Puerto Vallarta Airport Information and How to Get Here

Arriving at the Puerto Vallarta Airport

The Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) is five miles north of Downtown Puerto Vallarta. Direct flights depart from major U.S. cities like Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Memphis, New York, Phoenix, Seattle, and many others. Delta offers the most flights, but some geographic locations offer flights from Alaska Airlines, Frontier, United, American Airlines, Virgin America, and smaller companies. You can also fly to other Mexican cities from Puerto Vallarta, such as Guadalajara, Tijuana, Toluca, Mexico City, and Cabo San Lucas, to name a few.

The airport in Puerto Vallarta is relatively small compared to others you may have visited. There is just one 3,300 meter runway. Arrivals all take place on the main level, with departures on the upper level. There are a few fast food restaurants and souvenir shops on the upper deck before security, so you can grab one last quick meal with local friends before catching your flight.

Getting around Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta transportation to and from the airport is mostly handled by taxi (Aeromovil) or Colectivo minivans. You can pay for your fare at the ticket kiosk just outside the terminal building exit. Charges are subject to extra taxes in the Federal Zone, so the rates are higher. If you are adventurous and want to save a buck, you can walk across the pedestrian bridge over the highway to flag down a less expensive taxi or catch a local bus for 50 cents. The airport side buses run to the Marina and Downtown Vallarta, or you can cross the bridge for buses heading to Nuevo Vallarta and other North Zone destinations like Bucerias, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, and Punta de Mita.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to get to Puerto Vallarta?

The most popular way to reach Puerto Vallarta from abroad is by plane. The Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) receives direct flights from 50 different airports from across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, including 13 domestic flights. Officially known as the Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport, PVR is the 7th busiest airport in Mexico. It is centrally located with easy access to the city.

What is the weather like in Puerto Vallarta?

Puerto Vallarta’s warm, tropical climate provides ideal year-round temperatures, with dry winters and rainy summers. Average temps range from a high of mid-90s and high humidity in the summer rainy season (June - Oct) to evening lows of upper-60s in the mild winters. November through May tend to be drier months, with less humidity, offering 10 to 12 hours of sunshine.

What's the best time of year to visit Puerto Vallarta?

The best time to visit PV is from December to April, which is also considered the high season, driven largely by international visitors, retirees, and snowbirds seeking warmer climates. This is also when you’ll find humidity hasn’t kicked in yet, so walking along or spending the whole day at the beach is very enjoyable. While May - November is considered to be a lower season, there is consistent weekend activity coming from all parts of Mexico.

What are the biggest events in Puerto Vallarta?

Puerto Vallarta offers exciting local and international events throughout the entire year, with many of these revolving around culture, gastronomy, sports, and film.

Puerto Vallarta Carnaval (usually late February)
The Mexico Open at Vidanta (PGA tournament held in February)
International Film Festival (March) Festival Internacional de Cine en Puerto Vallarta (FICPV)
Festival Fiestas de Mayo: Month-long celebration in May encompassing Puerto Vallarta’s anniversary, featuring live music, carnival rides, culture, and tradition
Vallarta Pride held mid to late May, attracting over 17,000 attendees
Day of the Dead celebrations (Nov 1) and month-long International Gourmet Festival held in November

Are the beaches swimmable in Puerto Vallarta?

With plenty of spots to choose from, Puerto Vallarta’s beaches are pleasantly swimmable. Still, it is important to remain alert to tides, weather, and water conditions as the Pacific Ocean can present stronger waves at certain times of the year. Winter and Spring provide the calmest waters for swimming, while the warmest water temps are Summer and Fall.

How did Puerto Vallarta become a popular film destination?

Puerto Vallarta’s star quality was thrust onto the international stage in 1963 for the filming of “The Night of the Iguana.” At that time, Mismaloya Beach welcomed the likes of Richard Burton, Eva Gardner, and Elizabeth Taylor as the city further immersed as a quintessential sunkissed vacation destination.

What's the best thing about being in Puerto Vallarta?

The stunning beaches and warm climate create an inviting environment year round, while the local community offers rich traditions, excellent cuisine, and a welcoming atmosphere. Living or visiting here means enjoying an active lifestyle outdoors and being part of a diverse and friendly community, which makes it truly special. For visitors traveling to Puerto Vallarta, taking part in vibrant community life and activities is a welcome addition to a beach getaway.

Puerto Vallarta Airport & Transportation