Puerto Vallarta · Mexico
Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR)
Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) serves Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco and the neighbouring Riviera Nayarit region. The airport operates from a single main passenger terminal divided into two primary concourses (A and B). It is situated approximately 7.5 kilometres north of downtown Puerto Vallarta along Federal Highway 200.
Terminals
- Main Terminal (Concourse A)
- Handles predominantly domestic flights within Mexico.
- Main Terminal (Concourse B)
- Handles the majority of international arrivals and departures, primarily from the United States and Canada.
Arriving
International arrivals follow a structured path through passport control, baggage collection, customs clearance, and the main arrivals corridor.
- After exiting the aircraft, follow signs to Passport Control (Instituto Nacional de Migración). Most international travellers complete immigration processing electronically or via physical passport inspection.
- Collect your checked luggage from the assigned carousel in the baggage reclaim hall.
- Proceed to Customs (SAT). Standard baggage screening applies; follow officer instructions if selected for inspection.
- Exit customs into the main arrivals hall, passing through a commercial hallway containing ground transport desks, timeshare vendors, and rental car agencies.
- Walk past the vendor counters to reach the public exit, where authorized taxis, pre-booked transfers, and public transport access are located.
Getting to the city
Taxi
Authorised Airport Taxi
Official zone-priced taxis booked at counters inside the arrivals hall.
- Time:
- Roughly 15–30 minutes to Central Vallarta, depending on traffic.
- Typical cost:
- Typically 350 to 700 MXN depending on the destination zone.
Ride-hailing
App-Based Rideshare (Uber / Didi)
Rideshare pick-ups operate outside airport grounds due to local regulations.
- Time:
- Roughly 15–30 minutes to Central Vallarta.
- Typical cost:
- Typically 150 to 350 MXN. Pick-up requires walking over the pedestrian bridge across Highway 200.
Bus
Public Bus (ATM / Compostela)
Local public buses stop along Highway 200 outside the terminal.
- Time:
- Roughly 25–45 minutes to Zona Romántica or downtown.
- Typical cost:
- Typically 10 to 25 MXN.
Car rental
Car Rental
Major rental agencies operate desks inside the terminal with vehicle lots nearby.
- Time:
- Varies by destination.
- Typical cost:
- Varies by provider, season, and vehicle class.
Connections & transfers
PVR is not primarily a hub airport, but domestic transfer procedures are available.
- Connecting between international and domestic flights requires clearing immigration, collecting baggage, clearing customs, and re-checking luggage at the departure check-in desk.
- Passengers connecting between domestic flights without checked baggage can follow terminal transit signs directly to their departure gate.
- Allow at least 2 to 3 hours for international-to-domestic flight connections.
Wi-Fi & staying connected
Complimentary wireless internet service is accessible throughout the terminal.
- Connect to the official network provided by the airport operator (GAP).
- Access may require accepting terms of service via a web portal.
- Coverage is available in main concourses, gate areas, and arrivals halls.
Money, cards & tipping
Foreign exchange desks and multi-currency ATMs are available in both arrivals and departures areas.
- Bank ATMs offering Mexican Pesos (MXN) are located in the main public concourses.
- Currency exchange booths operate in the international arrivals exit area and departure concourses.
- Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted at airport shops, restaurants, and official taxi desks.
Food & drink
A selection of dining options is located both landside and airside.
- Pre-security areas feature quick-service cafes and casual eateries.
- Airside concourses host international fast-food outlets, local Mexican restaurants, and bars.
- Operating hours generally align with scheduled daily flight operations.
Lounges & rest
VIP lounges are available airside for eligible ticket holders and lounge pass members.
- VIP Lounge Puerto Vallarta operates in the departures area offering seated refreshments and Wi-Fi.
- Access is granted through select lounge membership programs, premium airline tickets, or day-pass purchases at the door.
- Facilities include comfortable seating, complimentary snacks, beverages, and charging stations.
Airport hotels
No hotels are located directly inside the terminal building, but numerous properties sit within 1–2 kilometres.
- Several business and resort hotels are located directly across Highway 200 or within the nearby Marina Vallarta area.
- Hotel shuttle services or short taxi rides connect the terminal to nearby accommodation.
- Walking to nearby highway hotels is possible using the pedestrian bridge.
Baggage & customs
Standard baggage services, luggage storage, and lost property support are available.
- Luggage trolleys are located in the arrivals reclaim area for traveller use.
- Items left on board an aircraft must be claimed directly through your operating airline.
- For items lost within terminal facilities, contact the airport security office.
Family & accessibility
Basic family amenities are provided throughout the main terminal.
- Baby care rooms and changing tables are accessible inside primary restroom blocks.
- Strollers are permitted through security checkpoints subject to screening.
- Lounge facilities offer quiet seating suitable for families.
Facilities
- ATMs
- Currency Exchange
- Authorised Taxi Counters
- Car Rental Desks
- VIP Lounge
- Duty-Free Shops
- Medical First Aid Post
Emergency & safety
Local emergency number: 911
- Dial 911 for all national emergency services in Mexico, including police, medical, and fire assistance.
- A first aid medical module operates within the terminal building for immediate health queries.
- For lost passports or urgent consular support, contact your national embassy or consulate based in Mexico.
Before you leave home
- Check your passport validity and any visa, ETA or entry declaration required.
- Confirm your departure terminal on your boarding pass the day before.
- Activate a travel eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
- Download offline maps and screenshot your hotel address and booking reference.
- Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup payment card.
- Save the local emergency number and your embassy contact in your phone.
- Photograph your passport and store the copy somewhere you can reach offline.
- Check baggage allowance and any restricted items for your destination.
Official sources
Airport operations change. Always confirm terminals, fares and timetables with the official sources below before you travel.
- Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico - Puerto Vallarta AirportOfficial airport source
- Instituto Nacional de MigraciónGovernment source
- Servicio de Administración Tributaria - AduanasGovernment source
- Gobierno de México - Servicio de Emergencias 911Government source
- Secretaría de Turismo de MéxicoGovernment source
Guide last reviewed October 15, 2026
Airport information can change. Verify terminal assignments, schedules, fares, entry requirements and operating hours with the official provider before travel.
Land connected
Airport Wi-Fi is slow, time-limited and not private. A travel eSIM activates before you fly, so maps, ride-hailing and your booking emails work the second you switch off airplane mode.
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Build my trip planTravel information disclaimer: passport, visa and entry requirements change frequently and vary by nationality, route and purpose of travel. Everything published here is general guidance only and is not legal or immigration advice. Always verify current requirements with the official government sources for your citizenship and your destination before booking and before travel.