Is it safe to drive in Puerto Vallarta as a tourist?
Yes. Roads are in good condition, and driving is straightforward. Just drive defensively and avoid remote areas at night.
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Car Rental at Puerto Vallarta Airport, Mexico
Welcome to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico's U-Save Car Rental, your entryway to a remarkable experience in this Pacific paradise!
Our well-kept fleet of cars guarantees a smooth and pleasurable travel whether you're lounging on the beautiful beaches of Banderas Bay, discovering the picturesque cobblestone alleyways of the Romantic Zone, or going on an incredible whale-watching tour. With U-Save, you can confidently travel across Puerto Vallarta's picturesque surroundings and embrace your sense of adventure.
Don't pass up the opportunity to make priceless memories in this coastal treasure. Make your rental reservation right away to begin exploring Puerto Vallarta's delights!
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Luxury Car
Indulge in opulence and cutting-edge technology with luxury vehicles that redefine elegance and deliver an unparalleled driving experience
Compact
Nimble, fuel-efficient, and perfect for urban life, offering practicality without compromising on style and modern features
Mini Van
Spacious, versatile, and family-friendly, minivans offer comfort and convenience for on-the-go adventures and seamless daily commutes
Standard SUV
Explore the comfort and versatility of standard SUV rentals. Perfect for family trips or any adventure, our reliable SUVs are ready to hit the road
Pickup Truck
Unlock the power of pickup trucks for your hauling tasks. Rent a sturdy pickup truck for versatile cargo transportation. Efficient and dependable
Sprinter
Marrying style with practicality. Great for road trips or business ventures. Spacious, efficient, and highly adaptable. Start your adventure now!
Tips for renting a car at Puerto Vallarta Airport
Before you rent:
Make an informed choice. We believe in providing you with options to choose the right car for your needs with complete price transparency. At U-Save, we prioritize your peace of mind, which means rental insurance with us is not overly complicated and you are assured you are properly insured.
When you collect your Vehicle:
Think ahead. It's a good idea to map out your trip in advance, especially if you're returning the rental car to an unfamiliar location or airport. Check your confirmation email to make sure you know where to meet your agent or where the rental desk, and save the contact details to your phone for quick access.
Bring the necessary documents. While we strive to make the check-in process as simple as possible, some information is required by law. Having your reservation information, driver's license, passport and credit card ready in advance can speed up your reservation process. If you choose to self-insure, make sure that you have verifiable proof of full coverage insurance at the time of rental pickup. If you are a local renter, make sure that you have all the information required by the location to confirm your ID and address.
Conduct a car inspection. Perform a detailed walk around inspection as soon as the vehicle is received to note any existing damage on the rental agreement. The five damage hotspots that we've discovered deserve special attention. You are shielded from responsibility when you return the vehicle by disclosing any existing damage prior to leaving the location.
While you rent:
Take care. Please be advised that depending on the rental coverage you chose, you could be responsible for any damage that occurs during the rental period. Take measures to reduce the possibility of collisions leading to dings and scratches, especially in congested parking areas.
When you return your vehicle:
Complete one more vehicle inspection. Conduct a second inspection during the return procedure, and no matter how little it may look, carefully record any damage. This approach enables us to handle your refund quickly while making sure you are completely insured. The five damage hotspots should receive special attention, just as they did during the initial assessment.
Drive on the right side of the road
Mexican Peso is the local currency
Average temperatures are 62°F (17°C) - 88°F (31°C)
Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) serves the stunning coastal city of Puerto Vallarta, one of Mexico’s most beloved Pacific destinations. Located just 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) from the historic city center, PVR is the primary arrival point for both domestic and international travelers seeking a mix of beach relaxation, vibrant culture, and lush jungle adventures.
John Carle , Mexico
These people were wonderful. Edmondo was so helpful even though we had some challenges. We were next-door at europcar and they completely ripped us off and took advantage of the lack of cars available. We came to this company and they were helpful in finding us a car at a competitor, because they were completely sold out. The difference between the two companies was night and Day. I will definitely come back here again. So helpful. So nice.
Katya Belykh , Mexico
Best service, best price. Super professional people, everything went smooth, according to my reservation, it took me 20 mins to get the car and 10 mins to return it. Looking forward to renting from them again and would recommend them to everybody.
Bobbie Stivers , Mexico
Not the cheapest but definitely the fastest! I was next door looking at a 2 hour wait. I literally just walked over, picked a car, signed, and drive out in under 5 minutes. Gracias!!
Marisol S , Mexico
Great experience! It was the first time our family was travelling to Cabo San Lucas, but the staff here treated us extremely well, gave us the best price, and even gave us reccomendations on places to eat and shop. They only rent out new, top condition cars. the other people in my party had gone next door to rent their cars and they not only paid a higher price, they also got very old, dirty cars that broke down days later and were charged extra when they returned it (for damage that was already there). the staff at U-Save were very honest and kind, especially Carlos. Would reccomend completely!
Car hire at Acapulco Airport – Good to know about driving in there
Driving in Puerto Vallarta and along the surrounding Pacific coast is a scenic and comfortable experience, especially if you're used to driving in the U.S., Canada, or Europe.
Roads follow right-hand traffic. Road signs are in Spanish, but they rely on common symbols, so navigation is generally straightforward with a GPS or smartphone app.
Upon leaving the airport, you’ll find yourself on Carretera 200, the coastal highway that connects Puerto Vallarta with towns to the north (like Nuevo Vallarta, Sayulita, and San Blas) and south (like Mismaloya and Yelapa, via water taxi). Roads are well-paved and maintained, especially in tourist areas. However, once you venture into mountain villages or local neighborhoods, expect narrower roads, occasional potholes, and unmarked intersections.
Within the city, traffic is generally manageable but can become busy during weekends, holidays, and cruise ship arrivals. Locals tend to drive assertively, occasionally bending traffic rules — such as running red lights or creating unofficial lanes during congestion. Defensive driving is advised, especially in downtown areas where pedestrians, motorcycles, and delivery trucks may suddenly appear in your lane. Honking is common and often used as a casual signal, not aggression.
In most city areas, the speed limit is 40–60 km/h, while highways such as Highway 200 allow speeds up to 100–110 km/h. While enforcement can be lax in some regions, police patrols and checkpoints are common, especially at major entry and exit points to the city. Officers may ask for your driver’s license, passport, and rental agreement, so it’s important to carry these with you at all times.
FAQs About Driving & Renting a Car at Puerto Vallarta Airport
Are toll roads common near Puerto Vallarta?
Toll roads (cuota) are more common if you’re heading inland or toward Guadalajara. The local coastal highways around Puerto Vallarta are mostly free but well maintained.
What kind of vehicle is best for this region?
A compact or mid-size car is ideal for city and coastal travel. If you plan to head into the mountains or rural roads, consider a small SUV for extra comfort and clearance.
How long does it take from Puerto Vallarta Airport to the city center?
It typically takes 15 to 25 minutes to drive from Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) to the city center, depending on traffic and your exact destination. During peak hours or weekends, allow extra time.
Are police checkpoints common?
Yes, particularly at city entrances and highway intersections. They’re usually routine. Have your passport, license, and rental agreement ready and remain polite and cooperative.
