Cabo San Lucas is located on the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula. It’s the most popular destination in Baja and one of the major attractions in all of Mexico. The location is situated where the Sea of Cortez collides with the Pacific Ocean, creating a rich marine environment.
While Cabo is popular, La Paz is also a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Many tourists are surprised to learn that it’s barely more than two hours driving distance between the two locations. This opens the door to so many trip options!
You can literally get the best of both worlds while enjoying the turbulent waters near Cabo and the mellow sea along the shores of La Paz.
Renting a Vehicle in Cabo?
If you plan on driving between the two cities but fly into the country, renting a vehicle is very easy. There are rental agencies in San Jose del Cabo and some that operate out of Cabo as well. The drive is all pavement and it’s no problem in a low clearance, 2wd vehicle. Of course, you may want an SUV with some clearance to make stops along the way.
Why not a shuttle service from Cabo to La Paz?
You have the option to grab a bus for a low price or you can pay for a shuttle service from Cabo to La Paz. It saves on rental costs and is really ideal if you have a single stop on each end. For travelers with multiple stops and the desire to explore, having the freedom of a rental car really is perfect.
Explore shuttle services running from Cabo to La Paz:
Driving Directions from Cabo to La Paz
Time: 2 to 2.5 hours
Kilometers: 158 kilometers
Directions:
Route 1 – It doesn’t get any easier than this. It takes just over two hours by driving the direct route North on Mex 19. This road is wide, paved and traffic is very manageable. You will follow the Pacific Coast for the majority of this drive before crossing the peninsula to the city of La Paz.
Route 2 – If you want to make any stops on the East Cape, consider driving Mex 1. It catches the Sea of Cortez at Los Barriles and offers routes east to other areas of the Sea of Cortez. The road ultimately returns to Mex 19 via El Triunfo. It’s a longer drive but is worth doing if you have time to make a few adventurous stops.
Things to See Along the Way
If you choose Route #1, consider stopping to watch the surfers at Cerritos Beach or do some shopping in Todos Santos. Both are excellent places to jump out and spend a few hours or a full day. They also sit at roughly halfway so it’s a nice break from the drive.
For those enjoying the longer drive on the East side, take a trip to Cabo Pulmo, Los Barriles or La Ribera. All of these locations offer immediate access to the Sea of Cortez and they aren’t far off the route. Plan ahead however because this is a bit longer of a drive and you may prefer an overnight stop while driving from Cabo to La Paz!
