Last checked: 25 October 2026. Lia edits this guide. Sources: Jalisco transport fare notices and Tribuna de la Bahía (March–April 2026); UNIBUS; water-taxi operators at Los Muertos pier.
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Options at a glance
The Zona Romántica and Centro are walkable. For everything else, use the bus or a taxi. Have coins. The driver does not want a debate about your 500 peso note.
| Option | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| City bus | 11 MXN cash | Flat fare; no transfers; destination on the windscreen |
| Taxi | Agree first | Plentiful; no meters in practice |
| Uber / DiDi | App fare | Available across the city |
| Regional bus | Higher fares | Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerías, Punta de Mita, Sayulita |
| Water taxi | Per trip | From Los Muertos pier and Boca de Tomatlán |
City buses
The fare rose from 10 to 11 MXN on 1 April 2026. Pay the driver in cash as you board, ideally with coins; there are no transfers, so each bus is a new fare. Destinations are painted on the windscreen (for example “Centro”, “Zona Hotelera”, “Marina”, “Walmart”). Buses to Mismaloya and Boca de Tomatlán run south along Highway 200 from the Zona Romántica. Suburban routes cost more.
Taxis
Taxis are everywhere in town. Agree the fare before you set off, or ask your hotel for a typical price.
Uber and DiDi
Both operate in Puerto Vallarta and are usually cheaper than taxis.
Going north into Nayarit
Regional buses run from the highway near the airport and the Walmart/Sam’s Club stops toward Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerías, La Cruz, Punta de Mita and Sayulita. Check the sign in the windscreen and ask the driver.
Water taxis
Water taxis leave Los Muertos pier for the south coast and Yelapa, and from Boca de Tomatlán, further south. See Yelapa from Puerto Vallarta.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the bus in Puerto Vallarta?
11 MXN in cash since April 2026, with no transfers.
Is Uber available in Puerto Vallarta?
Yes, along with DiDi.
Can I walk from the Zona Romántica to the Malecón?
Yes. It’s a 10 to 20 minute walk across the Río Cuale.
How do I get to Sayulita by bus?
Take a northbound regional bus signed for Sayulita from the highway stops near the airport.
