Planning to travel from Cabo to La Paz? Get the complete guide covering every option — bus, rental car, ferry, taxi, and shuttle — with costs, times, and honest advice for every budget.
One of the most common questions travelers ask when planning a Baja California Sur trip is how to get between its two most popular destinations — Cabo San Lucas and La Paz.
The good news is that the journey is straightforward, scenic, and offers several options to suit every budget and travel style. The two cities sit approximately 180 kilometers (112 miles) apart connected by Highway 19 — one of Baja’s best maintained roads — passing through the charming town of Todos Santos along the way.
Here is everything you need to know about getting from Cabo to La Paz in 2026.
Quick Overview
| Option | Time | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rental car | 2 hours | $30-50/day | Freedom and flexibility |
| Bus | 2.5-3 hours | $10-15 USD | Budget travelers |
| Private shuttle | 2 hours | $80-120 USD | Comfort and convenience |
| Taxi | 2 hours | $150-200 USD | Groups splitting cost |
| Ferry | 16-20 hours | $50-150 USD | Adventure seekers |
Option 1 — Rental Car (Most Recommended)
Driving from Cabo to La Paz yourself is by far the most popular and most rewarding option. Highway 19 is a well maintained two lane road that winds through dramatic desert landscape before revealing stunning Pacific coast views near Todos Santos and eventually the turquoise waters of the Bay of La Paz.
The Drive
Distance: Approximately 180 kilometers (112 miles) Time: 2 to 2.5 hours without stops Road quality: Excellent — one of Baja’s best highways Scenery: Outstanding — desert mountains, Pacific coast, small towns
The Route
The most popular route follows Highway 19 north from Cabo San Lucas through Todos Santos before joining Highway 1 south into La Paz. This routing takes you through Todos Santos — worth a stop for coffee, lunch, or a quick wander through the colonial streets — adding 30-60 minutes to your journey but making it genuinely memorable.
Rental Car Costs
Basic vehicle rentals at Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) typically run $30-50 USD per day for a compact car. One way rentals dropping in La Paz are available but often carry a drop fee — confirm this with your rental company before booking.
Budget tip: Book rental cars online before arrival rather than at the airport counter — prices are consistently lower and availability is better.
Important Driving Tips
- Drive during daylight only — avoid driving Highway 19 after dark. The road is well maintained but poorly lit and animals occasionally cross at night
- Fill up with gas before leaving Cabo — gas stations are not as frequent on Highway 19 as in the cities
- Speed bumps (topes) appear suddenly before small towns — slow down when approaching any village
- Military checkpoints operate on Highway 19 — routine stops, be polite and have your documents ready
- No toll roads on this route — Highway 19 is free
Option 2 — Bus (Best Budget Option)
Regular bus service connects Cabo San Lucas and La Paz making it the most affordable way to travel between the two cities. The main operator serving this route is Aguila — Baja California Sur’s primary intercity bus company.
How It Works
Buses depart from the Cabo San Lucas bus terminal located in the city center. Multiple departures run throughout the day from early morning to early evening. The journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours depending on stops.
Bus Costs
Tickets typically cost $10-15 USD per person one way — making this the clear budget winner for solo travelers and backpackers.
What To Expect
Aguila buses are air conditioned and comfortable — not luxury but perfectly adequate for the 3 hour journey. Seats are assigned so book ahead during peak season when buses fill up. The bus drops you at La Paz’s main bus terminal from which taxis are readily available to your accommodation.
How To Book
- Buy tickets at the Cabo bus terminal in person
- Book online at the Aguila website if available
- Book through your hotel concierge for a small fee
Budget tip: The bus journey follows the same Highway 19 route as driving — you get the same scenic views of the desert and Todos Santos without the cost of a rental car.
Option 3 — Private Shuttle (Most Comfortable)
Several companies operate private shuttle services between Cabo and La Paz offering door to door service at a fixed price. This is the most comfortable option short of renting your own vehicle.
