Puerto Vallarta Airport

Puerto Vallarta Airport ranks as Mexico’s third-busiest flight hub. The airport expects to welcome 6.8 million passengers in 2024 and connects travelers to 52 destinations through 39 international and 13 domestic routes.

The airport sits just 7.1 km from downtown Puerto Vallarta and gives travelers several ways to reach the city based on their budget and priorities. Budget-conscious visitors can take local buses that cost only 10 Mexican pesos (about $0.50 USD). Taxi fares typically range from $18 to $30 USD, while Uber and private transfers add more options to the mix.

This piece gets into all your transportation choices from Puerto Vallarta Airport to the city center. You’ll find everything you need to pick the right option based on your specific needs, budget, and travel situation.

Understanding Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR)

Airport code and location overview

The Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport, better known as Puerto Vallarta International Airport, uses the IATA code PVR and ICAO code MMPR. These codes work differently – IATA codes help with flight schedules and bookings, while ICAO codes help air traffic control and airline operations.

The airport sits just 7 meters (23 ft) above sea level on Mexico’s Pacific coast. Its location makes it perfect for travelers – just 7.5 kilometers from downtown Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco state and about 10 miles from Nuevo Vallarta in Nayarit. This spot lets the airport serve both Puerto Vallarta and the beautiful Riviera Nayarit region.

Most people know it simply as Puerto Vallarta Airport or PVR, though its full name honors former Mexican President Gustavo Díaz Ordaz.

Terminals, facilities, and passenger flow

The airport has a two-story terminal building split into two main parts. Terminal A handles Mexican domestic flights, and Terminal B takes care of international travelers. Both terminals connect through a hallway in the same building.

You’ll find these key services on the ground floor:

Check-in counters for domestic and international flights
Arrivals area with customs and immigration
Baggage claim
Car rental counters, taxi stands, and transportation options

The upper level has the security checkpoint and departures area. After security, Concourse A (Gates 1-5A) serves domestic flights with three jet bridges (gates 1-3) and two ground-level boarding gates (4-5). A walkway connects the main terminal to Concourse B’s satellite building, which has gates 6-20B mainly for US and Canadian carriers.

Travelers can enjoy many amenities in both terminals. Banks like BBVA, Scotiabank, Banorte, HSBC, and Santander have branches here. There are VIP lounges in both terminals, places to eat like Starbucks, Johnny Rockets, and Bubba Gump, plus duty-free shopping.

The airport is growing with a new Terminal 2 that started construction in 2022. This project will add over 68,000 square meters (730,000 sq ft), increase boarding gates from 9 to 16, and add more boarding bridges from 11 to 19. Terminal 2 will handle 4.5 million passengers yearly and wants to become Latin America’s first NET Zero certified airport.

Why PVR is the main hub for Puerto Vallarta

PVR ranks as Mexico’s seventh-busiest airport and fifth-busiest for international passengers. The airport has grown rapidly – passenger numbers jumped from 4.1 million in 2021 to 6.8 million in 2024.

These numbers show how vital the airport is for tourism in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit. The airport broke records in 2024 by welcoming over 6.8 million travelers – slightly up by 0.2% from 2023.

International travel looks especially strong. The first quarter of 2024 saw 1.54 million international passengers, up 12% from Q1 2023. This growth in international traffic has helped balance any changes in domestic travel.

The airport keeps adding new connections. Right now, PVR links to 52 destinations – 13 in Mexico and 39 international – with 23 different airlines. Plans for winter 2025 include expanding to 57 total routes, up from 54 last year.

Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico has invested 1.944 billion pesos in better infrastructure to support this growth, making PVR an even stronger gateway for the region.

Puerto Vallarta Airport Transportation Options Compared

The Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) gives travelers several ways to reach their destination. Your budget, group size, and comfort needs will help determine the best option.

Taxi vs Uber: What’s faster and cheaper?

The airport’s official taxi stand requires passengers to pre-pay at a kiosk before getting in. These fixed zone-based rates cost twice as much as Uber. You’ll get a payment slip to show your driver.

