If you’re planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta, one of the first questions you’ll have is: “How do I get from the airport to my hotel, and how do I move around town?” The good news is: transportation in Puerto Vallarta is affordable, reliable, and offers options for every style of traveler. Here’s your complete guide to buses, taxis, Ubers, and shuttle services in Puerto Vallarta.
Public Buses (Peseros): Cheap & Reliable
- Cost: 10 pesos (about 60¢ USD) per ride within the city.
- Tip: Always carry exact change or coins, as drivers usually don’t provide change for large bills.
- How to catch the bus at the airport:Going South from the Airport (Marina, Hotel Zone, Centro, 5 de Diciembre, Zona Romántica, Mismaloya & Boca de Tomatlán)
- After exiting the terminal, On the same side as the airport, you’ll find the southbound bus stop (location here). Look for buses marked Centro or Zona Romántica.
- Marina & Hotel Zone: ~10–15 min ride. Buses pass every 10–15 minutes. One bus only.
- Centro & 5 de Diciembre: ~25 min ride. Buses every 10–15 minutes. One bus only.
- Zona Romántica: ~30–35 min ride. Buses every 10–15 minutes. One bus only.
- Mismaloya & Boca de Tomatlán: Take the Centro/Zona Romántica bus first (~30 min). Get off in Zona Romántica (near Parque Lázaro Cárdenas) and transfer to the Mismaloya / Boca bus (marked Boca). These run about every 20 minutes. Total ~1 hr to Mismaloya, ~1 hr 15 to Boca.
- 💰 Cost: 10–12 pesos per ride, paid directly to the driver in pesos.
- 🚶 You may need to walk several blocks after getting dropped off, depending on your hotel or Airbnb.
- 🗣️ Always know where you want to get off. If you’re unsure, just tell the driver your destination — they’ll let you know when it’s your stop.
- If going north walk to the pedestrian footbridge that crosses the highway, and wait for buses on the other side.Going North from the Airport (Sayulita, Nuevo Vallarta, San Pancho, etc.)
To catch the bus, exit the terminal and cross the pedestrian bridge over the highway. On the other side, turn left to the bus stop and look for buses marked Sayulita, Compostela, Punta de Mita, or Nuevo Vallarta. Confirm with the driver (“¿Va a Sayulita/Nuevo Vallarta/San Pancho?”) before boarding. Buses usually pass every 15–20 minutes during the day, and the ride is cheap, safe, and takes you straight up the coast.
✅ Pros: Cheapest way to get around; authentic local experience.
⚠️ Cons: No air-conditioning; crowded during peak times; must pay again for transfers.
Uber & Taxis in Puerto Vallarta
- Uber rules: Ubers are not allowed to pick up inside the airport zone. To call an Uber, cross the pedestrian footbridge outside the terminal and request your ride from the other side of the highway.
- Costs:
- Airport → Romantic Zone: ~300 pesos ($15–18 USD)
- Short city rides: ~100–200 pesos ($6–12 USD)
- Taxis: Widely available everywhere in the city. Always negotiate or confirm the fare before starting the ride, since many taxis don’t use meters.
✅ Pros: Convenient, fast, door-to-door service.
⚠️ Cons: Uber requires a short walk with luggage at the airport; taxis may charge “tourist prices” if you don’t ask for the fare upfront.
Airport Shuttles & Private Transfers
If you prefer a hassle-free arrival with someone waiting for you at the airport, shuttle and transfer companies are the best option. Here are some of the top-rated services:
| Service | Website | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puerto Vallarta Airport Transportation | puertovallartaairporttransportation.com | Private, direct transfers; wide range of vehicles; reliable service | Pricier than public options; must pre-book |
| Aeromovil PVR (VIP Shuttle) | aeromovilpvr.com | VIP experience, bilingual drivers, modern vehicles, flight tracking | Premium prices; better for groups or families than solo travelers |
| PV Shuttles | pvshuttles.com | Local company; flexible bookings; good group rates | Less polished branding than international chains |
| Gray Line – Speedy Shuttle | grayline.com | Trusted global brand; “meet & greet” service; reliable timing | Shared shuttle option may include multiple stops |
| SuperShuttle / ExecuCar | supershuttle.com | Express and private upgrades available; easy online booking | Shared rides take longer; luggage extras may apply |
Tips:
- Double-check if your price quote is private direct transfer or a shared shuttle.
- Confirm luggage policies (surfboards, fishing rods, strollers, etc. may have extra charges).
- For smaller boutique hotels or Airbnb rentals, verify that the van can access the street.
✅ Pros: Door-to-door comfort, no stress with luggage, bilingual service.
⚠️ Cons: More expensive than buses/Ubers; shared shuttles may add stops.
Pro Traveler Tips
- Have cash pesos handy (buses & many taxis don’t take cards).
- Traffic can be heavy in high season—plan extra time for airport returns.
- Stay relaxed and flexible: schedules here often run on “Vallarta time”.
Final Word
Getting around Puerto Vallarta doesn’t have to be complicated. From 10-peso buses to private VIP shuttles, there’s an option for every traveler. Whether you want the cheapest ride, the most comfortable transfer, or something in between, you’ll have no problem finding transportation that fits your needs.
👉 At Mismaloya Xtreme, our tours are designed with convenience in mind. We even provide transportation from two convenient spots in Puerto Vallarta:
- OXXO across from the Cruise Ship Terminal (San Javier)
- Gas Station at the entrance of Zona Romántica
From these meeting points, we take you directly to our office in Mismaloya Beach, where your adventure begins.
📍 Learn more and book your tour directly at mismaloyaxtreme.com