Buses: The Backbone of Cabo Travel
The primary bus system in Los Cabos is run by the Mexican company Autobuses de la Península. The main route runs along the Transpeninsular Highway from San José del Cabo to Cabo San Lucas, with frequent stops in the tourist corridor. A one-way ticket costs around 20 to 30 pesos (about 1–2 USD), depending on the distance. Buses are modern, air-conditioned and generally safe, though they can get crowded during peak hours. The ride from San José to Cabo San Lucas takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour, making it a practical option for day trips.
For travel within Cabo San Lucas, local buses (known as 'urbanos') serve the downtown area and the hotel zone. Fares are around 10 pesos. If you're staying in the Marina or near Medano Beach, you can easily walk to most attractions, but for trips to Walmart or Costco, a bus is handy. In San José del Cabo, the historic center is compact and walkable, but buses connect the hotel zone with downtown. I recommend buying a rechargeable bus card at major terminals to avoid exact change hassles. Skip the bus if you're carrying large luggage during rush hour—taxis are better then.
Water Taxis and Boats: Crossing the Bay
Water taxis are the quickest way to reach Lover's Beach, Divorce Beach and the arch from Cabo San Lucas Marina. They operate from the main dock near the Plaza Las Glorias and the marina's eastern side. A round-trip to Lover's Beach costs around 200–300 pesos per person, with boats leaving every 15–30 minutes from 9am to 5pm. The crossing takes about 10 minutes. Note that water taxis do not run on a fixed schedule; you negotiate with the captain and wait for the boat to fill. For the arch, tours typically include a brief stop for photos but don't land. If you want to snorkel, ask to be dropped at Santa María or Chileno Bay—both are accessible by boat from the marina.
For day trips to Cabo Pulmo, a small boat from Cabo San Lucas takes about 1.5 hours, but it's expensive (expect 2,000–3,000 pesos per person) and weather-dependent. Instead, I'd book a tour from San José del Cabo that includes transport. The ferry to La Paz is a different beast: the TMC ferry leaves from Pichilingue (20 minutes north of La Paz) and takes about 3 hours to Cabo San Lucas, but it's primarily for cargo and vehicles; foot passengers are allowed but the schedule is limited (usually one departure daily). Skip it unless you're heading to La Paz and want the experience.
Walking and Local Transport in Town
Cabo San Lucas is surprisingly walkable if you base yourself in the right area. The marina, Medano Beach and downtown are all within a 20-minute walk of each other. The sidewalks are uneven in places, so wear comfortable shoes. For the hill up to the Sunset Point area, you might prefer a taxi (around 50–70 pesos from downtown). In San José del Cabo, the historic district is flat and easy to explore on foot, with the main plaza, mission church and art galleries clustered together. The beach is a 10-minute walk from the plaza, but the hotel zone is spread out along Boulevard Mijares—buses run every 10–15 minutes.
Taxis in Los Cabos are plentiful but not metered; you must agree on the fare before getting in. From Cabo San Lucas to San José del Cabo, expect to pay 300–400 pesos. Within town, short trips are 50–100 pesos. Ride-hailing apps like Uber are available in Cabo San Lucas and San José, but not at the airport (where taxis have an exclusive contract). For airport transfers, book a shared shuttle (around 200–300 pesos per person) or a private van (600–800 pesos). I would skip renting a car unless you plan to explore remote beaches—parking is difficult and driving at night on the highway can be intimidating.
Seasonal Tips and Practical Advice
The best months to visit Los Cabos are October to November and April to May, when the weather is mild and crowds are thinner. Buses and boats operate year-round, but during the peak holiday weeks (Christmas, New Year, Semana Santa), buses are packed and water taxis have longer waits. Hurricane season runs from June to November, and occasional storms can disrupt boat services; always check the weather before planning a boat trip. In winter, the water can be rough, so snorkeling tours may be cancelled. Carry small bills for bus fares and water taxis—many captains don't accept cards.
If you're staying in the tourist corridor between San José and Cabo San Lucas, a car might seem convenient, but frequent buses make it unnecessary. The corridor is lined with resorts, and buses stop at key points like the Puerto Paraiso mall and the Cabo Real golf course. For dining, downtown Cabo San Lucas has a wide range of options, from tacos at Taquería El Paisa to seafood at Mariscos Las Tres Islas. In San José, try the Saturday organic market at Plaza del Pescador. I'd book a hotel in the marina area of Cabo San Lucas for easy access to boats and nightlife, or in the historic center of San José for a quieter base.