Getting an Uber from the airport needs a specific process. The rules don’t allow Uber drivers to pick up right at the terminal. Here’s what you need to do:

Exit the airport terminal
Turn left and walk to the end of the building
Cross the pedestrian bridge to the opposite side of the street

This extra walk pays off since Uber rides to the city center cost under $13 USD, which saves you substantial money compared to official taxis. The good news is that Uber can drop you directly at the terminal on your return trip.

InDrive and Didi are popular local rideshare apps that work like Uber if you want other options.

Local bus (C27) for budget travelers

The C27 bus stands out as the cheapest option at just 10 Mexican pesos (approximately $0.50 USD). This route links Marina Vallarta with Colonia Emiliano Zapata and runs daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Buses leave every 15 minutes.

Here’s how to catch the bus:

Look for the UNIBUSPV company bus marked with route C27
Board at designated stops near the airport
Have exact change ready

The ride takes about 10 minutes, making it a quick trip despite the low cost. Notwithstanding that, this option works best if you travel light and want to save money.

Private transfers: When comfort matters

Booking a private transfer ahead of time gives you comfort and peace of mind if you don’t mind paying extra. Options range from standard cars to luxury vans. Your driver will meet you in arrivals with a name sign.

Book your transfer at least 24 hours before arrival. Last-minute bookings made under 12 hours before arrival usually don’t work out. Drivers typically wait an hour after your flight lands, and extra waiting might cost more.

The price covers tolls and tips, but changing destinations or adding stops could cost extra. Large groups benefit most from this option since sharing the cost makes it more affordable per person.

Car rental at Puerto Vallarta Airport: Pros and cons

You’ll find major rental companies like Avis and Europcar at the airport. Expect to pay $40-$60 USD daily with full coverage insurance.

Key things to know about renting a car:

Insurance needs: Mexican law requires third-party liability insurance, and full coverage makes good sense
Road safety: The quickest way to stay safe is avoiding night drives due to poor visibility and extra hazards
Toll roads: These roads stay in better shape but need exact change for fees between 25-150 MXN ($1.50-$9.00 USD)

A rental car lets you explore beyond tourist spots, but downtown Puerto Vallarta’s limited parking and busy traffic might challenge you. First-time visitors might feel more relaxed using taxis or private transfers if they’re not used to local driving.

How to Choose the Best Transfer for Your Trip

You need to think over several things that affect both comfort and cost when picking the right transportation from Puerto Vallarta International Airport. The right mix of convenience and affordability will give travelers a smooth start to their Mexican vacation.

Traveling solo vs in a group

The size of your group plays a big role in finding budget-friendly transportation from PVR airport. If you have solo plans or are traveling as a couple, professional private car services work well for 1-3 passengers with light luggage. This option gives you both comfort and reasonable per-person costs.

Different vehicle types work better for larger groups:

Small groups (4-6 people): Professional private SUV transportation gives the best value and fits up to six passengers with their luggage
Medium groups (7-10 people): Private airport shuttle services are the quickest way to move slightly larger parties
Large groups (11-18 people): Private minibus transportation becomes your most budget-friendly choice per person

Shuttle or car services usually cost less than booking multiple taxis when larger groups travel together. So as your group gets bigger, you’ll pay less per person for premium transportation, making comfort more available.

Time of arrival and transport availability

Your flight arrival time changes what transportation choices you’ll have at Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport. While private transfers need booking ahead, companies want reservations at least 24 hours before arrival to guarantee you’ll have a ride, especially during busy tourist seasons.

Late-night arrivals might find fewer options ready to go since some services run on shorter schedules. Booking ahead helps you avoid stress when you land and makes sure a vehicle will be there whatever time your flight arrives.

Luggage size and mobility needs

Travelers with lots of luggage or special equipment need vehicles with enough storage space. So those bringing extra items like surfboards should pick services that advertise extra luggage room.

