Car rental in Puerto Vallarta
You can walk the Malecon and the Romantic Zone, but almost everything that makes this coast worth the flight sits outside town. Sayulita, Punta Mita and the beaches south of the bay are far enough that three or four taxi runs will cost more than a rental.
We hand over at Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR), about 10 minutes from downtown with direct access to Highway 200, the road that runs the length of the coast.
Where you pick up the car
Puerto Vallarta International Airport (Lic. Gustavo Diaz Ordaz)
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
View the location on Google Maps
We send exact meeting instructions and the opening hours matching your flight when your booking is confirmed.
Driving the Riviera Nayarit
Head north and you cross into the state of Nayarit within minutes. Watch the clock: Nayarit is one hour behind Jalisco. Visitors regularly miss dinner reservations, and occasionally flights, because of it.
- Nuevo Vallarta and Bucerias (15 to 25 minutes).
- Sayulita (approx. 45 minutes): the surf town. Parking inside the village is limited and paid, so arrive early in high season.
- San Pancho (approx. 50 minutes): minutes past Sayulita and considerably quieter.
- Punta Mita (approx. 45 minutes): beaches and golf at the tip of the peninsula.
- South towards Costalegre (from 1 hour): Boca de Tomatlan, Mismaloya and a run of quieter beaches.
Yelapa and Las Animas are reachable only by boat; drivers leave the car at Boca de Tomatlan.
Driving on this coast
Highway 200 is two lanes for much of its length and passes through towns with poorly marked speed bumps, so avoid planning long drives after dark. During the rainy season, June to October, expect standing water in places. In the Romantic Zone the streets are cobbled and narrow, where a compact is far easier than an SUV.
Economy car rental
Our Economy category includes models such as the Chevrolet Spark and Renault Logan, or similar depending on availability. They are the most rented cars for city driving and short highway trips: easy to park and cheap to fuel.
Our rates are typically lower than the counters inside the terminal across most categories. Check availability for your dates before booking.
What you need to rent
- Minimum age 18. Drivers aged 18 to 24 pay an extra 5 USD per day. The maximum age is 70, and drivers aged 65 to 70 pay the same 5 USD per day surcharge.
- A valid driver licence at the start of the rental. Foreign visitors need a valid passport; based on your entry stamp you may rent for up to 90 days.
- A card in the renter's name. We accept VISA, MASTERCARD and AMERICAN EXPRESS, credit or debit. We do not accept cash.
- Additional driver: 5 USD per day, up to 3 additional drivers.
Insurance in Mexico, and why your home policy will not cover you
This is the point that surprises most visitors from the United States and Canada. US automobile liability insurance is not valid in Mexico, and neither is most collision and comprehensive coverage issued by US companies. Claims for incidents in Mexico are governed by Mexican law. We strongly recommend buying coverage that protects you against third-party liability for people and property.
Your security deposit depends on the coverage you take. With no coverage from us the deposit is 2,500 USD, and you must show written proof of a policy valid for the city, the dates and the class of car.
| Coverage | Collision | Theft | Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| LDW2 | 10% | 10% | 350 USD |
| TT1 | 0% | 10% | 150 USD |
| No coverage | - | - | 2,500 USD |
If your credit card was issued outside Mexico the deposit may be increased by 250 USD. It is released when you return the car in the agreed condition: 1 to 7 business days for credit cards, and up to 30 business days for debit cards.
Fuel, cancellation and roadside assistance
- Fuel: the car is handed over with a full tank and must be returned full. Otherwise refuelling is charged at 25% above market price.
- Cancellation: free of charge up to 48 hours before your reservation time. Cancelling later, or not showing up, incurs a 25 USD charge.
- Roadside assistance: optional, 5 USD per day. Covers lost or locked-in keys, a dead battery and fuel delivery. It does not cover key replacement.
Frequently asked questions about renting in Puerto Vallarta
Is renting a car in Puerto Vallarta worth it?
If you plan to visit Sayulita, Punta Mita or the southern beaches, it is almost always cheaper and more flexible than booking separate transfers.
Is my US insurance valid in Mexico?
No. US liability insurance is not valid in Mexico, and most collision coverage issued by US companies does not apply either. Claims are governed by Mexican law.
Can I drive into Nayarit with the rental?
Yes. The Riviera Nayarit is the most common trip from Puerto Vallarta and needs no additional paperwork.
See all our frequently asked questions (Spanish).
Book your car in Puerto Vallarta
Check availability and rates for your dates. Cancellation is free up to 48 hours before.
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