Airport Parking Rates in Los Cabos: Options Guide
Nobody flies to Cabo to think about airport parking. But if you're driving to SJD (Los Cabos International Airport) or renting a car and need to drop it somewhere, you'll want to know what you're dealing with before you show up and get hit with a surprise bill. Here's the straightforward breakdown.
The Airport Parking Situation at SJD
Los Cabos International Airport has one main parking structure serving both Terminal 1 (domestic flights) and Terminal 2 (international flights). It's located between the two terminals, a short covered walkway to either one. The lot is open-air with a covered upper level. Security is decent, there are cameras and a staffed booth, but don't leave valuables visible in your car. This is common sense anywhere in Mexico.
Current Rates
- First hour: Around 50 MXN (~$3 USD)
- Each additional hour: 30-40 MXN (~$2 USD)
- 24-hour rate: 250-300 MXN (~$15-18 USD)
- Weekly rate: Approximately 1,500-1,800 MXN (~$90-110 USD)
These rates fluctuate, and they're posted at the entrance booth. Pay when you exit, cash (pesos) or credit card accepted. Keep your ticket, losing it means paying the maximum daily rate.
The Honest Assessment
Airport parking at SJD is cheap by American standards. A week of parking here costs less than two days at LAX or JFK. The lot fills up during peak season (December through March), especially around Christmas and spring break. If you're flying out on a Saturday morning in February, arrive 30 minutes earlier than you normally would.
The lot is not fancy. It's functional. The pavement gets hot. There's no valet service. But it works, and it's secure enough for a rental car or your own vehicle.
Better Alternatives to Airport Parking
Here's what most savvy Cabo visitors actually do instead of parking at the airport:
Private Airport Transfer
A private SUV transfer from your hotel or villa to the airport runs $80-120 one way. For a family of four, that's $20-30 per person for door-to-door service with AC, cold water, and a driver who knows the fastest route. No parking, no shuttle bus, no dragging luggage across a hot parking lot. If you're staying at a private villa, most concierge teams can arrange this for you.
Shared Shuttle
Shared shuttles from the airport to the hotel zone run $15-25 per person. They make multiple stops, so it takes longer (45-60 minutes to Cabo San Lucas versus 30 minutes direct), but the price is hard to argue with. Book in advance through your resort or a reputable operator.
Rental Car Drop-Off
If you rented a car in Cabo and are returning it at the airport, all major rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Budget, National, Alamo) have counters at SJD. Some require you to park in the main lot and walk to the counter; others have their own small lot adjacent to the terminals. Confirm with your rental company before you drive out there. Gas stations on the highway to the airport are easy to find. Fill up before you return the car, the rental company fuel surcharge is brutal.
If You're a Cabo Resident or Frequent Visitor
Some locals who fly out regularly keep a beater car at the airport lot. At $15-18/day, a week-long business trip runs about $110 for parking. Cheaper than a round-trip private transfer, and you have wheels when you land. The risk is cosmetic damage from other cars in a crowded lot, and the Baja sun destroying your dashboard over time. Use a windshield shade.
Getting to the Airport: Timing
From downtown Cabo San Lucas, the airport is about 30-40 minutes without traffic. From San Jose del Cabo, it's 15-20 minutes. From the Corridor resorts (Chileno Bay, Montage, Zadun), it's 20-30 minutes. During peak season, add 15 minutes to all of those estimates. The highway between Cabo and the airport is a single road with no real alternate routes, so when it backs up, everyone sits.
For international flights, arrive 2.5-3 hours before departure. The security lines at Terminal 2 can be slow, and the immigration process (getting your exit stamp) adds time. For domestic flights in Terminal 1, 1.5-2 hours is sufficient.
Inside the Airport
Terminal 2 (where you'll be if flying to the US or Canada) has been renovated and is decent. There's a duty-free shop, a few restaurants, and VIP lounges available for $35-50 or through Priority Pass. The food is airport-grade; eat before you come. The tequila and mezcal selection at duty-free is actually good and cheaper than buying in the US.
Terminal 1 is smaller, more basic, and fine for what it is.
The Bottom Line
Airport parking at SJD is inexpensive and functional. But unless you genuinely need a car for your entire trip (and most Cabo visitors don't), you're better off with a private transfer and using taxis or your hotel's shuttle service during your stay. The roads in Cabo can be confusing, parking in downtown is a hassle, and the money you save on not renting a car can go toward a yacht charter or dinner at Manta instead.
Need airport transfers or transportation during your trip? Our concierge team arranges private SUV transfers, day drivers, and full-trip transportation. Get in touch.
