Los Cabos taxi sindicato rates from SJD in 2026: $65-85 USD to San José del Cabo, $75-95 to Tourist Corridor, $90-115 to Cabo San Lucas (Zone 4). Rates are official, zone-based, and paid at the airport kiosk in cash (USD or Pesos). Licensed private transfers (like ours) sit at or below these rates with flight tracking and child seats included.
How do SJD airport taxi rates work?
SJD operates a strict zone-based pricing system. The airport is divided into 4 zones radiating outward; each zone has a published flat rate that is reviewed annually by the taxi sindicato (union) and the airport operator (GAP). You pay at a kiosk inside arrivals before stepping outside, receive a printed ticket, and a dispatcher walks you to your assigned driver at the curb.
| Zone | Coverage | Standard rate (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | San José del Cabo (Centro, Zona Hotelera, Playa Hotelera) | $65-85 |
| Zone 2 | Puerto Los Cabos, eastern Tourist Corridor | $70-90 |
| Zone 3 | Tourist Corridor (Cabo Del Sol, Costa Palmilla, mid-corridor) | $75-95 |
| Zone 4 | Cabo San Lucas downtown + Médano Beach | $90-115 |
| Zone 4+ | Pacífico-side (Quivira, Pacifica, Solmar Land's End) | $110-130 |
| Outside zones | Todos Santos, East Cape, Pacífico north | Quote on request |
Sindicato vs private transfer — side-by-side
Licensed private transfer companies (us included) operate under the same airport license framework. Our rates align with or sit slightly below sindicato rates for the same route — the savings show up in convenience and included items (flight tracking, child seats, no cash, English driver).
| Route | Sindicato rate | Our rate | What's included |
|---|---|---|---|
| SJD → San José del Cabo | $65-85 | $84 | Flight tracking, water, child seats |
| SJD → Tourist Corridor | $75-95 | $92 | Flight tracking, water, child seats |
| SJD → Costa Palmilla | $80-100 | $95 | Flight tracking, water, child seats |
| SJD → Cabo San Lucas | $90-115 | $107 | Flight tracking, water, child seats |
| SJD → Pacífico | $110-130 | $123 | Flight tracking, water, child seats |
| SJD → Todos Santos | Quote on request | Quote on request | Custom quote via WhatsApp |
Where does each option win?
Sindicato wins when
- You did not prearrange anything and walked out of customs unprepared.
- You have cash USD or Pesos and prefer to settle on the spot.
- Your destination is downtown Cabo San Lucas or San José del Cabo (simple routes).
- You are flexible on departure time and English is not a concern.
Private transfer (us) wins when
- Your hotel is inside a gated community (Puerto Los Cabos, Quivira, Diamante).
- You are traveling with kids and need car seats.
- Your arrival flight risks delays and you want flight tracking.
- You prefer one all-inclusive price with no cash needed.
- You want an English-speaking driver.
- You want a same driver round-trip on departure.
What about Uber for airport transfers?
Uber is legally banned for SJD airport pickups and drop-offs (Mexican Supreme Court 2026). Drivers caught accepting the route face $2,500 USD fines and vehicle confiscation. Read the full breakdown in our Uber vs airport transportation guide.
How to use the sindicato kiosk if you go that route
- After Immigration and Customs, look for the kiosks labeled "Taxi" or "Transportación" inside the arrivals hall (not outside).
- Tell the cashier your hotel name and party size. They quote the rate.
- Pay in cash (USD or Pesos). Cards are sometimes accepted but unreliable; bring cash.
- Take the printed ticket and follow the dispatcher to your assigned driver at the curb.
- Confirm your hotel + drop-off zone with the driver before pulling away.
