How to Get to La Paz
By Mr. Playas · Updated 2026
Three practical routes reach La Paz from the US: fly direct into the city's own airport, drive Highway 1 north from Los Cabos, or cross from the Mexican mainland by ferry. Flying direct is the most efficient for most travelers. The drive from Los Cabos is the logical extension of a Baja trip already centered in the south. The ferry is the right move for travelers crossing from Mazatlán or Sinaloa who want to bring a vehicle.
Flying — General Manuel Márquez de León International Airport (LAP)
La Paz's international airport is 12 km south of the city center. Direct US flights operate from Los Angeles (Alaska Airlines), Phoenix (American Airlines), and a handful of other gateway cities on a seasonal basis — check current routes, as they shift year to year. Aeromexico, Volaris, and VivaAerobus connect La Paz to Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Tijuana with multiple daily flights.
From the airport to the city: taxis are the only transport option — no bus service or Uber pickup at LAP. The fare to the malecon or downtown runs $15–20 USD. Confirm the rate before getting in.
Driving from Los Cabos — Highway 1
Highway 1 runs north from Cabo San Lucas through San José del Cabo and continues to La Paz — 220 km, approximately 2 to 2.5 hours on well-maintained two-lane highway through the Baja desert. The drive is straightforward and scenic. Fill up before leaving the Cabo corridor — gas stations exist along the route but are not as frequent as on the mainland.
This is the most common route for travelers who are already in Los Cabos and want to add La Paz to their itinerary. A rental car from Los Cabos typically permits driving to La Paz — confirm with the rental company before departure. The drive is worth doing in daylight for the desert and sea views.
Most travelers default to flying into Los Cabos and treating La Paz as an add-on. Consider reversing the sequence: fly into La Paz (LAP) for the wildlife and city experience, then drive south to Los Cabos for the resort portion of the trip. The route makes geographic sense, the drive is the same distance in either direction, and starting in La Paz means you arrive at the whale watching and Espíritu Santo tours before your tolerance for resort activity kicks in. .
Ferry from the Mainland — Baja Ferries
Baja Ferries operates passenger and vehicle ferry crossings between La Paz and two mainland ports. From Mazatlán: approximately 12 hours, overnight sailing — a practical option for travelers who have driven the Pacific coast of Mexico and want to bring their vehicle into Baja. From Topolobampo (near Los Mochis, Sinaloa): approximately 9 hours.
The ferry terminal in La Paz is at Pichilingue, about 20 km north of the city center — the same road that leads to Playa Balandra. Cabins are available for overnight crossings. Passenger tickets: $60–90 USD each way. Vehicle rates depend on vehicle size. Book in advance for holiday periods — the ferries fill.
Getting Around La Paz
The city center and malecon are walkable from most malecon-area hotels. For getting beyond the center:
- Uber: Operates reliably in La Paz — open the app before you need it. The most transparent pricing for cross-city trips.
- Taxis: Available throughout the city. Negotiate the fare before getting in — there are no meters. Zone-based fares are standard: downtown to malecon is $3–5 USD, malecon to marina is $5–8 USD.
- Rental car: The most useful option for visiting Balandra, Tecolote, and the Pichilingue ferry terminal independently. Available at LAP airport and from downtown rental offices. Standard sedans handle all paved routes. A car is not necessary for the city itself but is strongly recommended if Balandra is on the agenda.
- Tour boat transfers: For Espíritu Santo, whale watching, and whale shark tours, the operators handle all water transport from the malecon pier. You do not need your own vehicle for marine activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your primary destination is La Paz, fly into LAP — it saves 2.5 hours of driving each way and puts you directly in the city. If you are splitting time between La Paz and the Cabo corridor, fly into the airport closer to where you are starting and drive the Highway 1 connection.
About 2 to 2.5 hours on Highway 1 — 220 km, two-lane paved highway. The road is in good condition and the drive is straightforward. Drive in daylight for the desert views and for road safety.
Yes — Uber operates in La Paz and is reliable. Particularly useful for airport transfers and cross-city trips where negotiating a taxi fare is inconvenient. Open the app before you need it — connectivity can be intermittent in some areas.
For the city alone: no. For Playa Balandra and Playa Tecolote: strongly recommended. The buses to Pichilingue exist but are infrequent and the timing does not align well with beach day logistics. A rental car for 2–3 days gives you Balandra on your schedule, which is how Balandra is best experienced.
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