Can you Drive to Cabo San Lucas?

When traveling on a budget, airline tickets are most likely the most expensive purchase, which may leave you wondering “Can you drive to Cabo San Lucas?” If you’re already on the west coast, driving will likely be the cheapest way to travel to Cabo San Lucas, and while the idea of driving to Cabo San Lucas might sound tedious or even dangerous, thousands of tourists do it every year, which gives them the freedom to explore more of the Baja Peninsula and to get around town on their own. To figure out how to get to Cabo San Lucas, there are a few tips and requirements you’ll need to know, but once you’ve got all your travel essentials for road trips in Mexico, it’ll be smooth sailing.

Can You Drive to Cabo San Lucas?

Yes, if you’re up for a road trip, driving to Cabo San Lucas is an incredible experience that will give you a unique perspective of Mexico. From San Diego, the most common route for getting to Cabo San Lucas takes about 16 hours, and most drivers split this up over the course of at least two days. While the cheapest way to travel to Cabo San Lucas would be a straight drive, taking time to go wine tasting in Valle de Guadalupe, relax in Guerrero Negro, or golf in Loreto will broaden your view of Mexico and introduce you to more of the regional culture.

Paperwork for Driving to Cabo San Lucas

Crossing international borders requires travelers to pass through customs and immigration. When taking a car across the border, there are a few travel essentials for road trips you’ll need. In addition to your passport and driver’s license, you’ll need your car’s paperwork in order. Bring your proof of registration, and purchase a Mexico tourist auto insurance policy in advance. From immigration, you’ll get a Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (TVIP) and your tourist entry card (FMM). With all of this, can you drive to Cabo San Lucas? Yes, and you’ll be able to stay up to 180 days.

Is it Safe to Drive to Cabo San Lucas?

Getting ready for your journey doesn’t just include packing and paperwork. You’ll also want to look into whether it is safe to drive to Cabo San Lucas. Overall, the drive to Cabo is safe, but you’ll want to follow important driving tips to avoid problems. One of the most important guidelines is to stay on or close to the Transpeninsular Highway that runs through Baja. This road is safe and patrolled, and the country even offers the service of Green Angels, bilingual roadside assistance for cars that have broken down or need help. To avoid dangerous situations, don’t drive after dark. Make an itinerary beforehand so that you can stop and spend the night along the way.

Travel Essentials for Road Trips in Mexico

Along the toll roads, there are occasional gas stations and convenience stores where you can pick up all the best road trip essentials. Before leaving, be sure that you have a charger for your phone and a paper copy of your map and itinerary for if you lose cell service, which is likely in the deserts of Baja California. As you pack your car, double check your spare tire, and make sure you’ve got jumper cables and a car jack. You’ll also want some snacks and good music to keep you entertained on the drive.

With your paperwork and car packed, you’ll have the cheapest way to travel to Cabo San Lucas. As you make your plans for how to get to Cabo San Lucas, be sure to plan your stops ahead of time and stay on a safe road. This way, when you return home and your friends ask you “Is it safe to drive to Cabo San Lucas?”, you’ll be able to tell them about all the beauty and the culture you experienced.