The Baja ferry is the lifeline between the peninsula and mainland Mexico, and every Cabo property owner should understand how it works. From La Paz — about 2.5 hours north of Los Cabos — Baja Ferries runs routes to Mazatlán and Topolobampo (Los Mochis), carrying passengers, vehicles, and freight across the Sea of Cortez.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Baja Ferries operates two routes from La Paz: to Mazatlán (12–16 hours, daily departures) and to Topolobampo/Los Mochis (6–8 hours, select days)
- Passenger fares run approximately 1,500–4,500 MXN ($75–$225 USD) depending on cabin class; vehicle transport adds 4,000–12,000 MXN ($200–$600 USD) depending on vehicle size
- La Paz is 2.5 hours north of Los Cabos via Highway 1 — a scenic, well-maintained two-lane road through the Sierra de la Laguna mountains
- The ferry is essential for: shipping vehicles to/from the mainland, transporting furniture and household goods, and road-tripping to mainland Mexico destinations (Copper Canyon, Pacific coast, Mexico City)
- Book vehicle space 2–4 weeks in advance during peak season (November–April) and Semana Santa — walk-on passenger tickets are generally available same-day
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Contact UsThe Two Routes: Mazatlán and Topolobampo
La Paz → Mazatlán
This is the primary route and the one most Cabo homeowners will use. The crossing takes 12–16 hours overnight — you board in the evening, sleep in a cabin, and arrive in Mazatlán the next morning. From Mazatlán, you're on the mainland Mexican highway system with access to Guadalajara (4 hours), Mexico City (10 hours), and the entire Pacific coast.
- Frequency: Daily departures, typically in the evening (exact schedule varies by season — check bajaferries.com for current timetable)
- Duration: 12–16 hours depending on sea conditions and vessel
- Passenger fares (approximate): Salon (reclining seat) ~1,500 MXN ($75 USD), Tourist cabin (4-berth shared) ~2,500 MXN ($125 USD), Private cabin ~4,500 MXN ($225 USD)
- Vehicle transport: Sedan/SUV ~4,000–7,000 MXN ($200–$350 USD), Full-size truck ~6,000–9,000 MXN ($300–$450 USD), RV/trailer ~8,000–12,000+ MXN ($400–$600+ USD) depending on length
La Paz → Topolobampo (Los Mochis)
The shorter crossing — 6–8 hours — lands you in Topolobampo, a small port town near Los Mochis in Sinaloa. This route is primarily useful for travelers heading to the Copper Canyon (El Chepe train departs from Los Mochis), northern Sinaloa, or Chihuahua.
- Frequency: Less frequent than Mazatlán — typically 3–4 departures per week. Schedule varies by season.
- Duration: 6–8 hours (often a daytime crossing)
- Fares: Similar structure to Mazatlán but slightly lower due to shorter distance
- Best for: Copper Canyon trips, northern Mexico road trips, and freight shipments to the north
Booking and Logistics
The booking process has improved significantly in recent years but still has quirks that trip up first-timers:
- Book online at bajaferries.com. The site has an English option. You can also book at their La Paz ticket office (Pichilingue port terminal) or through phone sales. Online booking is the most reliable way to secure vehicle space.
- Vehicle reservations require advance planning. Walk-on passenger tickets are generally available same-week or same-day. Vehicle space is limited and fills up 2–4 weeks in advance during peak season (November–April), Semana Santa (Easter week), and December holidays. Book early.
- Bring vehicle documentation. You'll need your vehicle registration, proof of insurance (Mexican insurance is required — your US policy doesn't cover you on a Mexican ferry), and a valid driver's license. For foreign-plated vehicles, you'll need your Temporary Import Permit (TIP). See our vehicle import guide for TIP details.
- Arrive 2–3 hours before departure. Vehicle check-in involves inspection, documentation review, and loading. Don't cut it close — if you miss the loading window, your vehicle stays on the dock.
- Bring food and entertainment. The ferry has a restaurant and bar, but the food is basic cafeteria fare. Many experienced travelers bring their own provisions, especially for the 12-hour overnight Mazatlán crossing.
