Flying to Los Cabos for the Baja 1000 + Where to Stay (2026)

For its 59th running in 2026, the SCORE Baja 1000 moves its start and finish from Ensenada to Los Cabos, at the southern tip of the peninsula. That makes race week a fly-in trip for most fans: land at SJD, pick a base, and plan around the Nov 13 start. This guide covers flights, getting from the airport, rental cars and where to stay.

Flying to Los Cabos (SJD)

Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) sits just north of San José del Cabo. It’s one of Mexico’s best-connected leisure airports. In 2026 it has nonstop service from dozens of US cities, including Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Phoenix, Dallas, Houston, Denver, Seattle, Chicago, Atlanta and New York. Airlines include American, United, Delta, Alaska, Southwest, Spirit, Frontier, Aeroméxico, Volaris and Viva Aerobus. Routes and frequencies change, so check your airline for November dates.

Timing tip: teams and support crews arrive from Oct 24 (pre-running) through Nov 12 (tech and contingency). To catch the pre-race atmosphere, arrive by Wednesday, Nov 11. Fly out Sunday, Nov 15 or later if you want to see the finish and the awards.

Getting From the Airport

Airports in Mexico are federal zones, and Uber can’t pick up arriving passengers at SJD. Book a shuttle or private transfer before you land, or use the official taxi counters inside the terminal. For the trip back, an Uber from your hotel to the airport is allowed.

Should You Rent a Car?

If you want to see the race out on the course, yes. Viewing spots will be spread across the desert, and they’re hard to reach without your own wheels. If you plan to stay near the start/finish and the town festivities, taxis and shuttles are enough.

• Mexican liability insurance is mandatory. US policies usually don’t cover you in Mexico, and uninsured drivers involved in an accident can be detained. Expect about $20–25 a day on top of the rental rate.
• Age: some local agencies set the minimum renter age at 24. Check the terms before you book.
• Fill up often once you leave the towns, and don’t count on phone signal in the backcountry.

Where to Stay

Our pick for race fans: San José del Cabo. It’s the host town on SCORE’s official 2026 schedule, it’s the closest town to the airport and quieter than Cabo San Lucas, and its old town is full of good restaurants within walking distance. Cabo San Lucas is a good choice if nightlife and the marina matter more to you than a short airport run.

Once SCORE announces the start/finish, contingency and awards venues, we’ll add distances from each area. Until then, a central base with a rental car or reliable transfers is the safest choice.

Driving Down From the US

Some fans turn race week into a Baja road trip. Tijuana to Cabo San Lucas is about 1,711 km (1,063 mi) on Mexican Federal Highway 1, so plan on several days. Both Baja states are a “hassle-free zone”, so a US-registered vehicle doesn’t need a temporary import permit there. You do still need Mexican auto insurance, and an FMM tourist permit if you’re traveling beyond the border zone.

Money, Weather and Safety

• Money: about 17 pesos per US dollar (September 2026). Dollars are widely accepted, but vendor exchange rates can cost you 10–15%. Withdraw pesos from bank-branch ATMs, and choose to be charged in pesos when paying by card.
• Weather: November is dry and warm. Expect highs of about 80–89°F (27–31°C), lows of 61–69°F (16–21°C) and sea temperatures of 75–81°F. Hurricane season is over by race week.
• Safety: the US State Department rates Baja California Sur Level 2, “Exercise increased caution”. Check the current advisory before you travel.

FAQ

Which airport do I fly into for the 2026 Baja 1000?

Los Cabos International Airport (SJD). It’s about 8 miles from San José del Cabo and 23–30 miles from Cabo San Lucas, with nonstop flights from many US cities.

Can I take an Uber from the Los Cabos airport?

Not for pickups. Uber can’t collect arriving passengers at SJD, so use an airport taxi, a shuttle or a pre-booked transfer. Uber is fine for your ride back to the airport.

Is it better to stay in San José del Cabo or Cabo San Lucas for the Baja 1000?

San José del Cabo is closer to the airport, quieter and has a walkable old town. Cabo San Lucas has the marina and the nightlife. SCORE’s official schedule lists San José del Cabo as the host town, which tips the balance for most race fans. The exact venue hasn’t been announced yet.

When should I arrive for Baja 1000 race week?

Arrive by Wednesday, Nov 11, 2026, for tech inspection and contingency. The race starts Friday, Nov 13, and the awards are Sunday, Nov 15.

Do I need a passport to fly to Los Cabos?

Yes. You need a passport book (a passport card isn’t valid for air travel). Mexico issues a digital FMM tourist permit when you arrive by air.

Sources: SCORE International – 2026 Baja 1000 announcement · Visit Los Cabos – Airports · Visit Los Cabos – Transportation · Visit Los Cabos – Places to visit · Frommer’s – San José del Cabo · The Cabo Sun – Uber at SJD · The Cabo Sun – US nonstop routes · US State Department – Mexico · Cabo Adventures – November weather · SCORE – 2026 schedule (PDF, June 30, 2026). Facts verified September 2026.