Getting Around Puerto Vallarta
The first time we went to Mexico I was very hesitant to take the bus. I don't know about your experience, but where I live, the bus is not convenient. You have to switch a few times and it'll take you an hour to get anywhere, not to mention the bus only comes by once an hour. Basically, I'll take the bus if it's my only option. Plus, public transport used to seem a bit daunting to me. For those of you in larger cities, laugh away, but again, I was hesitant to take on the bus in a foreign country.
Contrary to my first opinion, in most counties, public transportation is THE way to travel. Puerto Vallarta doesn't have an underground system (at least not that I'm aware of), but they do have plenty of buses and taxis. Taxis are great if you need to get to a specific location and you're in a huge hurry and don't mind paying for your convenience. Otherwise, buses are still pretty quick and much more affordable.
If you've seen our Cancun Buses video, the buses are very similar in Puerto Vallarta. A bus will come by at least every five minutes, if not every two minutes.
Cost
The bus, as of publication, costs $7.50 pesos. It would be a good idea to ask the front desk or the bus driver to make sure you have the latest rate. We were able to pay with dollars in the past, but the exchange rate isn't very good and they won't give you change. However, 1 dollar/person is still much cheaper than paying $10-$20 US dollars for a cab. How much is your convenience worth? (Maybe more if you're heading to the airport). In Puerto Vallarta, I would highly recommend getting pesos from an ATM as you will get much better deals on everything, buses included.
Bus fares vary by destination. Along the Malecón and hotel zone fares are $7.50 peso. Expect to pay more if heading to the romantic zone or Nuevo Vallarta.
Bus fares vary by destination. Along the Malecón and hotel zone fares are $7.50 peso. Expect to pay more if heading to the romantic zone or Nuevo Vallarta.
Location
If you're staying in the hotel, you'll see loads of buses passing by. There are bus stops outside of almost every resort, mall and various locations along the main roads. If you don't have a bus stop, there will likely be one within a block of your location. Most buses will also honk if you are walking and stop for you. They usually stop if you flag them down like a cab too.
Be sure to check the front of the bus for the route. Some buses travel out of town and may be more expensive. Check routes and schedules to ensure an easy return if you do head to one of the smaller nearby towns. If you head there later in the day, you may need to take a cab to get back if you don't catch the last one back to Puerto Vallarta. Be aware that there are far fewer English speakers as you head to the outskirts of Puerto Vallarta or into the smaller towns.
Routes
Linea Puerto Vallarta will take from Walmart to the Malecón. Punta de Mita travels from the Malecon up to Punta Mita. R-2 travels from Olas Altas through the hotel zone and east/up into Puerto Vallarta. R-11 will take you to and from the airport through the hotel zone and to Olas Altas. R-13 runs from Marina Vallarta to Olas Altas. R-21 runs from Olas Altas to Sams Club/Walmart.
If you want to head to another town, grab a ride to the Walmart. There will be someone there to help you get on the correct bus out of town and you'll be able to buy tickets there.
If taking a bus from the airport, move quickly and only do so if you have minimal luggage. The buses are used heavily by locals for transportation to/from work and shopping and are often at capacity (standing room only)-- See video above.
If taking a bus from the airport, move quickly and only do so if you have minimal luggage. The buses are used heavily by locals for transportation to/from work and shopping and are often at capacity (standing room only)-- See video above.
For a list of all routes, visit:
Times
Buses through the main hotel zone run 24 hours, but anything past Malecón, or north of the hotel zone stop earlier in the evening. Keep this in mind if you travel far from the hotel zone as you may be stuck taking a cab back if you miss the last bus. Plan to return to the main part of Puerto Vallarta by nightfall. Clubs can still be reached using buses well into the night.
Tips
Have your money ready before you are boarding the bus. Once on the bus, find a seat quickly. The bus will start moving before you sit down. The same goes for getting off the bus. Most buses will have a button you can push to alert the driver to stop. If your bus does not have a button simply shout out "Pare" or "Alto". Get off the bus quickly too. If there are two doors, you will likely want to exit from the back doors and enter from the front doors. This allows for the most efficient boarding/departure process and makes your trips even faster!
Comparison
Taxi:
Convenient, but more expensive. Make sure you get a quote for fare before you enter the car. They may charge you more than expected if you don't get a fare ahead of time.
Bus:
Cheap, easy way to tranverse town. May be more difficult to use if hauling luggage or traveling at night.
Car Rental:
You can pick when and where you go, but the rules of the road may be different here. While renting a car is cheap, getting insurance is recommended here as is getting a GPS. Be prepared to follow all traffic laws, speeds, and use caution. You may have more freedom with a car, but you will may have difficulty finding parking spots or finding your way without GPS. Parking may cost extra.
Walking:
Walking is nice if you're location is close, however many shops and attractions are farther away. Remember you're near a jungle. It will be quite warm and humid. Be sure to wear sunscreen and bring water if you plan on walking for any distance.
Biking:
This again may give you more freedom, but watch out for traffic. This can be more dangerous if you're not accustomed to biking as transportation. You must follow rules of the road.
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