Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
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San José del Cabo
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
San José del Cabo
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
San José del Cabo
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
San José del Cabo
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
San José del Cabo offers a blend of serene beaches, art galleries, and vibrant cultural experiences. While taxis and public transport are available, renting a car provides the freedom to explore at your own pace. Discover hidden gems and enjoy the scenic beauty of Baja California Sur with ease.
Explore Beyond the Tourist Spots. A rental car allows you to venture beyond the main tourist areas and discover secluded beaches, charming local villages, and breathtaking desert landscapes.
Convenience and Flexibility. Having your own vehicle means you can travel on your own schedule, without having to rely on fixed bus routes or expensive taxi fares.
Access to Outdoor Activities. San José del Cabo is a gateway to numerous outdoor adventures, from surfing and snorkelling to hiking and exploring the Sierra de la Laguna mountains. A car makes it easy to transport equipment and reach trailheads.
Before renting a car in San José del Cabo, be aware of the requirements and regulations to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. These include age restrictions, licence requirements, insurance options, and potential extra fees.
Area
Approximately 550 square kilometres (212 square miles)
Population
Around 136,000 residents
Time Zone
Mountain Standard Time (MST)
Ideal for
Exploring beaches and the surrounding area
Rush Hours
Expect heavier traffic during morning and evening commutes
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in San José del Cabo require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
2. Driver’s Licence and IDPA valid driver’s licence from your country of residence is generally accepted. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended but not always required. Always carry your passport or other official ID.
3. InsuranceBasic insurance is usually included in the rental price, but consider purchasing additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) for peace of mind. Check what your credit card may cover as well.
4. DepositsA security deposit is typically required and held on your credit card. The amount can vary depending on the car rental company and the type of vehicle. Ensure you have sufficient credit available.
5. Mileage and Fuel PoliciesMileage policies can be either unlimited or limited. Fuel policies often require you to return the car with the same amount of fuel as when you picked it up. Familiarise yourself with these details to avoid extra charges.
6. Extra FeesAdditional fees may apply for things like extra drivers, child seats, GPS navigation systems, and one-way rentals. Always enquire about these potential costs upfront.
Average economy-class car rental in San José del Cabo typically starts from £15 / $19 / €18 per day. Prices may vary depending on the season, availability, and the specific rental company.
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €48 per day
Electric:
from £25 / $31 / €30 per day
Classic:
from £10 / $12 / €12 per day
Executive:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
7 Seater:
from £45 / $56 / €54 per day
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €24 per day
SUV:
from £18 / $23 / €22 per day
Peak season (December to April): Demand is high, prices increase by 20-30%
Low season (May to November): Discounts and better deals are often available
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Booking a car in San José del Cabo is a simple process. Follow these steps to secure the best deal and ensure a smooth rental experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from various car rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering the number of passengers and the type of terrain you'll be driving on.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental terms and conditions, including mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Book your car well in advance, especially if you're travelling during peak season, to secure the best rates and availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's licence, passport, and credit card to the rental counter when picking up your vehicle.
San José del Cabo offers a relaxed atmosphere compared to its sister city, Cabo San Lucas. Driving is generally straightforward, but it's essential to be aware of local traffic laws and road conditions.
As part of Los Cabos in Baja California Sur, Mexico, San José del Cabo is known for its historic charm and art district. Renting a car offers the flexibility to explore nearby attractions like the beaches, the estuary, and the scenic Transpeninsular Highway.
Top Attractions to Discover
San José Estuary
A protected natural area, perfect for birdwatching and nature walks.
Art Walk
Every Thursday evening from November to June, the Art District comes alive with galleries and street performers.
Palmilla Beach
A beautiful and swimmable beach known for its calm waters and upscale resorts.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Lots
Available in the downtown area, near the Art District, and around major attractions.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available, but be sure to pay attention to time limits and regulations.
Resort Parking
Most resorts offer parking for guests, but spaces may be limited.
Gas Stations in San José del Cabo
PEMEX
The most common gas station chain in Mexico, with several locations in and around San José del Cabo.
Convenience Stores
Some gas stations have convenience stores offering snacks and drinks.
Highway Stations
Fuel stations are also available along the Transpeninsular Highway.
Useful Tips for Visiting San José del Cabo
Driving Etiquette
Be courteous and patient, and avoid aggressive driving.
Speed Limits
Pay attention to speed limits, as they can change frequently.
Road Conditions
Be aware of potholes and uneven surfaces, especially on less travelled roads.
Spanish Phrases
Knowing a few basic Spanish phrases can be helpful when interacting with locals.
Airports
Los Cabos International Airport (SJD)
Located approximately 20 minutes from San José del Cabo, serving both domestic and international flights.
Bus Stations
San José del Cabo Bus Station
Provides local and regional bus services, connecting to other towns and cities in Baja California Sur.
Taxi Stands
Designated Taxi Areas
Taxi stands are available at the airport, major hotels, and popular tourist areas.
Renting a car in San José del Cabo is generally straightforward. Here's what you'll typically need:
A valid driver's licence from your country of residence is usually sufficient. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended but not always required.
You'll need your passport as proof of identity.
A valid credit card in the renter's name is required for the security deposit.
If you booked online, bring a printed or digital copy of your rental voucher.
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as San José del Cabo as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Having a car made exploring San José del Cabo so easy! The beaches were stunning, but the town itself felt a little less vibrant than I expected. Still, a great trip overall.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 01.06.2025
Relaxing, good vibes.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 01.02.2025
Family vacation was perfect! Having a car made getting around San José del Cabo so convenient. Beautiful beaches and charming town.
Emily Garcia
Reviewed: 08.09.2024
Pretty laid-back, really.
Liam Brown
Reviewed: 04.11.2024
Low-key, pretty cool
Ava Davis
Reviewed: 10.05.2025
Loved exploring San José del Cabo! Cruising around in our rental car was perfect for this quick stop on our road trip.
Oliver Wilson
Reviewed: 27.04.2025
Efficient business trip! Getting around San José del Cabo was a breeze thanks to my rental car. Beautiful beaches!
David Lee
Reviewed: 03.01.2025
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Pretty chill, really
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 05.11.2024