Why the Ferry Matters for Cabo Homeowners
If you're buying property in Los Cabos, the ferry system is relevant in several practical scenarios:
Vehicle Transport
Driving a vehicle from the US to Cabo means either driving the entire Baja peninsula (the 1,000-mile drive from Tijuana) or shipping it by ferry from the mainland. Some buyers purchase vehicles in mainland Mexico (Guadalajara, Mexico City) where selection and pricing on Mexican-plated cars is better, then ferry them to La Paz. The ferry is the only way to get a vehicle between the peninsula and mainland without driving around the top of the Gulf of California — a 2,000+ mile detour through Sonora and Arizona.
Furniture and Household Goods
If you're furnishing a Cabo property with pieces from mainland Mexico — Guadalajara furniture workshops, Mexico City showrooms, Oaxacan artisan cooperatives — the ferry is your freight route. Commercial freight crosses on the same ferries, and several logistics companies in La Paz specialize in door-to-door furniture delivery from mainland cities via ferry. Costs vary by volume, but shipping a full living room set from Guadalajara to Cabo via ferry typically runs $500–$1,500 USD including freight, ferry, and last-mile delivery.
Mainland Road Trips
Baja California Sur is beautiful but geographically isolated. The ferry opens up all of mainland Mexico for road trips: Mazatlán's historic center, the Riviera Nayarit coast, the Copper Canyon, Durango, San Miguel de Allende, and Mexico City are all accessible by car once you cross to the mainland. Several Cabo homeowners I know do an annual mainland road trip — ferry to Mazatlán, drive the Pacific coast down to Puerto Vallarta or Oaxaca, and fly back from wherever they end up.
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Book a CallEmergency Travel Alternative
SJD airport is the primary gateway to Los Cabos, but it's a single airport serving an entire peninsula tip. When SJD closes — hurricanes, extreme weather, mechanical issues on the runway — the ferry becomes the backup plan. La Paz also has its own airport (LAP) with flights to mainland cities, so the drive to La Paz gives you a second airport and the ferry as alternative exit routes. For homeowners who spend extended periods in Cabo, knowing that you have multiple ways off the peninsula provides peace of mind.
The Drive to La Paz
The drive from Los Cabos to La Paz is 2–2.5 hours via Highway 1 (the Transpeninsular Highway). It's a well-maintained two-lane road that climbs through the Sierra de la Laguna mountains — genuinely scenic, with desert vistas, small ranching towns, and the occasional cow on the road.
Key stops along the way:
- Todos Santos (1 hour from Cabo): The artsy Pacific-side town worth a stop for lunch, galleries, and the Hotel California.
- El Triunfo (1.5 hours): A former mining town with a restored silver-era smokestack, a surprisingly good café (Café El Triunfo), and the restored INAH museum. The piano museum is genuinely worth 20 minutes.
- La Paz Malecón (2.5 hours): The waterfront promenade in La Paz is one of Mexico's most beautiful urban walks. If you're catching an evening ferry, arrive early and walk the Malecón.
La Paz itself is worth more than a ferry staging area — it's a genuine city of 300,000+ with excellent seafood restaurants, whale shark tours (November–April), island hopping to Isla Espíritu Santo, and a completely different vibe from Los Cabos. Several Cabo homeowners I know do regular weekend trips to La Paz for the change of pace. See our La Paz day trip guide for more.
Ferry vs. Alternatives: Getting to the Mainland
| Option | Time | Cost (approx) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baja Ferry (La Paz–Mazatlán) | 2.5h drive + 12–16h ferry | $75–$225 + vehicle | Vehicle transport, road trips, freight |
| Fly from SJD | 2–4 hours to mainland cities | $100–$400 per person | Fast passenger travel, business trips |
| Drive the peninsula (Cabo–Tijuana) | 16–20 hours | $150–$300 (gas, food, hotel) | Adventure, peninsula exploration |
| Fly from La Paz (LAP) | 2.5h drive + 1–3h flight | $80–$250 per person | Backup when SJD is disrupted |
Tips for First-Time Ferry Travelers
- Take the Mazatlán overnight. Board at 5–6 PM, cabin up, eat dinner, sleep, arrive at dawn. It's the easiest 12 hours you'll spend — and the sunrise over mainland Mexico from the ferry deck is remarkable.
