos from an ATM in town or simply pay USD — most transfers and tips are quoted in dollars.
- SIM cards / connectivity: free terminal Wi-Fi works for messaging your driver. Telcel/AT&T SIM kiosks exist but an eSIM bought before you fly is cheaper and faster.
- Food and restrooms: both terminals have cafés, restrooms, and convenience shops past security on departure; arrivals options are limited, so plan to eat after you reach your hotel.
- Restrooms before you exit: use them inside — the curbside meeting area has none nearby.
- Stroller / car seat: Mexican law requires child seats for young children. Prearranged transfers can include car seats on request; taxis at the curb usually cannot.
Departing from SJD — how early to arrive
For international departures (the T2/T3 flights back to the US and Canada), arrive 3 hours before your flight. SJD security and the airline check-in lines back up sharply mid-morning when several US flights leave together. Booking a round-trip transfer locks in your return pickup time based on your flight, and we build in the corridor drive time so you reach the terminal with the right buffer.
