Los Angeles to Cabo San Lucas is Southern California's favorite international escape: 970 miles down the Baja peninsula, wheels-down at Los Cabos (SJD) about two and a half hours after leaving Van Nuys. Flying private turns a clunky international itinerary into a same-morning arrival.
Mexico requires a few extra formalities — passports on file, a customs stop on arrival — but a good operator handles all of it, and SJD's dedicated FBO terminals process private arrivals in minutes rather than the hour-plus commercial queue.
What it costs by aircraft category
Current market estimates for Los Angeles (VNY) to Cabo San Lucas (SJD), one way, including fuel and standard fees:
| Category | Typical aircraft | Hourly rate | Flight time | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turboprop | Pilatus PC-12, King Air 350 | $2,000–$3,500/h | 3h 30m | $7,000 – $12,200 |
| Light Jet | Phenom 300, Citation CJ3+ | $3,500–$5,500/h | 2h 37m | $9,100 – $14,400 |
| Midsize Jet | Citation Latitude, Learjet 60XR | $5,500–$8,000/h | 2h 22m | $13,000 – $18,900 |
| Super-Midsize | Challenger 350, Citation X | $8,000–$10,000/h | 2h 15m | $18,000 – $22,500 |
| Heavy Jet | Gulfstream G650, Global 7500 | $10,000–$18,000/h | 2h 10m | $21,600 – $38,900 |
Which jet should you take?
Midsize jets are ideal: nonstop range with margin, generous baggage for golf bags and dive gear, and a cabin built for a 2.5-hour leg. Light jets make it nonstop in good conditions; turboprops need a stop and rarely make sense here.
Airports and FBOs
Depart Van Nuys (VNY) or Burbank (BUR). At Los Cabos (SJD), private terminals handle customs and immigration on the ramp. Cabo San Lucas International (CSL) is a smaller alternative closer to the Pacific-side resorts, best for light jets.
When to fly — and how to pay less
Christmas–New Year and spring break are peak; book 3–4 weeks ahead. September–October is hurricane-watch season with the softest pricing of the year. US departure taxes and Mexican fees add roughly $1,000–2,000 to any quote — insist they are itemized up front.
Flexible on dates? Repositioning flights on busy corridors like this one sell at 30–75% off — see how to catch them in ourempty legs guide.
Los Angeles to Cabo San Lucas FAQ
How much is a private jet from LA to Cabo?
Around $17,000–26,000 on a midsize jet and $13,000–19,000 on a light jet, one way, including international fees. Heavy jets for larger groups run $35,000+.
How long is the flight from LA to Cabo?
About 2 hours 20 minutes nonstop from Van Nuys on a midsize jet.
What documents do I need?
A valid passport for every passenger, submitted to the operator before departure. Mexican immigration is completed on arrival at the FBO — typically under 15 minutes for a private flight.