Getting from PVR Airport to the Condo
For us, by far the fastest option (and also one of the cheapest) is simply to take a taxi cab. These are plentiful, easy to arrange upon arrival, and have been immediately available with no wait whatsoever....absolutely the fastest way to leave the airport and get to the condo. There are 3 different taxi companies all at the same stand inside the airport, and until recently the prices were all about the same...However, we've noticed that is no longer the case. We've used all 3 of them at one time or another, and the experience is pretty much the same...So, pick whichever window has the best rate for Zone 2 to the North. The photos here show the taxi desk inside the airport along with some rate information...I try to update the rate information with a current photo after each trip we make. This PDF also gives a little more insight to the process.
Taxi Cabs from the Condo
There are a number of places close by the condo that are within walking distance, but for those just a little outside of your comfortable walking range there is also easy access to taxi cabs to take you anywhere you want to go. Just talk with the security personnel at the entrance gate and they will call you a cab which will arrive in just a minute or two. The taxi rates from the condo to just about anywhere in the area are shown in the rate schedule in the photos. These rates are current as of September 10th, 2023, and I try to update this after each of our personal trips.
Rideshare Services - Uber & InDrive
Rideshare services have made their way into Mexico as well. The popular Uber service is available in the area as well as InDrive. When we purchased our condo in 2018, Uber was available in the state of Jalisco (Puerto Vallarta), but not in Nayarit (Nuevo Vallarta). But by mid-2018, Uber was operating in Nuevo as well, and we used it several times finding it to be a convenient and economical option. The same Uber app and your existing Uber account are all you need.
Also, we've yet to use it, but I understand that the new InDrive service is more popular with rideshare drivers in both areas. If you are interested, be sure to download the InDriver App on your phone and set up an account before your trip.
Rental Cars
If you are completely new to the area, we'd recommend that you hold off on renting and driving a car until you gain some familiarity with the highway system. It's not terribly difficult, but it is a little different...however, we think it is by far one of the easiest areas of Mexico to get comfortable driving. When you're ready, there are almost limitless options for renting a car. Just know that despite what you may otherwise be told, you will be required to purchase the liability insurance with the rental. All of the typical big name car rental agencies can be found in the airport if you want to rent from there. There are also a few rental offices in Nuevo nearby the condo. Personally, we only have experience with National Car Rental both at the airport and the location at Paradise Plaza Mall, and they've been pleasant to deal with. We've also heard great things about iCar Rental & Gecko.
Bicycles
Bicycles are available for rent and provide a mode of transportation that will take you to most of the nearby sites and restaurants in Nuevo that are a bit beyond walking distance while also providing an altogether different vacation experience. We've ridden our bikes north to the end of Paseo de los Cocoteros and along the pedestrian path all the way to Bucerias and south around to the other side of the Marina to Eddie's Place and all the restaurants in that area. At Plaza 3.14 (a short 16-minute walk from the condo) you'll find Vallarta Bikes, a small shop that rents a variety of good quality bikes by the hour, day, week, etc. Their website includes rate information as well as an option to request reservations / price quotes. They will also deliver and pickup the bikes at the condo if preferred.
Bus System
The final transportation tip on our site is for public transportation...The ATM Bus system. This is a pretty efficient and safe way to get anywhere in the area...and the most economical as well. For example, a cab ride from Nuevo to the Malecon will cost around $18US for up to 4 people while the bus will cost about $2US per person. Although we haven't used it often, we have used the busses to take our family group of 8 people downtown to the Malecon. Of course, it is a little unnerving not knowing how the system works, where to get on and off, etc. This Website provides a great deal of really good information on the bus system, proper etiquette, routes between popular destinations, and rates. If you're the adventurous type, we recommend you give it a try. There are also a couple of mobile phone Apps available that can help you plan your ride, know where to get on and off, and which busses to take...Bus Vallarta is available for both iPhone and Android. moovit has both a website and apps, but we haven't tried this one yet.
