How to Get to La Paz, Mexico + Getting Around
Discover how to get to La Paz, Mexico, as well as the best ways to get around, in this transportation guide.
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Getting to La Paz, Mexico, and figuring out how to get around once you’re there can be confusing, especially if it’s your first time in Baja California Sur. Between navigating airport transfers, using the local buses, and figuring out taxis and Ubers, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the logistics.
La Paz was our introduction to the sunny state of Baja, and we spent a month travelling here, using a mixture of private and public transportation to get around, including shuttles, buses, taxis, and private transfers. In this guide, we break down exactly how to get to La Paz, whether you’re flying into the international airport, coming from further afield like Cabo, or coming from mainland Mexico. Plus, we cover how to get around once you’re here, including the best local transport options, tips for day trips, and what to expect on the road, so you can spend less time stressing about travel details and more time enjoying the activities on your Baja itinerary.
La Paz Transportation at a glance
More from La Paz
Where is La Paz?
La Paz is a city nestled within an alcove on the east side of the Baja California Peninsula, within the state of Baja California Sur. It’s such an underrated city, blessed with panoramic views of the Gulf of California (also known as the Sea of Cortez), one of the most diverse marine sites in the world.
La Paz sits around 93 miles (150km) north of Los Cabos, and over 995 miles (1600km) northwest of Mexico City. It’s super easy to reach both internationally and domestically.
What is the easiest way to get to La Paz, Mexico?
The easiest way to get to La Paz will depend on where you’re coming from and what you plan to do once you arrive. There’s a whole range of transportation available to get you to wherever you’re going in La Paz, including:
If you’re planning your trip, you’re probably wondering how to get to La Paz. We’ve covered all the transportation methods in La Paz in this post.
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Which airport do you fly into for La Paz, Mexico?
There are two airports that serve La Paz. One is the city’s own airport, and the other is a 2-hour drive from the city.
The closest airport to the city is La Paz International Airport. This is the main international airport for La Paz, and it sits only 20 minutes’ drive from downtown.
It mainly serves domestic routes from within Mexico, but a handful of routes run from US cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Phoenix, too. We flew into it from Mexico City – if you’re coming from the Yucatán Peninsula, like Cancún or Mérida, you’ll likely need to change here.
Los Cabos International Airport serves the south of Baja California Sur and can also be used to reach La Paz, with a longer transfer. It’s the main airport for the south of Baja, sitting near San José del Cabo and serving Cabo San Lucas.
Getting from La Paz International Airport to the city centre
From the airport, you can take a bus, taxi, or Uber to your accommodation.
There’s a taxi booth inside the airport with set prices for various parts of the city and popular hotels in La Paz, so you don’t need to worry about negotiating in Spanish or getting scammed when you land. You simply pay at the booth and take your ticket outside to the taxi rank. While quick and convenient, taxis are not the cheapest option, at around $40-50 USD.
Uber and some other ride-share apps like DiDi do work in La Paz, but are quite a contentious issue in Baja. They generally aren’t allowed to enter the airport area, so picking one up can be tricky.
If you’re planning to explore further afield and see more of the peninsula, you might like to rent a car in La Paz. This allows you to get off the beaten path and discover more of Baja California Sur’s hidden gems. Rental cars can be picked up at La Paz Airport and in the city, as well as from Cabo or Loreto if you’re travelling from other parts of the peninsula.
Alternatively, you can pre-book a La Paz airport transfer. This takes the stress out of your journey, as it’s all arranged for you, and you don’t need to faff with your luggage on public transportation or pay the high prices of a private taxi. Expect to pay around $15 USD per person.
Getting from Los Cabos International Airport to La Paz
Renting a car from Los Cabos Airport and driving yourself is the most convenient way to get to La Paz. This is the most flexible way to travel, but it isn’t as cheap as using public transportation.
A taxi would be crazy expensive, so we’d recommend booking a private Los Cabos transfer to La Paz in advance. This way, you still get the convenience of a taxi journey, but without the super high price tag, negotiating on the day.
If you’re a bit of a tighter budget, you can opt for a shuttle from Los Cabos Airport. Often, you need to wait until everyone who’s booked the shuttle gets on before setting off, and there may be multiple stops before yours, but it’s a great way to reach La Paz seamlessly.
Alternatively, you can use Autobuses Aguila, which runs a route between Cabo and La Paz, including from the airport. This is what we did. It was a super comfortable coach-style bus and was quite affordable at around $40 USD per person.
Getting to La Paz from other Baja California destinations
There are a variety of methods to reach La Paz overland, depending on where you’re coming from. You can either arrange transportation directly or make the journey with stops at other destinations in the region, including:
By car
If you’re driving from other parts of Baja, you’ll likely follow Highway 1 or Highway 19 to La Paz. The roads are generally in good condition, so a 4×4 isn’t necessary unless you plan to venture into off-road areas. Both routes are scenic, with stunning views of desert landscapes and the coastline. Drive carefully, especially on windy stretches, and watch for wildlife crossing the roads.
The drive from Los Cabos to La Paz is about 100 miles (160 km) and takes 2 to 2.5 hours via Highway 19. From Loreto, it’s approximately 218 miles (350 km) and takes around 4.5 to 5 hours.
By bus
The cheaper and more eco-friendly way to get to La Paz from around Baja is to take the bus.
We used both of these bus companies to get all around the state when we were backpacking in Baja. They were always on time, super comfortable coaches, and we even had TVs with films in Spanish on several of them.
