Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 7

Arriving in Puerto Vallarta continued:-

If you are just planning to stay in a resort then the most convenient mode of transport from the airport is an airport taxi, van or one of the shuttles provided by the resort. However if you plan to explore the area, especially after reading this guide then you may want to think about hiring a car. There are plenty of rental car agency counters at the airport which include Alamo, Hertz, Budget, Thrifty, Europcar, U Save, Fox Rent-A-Car, Avis, Dollar, and National. However the best course of action is to get the best deal by setting up your hire before you arrive. This article is placed on a web site that can offer you really good all-inclusive deals on car hire so you should at least get a quote to compare.

Public buses are also available directly across the street from the airport, under the pedestrian bridge that crosses the highway. However, unless you are travelling with only a small bag or backpack this would be fairly hard as the buses are often very packed with locals. If you still want to take a bus, wait for either an ATM bus or Compostella bus. The destinations are written on the windshield of each bus but check with the driver that his bus route includes your destination. There are also a few local companies that offer private transport services via with large vehicles or limos. Just remember that whenever you receive help with your luggage in Mexico it is normal to offer a tip.

If there are a group of you arriving at different times and you are going back with a hire car to collect them make sure to wear a watch. It’s odd but within the arrivals section of the airport, there is no clock to let you know what the time is.

When you leave to return to the airport for your flight home be sure to leave plenty of time. If you have an international flight I would suggest that you plan to be at the check-in counter three hours in advance. Most of the time things work smoothly and you will have time for a meal or a drink. On the odd occasion though you will be grateful that you have some time in hand.

If you have checked in with enough time to relax then there are several restaurants at the airport on the second floor. Here you can find Carl’s Jr., Starbucks, Sbarro, Henry J. Beans Bar & Grill, Wings Restaurant, and a few others. There are also plenty of duty-free shops where you can spend some time shopping and pick up another last-minute souvenir or gift to take back home.

Arriving in Puerto Vallarta continued in part 7.