It's easy to get around Puerto Vallarta using public transport, taxis or by hiring a car, although the latter can be expensive.
Puerto Vallarta buses
Puerto Vallarta taxis
Puerto Vallarta airport taxis
Puerto Vallarta buses
BusesinPuerto Vallarta are frequently used by locals and travelers.Bus fleets here are eclectic,and many feature unique personal touches ranging from religious iconography to blaringcumbiaornorteñomusic. They are a safe and cheap way to get around. No matter where you’re waiting, a busservicing any given route should come by at least every15 minutes, and at less than US 0.50for a ride, the price can’t be beaten. Don’t be surprised if a musical performer boards your bus and begins serenading passengers down the aisle. Tip a few pesos if you feel inclined.
To identify the right bus for you, study the words on its windshield as it approaches your stop. The system is pretty self-explanatory: “CENTRO” will take you to the center of town, “AEROPUERTO” will take you to the airport. Avoid any bus labeled “TUNEL” – these take a back route around the center of town, skipping safe areas to drop locals off at their homes on the outskirts of the city.
Here are a few extra tips:
Always enter through the front door and exit through the back door. This is a non-negotiable setup, even when the bus is crowded.
Pay in small bills or exact changewhen possible. Don’t expect change for anything larger than 100 pesos.
Be ready for the bus tostartmovingbefore the driver has paid your change. They tend to take off pretty quickly – sohold on tightbefore you end up on a stranger’s lap.
Buses will only stop if there are passengers to pick up, or if someone on the bus presses atimbre(small buzzers located near the back door and throughout the bus). If you’re far away from atimbreas you approach your destination, strategicallymove towards one.
Most busserviceswind down around 10pm. After this time, rely on taxis.
Puerto Vallarta taxis
Though significantly more expensive than buses, taxis in Puerto Vallarta are faster, more convenient, and still relatively cheap. But, taxis here aren't metered. Always agree on a fare before hopping in.To avoid getting ripped off, askhostel staff about a fair price to your next destination.
In Mexico,tipping taxi drivers is not expected. Drivers will of course appreciate tips, but this is not the norm in Puerto Vallarta.
Almost all taxi drivers speak basic English, but don’t assume this will always be the case.
Avoid taking a taxi drivers'recommendations. Many local businesses offer kickbacks to taxi drivers for bringing customers to their establishments.A driver may try to convince you that the place you want to go is closed, but he’ll take you toabetter place. If you know this isn't true,hop out and find another driver.
Puerto Vallarta airport taxis
When it comes to finding a taxi at the airport, you have two options:buy a ticket from one of the taxi stands located near the final exit. One of these tickets will get you a ride in a specially-licensed airport taxi, immediately available directly outside. Though these taxis cost double the standardPuerto Vallarta taxi rates, they are the only taxis allowed to pick riders up directly from the airport.
The other option for visitors traveling light is to exit the airport and cross the pedestrian bridge over the highway in front of you. On the other side of the street you’ll be able to take a standard yellow Puerto Vallarta taxi, earning you a significantly lower fare.
By Phil Sylvester,
World Nomads Contributor - Tue, 18 Sep 2018
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Take the blue, green or orange buses around town, and keep in mind that they'll have their destinations listed on the front of the windshield in Spanish. There are no transfers with tickets, so if you plan on taking two buses to reach your destination, be sure to buy two tickets.
Final Thoughts. Uber is a really convenient way to get around Vallarta, especially if your Spanish isn't great. Always wear your seatbelt, be mindful of your safety by keeping your travel and accommodation details close to the vest, and don't forget to tip your drivers!
However, it is acceptable to leave a small tip worth approximately 20 percent, or two gratuity pesos for every 10 pesos of fare, if a driver provides services that go above and beyond his basic duties such as helping carry heavy packages to your door.
The best way to get around Puerto Vallarta is by bus – there are plenty of stops and the fares are cheap. If you're looking for a less bumpy ride (though not by much) you can also take a taxi or an Uber.
If you're travelling to Mexico, DiDi is an app you should have on your phone. In Mexico I use DiDi as much as Uber, if not more in some places. Much like Uber, DiDi offers rideshare and food delivery, and generally in Mexico where there's Uber, there's DiDi.
Taxis in Puerto Vallarta are charged using a zone system. The cost to travel within a zone is usually €2 ($50 MXN) and to cross a zone border usually costs an additional €0.50 ($10 MXN). However, local drivers may decide on their own inflated fare or try to haggle with you.
Flying from Puerto Vallarta International Airport? Uber takes the stress out of arranging a dropoff. Whether you're catching a domestic or international flight, Uber has options for you, from private rides to premium cars to more cost-effective options.
The three main “zones” in Puerto Vallarta- the Hotel Zone, Romantic Zone, and Downtown Zone- are all very walkable- about ten to twenty minutes on foot. In each zone, there's plenty to explore and many colorful and local sights to see.
Just look for a crowd of people on the street, usually a corner, since the busses run very frequently, it will be easy for you to spot the stop. In the Colonias, away from tourist areas and Transito (traffic police), the bus will stop at every corner, or even in the middle of the street.
These buses feature destinations such as Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerías, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Punta de Mita and Sayulita, and the rates vary depending on your destination, usually ranging from $15 pesos (Nuevo Vallarta) to $40 pesos (Sayulita) one-way trip.
It's up to you how much you tip, but the recommended amount in Mexico is between 10% – 20% (15% is a good standard in tourist areas) of the bill or ticket price.
Although dollars are widely accepted in resort areas, we recommend using pesos during your stay. Hotels can also exchange dollars, but these normally give you low rates, use them as your last resort (pun not intended).
Puerto Vallarta is warm and humid, so come prepared—pack T-shirts and plenty of tank tops to stay comfortable on outdoor adventures on land and during shopping and strolls. Pack a few nicer shirts for dinner, and more casual shirts than you think you'll need so you can change if you get sweaty.
Puerto Vallarta is in Jalisco state, which according to the State Department has no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees – generally a sign that it's safe for American travelers.
Puerto Vallarta, like any destination, has its safety considerations, but it's generally regarded as a safe place for travelers. The city prioritizes tourism and takes measures to ensure the well-being of its visitors.
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