Tips for using Public Transportation in Puerto Vallarta

The city of Puerto Vallarta is one of the safest cities in all of Mexico, accelerating in demand & development each year. But because of the increase in tourism, the city has made getting around Puerto Vallarta easier than ever.

From convenience to leisure, there are many options for public transportation in PV available to you; taxis, renting a car, hiking on foot, or the always popular bus system are some of the many ways to get around at a low rate with typically good, safe service.

Traveling by Public Bus

One of the most local & authentic experiences you will have in Mexico is the privilege to take a ride on the public bus. They’re privately owned, loud, bouncy & 1,000 degrees too hot, but they are soooo worth it.

Aside from costing only pennies to ride, the opportunity to travel local style will give you the pleasure of enjoying the sights, sounds & yes – the smells, of public transportation in Mexico.

Traveling Tips

Bus fare is one time use & it doesn’t transfer to another bus
You will receive a receipt when you pay the driver, but this is just for the inspectors that very infrequently check the passengers for proof of payment
Very safe
Very inexpensive
Frequent and convenient
Often comes with a highlight of live music performers
Be sure to confirm destination with the driver
Blue buses are for the Puerto Vallarta area, take CENTRO or TUNNEL
Buses can be flagged down like taxis
A little uncomfortable, no A/C, but a great experience
Sometimes there are no seats so expect to stand. Hold on!
Maximum capacity does not exist
Push the button when you need to confirm a stop

Cost from Puerto Vallarta

To Nuevo Vallarta 15-25 pesos
To Bucerias 8-15 pesos
To Sayulita 42 pesos
To Mescales 15 pesos
Anywhere in PV 7.50 pesos

Bus Routes

“CENTRO” - Downtown to Olas Atlas
“TUNNEL” – Bypasses downtown by taking the tunnel to Olas Atlas
“AIRPORT” – Often market “Ixtapa”, “juntas” or “Las Palmas”
“MARINA”, “EL PITILLAL”, MISMALOYA”, “NUEVO VALLARTA” & “PUNTA MITA” are all marked accordingly

Traveling by Uber

In mid-2017, Uber arrived to Puerto Vallarta adding to the already convenient transportation options available. With the ever growing capacity of tourists entering into Vallarta each year, the community decided they needed to do something to accommodate the transportation demands driven by technology.

This is one of the best things to happen to public transportation in Vallarta; it’s safe, easy to use & you know who the driver is before you get in to the vehicle. After much dispute and indignation from the local taxi drivers, Uber finally hatched its way into PV.

Traveling Tips

Make sure you have access to the Uber app even if you are not on WIFI
Try to make your pick up location for your driver as convenient as possible
Uber is not allowed at the airport – Unfortunately there is still conflict between Uber & the long time running taxi services, so you must cross the sky bridge if you want to access Uber across the street from the airport
It’s sometimes easier to take a regular taxi from places like Walmart or one of the malls because crowds make it much harder for the driver to locate you
It’s usually cheaper than a taxi
But keep an eye on rising rates due to increased demand
Have your translator handy
Be respectful of your Uber driver, & give them a good rate if they deserve it
Be timely as you are rated as well
Tips are included in the rate

Cost for using Uber

Minimum Uber payment is 37.00 pesos
Walmart to Old Town 50-90 pesos
Old town to Nuevo Vallarta 60-120 pesos
Anywhere around the Romantic Zone around 37-50 pesos

Traveling by Taxi

Sometimes these guys get a bad rep. Overall, they’re friendly, fare (get it?!), & take you where you need to go professionally.

Negotiation is a possibility, but you gotta be good. These guys are used to heckling, so they usually start off at a higher rate, but not by much. The Taxi Syndicate worked to have established rates all over Vallarta, priced consistently & documented across the board.

Traveling Tips

Sometimes Taxi drivers will bully Uber drivers. It’s often less conflicting to take a taxi if there is any argument over territory
Higher rates than Uber but consistent
More convenient when leaving malls, Walmart, etc
Airport taxis are expensive, but sometimes you can get free rides with participating in a timeshare presentation
Negotiate your rate before you get in the vehicle
Check to make sure you have all of your belongings before exiting
Make sure you communicate your destination clearly & the driver understands
Keep your translator handy
Tip is often around 10%

Cost for using Taxis

From the Airport:

Nuevo Vallarta – 250 Pesos
La Cruz de Huanaxtle – 450 pesos
Bucerias – 350 pesos
Punta De Mita – 950 pesos
Sayulita - 800 peos

Traveling by Rent a Car

Driving in Mexico can be stressful, but if you’re confident in the fast paced city of Puerto Vallarta, then by all means rent a car. You may decide to take the opportunity for a road trip from Puerto Vallarta & go see a more rustic side of Mexico.

There are literally hundreds of rental car options available in the Puerto Vallarta/Nuevo Vallarta area, but it’s recommended to book one online before you come.

Traveling Tips

Freedom to move around & travel further distances
Expensive but potentially could pay off depending on how far you go
Compare prices before you buy
Take the opportunity to go on a road trip outside of Puerto Vallarta
Parking will be difficult so check with your accommodations to see if parking is included
Get insurance – the roads are mostly made of stone & drivers are aggressive
Don’t leave valuables in your car

Cost for using a Rent a Car

Averaging $6 USD - $20 USD per day

Traveling on Foot

This is probably the best way to travel around Puerto Vallarta unless you struggle with walking long distances. Traveling by foot gives you the opportunity to see all the nooks & crannies of this captivating city, explore Old town Puerto Vallarta, & stop for street food or a cold cerveza along the way.

Traveling Tips

Completely Safe
Great way to see the town
Get the right shoes
Be in strong shape, the stone streets are very hard to walk in for the elderly or disabled.
Be careful of the traffic in Vallarta as taxis, buses & the general public tend to drive with right-of-way, cutting off pedestrians or speeding.
Get in the habit of making eye contact with the drivers before you pass
Never walk with all of your valuables at eye sight, even in a safe city like PV
Find walking maps at any of the concierge stands