Quick facts
- The city has made getting around Puerto Vallarta easier than ever, with various transportation options available to accommodate the increasing tourism demand.
- It’s generally considered safe to hail street cabs in Puerto Vallarta. Be sure to negotiate the rate before getting in the vehicle.
- Visitors can also rent a car to explore the surrounding areas, such as Punta de Mita, Sayulita, and San Francisco.
- Buses can be flagged down like taxis, but they may be uncomfortable and crowded. No air conditioning, but they are a convenient and safe option.
- Water taxis are available for visiting remote coastal villages and beaches, offering a unique way to explore the southern shore and access secluded areas.
- It’s also very easy to walk around downtown, with its charming cobblestone streets and the local sights and sounds.
Airport Transfers/Taxis
Check with your hotel if they offer airport transfers, if not, once you get out of immigration and the baggage claim (through the timeshare shark tank, read more in the airport section) and into the airport hall you can reserve a taxi with one of the two companies there. The fees are fixed by area and you don’t need to haggle or worry. Read more about the rates.
Taxis at the Puerto Vallarta bus station
Taxis/Uber & Similar
Taxis are a great option to move around town, you’ll find them everywhere in town, they aren’t very expensive and charge based on zones, just make sure you are happy with the price before you drive off in one. The minimum rate is around $3.50 (US dollar) and a set fee of around $1.50 (US dollar) per zone. Tips are included in the fare, but if you wish you can tip around 10%. They are easily identified by their yellow-white color and signs. Read more.
A new option is using the Uber App to get a transport service. There have been startup issues, with taxis adopting a belligerent stance. Seems things have calmed down, especially as laws have now protected the service. It’s cheaper but requires you to wait for their arrival, whereas, you’ll find taxis right there waiting for you around town.
You choose.
Bus to the south zone from Puerto Vallarta, Mismaloya, and Boca de Tomatlan
Local public transport
Local buses are also a popular way to move around town, especially for those that have visited a few times, it is a bit awkward when you try it for the first time, but you soon get a hang of it it’s liberating, plus the price is hard to beat at around $0.60 (US dollars). They drive from around 6 AM till around 10:30-11 PM all week. You can identify them by color, blue buses go to the Marina Vallarta from downtown, the orange ones travel from the Romantic Zone to the south zone, and so on. Remember to bring change to pay for the fare, don’t arrive with a 200-peso bill!
More information on local buses and longer trips in the bay.
Rental Cars
You can also rent a car and have the freedom of moving around at will and whenever you want.
Read more on requirements and find a company in our car rentals section.
On foot
A great way to soak it all in, it’s my favorite way to move around, you never know what you’ll see or find. Take in all the sights and get some great photos while working up an appetite for the next meal. You’ll find the hidden stores, small side streets, fun paths winding up the hill, small restaurants or cafes, it’s discovery time.
Though distances can be large if you choose a hotel far from the downtown area, it is still possible to walk almost anywhere in the urban area if you are in the right shape, have the right shoes, and put on some sunblock.
There are sidewalks all over town and you won’t need to be worried when crossing bridges or parks, there’ll always be some way to get to the other side.
Water Taxis
If you are going to visit the beautiful paradise-like beaches south of Boca de Tomatlán (we can’t recommend them enough) you’ll need to take a water taxi, mainly from the Los Muertos Pier, Marina Vallarta, or from Boca de Tomatlan. Here’s the schedule. Prices will vary depending on where you take the boat and how long the trip is, which will normally fall between 50 and 100 pesos each way south from Boca.
FAQ
- What is the safest part of Puerto Vallarta to stay in?
The Marina and the Romantic Zone are considered some of the safest areas to stay in Puerto Vallarta. Both areas are popular among tourists and offer a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and attractions. The Marina is known for its upscale atmosphere, luxury resorts, and high-end shops and restaurants. It has a very secure, controlled environment with 24/7 security personnel. The Romantic Zone offers a more authentic Mexican experience with cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and a vibrant mix of galleries, cafes, and bars. As a central tourist area, it also has a strong police presence and is considered very safe.
- Where do locals go in Puerto Vallarta?
Locals in Puerto Vallarta enjoy spending time at the city’s beautiful beaches, scenic parks, and lively local markets. Popular beach spots include Playa de Oro, Playa Las Animas, and Playa Camarones for their soft sand and calm waters. Many locals visit the Vallarta Botanical Gardens to enjoy the lush vegetation and hiking trails. They also frequent authentic local food venues like Birrieria las 3 Regiones taco stand, cafes like Cafecito Vallarta, and neighborhood bars like La Cerveceria Union. The downtown Lazaro Cardenas market is a favorite for produce, spices, crafts.
- Is Downtown Puerto Vallarta nice?
Yes, downtown Puerto Vallarta is an exceptionally nice and popular area, celebrated for its vibrant mix of historic Mexican charm and a lively beach town atmosphere. It features a picturesque historic center with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and the iconic Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe church. The downtown seamlessly blends into the scenic Malecón, a beautiful oceanfront boardwalk lined with fascinating sculptures, shops, and restaurants, making it perfect for strolling and enjoying the stunning ocean views.
The area offers an excellent variety of dining, from upscale restaurants to authentic street food, along with fantastic shopping in boutiques and art galleries. Adjacent to the main center is the popular Zona Romántica (Romantic Zone), known for its trendy vibe and energetic nightlife. The entire downtown is considered safe and is very walkable, allowing visitors to easily explore its captivating blend of culture, cuisine, and coastal beauty on foot.
Tip: For an unforgettable experience, head down to the Malecón or any beachfront spot about 30 minutes before the scheduled sundown to watch the spectacular sunset over the bay.
- What is considered old town in Puerto Vallarta?
Old Town, also known as the Romantic Zone or Zona Romántica, is considered the historic heart of Puerto Vallarta. It is characterized by its picturesque cobblestone streets, classic whitewashed buildings, red-tiled roofs, and a lively mix of shops, galleries, restaurants and bars. Nestled between the Sierra Madre mountains and Banderas Bay, Old Town has a traditional Mexican village charm with its colonial architecture and slower pace compared to the rest of Puerto Vallarta. Its romantic ambience comes from the area’s natural beauty, outdoor cafes, and charming boutique hotels. Old Town offers visitors a taste of an authentic Mexican neighborhood.
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