Puerto Vallarta Transportation

Getting There

By Air: The Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) (+011 52 322 221 1298) is well suited to handle Puerto Vallarta's ranking as the sixth most popular travel destination in the world. Located six miles north of downtown it harbors the following major airlines: Aeromexico (+1 800 237 6639 / http://www.aeromexico.com) Alaskan Airlines (+1 800 252 7522 / http://www.alaskaair.com)

America West Airlines (+1 800 235 9292 / http://www.americawest.com)

American Airlines (+1 800 433 7300 / http://www.aa.com)

Continental (+1 800 525 0280 / http://www.continental.com)

Delta (+1 800 221 1212 / http://www.delta.com) Mexicana (+1 800 531 7921 / http://www.mexicana.com)

United (+1 800 241 6522 / http://www.ual.com )

Getting to downtown from the airport is loaded with options. Aeromovil taxis and Transportes Terrestres minivans use a fixed zone pricing system (as compared to metered fares). Rates are posted at ticket booths found near the baggage areas. Rates start at USD10 and go as high as USD30. A fleet federally licensed taxis that own exclusive rights to collecting passengers from the airport are conveniently located outside the terminal's doors. They charge, on average, USD12. However, if you don't mind hauling your luggage across the street from the airport you'll find an armada of yellow city taxis that only charge USD4.50.

For a budget-happy ride into downtown snare a seat on the Junta Ixtapa bus line. It conveniently drops and collects passengers in front of the airport, charging USD.30 for a one way ride. Busses operate 6AM-11PM.

If you are going to rent a vehicle limit your choices to the major car companies. Avoid the cheap hustlers advertising jeeps and convertibles for USD10. It is a camouflaged scam requiring that you sit through a timeshare presentation in order to qualify for the tempting rates. The area's rental car companies include: Alamo (+1 327 9633 / http://www.alamo.com )

Avis (+1 800 831 2847 / http://www.avis.com)

Budget (+1 800 527 0700 / http://www.budget.com )

Dollar (+1 800 800 4000 / http://www.dollar.com )

Enterprise (+1 800 325 8007 / http://www.enterprise.com )

National (+1 800 227 7368 / http://www.nationalcar.com )

By Bus

Buses chug into Puerto Vallarta from all of Mexico's major cities including Guadalajara, Mazaltan, Mexico City and Tijauna. The major bus companies include Primera Plus (http://www.primeraplus.com.mx), Pacifico and Elite (+011 52 322 223 1117). The main bus station, Central Camionero (+011 52 322 221 0739), lies seven miles north of downtown, near the airport. Taxis from the bus station cost USD13.50.

By Car: Coastal Highway 200 is the main artery into Puerto Vallarta. Mazaltan is a six hours drive and Manzanillo is four hours away.

Getting Around Town

Puerto Vallarta is blessed with an efficient bus system that runs daily from 6AM-11PM. Bus stops are designated with blue and white signs and are usually every two or three blocks. Routes are marked on the front windows. The Centro route, the most popular with tourists, covers the hotel zone. Bus fares cost USD.45 and most drivers are change-deficient so don't try to pay with large bills. There are no transfer passes.

Taxis are plentiful and easy to hail from any street corner. Rather than charge by meters they charge a set price determined by city zones. Most hotel lobbies offer price sheets. Nevertheless, it is highly recommended to agree to a price before entering a cab. Rides around town cost anywhere from USD2-USD10.

Water taxis exit the pier from Los Muertos Beach daily at 10:30AM and 11AM. They service the bay's southern beaches that are only accessible by boat. Rates are based upon beaches and fall between USD20-USD25.

Driving in Puerto Vallarta is not encouraged, especially during the busy tourist months between December-April. The streets are narrow and parking is extremely limited.

If you plan on walking be aware that unlike other parts of the world Puerto Vallarta bus drivers are unaware of the "yield to pedestrians" code. Either cross the streets with caution or run really fast.