There’s another reason to plan ahead if you have mobility limitations:

Ask for specialized mobility help when booking flights
Book door-to-door service to walk less
Check with transportation providers about wheelchair access

Shuttle or car services are a great way to get around if you’re staying far from the airport since they avoid multiple transfers with luggage. Let services know ahead of time if you need special vehicles or help with mobility devices.

The best way to get from Puerto Vallarta Airport depends on what matters most – your budget or comfort level – plus practical stuff like how many people are traveling, when you arrive, and any special needs you might have.

Tips to Avoid Delays and Scams at the Airport

Smart planning will help you get through Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) smoothly. You need to know about airport procedures and common scams to reach Puerto Vallarta city center without any hassle.

Understanding the ‘Shark Tank’ zone

The “Shark Tank” stands out as the trickiest part of your PVR airport experience. Right after customs and baggage claim, you’ll walk into a brightly lit room filled with timeshare salespeople (OPCs) who aggressively push “free” taxis, tours, and other deals [44, 47].

These tips will help you get through the Shark Tank:

Look straight ahead
Don’t stop when someone says you dropped something
Say no to anyone offering to help with bags
Walk straight to the exit

Head to the official taxi stands by the parking lot doors after clearing this zone. Budget travelers can save $5-10 USD by walking about 150 yards to the pedestrian bridge where regular taxis wait.

How to pre-book safe airport transfers

Booking your ride ahead of time helps you avoid scams and gives you peace of mind. Your driver will wait with a name sign when you arrive, so you won’t need to deal with random operators.

Booking ahead comes with these perks:

Set prices without hidden costs
No waiting time after arrival
Freedom from pushy sales tactics

Book your transfer at least 24 hours before you land. Most companies let you book online and pay securely through PayPal. They’ll send you details about finding your driver, which makes arrival much easier.

What to do if your flight is delayed

Flight schedules can change without warning, so you’ll need to tell your transport company quickly. Good services track flight times, but letting them know directly ensures they’ll be there when you need them.

Tell the transfer company right away if your flight gets canceled. Most companies will refund your money if you let them know within their cancelation window. For big delays, call the local contact on your booking to check if vehicles are available and update your pickup time.

Your hotel’s front desk can help set up your return airport trip. Some transfer services only do airport pickups because of deals between hotels and the taxi union.

Cost Breakdown and Booking Recommendations

Travelers need to understand how much they’ll spend on transportation from Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport to plan their Puerto Vallarta vacation budget better.

Average prices for each transport type

PVR airport’s transportation costs depend on your vehicle choice and where you’re heading. A private car service that fits 1-3 passengers with some luggage costs USD 56.00 to Marina Vallarta and USD 110.00 to reach southern areas. Groups of 4-6 travelers can take private SUVs that cost USD 81.00 to Marina Vallarta or USD 125.00 to head south.

Bigger groups should consider private shuttles. These can fit up to 10 passengers and start at USD 103.00. Minibusses are perfect for larger groups of up to 18 people, with prices between USD 187.00 and USD 280.00 based on your destination.

These prices cover one-way trips only. Round-trip costs usually double these amounts. Most companies charge extra 10 USD if you travel before 7am or after 10pm.

Where to book online for best rates

Booking your Puerto Vallarta airport transfer 24 hours ahead will give a better chance at good rates and guaranteed availability. Most companies let you pay online through PayPal or credit cards.

Booking ahead comes with great perks:

You know exactly what you’ll pay
No time wasted in airport lines
Free water and sometimes beer

Remember to book early. Companies can’t process requests made less than 12 hours before arrival. You might pay extra if you keep your driver waiting longer than the standard one-hour grace period.

Apps and services to use at PVR airport

Puerto Vallarta’s official mobile app is a great way to get airport details, plus hotel and restaurant information. You can download it on iOS and Android to stay connected with important services during your visit.

Frugal Flyer for PVR helps you track flights immediately, convert currency, and find emergency contacts. Uber runs in Puerto Vallarta and costs nowhere near what official airport taxis charge – about half the price. You might also find good deals with other ride-share apps like InDrive and Didi when moving around the city.

