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Car rental in Puerto Vallarta - Search, Compare, and Save

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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Puerto Vallarta

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Puerto Vallarta

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Puerto Vallarta

Intermediate

Skoda Octavia or similar

5

4

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

39

per day

The average cost of car rental is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average rental duration of 6 days

Why Rent a Car in Puerto Vallarta?

Puerto Vallarta is a stunning coastal city with beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and numerous attractions. While taxis and public transport are available, renting a car provides the freedom and flexibility to explore at your own pace.

Explore Hidden Gems: A rental car lets you discover secluded beaches, charming villages, and scenic viewpoints that are often inaccessible by public transport.

Customize Your Itinerary: Visit local markets, historical sites, and natural wonders without being tied to bus schedules or tour groups.

Convenience and Comfort: Enjoy the comfort of your own vehicle, especially when traveling with family, carrying beach gear, or making multiple stops.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Puerto Vallarta

Before renting a car in Puerto Vallarta, be aware of the rental terms and conditions to ensure a smooth experience. Here are some key aspects to consider.

Area

Approximately 502 square kilometers (194 square miles)

Population

Around 300,000 residents

Time Zone

Central Standard Time (CST)

Ideal for

Exploring coastal areas and nearby towns

Rush Hours

Expect heavier traffic during mornings and evenings in the city center

Rating

4.5/5

1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Puerto Vallarta require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may have additional fees for drivers under 25.

2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license from your country of residence is typically required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) may be necessary for licenses not in English or Spanish. A passport is also required.

3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but you may want to consider additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). A security deposit is typically required and held on your credit card.

4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies can vary, with some rentals offering unlimited mileage and others having restrictions. Fuel policies typically require you to return the car with the same amount of fuel as when you picked it up.

5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, child seats, GPS navigation systems, or one-way rentals.

Car Rental Prices in Puerto Vallarta – How Much Does It Cost?

The average daily rate for an economy-class rental car in Puerto Vallarta is around £15 / $19 / €18. Prices can vary depending on the season, availability, and type of vehicle.

Business:

from £40 / $50 / €48 per day

Electric:

from £20 / $25 / €24 per day

Classic:

from £10 / $13 / €12 per day

Executive:

from £30 / $38 / €36 per day

7 Seater:

from £35 / $44 / €42 per day

Automatic:

from £20 / $25 / €24 per day

SUV:

from £12 / $15 / €14 per day

Seasonal Trends

Peak season (December to April): Demand is high during the winter months and spring break, with prices increasing by 20-30%.

Low season (May to November): You can often find discounts and lower rates during the off-season, particularly in September and October.

Rental prices in Puerto Vallarta fluctuate depending on the time of year. Booking in advance can help secure the best deal.

How to Book a Car in Puerto Vallarta?

Booking a rental car in Puerto Vallarta is straightforward. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.

1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental companies.

2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering factors like size, fuel efficiency, and comfort.

3. Check Rental Terms - Review the rental agreement carefully, paying attention to mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.

4. Book in Advance - Book your rental car well in advance, especially during peak season, to secure the best rates and availability.

5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, passport, and credit card to the rental counter when picking up your vehicle.

General Information About Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and historic charm. Driving can be a great way to explore the city and surrounding areas, but it’s important to be aware of local traffic conditions and regulations.

Driving in Puerto Vallarta offers the freedom to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. However, traffic can be heavy, especially during peak seasons. Familiarize yourself with local traffic laws and parking regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Be prepared for narrow streets and occasional construction zones.

Top Attractions to Discover

  • Malecon

    A scenic boardwalk lined with shops, restaurants, and art galleries.

  • Old Town (Zona Romantica)

    A historic district with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and a lively atmosphere.

  • Banderas Bay

    A stunning bay offering opportunities for whale watching, snorkeling, and boat tours.

Where to Find Parking

  • Public Parking Garages

    Available in the city center and near popular attractions.

  • On-Street Parking

    Metered parking is available, but spaces can be limited.

  • Hotel Parking

    Many hotels offer parking for guests, but it may come with a fee.

Gas Stations in Puerto Vallarta

  • Pemex

    The most common gas station chain in Mexico. Ensure the pump is reset to zero before fueling.

  • G500

    Another popular gas station option.

  • Full-Service

    Most gas stations are full-service, with attendants pumping the gas for you. A small tip is customary.

Useful Tips for Visiting Puerto Vallarta

  • Drive Defensively

    Be aware of other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.

  • Watch for Speed Bumps (Topes)

    These are common, especially in residential areas.

  • Allow Extra Time for Traffic

    Traffic can be heavy, especially during rush hour.

  • Use Navigation Apps

    Apps like Google Maps or Waze can help you navigate.

Key Transportation Hubs in Puerto Vallarta

Major Bus Stations

Central Camionera (Main Bus Terminal)

Serves long-distance bus routes to various destinations in Mexico.

Airports

Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR)

The main airport serving Puerto Vallarta, located just north of the city.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Puerto Vallarta?

Renting a car in Puerto Vallarta is a relatively straightforward process, but you'll need to ensure you have the necessary documents and meet certain requirements.

  • You'll need a valid driver's license from your country of residence. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license is not in English or Spanish.

  • The minimum age to rent a car in Puerto Vallarta is typically 21, though some companies may have higher age requirements or charge additional fees for younger drivers.

  • A valid credit or debit card in the renter's name is required for the security deposit. Some companies may only accept credit cards.

  • A passport is required for identification purposes.

Our Content Quality

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This content was written, fast-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.

Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process - a multi-step review that includes human editing, localization accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.

Learn more about our Content Quality Standards

This page was edited by experts

This page was edited, fast-checked, and/or translated by our experts which are passionate about helping travelers experience the world by car. CarTravelers team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, rented cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.

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Our Customers Reviews

Our clients rate such place as Puerto Vallarta as

4.2

Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.

Pretty chill, overall.

KG

Kevin Garcia

Reviewed: 16.03.2025

Quick weekend getaway to Puerto Vallarta was perfect! So much to see and do.

DL

David Lee

Reviewed: 22.05.2025

It was wonderful returning to Puerto Vallarta after so long! Having a car made exploring the area incredibly easy. The beaches were breathtaking, and the food was delicious.

JW

Jessica Wilson

Reviewed: 24.06.2025

Back in PV after 20 years! So much has changed, but it still has that charm. The beach was a bit crowded, though.

SM

Sarah Miller

Reviewed: 02.01.2025

Loved exploring Puerto Vallarta! The food was amazing, but the beach vendors were a bit persistent.

AJ

Amelia Jones

Reviewed: 19.08.2024

Exploring Puerto Vallarta with a rental car was fantastic! The beaches were stunning, and the food scene was incredible. However, the sunset cruises were a little overpriced.

CD

Chloe Davis

Reviewed: 05.01.2025

Puerto Vallarta was breathtaking! Getting around with a car was so convenient, allowing us to discover hidden gems.

EC

Emily Carter

Reviewed: 17.01.2025

Stunning beaches and delicious food! Having a car made our road trip through Puerto Vallarta so easy.

AR

Ashley Rodriguez

Reviewed: 16.02.2025

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