Puerto Vallarta International Airport (officially Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport) serves as the main gateway for Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit, including destinations in Jalisco and Nayarit. Several US airlines offer nonstop service from multiple hubs, with routes varying by season, and it’s a well-connected option for travelers. Here’s what you need to know to navigate this airport smoothly, based on my experience flying through it multiple times.
Getting to and from the airport
Follow the current pickup instructions in your Uber app, as policies may change. I find it easier to just take a taxi or arrange transportation through your hotel or a local tour operator. (Getting back to the airport is simpler since you can typically take an Uber directly to the terminal.)
Many hotels offer their own airport transfers, so it’s worth checking with them before you travel. Sometimes it’s even included, though that’s rare. Depending on the price, an official hotel shuttle can be a solid, stress-free option.
You’ll be approached by multiple people offering taxis and transportation when leaving baggage claim (some selling timeshares). Ignore them all and don’t engage with anyone claiming to offer tourist information.
Instead, head outside to the official taxi kiosk near the terminal exit, where you’ll pay fixed rates determined by zone and receive a ticket to present at the authorized taxi stand operated by services like Aeromovil.
Arriving at Puerto Vallarta International Airport
The airport has two concourses: one for domestic flights and one for international flights, linked by a long walkway and served by a single arrivals and departure building.
The Puerto Vallarta airport is often quite crowded due to the popularity of the destination and the limited size of the facility. That situation should be alleviated somewhat when the terminal expansion is completed, though no official opening date has been announced.
Tourist card requirements at this airport have changed significantly. PVR now uses Automated Migration Filters (FMA) that issue a digital FMM, so paper forms aren’t required. That said, I’ve still been handed forms on flights – airlines sometimes distribute them out of habit. My approach: if airline staff give you one, you can fill it out, but know that the process is digital at the airport.
Most international flights arrive at Terminal B, and it’s quite a walk to customs and immigration. The lines can get long, but the airport recently installed automated e-gates to help reduce wait times. You’ll likely notice the line for international visitors is much longer than the one for Mexican citizens, which tells you just how popular this place is.
I don’t usually check bags, but when I have, I’ve noticed that if the immigration line in Puerto Vallarta is long, my checked suitcase may arrive at the baggage claim before I do. Be aware that airport staff sometimes remove bags after a certain amount of time, to make room for the next round of luggage. So don’t fret if your flight number or items don’t appear at any of the belts. Look around for groups of bags that have been taken off the belt and organized by flight (you can also ask an airport staff member, of course).
Next up is customs, where all arriving international travelers put their luggage through an X-ray scanner before proceeding to the traffic light (semáforo) inspection signal. It’s a straightforward process to get you on your way to the beach.
If you need a moment to decompress away from the hectic arrivals hall, there’s a VIP Lounge “Llegadas” to the left after customs. It offers snacks, beverages, and assistance from on-site staff. I usually have my ride sorted in advance, but if you need to regroup, a day pass could be worth it (available via Priority Pass/LoungeKey or when capacity allows).
Departing from Puerto Vallarta airport
Since PVR can get crowded during busy travel times, I always arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international ones. You’ll want that buffer if you’re checking bags or want to grab a bite. The airport isn’t huge, but you can run into lines everywhere: traffic getting there, check-in, security and even for food.
There are a few restaurants, including Wings, Starbucks and Sbarro, on the upper level before security. But I’d recommend keeping an eye on the security line before you commit to a long meal. There are more options post-security like Subway, but they can also be packed, so factor in extra time no matter where you eat.
Security wait times are unpredictable here. While weekends and peak tourist seasons (winter through spring) typically mean longer lines, I’ve been surprised by short waits during busy times and long lines when I expected quick processing. I always arrive early because of this variability. The airport accepts electronic boarding passes on mobile devices at security checkpoints and boarding gates, which helps streamline the process.
Domestic flights generally depart from the national area (Terminal 1), a short walk from security. It can get crowded, so arriving early improves your chances of finding a seat. International flights usually depart from the international area (Terminal 2), which requires a longer walk from the security screening area.
The airport has free Wi-Fi through the “GAP FREE” network – just accept the terms of use to connect. You’ll find plenty of shops before and after security, including duty-free immediately after the security checkpoint in the international departures area. Check out the shops like Pineda Covalin or Divers for some Mexican souvenirs to take home.
Airline lounges at PVR
There are two VIP Lounge locations after security, one in Terminal 1 for domestic departures and another in Terminal 2 for international departures (between gates 8 and 10). Both offer free Wi-Fi, light snacks, drinks and plenty of seating. The two-level lounge in the international area even has showers.
You can get in by purchasing a VIP Passport membership that covers 13 VIP Lounges across Mexico’s GAP airport network. If you have a Priority Pass or LoungeKey membership, you can get access subject to your membership terms and capacity. One-time day passes are also sometimes available at the lounge reception if they’re not at capacity.
Rental cars
I’ve never felt the need to rent a car in Puerto Vallarta. If you’re staying in the city or at a big resort, you’ll be fine with taxis and rideshares. Many resorts in Nayarit are so self-contained that you won’t leave much anyway, and tour operators can handle any excursions.
But if you’re the type who likes to explore freely, a car might be for you. You’ll find counters for major rental brands like Avis inside the terminal building near the arrivals area.
Money exchange
You’ll spot multiple Globo Cambio money exchange desks in both the arrivals and departures areas, but always check the rate. I find it’s usually better to head for the ATMs (from banks like BBVA, Banorte, and Scotiabank) in the arrivals concourse. You can withdraw pesos directly from your bank account. You’ll pay a service fee, which tends to be higher at airport ATMs than at bank branches, but you can decline the ATM’s conversion rate and stick with the official one, which is almost always a better deal.
Hotels near the airport
If you need to stay close to the airport, One Puerto Vallarta Aeropuerto is a solid choice with reasonable rates, a complimentary “one Start” breakfast buffet, and an outdoor pool with lounge area. The Holiday Inn Express Puerto Vallarta is another good option nearby, offering a complimentary breakfast buffet, outdoor pool, and a fitness center open from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM. For a more resort-style experience, the hotels in the Marina Vallarta neighborhood, like the Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, Melia Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive and The Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta, are just a short ride away (all within about 2 km of the airport).
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
