La Paz International Airport (LAP), officially Aeropuerto Internacional Manuel Márquez de León, sits about 13 km (8 miles) north of downtown La Paz on the Carretera Transpeninsular. The drive takes 25 to 35 minutes depending on traffic. You have four main ways to get from the terminal to your hotel: taxi, shared shuttle, private transfer, or rental car. Here's what each one costs and feels like.
Quick comparison
| Option | Price (one way) | Travel time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport taxi | ~$35–$50 USD per car | 25–35 minutes | Solo travelers, short notice |
| Shared shuttle | $13–$40 USD per person | 25–45 minutes (with stops) | Budget travelers |
| Private transfer | $31–$59 USD per person | 25–35 minutes | Families, direct door-to-door |
| Rental car | ~$32+ USD per day | 25–35 minutes | Travelers who want to explore on their own |
Prices are 2026 estimates and change by season and provider. Confirm exact fares when you book.
Airport taxi: quick and available on arrival
Authorized airport taxis (taxis de sitio) wait right outside baggage claim and don't require advance booking. A ride to downtown La Paz costs somewhere in the $35–$50 USD range for the car, not per person, so it can be a good deal for two or three people traveling together.
Pay at the taxi counter inside the terminal before you get in the car — this fixes the price upfront and avoids negotiating curbside. Rides accept cash in pesos or dollars; card payment isn't always available, so carry small bills if you can.
Shared shuttle: the cheapest per-person option
Shared shuttles pick up several passengers at the airport and drop each one off at their own hotel, so the route can take a bit longer than a private ride. Expect to pay $13 to $40 USD per person, with a wait of 15 to 60 minutes at the airport while the van fills up.
Shuttles typically run until around 8 PM, so if you're arriving on a late flight, a private transfer is the safer bet. Car seats aren't usually available on shared shuttles — bring your own or book a private transfer if you're traveling with young kids.
Private transfer: door-to-door with no stops
A private transfer is the most comfortable way to reach your hotel, with no waiting for other passengers and no extra stops. Rates run about $31 USD per person for a sedan (1–3 passengers) or $59 USD per person for a minivan (1–8 passengers), and many companies include bottled water for the ride.
This is the best choice for families with young children (car seats are usually available on request), late-night or early-morning arrivals, and travelers who'd rather not deal with currency or negotiating on arrival. Groups of 8 or more can usually arrange custom pricing for a larger vehicle.
Rental car: freedom to explore Baja Sur
All the major international rental agencies operate directly out of the terminal, with rates starting around $32 USD per day before insurance. A rental car makes sense if you plan to explore beyond La Paz — Playa Balandra, Todos Santos, or La Ventana are all a manageable drive away and easiest to reach with your own vehicle.
As with any car rental in Mexico, factor in mandatory Mexican liability insurance, which most credit cards and home auto policies don't cover.
Which option should you choose?
If you're traveling alone or in a pair and want the fastest option right off the plane, an airport taxi gets you downtown in half an hour without a reservation. If price matters most and you don't mind a few extra stops, a shared shuttle is the cheapest way per person. If you want comfort, a fixed price, and no surprises — especially with kids, luggage, or a late flight — book a private transfer in advance. And if you plan to road-trip around Baja California Sur during your stay, a rental car picked up at the terminal is the most flexible option.
Frequently asked questions
Is there Uber at La Paz Airport?
No. As of 2026, Uber does not operate at La Paz Airport or in La Paz itself. Your options are authorized airport taxi, shared shuttle, private transfer, or rental car.
How far is La Paz Airport from downtown?
About 13 km (8 miles), a 25–35 minute drive along the Carretera Transpeninsular.
Does La Paz Airport have free WiFi?
Yes, free WiFi is available throughout the terminal on the GAP Free network.
Can I exchange currency at the airport?
Yes, a currency exchange counter operates in the terminal, typically from 9 AM to 6 PM. Both pesos and US dollars are widely accepted in La Paz, and most hotels and restaurants take major credit cards.
How do I get from La Paz Airport to Los Cabos?
La Paz Airport (LAP) and Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) are separate airports about 190–215 km apart (sources vary on the exact distance), roughly a 2.5 to 3 hour drive along Highway 19. See our full Los Cabos to La Paz guide for bus, shuttle, and transfer options between the two.
