Puerto Vallarta's Airport: A Traveler's Guide To Arrival

Puerto Vallarta is a popular tourist destination in Mexico, and it does indeed have an airport. The Puerto Vallarta Airport, officially known as Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport, is located just 5 miles from downtown Puerto Vallarta. It is a relatively small airport with two terminals, one for domestic flights and the other for international flights. The airport offers various amenities for travellers, including a VIP lounge, ATMs, dining options, and car rental services. It is also one of the fastest-growing airports in the country, with plans for expansion to accommodate even more passengers in the future.

Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR)

Puerto Vallarta International Airport, officially named Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR), is situated within the Puerto Vallarta Urban area, just one kilometre north of Marina Vallarta. The airport is named after President Gustavo Diaz Ordaz and has two levels: the main level and the upper level. The main level, which is accessible directly from the street, includes the check-in area, arrivals, and most of the airport's services, such as restaurants, small shops, a post office, a bank, and a currency exchange office. The upper level features a security checkpoint, a departures area, and additional restaurants and shops.

PVR is the fifth-busiest airport in Mexico for international passenger traffic and the eighth-busiest overall in the country. It serves as a gateway to the Mexican tourist destinations of Riviera Nayarit and the Jalisco coast, offering flights to and from Mexico, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The airport witnessed rapid growth, with over 2.5 million passengers in 2011 alone. This high volume of passengers is due to Puerto Vallarta being a well-known destination in Mexico, and the airport's connections to major hubs in the US and Canada.

The airport features a single runway, designated as 04/22, with a length of 3,100 metres (10,200 ft). The commercial aviation apron provides twelve aircraft parking positions next to the terminal, while the general aviation apron offers stands for fixed-wing aircraft and heliports for private aviation. Air Force Station No. 5 is also located on the airport grounds, featuring an aviation platform, a hangar, and facilities for Air Force personnel.

In 2022, construction began on a new Terminal 2, which will cover more than 68,000 square metres and include significant expansions to remote boarding gates and boarding bridges. The new terminal will have the capacity to handle 4.5 million passengers annually and aims to become the first airport in Latin America certified as NET Zero.

Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport

Puerto Vallarta, a well-known destination in Mexico, has its own international airport, officially named Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport. The airport is also known as Puerto Vallarta Airport and has the airport code PVR. It is located in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico, and serves as a gateway to the Mexican tourist destinations of Riviera Nayarit and the Jalisco coast. Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport is named after President Gustavo Díaz Ordaz.

The airport is ranked as the fifth-busiest airport in Mexico for international passenger traffic and is listed as the seventh or eighth-busiest in terms of overall passenger numbers and aircraft operations. In 2011, the airport handled over 2.5 million passengers. It has witnessed rapid growth and has become one of the fastest-growing airports in the country.

The airport offers a range of amenities for travellers, including a VIP lounge for business class travellers and Priority Pass members. The main level, accessible from the street, houses check-in counters, food places, small shops, a post office, a bank, and a currency exchange office.

Terminals and boarding gates

Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR), officially known as Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport, is a relatively small airport with two terminals, A and B, located in the same building and connected by a corridor. Terminal A is used for domestic flights within Mexico, while Terminal B is for international flights. The airport is located just 5 miles (a 16-minute drive) from downtown Puerto Vallarta.

The airport has two levels. The ground level is accessible directly from the street and has airline check-in counters for both domestic and international flights, as well as typical airport services such as restaurants, shops, a post office, a bank, and a currency exchange. The upper level is where passengers pass through security and reach the departure gates. There is an escalator on the southwest side of the airport leading to the second floor, and elevators and stairs can be found at various locations on the ground floor.

Before security on the second floor, there are a few shops and restaurants, which tend to have lower prices than those after security. Once past security, there is a large waiting area with duty-free shops, bars, cafes, and restaurants.

Business class travellers and those with Priority Pass memberships can access the VIP airport lounge, which offers a peaceful space before departure.

Outside the boarding gates, upstairs near the boarding gate filters, there is a lounge and duty-free shopping area called Hall A, while Hall B hosts newer gates for most international flights.

Transportation options

Puerto Vallarta International Airport is the third airport in the country with the most flights and connections to and from important cities.

Taxi

Taxis are available at the airport, but they can be expensive. One user on Reddit mentioned that a taxi ride from the airport to Zona Romantica cost them 2,950 MX, while another user said the same ride should not cost more than 300-400 MX.

Uber or Didi

To get an Uber or Didi, you must exit the airport's "federal zone". You can do this by walking over the pedestrian bridge to the other side of the highway. Uber is reported to be very reliable in Puerto Vallarta and significantly cheaper than a taxi.

PV Shuttles

PV Shuttles is a recommended shuttle service that provides seamless, reliable, and efficient transportation services to and from the airport. They accommodate different group sizes and mobility needs and provide a stress-free travel experience.

Private Transfer Services

There are various private transfer services available in Puerto Vallarta, such as Vallarta Transfers and Incentives, Vallarta Riviera Transfers, and Vallarta Transfers. These services offer seamless and top-quality transportation experiences with private drivers.

Car Rental

You can also find car rental services near the airport, which can be a convenient option for those who prefer to drive themselves.

Amenities and facilities

Puerto Vallarta Airport, officially known as Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport, is located in the state of Jalisco on the Pacific coast of Mexico. The airport offers a wide range of amenities and facilities for travellers. Here are some of the key amenities and facilities you can expect when visiting Puerto Vallarta Airport:

Transportation

The airport is located just 5 miles (a roughly 16-minute drive) from the Malecón in downtown Puerto Vallarta. Transportation options include taxis, private transfers, public buses, and car rental services. Private car transfers are available for up to 3 passengers, while private shuttle vans can accommodate up to 10 passengers. Car rentals start at $22 USD per day for weekly rentals with unlimited mileage, and there are several car rental companies with desks inside the terminal.

Dining Options

The airport offers a variety of dining options to suit different tastes and preferences. From fast-food chains like Carl's Jr. to sit-down restaurants serving local and international cuisine, there is something for everyone. Mexican restaurants serving local delicacies such as tacos al pastor and ceviche can also be found.

Retail and Shopping

Puerto Vallarta Airport has several retail stores and shops, including duty-free stores selling local handicrafts, souvenirs, and luxury items such as jewellery and designer handbags.

Essential Services

The airport provides essential services such as currency exchange kiosks, ATMs, and a medical centre. It is recommended to exchange currency in downtown Puerto Vallarta or at a local ATM to get a more favourable rate.

VIP Lounges and Business Amenities

For business travellers or those seeking a more exclusive experience, the airport offers VIP lounges equipped with workstations, Wi-Fi, and other amenities. The airport also has up-to-date arrivals and departures information, making it easy for travellers to stay informed about their flights.

Special Needs Facilities

Puerto Vallarta Airport offers facilities for passengers with special needs, including wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and priority boarding. The airport is also relatively small and easy to navigate, with clear signage in both Spanish and English.

Frequently asked questions