From Loreto, the bus journey takes approximately 4.5 to 5 hours and costs around $40-$50 USD.
From Los Cabos, expect a journey of about 2.5 to 3 hours and a cost of $20-$30 USD.
There are two main bus terminals in La Paz, one on the Malecón and one downtown. Be sure to check which one your bus will arrive at, especially if you’re planning to walk to your accommodation.
If coming from the US border, you can pick up a bus from Tijuana, but the journey takes 20-24 hours. It’s recommended to break it up with stops in cities like Guerrero Negro or Mulegé.
By ferry
While it’s not a popular choice, you can reach La Paz by ferry from Sinaloa. Baja Ferries operates overnight journeys between:
You can pay an extra fee to sleep in a bed, or you’ll be allocated a berth.
This option is great if you have a car on the mainland, but if you’re on foot or relying on public transport, bear in mind that they arrive at the Pichilingue Port, which is still a 20-minute transfer to the city.
How to Get Around La Paz
La Paz’s town centre feels small, but the city is actually quite spread out. The best way to get around will depend on what you plan on doing during your trip. Some of the city’s iconic landmarks are nestled together in downtown, so easily accessible on foot, while other famous attractions require public transportation or your own vehicle.
On foot
La Paz’s centre is compact and pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore on foot. Many of La Paz’s best restaurants, bars, and cafés are located along the scenic Malecón (waterfront promenade) or near the Plaza Constitución (the main square) in the downtown area.
The waterfront area is lovely for a gentle stroll, while there are several easy hikes near the centre, including the Cerro de la Calavera viewpoint.
By bike or scooter
If you’re staying close to the Malecón, bicycles and scooters are also popular rental options for short trips along the waterfront. City Bike is a popular option, located right on the Malecón, while La Paz Scooter Rental is great if you’re going further afield and are comfortable with a moped or motorbike.
By bus
While La Paz does have some public transportation options, such as buses and colectivos, they are limited and not the most convenient. Buses around La Paz can be taken from the Malecón Bus Terminal, while buses to other parts of the peninsula leave from the Terminal De Autobuses.
For popular beaches like Balandra Beach, the Playa Bus (Beach Bus) goes from the La Paz Malecón Bus Terminal (which is also the Aguila/Eco Baja Tours Bus Terminal). The route is run by EcoBajaTours and stops at the major beaches in the region, including Balandra, Corumel, Tesoro, Pichilingue, and Tecolote. You can also use EcoBaja’s coach buses to get between cities, like La Paz and Todos Santos.
By taxi or Uber
Taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or arranged through your hotel. There is also Uber and Didi in La Paz. If you plan to use a ride-hailing app, it’s a good idea to have an eSIM set up, so you can connect immediately without needing to faff with a local SIM card.
By car
To visit nearby beaches (like Balandra or Tecolote) or attractions further afield, renting a car is the most flexible option. This is great if you’re on a road trip through Baja, or simply want more flexibility to explore independently. Most major rental agencies (Europcar, Thrifty, Budget, Avis) can be found in the airports, while independent agencies also operate in downtown. We use DiscoverCars.com to get the cheapest rates.
By tour
La Paz is a leading ecotourism destination with a variety of tours on offer that are some of the best that we’ve experienced in the whole world.
For water-based exploration, boat tours and water taxis can take you to nearby islands, beaches, and marine attractions, with some of the best whale watching in Baja. While land-based tours explore the dusty desert, colonial towns, and authentic Mexican food.
Here are our favourite excursions from La Paz:
La Paz, Mexico, Transportation FAQs
To help you plan your transportation to La Paz, Mexico, we’ve answered these frequently asked questions.
Do you need a car in La Paz, Mexico?
You absolutely don’t need a car in La Paz, Mexico. We didn’t use one, got around using public transportation, and still managed to see absolutely everything that was on our bucket list. However, having a car is helpful if you want to explore nearby beaches, nature reserves, or outlying towns at your own pace. It’s an option we’d strongly recommend if your budget allows.
Can you Uber in La Paz?
Uber is available in La Paz, though coverage may be more limited than in larger Mexican cities. Taxis and local rideshare apps like DiDi are good alternatives if Uber isn’t convenient.
How do I get to La Paz, Mexico, from the UK?
The easiest way to get to La Paz from the UK is to fly into Mexico City first, then take a connecting flight to La Paz. Depending on the airline and route, you may also connect through other major Mexican hubs in the east.
How do I get to La Paz, Mexico, from Los Angeles?
You can fly directly from Los Angeles to La Paz during peak season, or connect through Mexico City or another Mexican airport. Driving or using buses is another option, but it’s a long journey down the Baja Peninsula.
How much is an Uber from Cabo to La Paz?
An Uber from Cabo San Lucas to La Paz can cost around $120-150 USD, depending on traffic, season, and the type of vehicle you choose.
How much is a shuttle from Cabo Airport to La Paz?
Shared or private shuttles from Cabo Airport to La Paz typically range from $50-80 USD per person, with private transfers on the higher end.
Read next:
La Paz vs Cabo: Which to Choose?
The 28 Best Things to Do in La Paz
Where to Stay in La Paz, Mexico: Best Areas + Hotels
16 Best Restaurants in La Paz + Local Taco Joints
A Complete Guide to Visiting Balandra Beach
How to Ethically Swim with Whale Sharks in La Paz
How to Snorkel or Dive with Sea Lions in La Paz
How to Visit Isla Espíritu Santo from La Paz
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