Puerto Vallarta Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz Layover Guide (PVR)

What are you looking for in PVR?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) is an international airport located in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico. It’s situated about 7.5 km (4.6 miles) from the city center. The airport officially opened in 1954. Puerto Vallarta is a popular resort destination on Mexico’s Pacific coast, known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and charming old town. It offers a wide variety of leisure activities, making it a top destination for both relaxation and adventure.

Can you leave Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Most international flights into Puerto Vallarta (PVR) clear immigration here. During a layover, you may exit the airport and explore if you hold valid Mexican entry documentation. Many travelers use the free Tourist Card (FMM) under 180-day stays. Those requiring visas must apply before arrival. Check nationality-specific requirements online officially. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• El Malecón Stroll along the vibrant waterfront promenade adorned with sculptures, street performers, and ocean views. Explore local art galleries, vendors, and cafés, all in a lively, vibrant atmosphere daily. (Time required: 30–45 minutes. / Airport to here: 20 min by taxi or 45 min via local bus Route A.)
• Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe Admire the iconic baroque-style cathedral crowned by a crown-topped tower. Step inside to see stained glass, ornate altars, and quiet chapels reflecting local religious heritage. (Time required: 20–30 minutes. / Airport to here: 25 min by taxi or 60 min via local bus Route 2.)
• Los Muertos Beach Relax on soft golden sands, swim in gentle Pacific waves, or rent a paddleboard. Enjoy beachfront restaurants, colorful palapas, and people-watching under swaying palms. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: 25 min by taxi or 50 min via local bus Route A.)
• Zona Romántica Wander cobblestone streets lined with boutiques, galleries, and cafés. Discover hidden plazas, street murals, and pulsating nightlife hotspots amid charming colonial architecture. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: 25 min by taxi or 60 min via local bus Route 2.)
• Vallarta Botanical Gardens Explore lush tropical gardens showcasing native orchids, bromeliads, and heliconias. Walk scenic trails overlooking the river and sample local cuisine at the onsite café. (Time required: 2–3 hours. / Airport to here: 50 min by taxi; no direct public transport.)
• Isla Río Cuale Cross charming bridges to this river island filled with artisan markets, quaint cafés, and art galleries. Uncover hidden gardens and local crafts along shaded pathways. (Time required: 45–60 minutes. / Airport to here: 25 min by taxi or 60 min via local bus Route 2.)
• Art Walk (Wednesday) (Seasonal) Join the weekly gallery tour showcasing contemporary Mexican art. Meet local artists, enjoy wine tastings, and explore upscale Old Town venues. (Time required: 2–3 hours. / Airport to here: 25 min by taxi or 60 min via local bus Route 2.)
• Mirador de la Cruz Hike uphill to a panoramic viewpoint offering sweeping city and bay vistas. Ideal for photos, sunrise or sunset gazing amid tropical foliage. (Time required: 1.5–2 hours. / Airport to here: 20 min by taxi; hike starts in Old Town.)

Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Puerto Vallarta Airport features VIP Lounges in Terminal 1 for domestic departures and an international arrivals lounge in Terminal 2. These pay-per-use and Priority Pass lounges offer comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and drinks, free Wi-Fi, business workstations, and shower facilities. Hours usually run from 08:00 to 20:00 daily. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Several hotels lie within a short drive of PVR, including mid-range and budget options. Grand Sol and Motel Dunas offer affordable rooms steps from the terminal. For more comfort, beachfront properties like Villa Premiere and Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort provide shuttle service. Most offer 24-hour reception and airport transfers. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
PVR lacks designated rest zones or sleeping pods. Terminal seating is plentiful but firm. Some travelers recline on benches or use carry-on luggage as makeshift pillows. Background cleaning and ambient noise continue overnight. Bring earplugs, an inflatable travel pillow and eye mask if you plan to catch a few winks.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: PVR provides complimentary Wi-Fi in all terminals. Connection is open and unlimited, though speeds vary during peak hours. To connect, select “PVR_FREE_WiFi” and accept terms. Power outlets near seating areas are limited, so bring a portable charger. Cellular service vendors like Telcel and Movistar offer data packages airside.

SIM/eSIM Card: Purchase Mexican SIM cards at the Oxxo convenience store just outside arrivals. Telcel, Movistar and AT&T options offer prepaid data plans. SIM activation and top-up services are available 24/7. Alternatively, buy a global eSIM online before travel for instant data access. Ensure your device is unlocked and eSIM-compatible. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official airport taxis queue outside the arrivals area. Rates are fixed by zone; purchase tickets at the taxi booth before boarding. Popular destinations like downtown and Zona Romántica cost around MXN 280–350. All drivers accept cash, while some may offer digital payments. Always confirm fare with the booth attendant.

Train: There is no direct train service to Puerto Vallarta Airport. The nearest railway station is in Guadalajara, served by Ferromex’s long-distance lines. No commuter or light rail systems serve the resort. Travelers must take a bus or taxi to Guadalajara to connect by rail. (more info)

Bus: ADO operates direct air-conditioned buses between PVR and central Puerto Vallarta. Buses depart from the arrivals forecourt roughly every hour between 06:00 and 22:00 daily. Tickets cost about MXN 50 and can be purchased at the ADO booth. (more info)

Shuttle: Shared shuttle vans and private transfers connect PVR with hotels in Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit. Services operate 24/7, with pickup points at arrivals. Fares vary from MXN 150 to MXN 300 depending on destination and provider. Pre-booking online or via hotel concierge guarantees availability.

Car rentals: Major car rental agencies are located curbside at the PVR terminal. Providers include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National and Thrifty. Most desks open at 06:00 and close around midnight. Vehicles range from compact cars to SUVs and vans. Rentals require a valid driver’s license, credit card and insurance. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: PVR offers secured long-term parking adjacent to both terminals. Rates start at MXN 59 for 30 minutes, MXN 180 for 4 hours and MXN 450 for 24 hours. Covered spaces, disabled spots and EV charging stations are available. Payment is accepted by cash or credit card at exit kiosks.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

PVR does not offer luggage storage or locker facilities on-site. Travelers must keep baggage with them throughout transit. Some hotels and car rental desks may store small items. Alternatively, use downtown luggage storage services in Puerto Vallarta, typically charging by item and hour. In peak travel periods availability is limited. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks