How to Get from Cabo San Lucas to Todos Santos
Todos Santos is 48 miles north of Cabo San Lucas along a single road, the Carretera Federal Highway 1. The drive takes about an hour under normal conditions. There are several ways to make the trip, from the Aguila public bus at $12 per person to renting a car, taking a taxi, or booking a private transfer. The right option depends on your group size, budget, and how much flexibility you want for the day.
Quick Facts
- Distance: 48 miles / 76 km
- Drive time: About 1 hour on weekdays between 10am and 4pm. Add 30 to 40 minutes during morning and evening rush hours (8am to 10am and 4pm to 8pm). Weekends average about an hour.
- Route: Carretera Federal Highway 1, the only road between Cabo and Todos Santos. No toll.
- Best option: Depends on your group size, budget, and plans. Private transfer for comfort and convenience; rental car for independence; Aguila bus for budget travelers.
- Private transfer rates: From $317 per vehicle (Suburban / Expedition)
Getting There
Private Transfer
A pre-booked private transfer is the most comfortable and predictable way to make this trip. If you book with Cabo Transfers, your driver will know Highway 1 well, including livestock crossing areas, road repair zones, and what to expect at police safety checkpoints. Rates are fixed at booking, drivers are bilingual and fully licensed, and vehicles are fully insured with reliable air conditioning. Unlike taxis, pricing is transparent upfront with no negotiation required.
Taxi
Taxis are widely available in Cabo San Lucas and work fine for this route, particularly if you need to leave on short notice. The main thing to know is that some drivers quote the round-trip rate for a one-way journey, so confirm the price clearly before getting in. Quality varies by vehicle and driver. Most taxi drivers are not bilingual, and rates are not metered.
Public Bus (Aguila)
At $12 USD per person, the Aguila bus is the most affordable option on this route and a perfectly reasonable choice for solo travelers or anyone on a budget. The buses are modern, air conditioned, and the drivers are licensed and know the road. The bus originates in San José del Cabo, stops in downtown Cabo San Lucas to pick up passengers, then continues to Todos Santos. Departures are twice daily. The main drawback is the booking system: the Aguila website frequently shows incorrect times and unreliable seat availability, so seating is not guaranteed since passengers from San José del Cabo board first. You will also need to get yourself to the bus station from your hotel first.
Rental Car
Renting a car is the best option if you want to explore Todos Santos independently, stopping at beaches, restaurants, and sights on your own schedule. Highway 1 is straightforward and Google Maps handles it well, though it does not always flag livestock crossings or road conditions. Be prepared for occasional police roadside vehicle safety checkpoints along the route, which are routine but can add a few minutes to your journey. Before leaving the lot, inspect the vehicle carefully and read the insurance terms closely, particularly around theft, break-ins, and coverage on dirt or beach roads.
Uber
Uber operates in Los Cabos but coverage toward Todos Santos is inconsistent. Service can be unavailable, wait times can be long, and rides are sometimes canceled after confirmation. Surge pricing applies frequently in the evenings. It is worth checking availability when you need it, but have a backup option in mind.
Why Book a Private Transfer
A private transfer takes every variable off the table. Fixed rate, bilingual driver, fully insured vehicle, and someone who actually knows the road. The Aguila bus is cheap but not guaranteed. Taxis are unpredictable. Rental cars put the navigation and driving on you. With Cabo Transfers, you sit back and the trip handles itself.
About the Drive
Highway 1 is in generally good shape, though you will hit road repairs and maintenance stretches regularly. The scenery is genuinely beautiful, desert opening up to Pacific views as you head north, but the driver needs to stay focused. Livestock crossings are real and can happen without much warning. Take extra care near farming communities and after any recent rain.
Todos Santos itself is a Pueblo Mágico and worth every bit of the drive. It fills up fast during events, festivals, and peak season, and with a limited number of places to stay, accommodations book out well in advance. If you are planning to spend the night, sort your hotel before you sort your transport.
Todos Santos by Sharon Hahn Darlin is licensed under CC BY 4.0
Frequently Asked Questions
The main options are a private transfer, taxi, the Aguila public bus, or a rental car. The right choice depends on your budget, group size, and how much flexibility you want. The Aguila bus is the cheapest at $12 per person. A rental car gives you the most independence. A private transfer is the most comfortable and hassle-free.
About an hour under normal weekday conditions between 10am and 4pm. During peak traffic hours, 8am to 10am and 4pm to 8pm on weekdays, add 30 to 40 minutes. Weekends average about an hour.
The Aguila public bus at $12 per person. It departs twice daily from downtown Cabo San Lucas. Booking online is unreliable so confirm times and availability before you travel.
Yes, the Aguila bus runs twice daily, stopping in San José del Cabo along the way. Seating is not guaranteed due to a laggy online booking system, so plan accordingly and have a backup option in mind.
Uber operates in the Los Cabos area but coverage on this route is inconsistent. Check availability when you are ready to travel, but have an alternative arranged in case it is unavailable or gets canceled.
Cabo Transfers rates start from $317 per vehicle for a Suburban or Expedition. Pricing is per vehicle rather than per person, which makes it good value for groups of three or more.
Martin Buber
All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.
Awards & Associations
