Taking Taxis in Puerto Vallarta and Surrounding Areas: What You Need to Know
Puerto Vallarta is a beautiful, vibrant city that’s perfect for exploring. Whether you're here on vacation, shopping for property, or simply enjoying the local culture, getting around easily is important. While Puerto Vallarta is a walkable city, taxis are a common and convenient way to travel, especially in the heat or when traveling with bags.
Here’s everything you need to know about taking taxis in Puerto Vallarta and its surrounding areas, including pricing, tips, and what to expect.
### How to Find a Taxi
Taxis are abundant in Puerto Vallarta, particularly in tourist areas, downtown (El Centro), and outside resorts, hotels, and restaurants. You can easily flag one down on the street, call a local taxi company, or catch one at a designated taxi stand (Sitios). In more remote areas, like Bucerías or Punta de Mita, taxis may not be as frequent, so it’s a good idea to have the number of a local service handy or ask your accommodation to call one for you.
### Taxi Fares in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta taxis don’t use meters, so it’s essential to agree on the fare before starting your ride. Prices are based on zones, and most drivers will have a pricing guide, though it’s good to have an idea of general rates:
- **Within Puerto Vallarta (Downtown/Hotel Zone)**: 50-80 pesos ($3-5 USD)
- **Marina Vallarta to Downtown**: 120-150 pesos ($7-9 USD)
- **Puerto Vallarta to the Airport**: 200-300 pesos ($12-18 USD)
- **Puerto Vallarta to Mismaloya**: 200-250 pesos ($12-15 USD)
- **Puerto Vallarta to Bucerías**: 300-400 pesos ($18-25 USD)
- **Puerto Vallarta to Punta de Mita**: 600-800 pesos ($35-50 USD)
For longer trips, like to Punta de Mita or Sayulita, it’s best to negotiate a price upfront. Some drivers will charge more at night or during holidays, but you can often negotiate these rates down a bit.
### Airport Taxi Service
Taxis at Puerto Vallarta International Airport are more expensive than those you’ll find outside the airport. Airport taxis have a fixed rate and are often about 50% higher than if you were to walk outside the terminal to hail a regular taxi. Expect to pay between 300-500 pesos ($18-30 USD) for a ride into central Puerto Vallarta. However, for convenience, many travelers prefer using the official airport taxis.
### Payment and Tips
Most taxi drivers in Puerto Vallarta prefer cash payments in pesos, but some will accept U.S. dollars (although at a less favorable exchange rate). It’s best to carry small bills, as drivers rarely have change for larger notes.
Tipping taxi drivers is appreciated but not mandatory. If the driver helps with luggage or provides excellent service, a tip of 10-20 pesos ($1-2 USD) is standard.
### Safety and Etiquette
Taking taxis in Puerto Vallarta is generally safe, but like in any city, it’s good to be cautious. Only use official taxis, especially at night, and always agree on the price before the ride starts. Taxis in Puerto Vallarta are either yellow or white, with the name of the taxi company and taxi number displayed on the doors.
If you don’t speak Spanish, don’t worry—many taxi drivers know basic English, especially in tourist areas. However, having the destination written down or using a map on your phone can help ensure smooth communication.
### Ride-Hailing Apps
Uber is also available in Puerto Vallarta and often offers competitive pricing compared to local taxis. However, Uber drivers cannot pick up passengers from the airport due to regulations, so if you’re arriving at the airport, a regular taxi or an arranged transfer is necessary.
### Exploring the Surrounding Areas
For those looking to explore beyond Puerto Vallarta, taxis are available to take you to charming nearby towns such as Bucerías, Sayulita, and San Pancho. These longer rides can range from 300 to 800 pesos, depending on the distance and time of day. If you’re planning a full day out of town, it might be worth negotiating a rate for the driver to wait for you or arranging a return trip later.
### Final Thoughts
Taxis in Puerto Vallarta are an affordable and convenient way to get around, especially when you don’t want to navigate the city’s cobblestone streets on foot. While pricing is reasonable, always confirm the cost with your driver before starting the trip, and enjoy the scenic ride through this beautiful city. Whether you’re heading to the beach, the markets, or a stunning dinner with an ocean view, taxis will get you there with ease.
So go ahead, hop in a taxi, and enjoy everything Puerto Vallarta has to offer!
