Can You Drive to Cabo from San Diego?

If you’re looking for an amazing vacation to Cabo, Mexico, but don’t want to fly, you may be wondering if it’s possible to drive to Cabo from San Diego.  The answer is yes – it’s definitely doable!

This beautiful city is located on the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula, and it offers something for everyone.  Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach getaway or an action-packed adventure, Cabo is sure to please.

We’ll discuss the best way to make the drive, as well as some of the things you can expect along the way.

So, whether you’re a seasoned road tripper or this is your first time hitting the open road, keep reading for all the info you need on making this epic journey!

Benefits of driving to Cabo San Lucas from San Diego

Airline tickets are typically the costliest item when traveling on a budget.  Save on buying plane tickets and drive to Cabo!

If you’re already on the west coast, driving will most likely be the cheapest way to get to Cabo San Lucas, and while traveling to Cabo San Lucas might seem tiresome or even perilous, thousands of people do it every year, allowing them to discover more of the Baja Peninsula and go around town on their own.

Common driving routes from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas

It’s a thrilling trip to Cabo San Lucas that will provide you with a unique vantage point of Mexico.  Depending on the time of day that you choose to leave from San Diego International Airport to Cabo San Lucas, there are two popular routes that each take almost 22 hours and are generally divided into at least two to three days by a couple of drivers.  The first route is about 1,063 miles and another route is only 1,030 miles but has tolls. 

Taking the time to go wine tasting in Valle de Guadalupe, relax in Guerrero Negro, or golf in Loreto will broaden your perspective of Mexico while also introducing you to more of the local culture.

Otherwise, if you want to save time on travel and do end up flying to Cabo San Lucas from San Diego International Airport, this will take approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes for a direct flight.

Best time to travel to Cabo San Lucas

The ideal period to visit Cabo is May through June when the wintertime crowds have departed, and the summer storms have yet to arrive.  October and November are also nice months for a getaway, but if you want to save money, you’ll need to start your hotel search early.  The weather in Cabo is generally warm and pleasant year-round with plenty of family-friendly activities available.  However, the rainy, hot season in August and September is avoided here.

Important travel essentials for road trips to Cabo San Lucas from San Diego

• On the toll highways, there are several gas stations and convenience stores where you may purchase all your road trip necessities.
• When you depart, make sure you have a phone charger and a paper copy of your map and itinerary in case you lose cell service, which is likely in the Baja California desert.  You can also screenshot the route on your cell phone too.
• Make sure your spare tire is in good working order.  Check the fluid level and change it if needed.
• You’ll also need some munchies and a decent playlist to keep you occupied on the road.
• Bring a simple first-aid kit in your car, even for shorter road trips.
• Pack thermos.  If you’re able to fill your thermos with coffee rather than using their disposable cups, try it out.  This helps minimize your waste and is likely to do a better job at retaining your hot beverage.
• When you’re driving into the sunset, it may appear romantic, but not when you’re sitting in front of bright lights for hours on end.  Sunglasses are a must-have item to preserve your eyesight and safeguard your eyes!
• Jumper cables are one of those items on your road trip checklist you hope to never need!  They can assist you in being stranded, but you may also lend a hand to a buddy who is stuck.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to drive to Cabo San Lucas from San Diego?

Overall, driving to Cabo is very safe, but you should follow certain driving principles to avoid difficulties. The Transpeninsular Highway that runs through Baja’s region is one of the most essential tips.

This route is both safe and well-protected, with the country even offering Green Angels, multilingual roadside assistance for cars that have broken down or require help.  Don’t drive after dark to avoid hazardous situations.  Plan ahead of time so you can stop and rest overnight on the road.

Is it safe to drive in Cabo San Lucas?

Driving in Cabo offers the convenience of saving time and money while providing your own vehicle, which can completely transform your holiday.  While driving around Cabo as a tourist may appear frightening, it is actually quite simple and can provide you with a whole new perspective on Cabo.

It is now easier than ever to explore and drive in Cabo using modern technology.  Most major cell phone providers offer service in Mexico, allowing you to use GPS on your trip to Cabo San Lucas.  If you get lost or lose signal, the thoroughfares in Cabo are well signposted with directions for around the coast if you have a smartphone with global coverage.

Unless you want to spend all of your time in town on the sand, a vehicle will allow you to explore the natural beauty and lovely villages where you may get away from it all.  A car rental can help you save money.  If you’re traveling around Cabo by transit, transportation might be expensive.  Take advantage of the freedom and flexibility that come with this experience to ensure that your visit to Cabo is worry-free.

Do I need to bring any documents to cross the border?

Travelers must pass through customs and immigration when crossing international borders.  When driving across the border, you’ll need a few travel essentials for road trips.  In addition to your passport and driver’s license, you’ll need your automobile’s paperwork as well.

Mexican authorities may confiscate your automobile if you enter Mexico with an expired US vehicle registration.

Bring proof of registration with you and get a Mexico tourist auto insurance policy ahead of time.  You’ll receive an initial Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (TVIP) from immigration, as well as your tourist entry card (FMM).  With all of that, you will be able to stay up to 180 days.

The Banjercito is the government entity that issues motor vehicle permits. The procedure can be completed online, at a Mexican border office, or at certain Mexican embassies in the United States.

In order to drive outside the Mexico border regions, U.S.-registered vehicles require temporary import permits. When driving around 20 kilometers into Mexico, permits are enforced. Permits are NOT required in the Baja California Peninsula.

When leaving Mexico, you must pay a monetary deposit that will be refunded when your car permit is canceled.

Do I need to bring pesos to Cabo?

If you don’t bring any money, you’re out of luck.  The Peso is Mexico’s currency.  In Cabo, U.S. dollars are readily accepted, but unfavorable exchange rates might be expected if you opt to use dollars.  When you get to Los Cabos, take cash out of the ATM.