- Book a private cabin. The price difference between a salon seat and a private cabin is ~$150 USD. For an overnight crossing, it's the single best money you'll spend. The cabins are small but clean, with a private bathroom.
- Fill up in La Paz. Gas stations between Cabo and La Paz are infrequent — don't leave with less than half a tank. La Paz has plenty of Pemex stations near the port.
- Download the Baja Ferries app. Real-time departure updates, boarding status, and ticket management. The app is more reliable than the website for day-of logistics.
- Plan for seasickness. The Sea of Cortez crossing is generally calm, but northern winter wind (November–February) can create swells. If you're susceptible, bring medication and choose a lower deck cabin (less motion).
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from Los Cabos to mainland Mexico by ferry?+
Drive 2.5 hours north from Los Cabos to La Paz, then take Baja Ferries to either Mazatlán (12–16 hours overnight, daily departures) or Topolobampo/Los Mochis (6–8 hours, 3–4 departures per week). Book at bajaferries.com. Passenger fares run $75–$225 USD depending on cabin class; vehicle transport adds $200–$600 depending on vehicle size. Arrive at the Pichilingue port terminal 2–3 hours before departure for vehicle check-in.
How much does the Baja ferry cost with a car?+
Vehicle transport on Baja Ferries costs approximately 4,000–7,000 MXN ($200–$350 USD) for a sedan or SUV, 6,000–9,000 MXN ($300–$450 USD) for a full-size truck, and 8,000–12,000+ MXN ($400–$600+ USD) for an RV or trailer, depending on length. This is in addition to passenger fares ($75–$225 per person). Book vehicle space 2–4 weeks in advance during peak season (November–April) and holidays.
How long is the ferry from La Paz to Mazatlán?+
The La Paz to Mazatlán ferry crossing takes 12–16 hours depending on sea conditions and the vessel assigned. The route typically departs in the evening (around 5–6 PM) and arrives in Mazatlán the following morning. The La Paz to Topolobampo route is shorter at 6–8 hours and often runs as a daytime crossing.
Can I ship furniture from mainland Mexico to Cabo by ferry?+
Yes. Commercial freight crosses on the same Baja Ferries vessels, and several logistics companies in La Paz specialize in door-to-door furniture delivery from mainland cities via ferry. Shipping a full living room set from Guadalajara to Cabo typically costs $500–$1,500 USD including freight, ferry crossing, and last-mile delivery. Guadalajara is Mexico's furniture capital and offers dramatically better selection and pricing than what's available locally in Cabo.
How far is La Paz from Los Cabos?+
La Paz is approximately 2–2.5 hours north of Los Cabos via Highway 1 (the Transpeninsular Highway). The drive is 188 km (117 miles) through the Sierra de la Laguna mountains on a well-maintained two-lane road. Key stops along the way include Todos Santos (1 hour), El Triunfo mining town (1.5 hours), and the La Paz Malecón. La Paz has its own airport (LAP) with mainland flights, making it a useful backup when SJD is disrupted.
What documents do I need for the Baja ferry with a vehicle?+
You need: vehicle registration, proof of Mexican auto insurance (US insurance doesn't cover ferry crossings or driving in Mexico), valid driver's license, and for foreign-plated vehicles, your Temporary Import Permit (TIP). Mexican-plated vehicles don't need a TIP. Have all documents accessible — vehicle check-in at Pichilingue port involves inspection and documentation review. Missing any document can result in your vehicle being denied boarding.
Is the Baja ferry safe?+
Yes. Baja Ferries operates modern vessels on well-established routes across the Sea of Cortez. The crossing is generally calm, though northern winter winds (November–February) can create moderate swells. Private cabins on lower decks experience the least motion. The ferry has a restaurant, bar, and common areas. Safety equipment and procedures meet Mexican maritime standards. The biggest risk is missing your boarding window — arrive 2–3 hours early.
Aaron Cuha
Real Estate Advisor & Los Cabos Market Expert
Real estate advisor and founder of Living In Cabo. 15+ years helping families navigate complex real estate decisions. Strategic partner with Ronival — Baja's largest brokerage.
