Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Puerto Vallarta
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Puerto Vallarta
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Puerto Vallarta
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Puerto Vallarta
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This content was written, fast-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
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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.
Our clients rate such place as Puerto Vallarta as
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.
Quick weekend getaway to Puerto Vallarta was perfect! So much to see and do.
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.
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.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 02.01.2025
Loved exploring Puerto Vallarta! The food was amazing, but the beach vendors were a bit persistent.
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.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 05.01.2025
Puerto Vallarta was breathtaking! Getting around with a car was so convenient, allowing us to discover hidden gems.
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 17.01.2025
Stunning beaches and delicious food! Having a car made our road trip through Puerto Vallarta so easy.
Ashley Rodriguez
Reviewed: 16.02.2025
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Pretty chill, overall.
Kevin Garcia
Reviewed: 16.03.2025