Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR)

Puerto Vallarta, MX 🇲🇽 Large International Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

MMPR

IATA

PVR

Elevation

23 ft

Region

MX-JAL

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: MMPR

Local Code: Not available

Location: 20.679913° N, -105.254391° E

Continent: NA

Type: Large International Airport

Keywords: Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz

Nearby Points of Interest

What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

Recent traveler reviews for Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) indicate a generally positive experience, with many appreciating its modern updates and efficient processes, especially during non-peak times. However, recurring issues like aggressive timeshare solicitation and overcrowding at certain times can detract from the overall satisfaction.

What Travelers Love
  • Cleanliness and Modern Facilities: The airport is frequently praised for being well-maintained and clean, with recent upgrades enhancing its appearance.
  • Efficient Security and Immigration: Security lines are often reported as quick, usually not requiring shoes to be removed, and electronic items are taken out of bags. Immigration processes are generally efficient, with current wait times for passport control estimated at around 8 minutes.
  • Variety of Dining and Shopping: Travelers can find a good selection of food choices and shops both before and after security, offering both Mexican flavors and international options.
  • Friendly and Accommodating Staff: Many reviewers note the helpful and friendly nature of the airport staff, particularly highlighting excellent wheelchair assistance.
  • Convenient Location: PVR is situated just 7 km north of downtown Puerto Vallarta, making it easily accessible to the city.
Common Complaints
  • Aggressive Timeshare Solicitors ("Shark Tank"): A significant and frequently mentioned negative experience is the gauntlet of aggressive timeshare and tour operators encountered immediately after clearing customs.
  • Limited Seating and Overcrowding: During peak hours, particularly at gates and in lounges, seating can be scarce, leading to passengers having to sit on the floor.
  • High Prices for Concessions: Food and beverages, especially water and beer, are considerably more expensive within the airport compared to outside establishments.
  • Lack of Free Drinking Water: There are no water fountains or bottle-filling stations after security, requiring passengers to purchase bottled water.
  • Arrival Process Confusion/Delays: While generally efficient, arrival can sometimes be chaotic, with long lines for customs and baggage scanning, and occasional disorganization regarding the use of all available scanning machines.
  • Challenges with Ground Transportation: The area immediately outside the airport can be a "madhouse" due to heavy traffic and aggressive touts. While official airport taxis are available, obtaining cheaper Uber or local taxis often requires crossing a pedestrian bridge to leave airport property.

Overall, Puerto Vallarta International Airport offers a generally positive and modern gateway to the region, marked by cleanliness and efficient security. However, travelers should be prepared for an assertive gauntlet of solicitors upon arrival and anticipate potential overcrowding and higher prices for amenities, particularly during busy travel periods. Pre-arranging transportation is highly recommended to ensure a smoother transition from the airport.

Generated False weeks ago
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This summary is automatically generated by AI based on web research of traveler reviews and experiences. AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate.

Current Weather Conditions

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Airport Routes

Popular Flight Routes
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Destination IATA City Aircraft Type Airline Details Route Map
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Top Airlines

Operating at Puerto Vallarta International Airport
Airlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network
Airline Routes Flights Destinations Last Activity
VivaAerobus
VIV / VB
7 617 7 Dec 11, 2025
Volaris
VOI / Y4
9 500 9 Dec 11, 2025
AeroMéxico
AMX / AM
1 213 1 Dec 11, 2025
4 176 4 Dec 11, 2025
United
UAL / UA
6 132 6 Dec 6, 2025
WestJet
WJA / WS
10 119 10 Dec 11, 2025
6 92 6 Dec 11, 2025
2 84 2 Dec 11, 2025
Southwest
SWA / WN
6 65 6 Dec 10, 2025
For Pilots

Designation Length Width Surface Status
04/22 10171 ft 148 ft ASP Active Lighted

Type Description Frequency
APP VALLARTA APP 121.3 MHz
ATIS VALLARTA ATIS 127.5 MHz
TWR VALLARTA TWR 118.5 MHz

Ident Name Type Frequency
PVR Vallarta VOR-DME 116600 kHz

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025
Taxis

Official airport taxis are available via pre-paid ticket booths inside the arrivals hall, with fixed rates based on destination zones. For potentially cheaper options, including city taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber or DiDi, passengers must cross the pedestrian bridge over the highway to the pickup area.

Rental Cars

Numerous major international and local car rental agencies (including Hertz, Avis, Sixt, and more) have service desks located in the arrivals hall. After booking, a complimentary shuttle bus takes you from the terminal to the company's off-site lot to collect your vehicle.

Public Transportation

Local city buses offer the most economical transport. To catch a bus, cross the pedestrian bridge over the highway outside the terminal. Buses run frequently to downtown Puerto Vallarta, the Romantic Zone, and destinations north (e.g., Bucerías, Sayulita). Payment is made in cash (Mexican Pesos) directly to the driver.

Nearby Airports

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~92 km away
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San Sebastián Airport
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Las Varas Airport
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Mayto Ing. Leo Jiménez Airport
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La Gloria III Airport
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Marina Vallarta Heliport
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~3 km away
Hospital Bahia de Banderas Helipad
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Heliport
~8 km away
Manzanilla Heliport
MX-0958
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Heliport
~16 km away
La Cascada Heliport
MX-1910
Puerto Vallarta, MX
Heliport
~19 km away
Tepic Heliport
MX-1884
Tepic, MX
Heliport
~97 km away
Dr. Aquiles Calles Ramirez Helipad
MX-1223
Tepic, MX
Heliport
~103 km away
Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.