Flying to Visit Us

Your guide to flights, airport transfers, and a smooth van handover in La Paz, Baja California Sur.

Flying home after dropping off your van, or returning to collect it? Many of our clients do both. The best itinerary depends on where you are coming from, your flight times, and how much ground travel you want to do. Start with La Paz Airport, then compare Los Cabos and the Tijuana–CBX option below.

Which airport should I choose?

La Paz (LAP): our first choice for convenience. The airport is just a short drive from our workshop, so it keeps the final part of your journey simple.
Los Cabos / San José del Cabo (SJD): worth comparing for international flights. Allow approximately 2½–3 hours by private vehicle to La Paz, plus time for airport formalities and any stops. Shared services can take longer.
Tijuana (TIJ) via Cross Border Xpress (CBX): useful for Southern California travelers. Cross on foot from the CBX terminal in San Diego directly into Tijuana Airport, then fly to La Paz.

Compare the whole journey: airfare, baggage, airport transfers, CBX tickets or parking, and any overnight stay. A cheaper flight to Cabo can cost more overall once you add the transfer.

Before you book your flights

Please confirm your drop-off or pickup appointment with us first. If you are collecting a restored van, wait for us to confirm that it is ready and agree on a handover date before buying your pickup flights. An estimated completion date is not a confirmed collection appointment.

Allow time at the workshop to review the vehicle, discuss the work, complete the handover, and ask questions. If you are dropping off and flying out the same day, leave a comfortable margin for both the workshop visit and the airport journey. A late arrival may work better with a night in La Paz and a workshop visit the following day.

Flying into La Paz Airport (LAP)

Manuel Márquez de León International Airport serves La Paz, Mexico. Check that your booking shows LAP and Baja California Sur when searching for flights.

Alaska Airlines offers the Los Angeles (LAX)–La Paz route, and Volaris offers Tijuana (TIJ)–La Paz. Depending on your starting point, a connection through a Mexican city may also work well. Routes and operating days can change, so check the airline's schedule for your exact dates.

Check Alaska Airlines' La Paz flights · Check Volaris' Tijuana–La Paz flights

For the short transfer to our workshop or your accommodation, use an airport taxi or arrange a pickup in advance. Confirm the fare and destination before setting off, and ask us for the workshop location when arranging your appointment. Do not assume that a ride-hailing app can collect you at the terminal; confirm the current pickup arrangements locally.

Flying into Los Cabos Airport (SJD)

Los Cabos International Airport is near San José del Cabo and is a useful alternative when it offers a better flight or connection. Check that your reservation shows SJD, and include the road journey to La Paz in your plans.

Budget approximately 2½–3 hours for a private transfer in normal conditions. That estimate starts after you leave the airport; immigration, baggage collection, customs, traffic, weather, and stops add time. For the return journey, work backward from your airline's recommended airport arrival time and add the road transfer plus a buffer. Consider staying near SJD the night before a very early departure.

Our recommended local driver

We can help coordinate a transfer with a local driver we have worked with for years and trust. She speaks Spanish, and we can help with the arrangements if needed. You may also ask us for her contact details to book directly.

Contact us for the current quote and availability. The driver sets the fare and receives the full transport payment; we do not receive a commission. Confirm the total in Mexican pesos, payment method, pickup point, and any waiting or extra-stop charges before booking. Tell us about your group and luggage so we can check whether the available vehicle is suitable.

To help arrange your transfer, please send:

Your airline, flight number, travel date, airport, and scheduled arrival or departure time.
Your pickup and destination addresses: the workshop, your hotel, or another agreed location.
The number of passengers and bags, plus any oversized luggage, child-seat, or accessibility needs.
A mobile number that will work in Mexico and a recent photo of you and your passengers so the driver can identify you.

Keep the agreed meeting instructions handy, and let the driver and us know if your flight changes or is delayed. Airport landing time and the time you are ready to leave the terminal are different.

Shared shuttle or bus

A shared service can be worth comparing, particularly for solo travelers. Check current airport options through Grupo Estrella Blanca. Search for Aeropuerto San José del Cabo and La Paz Malecón, and confirm the exact stops with the operator. A downtown San José del Cabo bus station is a different pickup location from the airport.

Check the current fare, baggage allowance, last departure, arrival terminal, and policy for a missed departure before paying. Leave time after landing to clear the airport. If your service ends at the Malecón, allow for a separate local transfer to the workshop or your accommodation. Do not rely on an old timetable or assume there will be a seat when you arrive.

From Southern California via Tijuana and CBX

Cross Border Xpress is a pedestrian bridge for eligible Tijuana Airport passengers. The U.S. terminal is in San Diego, separate from San Diego International Airport. If you fly into San Diego first, you need an additional ground transfer to CBX.

Book your flight from Tijuana (TIJ) to La Paz (LAP).
Check whether your booking includes CBX access; otherwise buy the appropriate bridge ticket. Budget separately for parking or transport to the U.S. terminal.
Check the official CBX document requirements for your nationality and direction of travel. You still complete immigration and customs formalities.
Allow time for the crossing, airline check-in or bag drop, and security. Follow the airline and CBX arrival guidance, especially during busy travel periods.

On the return trip, follow the CBX signs inside Tijuana Airport before leaving the arrivals area. Current guidance allows southbound access within 24 hours before departure and northbound access within two hours after arrival. Confirm the latest rules before traveling; see Volaris' CBX guidance.

Should I rent a car?

A rental can make sense if you plan to explore Baja before or after your workshop visit. For a simple airport-to-workshop journey, compare the full rental cost with a transfer before deciding.

Request a written total including taxes, airport charges, any one-way drop-off fee, and the coverages you select. Check liability coverage, damage and theft protection, deductibles, the card deposit or hold, fuel terms, and driver requirements. Insurance packages and deposits vary; a low advertised daily rate alone does not tell you the full cost. Avis Mexico's rate and coverage explanation illustrates the types of differences to check with your chosen rental company.

A few final travel checks

Travel documents: check your passport, visa or residency documents, and the entry requirements for Mexico and your return destination. Use the Mexican government's entry guidance and your airline's requirements.
Baggage and parts: check your airline's allowance before packing tools, bulky parts, batteries, or liquids. If you are bringing something for your van, coordinate with us first and read our guide to getting parts to Mexico.
Arrival details: save your transfer instructions and accommodation address offline. Keep your passport, medication, valuables, and flight essentials with you when leaving your van.
Timing: use the local times shown on your itinerary and confirm workshop appointments in La Paz local time. Build flexibility into separate flight bookings and weather-sensitive travel days.

Make the visit part of your Baja trip: explore our guides to where to stay, where to eat, and things to do in La Paz and Baja Sur.

Ready to plan your visit? Get in touch or email shane@livethevanlife.com with your proposed dates and whether you are dropping off or collecting your van.

Travel information reviewed September 2026. Airline routes, transfer availability, fares, and entry requirements can change. Confirm the details for your travel dates directly with the relevant provider or authority.