Getting from PVR airport to Puerto Vallarta’s city center gives you several options based on your needs and budget. Private transfers are the most reliable choice, but budget-conscious visitors can use rideshare apps or local busses. Your best option will depend on your group size, when you arrive, and what comfort level you need.

Good planning can transform your airport transportation experience. Booking ahead, especially private transfers, helps you avoid the “Shark Tank” zone and makes your arrival smoother. Official airport taxis cost more, but using Uber can save you money if you don’t mind walking a short distance to the pickup spot.

Puerto Vallarta Airport welcomes millions of visitors each year, making advance transportation arrangements crucial. Understanding your options between luxury private transfers and budget-friendly local busses will help you start your Puerto Vallarta vacation without stress.

Here are some FAQs about Puerto Vallarta Airport:

What city is Puerto Vallarta Airport in?

Puerto Vallarta Airport (officially Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport) is located in the city of Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico. The airport serves as the main gateway for tourists visiting this popular beach destination, with numerous Puerto Vallarta airport transportation options available. Its Puerto Vallarta airport code is PVR, making it easily identifiable for travelers booking flights.

What terminals are at the Puerto Vallarta airport?

The Puerto Vallarta airport features two main terminals – Terminal 1 for international flights and Terminal 2 for domestic operations. Both terminals offer Puerto Vallarta airport transfers services, car rentals, and amenities for travelers. Recent upgrades have expanded capacity to handle increasing passenger traffic and reduce Puerto Vallarta airport delays flights during peak seasons.

Does Puerto Vallarta have two airports?

No, Puerto Vallarta only has one primary airport – Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR). While there are smaller airstrips in the region, all commercial flights use the main Puerto Vallarta airport with its comprehensive Puerto Vallarta airport transportation network. The single-airport system helps minimize confusion about arrivals and departures.

How early should I arrive at Puerto Vallarta airport?

For international flights, arrive at least 3 hours early at Puerto Vallarta airport to allow time for security and customs. Domestic travelers should plan for 2 hours due to potential Puerto Vallarta airport delays flights during busy periods. Many Puerto Vallarta airport transfers services recommend this timing to ensure stress-free connections.

Is Puerto Vallarta a busy airport?

Yes, Puerto Vallarta airport is quite busy, ranking among Mexico’s top 10 airports for passenger traffic. The airport handles nearly 5 million passengers annually, making reliable Puerto Vallarta airport transportation options essential. During peak vacation seasons, travelers may experience occasional Puerto Vallarta airport delays flights due to increased volume.

Pourquoi Puerto Vallarta est-elle célèbre ?

Puerto Vallarta is famous for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich Mexican culture, which is why the Puerto Vallarta airport sees so many visitors. The city’s beautiful Malecón boardwalk and excellent seafood are additional draws that keep Puerto Vallarta airport transfers busy year-round. Its international recognition as a tourist destination has led to continuous growth at the Puerto Vallarta airport.

Does Puerto Vallarta Airport have shops?

Yes, Puerto Vallarta airport features numerous shops selling everything from souvenirs to luxury goods across both terminals. While waiting for Puerto Vallarta airport transportation, travelers can browse duty-free stores, local crafts, and last-minute travel essentials. The shopping options help pass time during occasional Puerto Vallarta airport delays flights.

Is there TSA precheck in Puerto Vallarta Airport?

No, Puerto Vallarta airport does not currently offer TSA PreCheck as it’s a U.S. program, but they have their own efficient security processes. Travelers using Puerto Vallarta airport transfers should allow standard security time. The airport code PVR identifies this as a Mexican airport operating under different security protocols than U.S. facilities.

How far is downtown Puerto Vallarta from the airport?

Downtown Puerto Vallarta is approximately 6.5 km (4 miles) from the airport, a 15-20 minute drive via various Puerto Vallarta airport transportation options. The short distance makes Puerto Vallarta airport transfers quick and convenient for visitors heading to hotels or the Romantic Zone. Taxis and shuttles regularly service this route from the Puerto Vallarta airport code PVR location.