Manuel Márquez de León International Airport (LAP) is La Paz’s gateway to the Sea of Cortez - one of the world’s most celebrated marine ecosystems and a destination known for whale sharks, sea lions, and some of Mexico’s best diving. The airport is located approximately 12–14 km south of La Paz city centre, on the outskirts of the capital of Baja California Sur.
LAP handles domestic flights from Mexico City, Guadalajara, and other Mexican cities, along with seasonal direct routes from a handful of US and Canadian cities. It is a manageable single-terminal airport with a reliable taxi system and car rental counters - the latter particularly useful given the appeal of exploring Baja’s dramatic highway.
From the Terminal
On exiting arrivals at LAP, you will find:
- Official taxi rank - outside the terminal with posted zone fares
- Car rental desks - Budget, Hertz, Thrifty, and local agencies have counters inside the terminal
- Pre-booked transfer drivers - waiting outside arrivals with name signs for private bookings
- Small ATM - inside or just outside the terminal (have MXN $400 as backup for taxi)
No ADO bus and no public bus serve the airport terminal directly.
Taxi (The Standard Option)
Taxis from La Paz Airport operate on a fixed zone system. The driver may quote a price - confirm it matches the zone fare before boarding. Fares below are approximate as of 2026.
Approximate taxi fares from LAP (as of 2026):
| Destination | Approx. Fare | Journey Time |
|---|---|---|
| Malecón (waterfront) / city centre | ~MXN $280–360 | 20–25 min |
| La Paz centro hotels (near cathedral) | ~MXN $300–380 | 22–27 min |
| El Mogote peninsula area | ~MXN $350–450 | 25–35 min |
| Pichilingue ferry terminal | ~MXN $320–420 | 22–28 min |
| La Paz airport to Todos Santos (highway) | ~MXN $900–1,200 | 1 hour 10 min |
Night surcharge: Expect 15–20% higher fares for arrivals after 10 pm.
Private Transfer
For a guaranteed fixed fare with a driver confirmed before you land, book via Kiwitaxi or Welcome Pickups. Particularly useful for:
- Early morning or late-night arrivals
- Groups with heavy diving or camping equipment
- First-time visitors who want a driver who speaks English
Private transfers from LAP to city centre hotels typically cost approximately MXN $450–700 for a standard vehicle as of 2026.
Car Rental (Strongly Recommended)
La Paz is one of the Mexican destinations where a rental car genuinely unlocks the experience. The Baja peninsula’s best sites are spread out along the highway, and public transport between them is limited. Key destinations reachable by car from La Paz:
| Destination | Distance | Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Balandra Beach (protected lagoon) | ~25 km | 25–35 min |
| Tecolote Beach | ~28 km | 30 min |
| La Ventana (kiteboarding, whale sharks) | ~50 km | 50 min |
| Todos Santos (Pueblo Mágico) | ~80 km | 1 hour |
| Los Cabos (San José del Cabo) | ~200 km | 2–2.5 hours |
| Loreto (Baja Norte) | ~350 km | 3.5–4 hours |
Compare car hire rates for La Paz - pre-booking online is recommended, especially in the November–April peak season when whale shark visitors and snowbirds fill the city. A compact car starts from approximately MXN $600–850 per day as of 2026. Highway 1 through Baja is well-paved but rural - a full tank before heading north or south is advised.
Ferry from La Paz to Mazatlán or Topolobampo
La Paz is a major ferry hub connecting Baja with mainland Mexico. The ferry terminal is at Pichilingue, approximately 17 km north of the city centre (around 20 min from LAP by taxi). Baja Ferries operates the route.
| Route | Crossing Time | Approx. Passenger Fare |
|---|---|---|
| La Paz → Mazatlán | ~19 hours | ~MXN $1,200–1,600 |
| La Paz → Topolobampo (Sinaloa) | ~9 hours | ~MXN $900–1,200 |
Fares vary by cabin type and season - book via the Baja Ferries website. If you are bringing a vehicle across, book weeks in advance in high season.
ADO Bus (From City Centre)
La Paz’s ADO terminal (on Malecón Alvaro Obregón) connects to mainland destinations via the ferry:
| Route | Approx. Fare | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| La Paz → Los Cabos | ~MXN $350–500 | ~2.5 hours |
| La Paz → Todos Santos | ~MXN $100–140 | ~1.5 hours |
| La Paz → Loreto | ~MXN $280–380 | ~3.5 hours |
Reach the ADO terminal from the airport by taxi (approximately MXN $280–360).
Practical Tips
- Whale shark season: November through April is the main window for whale shark encounters near La Paz (La Ventana and Bahía de Los Sueños area). Book whale shark tours in advance - spaces fill fast during Christmas and Easter.
- Windsports visitors: If you are heading to La Ventana or El Sargento for kiteboarding (peak wind season: November–March), arrange transport for your gear in advance - standard taxis may not accommodate full kite bags.
- No metered taxis: Always confirm the fare or use the zone ticket system. Street taxis hailing outside the terminal can charge differently from official airport taxis.
- Car rental pre-booking essential: In high season (December–March), walking up to the rental desk with no reservation can mean no available vehicles. Book at least 2–3 weeks ahead.
- USD at the airport: Some rental desks accept USD; taxi drivers may or may not. Carry MXN $400 in cash to cover your arrival taxi without hassle.
- Pichilingue ferry terminal: If you are arriving by ferry rather than plane, the same taxi zone fares roughly apply between Pichilingue and the city - approximately MXN $120–170 to the Malecón.
Plan your trip: airport transfers · car hire · travel insurance.
Related Guides
- La Paz Travel Guide
- Los Cabos Travel Guide
- Todos Santos Travel Guide
- Los Cabos Airport Transfer
- Getting Around Mexico
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
See our itineraries for inspiration:
- 1 Week Mexico - one week covering Mexico City, Oaxaca and the beach
- 10 Days Mexico - ten days from the capital to the Caribbean
- 2 Weeks Mexico - the two-week Mexico circuit
- Budget Mexico Itinerary - a full Mexico trip on a budget