What You Get
- Door to door pickup from your Cabo hotel
- Drop off at your La Paz accommodation
- Air conditioned private vehicle
- No luggage hassles
- Approximately 2 hour journey
Costs
Private shuttles typically run $80-120 USD for the vehicle — meaning the cost per person drops significantly if you are traveling as a couple or group.
| Group Size | Per Person Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $80-120 |
| 2 people | $40-60 |
| 3-4 people | $25-35 |
Budget tip: For groups of 3 or more a private shuttle becomes very competitive with rental car prices while eliminating the hassle of driving and navigating.
Option 4 — Taxi
Taxis will make the Cabo to La Paz journey but it is the least recommended option for most travelers due to cost. Expect to pay $150-200 USD for the full journey by taxi.
This only makes sense for large groups splitting the cost where it becomes competitive with shuttle pricing, or for travelers who need immediate departure flexibility and cannot wait for scheduled bus or shuttle options.
Option 5 — Ferry (The Adventure Option)
For travelers coming from the Mexican mainland or those wanting an adventure, ferries connect La Paz to Mazatlán and Topolobampo on the mainland — but there is no direct ferry between Cabo and La Paz.
If you are arriving by ferry into La Paz from the mainland this is a spectacular way to enter Baja California Sur. The ferry from Mazatlán takes approximately 16-18 hours and offers cabin accommodation making it an overnight crossing. The ferry terminal sits at Pichilingue just 16 kilometers (10 miles) north of La Paz city center.
For the Cabo to La Paz journey specifically the ferry is not a practical option — it requires going via mainland Mexico which adds days to your itinerary.
The Todos Santos Stop — Highly Recommended
Regardless of which transport option you choose the town of Todos Santos sits almost exactly halfway between Cabo and La Paz on Highway 19. If you are driving or taking a private shuttle this stop is highly recommended.
Todos Santos offers:
- Excellent coffee shops for a mid journey break
- Great restaurants for lunch
- Art galleries worth a quick browse
- Colonial architecture perfect for a short walk
- Surf beaches a few minutes from town
Even 45-60 minutes in Todos Santos transforms the Cabo to La Paz transfer from a transit journey into a genuine travel experience. Most private shuttle operators will accommodate a Todos Santos stop on request.
Which Option Should You Choose?
| If You Are… | Choose… |
|---|---|
| Traveling solo on a budget | Bus — $10-15 USD |
| Couple or small group | Rental car or private shuttle |
| Large group of 4+ | Private shuttle or rental car |
| Wanting maximum flexibility | Rental car |
| Arriving from mainland Mexico | Ferry into La Paz |
| Traveling with lots of luggage | Private shuttle |
| First time in Baja | Rental car — best scenic experience |
Practical Information
Departure Points From Cabo San Lucas
- Bus: Cabo San Lucas bus terminal, city center
- Rental car: Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) or city pickup locations
- Private shuttle: Hotel pickup arranged in advance
- Taxi: Any taxi stand or hotel concierge
Arrival Points In La Paz
- Bus: La Paz central bus terminal
- Rental car: Drive directly to your accommodation
- Private shuttle: Door to door hotel delivery
- Taxi: Negotiated drop off point
Best Time To Make The Journey
Morning departures are recommended for all options — you arrive in La Paz with the full afternoon to settle in and explore. The malecón at sunset on your first evening in La Paz is not something you want to miss by arriving late.
Final Thoughts
Getting from Cabo to La Paz is easy, affordable, and genuinely scenic regardless of which option you choose. The 180 kilometer (112 mile) Highway 19 drive through Baja’s dramatic desert landscape with a stop in Todos Santos is one of those travel experiences that becomes part of the memory of the trip rather than just a transfer between destinations.
If you have any flexibility at all — rent a car, stop in Todos Santos for lunch, and arrive in La Paz in the early afternoon. It is the best way to make the journey.
Quick Reference
- ✅ Distance: ~180 kilometers (112 miles)
- ✅ Driving time: 2 to 2.5 hours
- ✅ Bus time: 2.5 to 3 hours
- ✅ Bus cost: $10-15 USD
- ✅ Rental car: $30-50 USD per day
- ✅ Private shuttle: $80-120 USD per vehicle
- ✅ Best route: Highway 19 via Todos Santos
- ✅ Drive daylight only
- ✅ Stop in Todos Santos — highly recommended
Have you made the Cabo to La Paz journey? Share your experience in the comments below.