Charter route · West Coast
San Francisco → Cabo San Lucas
KSQL → MMSD · 1,077 nm · 2h 49m typical block · $34,000–$47,500 super-midsize jet
1,077 nm
Distance
2h 49m
Block time (super-midsize jet)
$34,000–$47,500
Typical one-way estimate
5
Operators at the endpoints
The San Francisco–Cabo San Lucas run covers 1,077 nautical miles, typically flown on a super-midsize jet in about 2h 49m block time from KSQL to MMSD.
Cabo San Lucas peaks Nov–May — strongest demand around winter and spring. Book 2–4 weeks ahead in season; slots and ramp space at MMSD tighten around holidays and major events.
Cost by aircraft class
| Class | Typical aircraft | Seats | Block | One-way est. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turboprop | King Air 350, Pilatus PC-12 | 6–9 | 4h 22m | $13,000–$18,500 |
| Light Jet | Citation CJ3, Phenom 300 | 4–7 | 3h 03m | $21,500–$30,000 |
| Midsize Jet | Citation XLS+, Learjet 60XR | 7–9 | 2h 58m | $29,500–$41,500 |
| Super-Midsize JetTypical | Citation Longitude, Challenger 350 | 8–12 | 2h 49m | $34,000–$47,500 |
| Heavy Jet | Gulfstream G550, Global 6000 | 12–19 | 2h 46m | $47,000–$66,000 |
Estimates only — class rate card × block time on great-circle distance +8% routing, the same math as the cost estimator. Real quotes vary with dates, positioning, and demand.
Airport options
San Francisco, CA
- San Carlos AirportPrimaryKSQL
- San Francisco International AirportKSFO
- San Francisco Bay Oakland International AirportKOAK
- Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International AirportKSJC
Nearby alternates
San Francisco destination guide →Rated operators on this route
Operators based at either end fly it without positioning an aircraft first — often the sharpest quotes.
04 / Answers
San Francisco to Cabo San Lucas: what fliers ask
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Cabo San Lucas?
The trip covers about 1,077 nautical miles. Plan on roughly 2h 49m block time on a super-midsize jet — a light jet runs about 3h 03m, a heavy jet about 2h 46m. Block time includes taxi and climb, not just cruise.
How much does a private jet from San Francisco to Cabo San Lucas cost?
One-way estimates run $34,000–$47,500 on a super-midsize jet, the class most travelers book at this distance. Across the whole rate card the spread is $13,000 (turboprop) to $66,000 (heavy jet). Real quotes move with dates, positioning, and demand.
Which airports do private jets use between San Francisco and Cabo San Lucas?
Departures typically use KSQL, KSFO, KOAK, KSJC; arrivals use MMSD. When MMSD is slot-restricted or weathered in, nearby alternates include MMSL, MMLP, MMLM, MMCL.
What size aircraft is right for San Francisco to Cabo San Lucas?
At 1,077 nm, most charters book a super-midsize jet (Citation Longitude, Challenger 350, 8–12 seats). Larger cabins fly it faster with more room; smaller classes trade comfort for price.
Are there empty-leg flights from San Francisco to Cabo San Lucas?
Empty legs on this route are posted by operators as repositioning flights come up — they clear in hours, not days. Watch the empty-legs board or set an alert to catch the next one.