Arriving at a Mexican airport with children, strollers, car seats, and a mountain of luggage requires a bit more planning than traveling solo. Here is what families need to know about getting from SJD to their hotel.
Car Seats
Mexico does not enforce car seat laws as strictly as the US or Canada, but that does not mean your child should ride without one. Airport taxis do not carry car seats and will not provide them. Shared shuttles similarly have no car seat provisions.
Private transfer companies will provide car seats if you request them at the time of booking. Specify the type you need — rear-facing infant, forward-facing toddler, or booster — and confirm availability before finalizing your reservation. Some families prefer to bring their own car seat from the plane, which is also a practical option since airlines transport them free of charge.
The Airport Walk
The distance from your gate to the arrivals exit at SJD is manageable but not short — roughly 10-15 minutes of walking. The route is flat and paved, so strollers roll fine. Immigration can involve standing in line for 20-50 minutes, so if your children are young, having snacks and something to keep them occupied during the wait is worth thinking about.
The customs process (the red/green light button) is quick and usually a non-event. After customs, the walk through the timeshare corridor might overwhelm tired kids. Keep moving — the exit and your transport are just past it.
Luggage and Vehicle Size
A family of four with standard luggage (2 large suitcases, 2 carry-ons, a stroller, and possibly a car seat) will not fit comfortably in a standard sedan. Book a larger vehicle — an SUV at minimum, or a van if your family is bigger or you have extra gear like beach equipment, golf clubs, or a travel cot.
When booking, list your luggage count honestly. A vehicle that is too small creates a real problem at the airport with few immediate solutions.
Timing and Kids
The drive to Cabo San Lucas takes 40-50 minutes. To San Jose del Cabo, about 20-30 minutes. Children who fall asleep in cars will appreciate the smooth highway — it is a well-maintained, mostly straight road.
If you are arriving on an afternoon flight and your kids are on the edge of a meltdown, a private transfer that takes you door-to-door without stopping for other passengers is worth the extra cost over a shared shuttle. The shuttle adds an hour or more of riding around, and that hour can feel very long with tired children.
Practical Tips for Families
- Request water bottles in the car at booking — the Cabo heat hits hard when you step outside the terminal.
- If your hotel is in a gated resort community, share the resort name and any gate codes with your driver in advance.
- The airport has baby-changing facilities in the arrivals area if you need them before the drive.
- If you are splitting your family across two vehicles, coordinate with the transfer company to ensure both cars arrive and depart together.