Puerto Vallarta Airport Transportation – 2024 Update

When it comes to airport transportation in Puerto Vallarta, we have tried them all. The most common transportation methods from the airport are; taking an authorized taxi, hiring a private driver, using Uber (there’s a catch, so keep reading), or renting a car. Each option has its pros and cons, which are explained in this post.

Authorized Taxi

Taking an authorized taxi is our recommendation to friends arriving at the Puerto Vallarta Airport. There are slightly less expensive options, but this is by far the most convenient for the price. Rates are controlled by the government and are fixed by Zone. For less than $30 USD (yes, they accept credit cards), 3 people can ride from the Airport to the Romantic Zone. The cars are nicer than most city cabs. The best part is that the taxi line is RIGHT outside the airport doors. So easy!

If you haven’t read my post on Navigating the Puerto Vallarta Airport, now is the time! The shark tank is full of folks offering you taxis, but just keep walking until you see the “Taxi Autorizado” window. It is located to the right of the exit.

Quick Tip: The taxi office is two-sided. If there is a line inside, go out the sliding glass doors and take an immediate right. Same office. Different side.

There are currently three taxi companies authorized to pick up at the PVR airport. They are practically identical, so just choose the one with the shortest line.

Tell the attendant which Zone you need (if you do not know, they can figure it out). They will collect payment (credit cards accepted) and hand you two receipts. One copy is for you; the other is for the driver. Take the receipts and head outside to find the line of the company you chose.

Updated for 2024 – Puerto Vallarta Airport authorized taxi rates (as of Jan 2024):

Hiring a Private Driver

Hiring a Private Driver for airport transfers is the most expensive option. A simple Facebook or Google search will render dozens of companies who provide this service. While this is a great choice, we only find it valuable if you have several people going to the same place or bringing a LOT of luggage.

We went this route when we moved to PV with 6 suitcases, 2 backpacks, a chihuahua, and a guitar. We were exhausted from the chaos of liquidating our previous life, so $100 USD seemed like a deal. They met us at the airport door, loaded our luggage into a Suburban, handed us cold beverages, turned the air-conditioner on high (critical in August), and drove us 5 miles to our condo. Expensive but worth it.

Side note: I recently reached out to a private driver to pick some friends up at the airport. This driver was highly recommended in a popular Puerto Vallarta Facebook group. The driver told me he could only pick them up if they crossed the pedestrian bridge. While his rate was affordable (approximately $40 USD from the airport to Amapas), it was more than the taxi and far less convenient. I have no idea why anyone would hire a private driver that cannot pick you up at the airport door.

Uber Pick Up at PVR

As is the case in many airports in the US, Uber is not authorized to pick passengers up at the Puerto Vallarta Airport. For our amigos on a tight budget, try this hack. Exit the airport doors and walk left. At the end of the covered sidewalk, you will see a pedestrian bridge over the highway. Uber is all yours once you get on the other side of the bridge.

Let me be clear. I do not recommend this option unless you absolutely need to save every last cent possible. We have done this two or three times over the years, and I hated it every time. We are in reasonably good shape, but I’m always dragging a 50 lb suitcase behind me. The ramps up and down are pretty steep. It’s always hot and humid. Believe me; you’ll be a sweaty mess by the time you get to the other side.

Don’t take this as me hating Uber. We use Uber all the time in Puerto Vallarta and find it reliable, safe, and inexpensive. It just isn’t the best option for airport pickup. Lately, it takes 10 or 15 minutes for an Uber to arrive, and pricing is all over the place. You might save money one time, but if you catch it during surge pricing, you’ll pay more than the price of a taxi.

Renting a Car at the Puerto Vallarta Airport – Don’t Do It!

10 out of 10, do NOT recommend. Renting a car at the airport is expensive and driving in Puerto Vallarta is super stressful. Unless you have traveled to PV extensively, it is a terrible idea. Turn right to turn left (across six lanes of traffic)… but only sometimes (if you know, you know!).

Recap – Puerto Vallarta Airport Transportation

So there you have it… my unfiltered opinion on Puerto Vallarta Airport Transportation. Grab a fixed-price taxi to save yourself the heartache and sweat. Hire a private driver if you’re fancy (or exhausted and have a ton of luggage). If you need some exercise and only have a carry-on, tackle the pedestrian bridge and request an Uber. If you like your freedom, have nerves of steel, and don’t mind paying a premium, rent a car. The most important thing is to be safe and have fun!