Los Cabos International Airport: where to stay, areas and recommended…

Los Cabos airport serves two real towns about 30 km apart, with very different transfer times: San José del Cabo is just 12-20 minutes by car, while Cabo San Lucas takes 30-40 minutes along the same trans-peninsular highway. In between, on the so-called Corredor Turístico or Corredor Dorado, lie the big golf resorts between the two centres, about 30-40 minutes from the airport depending on the exact location. Those who want a sheltered beach and a quieter style stay in San José, those looking for the marina, nightlife and Médano Beach aim for Cabo San Lucas.

San José del Cabo

Airport area · About 13 km and 12-20 minutes by car from the airport, the fastest connection among the areas in this guide.

Best for: Those who want the shortest transfer from the airport, the sheltered beaches of Palmilla and San José's colonial historic centre, quieter than Cabo San Lucas.

Pros

The shortest transfer from the airport in the whole Los Cabos area
Beaches sheltered by coves, safer for swimming than many areas of Cabo San Lucas

Cons

More limited nightlife than Cabo San Lucas and the Médano
The large Palmilla resorts are designed for stays within the property, not for wandering on foot

Recommended hotels in this area

Tropicana Los Cabos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton: In the historic centre of San José del Cabo, next to the main square and a few steps from the sea; two regional-cuisine restaurants and a wellness centre with yoga and massages.
Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort: In the Palmilla area, on one of the coast's few beaches sheltered by a cove; the Cabo Real and El Dorado golf courses are less than 10 minutes away.
Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos - All Inclusive: All-inclusive resort opened as Barceló Los Cabos Palace and switched to the Hyatt Ziva brand in 2013; it completed a $50 million renovation in 2025 with new rooms in Tower B and an expanded Teens Club.

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Corredor Dorado

Nearby town · About 38-42 km from the airport, 30-40 minutes by car depending on the exact position in the corridor; no public transport, only a rental car or a private transfer.

Best for: Those who want the large golf and beach resorts between the two towns, with a car, without needing to choose between San José and Cabo San Lucas.

Pros

Golf courses, private beaches and high-end resorts all along the corridor
Halfway between the two towns, convenient for those who want to visit both without choosing one as a base

Cons

An area designed for cars, with nothing on foot outside the resorts themselves
No public transport: every trip requires a rental car or a private transfer

Recommended hotels in this area

Park Hyatt Los Cabos at Cabo del Sol: In the private community of Cabo del Sol, with the area's only luxury beach club and the Desert Course golf course; 163 rooms with views of the Sea of Cortez.
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Cabo San Lucas at Cabo del Sol: Opened in 2024 on the last undeveloped beach of the Corredor Dorado, about 30 minutes from the airport; 96 rooms in a modern hacienda style plus villas and residences.

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Cabo San Lucas

Neighbourhood · About 45 km and 30-40 minutes by car from the airport along the trans-peninsular highway; no direct bus, only taxi, private transfer or rental car.

Best for: Those who want the marina, Médano Beach and the nightlife of Cabo San Lucas, accepting the longest transfer from the airport among the areas in this guide.

Pros

Médano Beach, the marina and evening venues within walking distance of the hotels in the area
The highest concentration of restaurants, bars and nightlife in the whole Los Cabos area

Cons

Longer transfer from the airport than San José del Cabo and the Corredor Dorado
The areas closest to the Médano are noisy in the evening, especially on weekends

Recommended hotels in this area

ME Cabo by Meliá - Adults Only: 5 minutes on foot from Médano Beach, with the Nikki Beach Club and the Passion venue a few steps away; designed for those seeking the trendiest atmosphere in the area.
The Cape, A Thompson Hotel, by Hyatt: 12 minutes on foot from Médano Beach and 13 by car from downtown Cabo San Lucas; modern design on the cliffside, among the most appreciated hotels in the area.
Riu Santa Fe - All Inclusive: 3 minutes on foot from Médano Beach, with eight outdoor pools and a kids' water park; an all-inclusive option designed for families more than for nightlife.

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