· Karen Cervantes · life in mexico · 6 min read
Transportation in Puerto Vallarta
What is the best way to get around Puerto Vallarta? Find out how to get around like a local, quickly and cheaply.
Puerto Vallarta is a charming city, but getting around can be a challenge if you don’t know the best ways to get around. From fares, routes, and the most convenient means of transportation to peak traffic times, knowing how to get around efficiently can make all the difference in your experience. Whether you’re visiting or living in the city, this article will show you how to get around like a true Vallartense and make the most of everything the city has to offer.
Bus
Buses are a convenient way to get to the center of the city and the surrounding area, and are also quite inexpensive. Some may look a bit sloppy, but trust me, you will get to your destination and travel like a local. Sometimes “artists” get on the bus and start singing. Many passengers give them a few coins, even if their performance is not first class. And if you are lucky, you can buy some chewing gum or chocolate on the way.
The bus stops are blue with a truck painted on them, and there are often benches where you can wait while the bus passes by. If there is no sign and you are not sure, you can always ask a local.
The fare to any place in Puerto Vallarta is $10 MXN. Make sure you have exact change as most buses do not give change.
To get to the beaches south of Puerto Vallarta, including Boca de Tomatlán, you will need to take a white and orange bus (cost: $10 MXN) that runs along Coastal Highway 200 through Mismaloya. Buses leave every 15 minutes from the corner of Constitución and Basilio Badillo in the Zona Romántica.
If you want to visit the Botanical Garden or El Tuito, take another bus from the corner of Carranza and Aguacate in the same area for $35 MXN.
And at the Walmart bus stop (in front of the Maritime Terminal) you can take buses to Sayulita and San Pancho.
For more detailed information about bus routes, departures and stops in Puerto Vallarta, I leave you with the following link: https://rutasvallarta.com/
Note: I recommend avoiding using the bus around 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm, because of rush hour.
Taxi - Yellow Cabs
Taxis are easily accessible, as you can find them everywhere and at any time of the day or night, it is just a matter of approaching the street and making a signal with your hand.
As for the price, there is no official taximeter that regulates the rates, so the driver will decide how much to charge depending on the distance and sometimes the season. In any case, it is better to ask the price before getting in than at the end of the trip to avoid surprises.
Although there are no exact prices, they start at $50 MXN if you are not going too far.
There is also an app called YellowTaxiPV available for iOS and Android that makes it easy to hail a cab in Puerto Vallarta. The app works similarly to Uber, but fares are fixed by zone and the price doesn’t go up or down based on time, traffic, or demand.
Note: It’s not uncommon in the high season for a driver to overcharge. Be careful! You can ask a local or your hotel staff how much is more or less the price to where you are going.
Uber / Indriver
Uber is available in Puerto Vallarta and has become a popular option for getting around the city due to its convenience and ease. It works similarly to other cities: all you need is the app on your phone to hail a ride.
Although there is some competition with taxis, it is a great (sometimes even cheaper) option to get around the city. However, prices can vary depending on demand, traffic, time of day and even the weather, as prices can sometimes skyrocket during the rainy season.
Although Uber says it can now pick up passengers at the airport, there is still no designated area for drivers.
On the other hand, there is another ridesharing application in Puerto Vallarta called InDriver that has become very popular, especially among locals.
Water Taxi (panga)
Water taxis are usually small vessels, such as launches or boats, that offer a more direct and personalized service. Many of these water taxis are operated by local companies or tour guides, and the trip can be private or shared, depending on the service chosen. This type of transportation is used to get to beaches further away from Puerto Vallarta, such as Las Animas, Quimixto and Yelapa, etc.
You can take them from the pier at Los Muertos Beach or go to Boca de Tomatlan and take them from there.
The price can vary depending on: where you take it (if you take it from Boca de Tomatlan it is cheaper due to its proximity), if it is a one way or round trip and which beach you are going to.
Bike
This is a great option for those looking for an economical, ecological and healthy way to get around the city.
You can find most of the rental shops in the city center. They offer different types of bikes, from touring bikes to mountain bikes or electric bikes, depending on your needs.
Some rentals even offer guided bike tours around the city, which is a great way to get to know Puerto Vallarta’s main attractions while exercising.
Bikes can be rented by the hour, half day or even by the day, making it very flexible.
The most bike-friendly road in the city is the part of Francisco Medina Ascencio Avenue that runs from the malecon to La Isla mall.
It’s one of the few parts of town with a real dedicated bike lane.
In conclusion, getting around Puerto Vallarta is easier than it seems once you understand the transportation options available. From buses and taxis to transportation apps like Uber, each option has its advantages depending on your needs and where you want to go.
However, if you are looking for something more eco-friendly and relaxing, the bikes for rent on the Malecon are an excellent alternative to explore the city at your own pace.
The most important thing is to be aware of the prices, routes and rush hours to avoid mishaps. With these tips, you are sure to enjoy all that Puerto Vallarta has to offer and get around like a true Vallartense.