Uber At Cabo Airport
Uber and other rideshare services have made our travel lives easier. For award travelers, we can earn extra points on transportation or even offset the cost with certain credit card perks. In some countries, however, rideshare services are not available for pick-up at airports. One such instance of this has been the case in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. On my most recent trip though, it is possible to get an Uber at Cabo airport, sort of.
Cabo Airport's History With Uber
Like some other international areas, getting an Uber at Cabo airport has not been allowed for pick-up. You can always take them once in town to get back to the airport, but pick-up was prohibited at the terminal. To grab an Uber, you would have to rely on shuttles or traditional taxis first, unless you wanted to trek far off airport property to meet your driver. This seems to have changed recently.
While I can't pinpoint the exact date, I first noticed a change around the fall of 2023. My Uber driver last week seemed to confirm this during my ride to the JW Marriott. I got a second confirmation of sorts when checking postings on travel forums like Trip Advisor. The catch is that it is not officially supported or sanctioned, but it is now being tolerated.
The airport does not have any signs directing visitors towards a designated pick-up spot for rideshares, like we see in so many other airports. Instead, you have to rely on the Uber app to tell you where to go to meet your driver.
How to Get Your Uber at Cabo Airport
For terminal 1, after you clear customs and go through the gauntlet of various vendors (say no to all of them), you will exit a door into a large, open area. Side note, this is also a great place to use that ATM with your no-fee Schwab card. At this point, you may want to take a moment to connect to the free airport Wi-Fi and request an Uber ride via the app.
Once you request your Uber at Cabo airport ride, go up the escalator to the left of the arrivals area. You can wait inside the door before heading outside. You can follow the pick-up point in your Uber app or simply walk down to your left. The Uber driver will stop right by the pick-up/drop-off area. On a side note, if you arrive domestically from another location in Mexico it is just as easy. Simply request your Uber and walk straight out the doors. Your Uber should pick you up directly at the curb.
What Is The Best Transportation Option At Los Cabos International Airport?
Sure, you may save a few bucks, especially depending on where you are going. As I mentioned in our Waldorf Astoria Pedregal review, I have rented cars here and taken a shuttle. Most shuttles, while pricey, can include multiple people and often provide complimentary refreshing beverages for your ride. Also, the shuttles always seem to have great air conditioning.
Your Uber at Cabo airport may be a small, warm car that can't quite get to where you're going as quickly. I just experienced this on a shorter ride to my first night at the JW Marriott Los Cabos. You may also run into an increased language barrier that you wouldn't have with a shuttle, where all drivers speak good English. Additionally, there is a toll road between the airport and the city, which can cause confusion. One driver I rode with paid the toll as I would assume this is included with the fare. But my return driver wanted cash, which I was not going to do, so we took a slightly longer route.
How Much Does An Uber In Cabo Cost?
The $18 I paid for my short in an Uber at Cabo airport was much less than the standard price for the shuttle services. This was not an issue for me for this short ride. However, if you are heading all the way to the Waldorf Astoria, or another resort farther away, an Uber ride can set up back about $50. I spot checked the prices while I was there, as shown in the screenshot below. Shuttles can run somewhere between $70 and $90 but come with the many benefits mentioned above. Going back to the airport may run slightly less, but still just shy of $50.
Safety and Money Tips: Toll Roads should be included which I have confirmed with Uber. You should not have to hand over cash to an Uber driver. The cost of this request is about is usually 50 pesos or approximately $2.50. Another tip is to never agree to cash-only rides. I had this happen recently and as soon as I said no, the driver canceled. I followed up with Uber support.
Rideshare Options In Mexico: ToP Thoughts
With Uber at Cabo airport, it is nice to see another reliable transportation option to get to your desired resort. I did not experience any major issues when trying Uber to or from the airport. But there is something nice about cruising away in a nice SUV or van with great air conditioning and a cold beverage. When I tried Uber, I got a small Nissan that lacked horsepower and good air conditioning. At the end of the day, it's up to each of us to decide how we want to spend our money. But having additional options is always helpful.
Have you taken Uber from or to Cabo airport? Come over to our Facebook page and let us know.
