So you’ve booked a vacation to Puerto Vallarta, but now you’re wanting to nail down exactly how you will get around while you are there. Uber has become so mainstream in the United States, it serves as a reliable transportation option for many of us. But what about Puerto Vallarta? Is Uber in Puerto Vallarta?
Uber in Puerto Vallarta: Yes, Puerto Vallarta has Uber. The rideshare company is active in Puerto Vallarta, but there are issues. For example, Uber does not have an airport presence in Puerto Vallarta. If you want to browse other airport shuttle options, you can do so at Viator.com, which is a TripAdvisor company. Click here to view airport transportation options for Puerto Vallarta at Viator.com (affiliate link takes you to Viator.com).
If you are looking for a way to get around Puerto Vallarta during your stay, of course taxi and car rental are both options as well. But you can also consider things like paid tours, shuttles, ATVs, bicycles, etc. Click here to browse through all of your tour and transportation options available for Puerto Vallarta at Viator.com (affiliate link takes you to Viator.com).
Other issues with Uber in Puerto Vallarta include: Uber XL is not available in Puerto Vallarta and the cell phone service in Puerto Vallarta can be unreliable, and may cause issues when trying to use the Uber app. Below is a list of other options you can consider besides Uber in Puerto Vallarta.
***this post contains affiliate links to Viator.com (info)
Other Options
- Airport Shuttle & Transfer – As mentioned above, Uber does not have an airport presence in Puerto Vallarta. You can book airport shuttle services ahead of time. Here is a list of airport shuttles and transfers offered in Puerto Vallarta (link takes you to Viator.com – Viator is a TripAdvisor company). You also have the option to try and fight the crowd to hail a cab at the airport.
- Bicycle Rental Tours – Bicycle tours are a popular way many travelers prefer to see the city. Here is a list of bicycle tours offered in Puerto Vallarta (link takes you to Viator.com). These tours include food tours, art tours, and sight-seeing tours. Be sure to read the details to make sure it fits your location and the needs of your travel party, and be sure to confirm it isn’t a walking tour (unless that also interests you).
- ATV/UTV Off-road Rental Tours – Another popular way for many to explore the Puerto Vallarta area is to take an ATV/UTV off-road tour. These tours can vary in length depending on which one you choose. Here is a full list of ATV/UTV and off-road tours offered in Puerto Vallarta (links take you to Viator.com). Read through user reviews to get a feel for if these types of tours will work for you.
- Food, Wine & Nightlife Tours – If you are interested in a food, wine, or nightlife tour, many of these are guided tours that walk you through the city so that you can explore the area. If you are interested in seeing the city, these guided tours are an awesome way to do it. Click here for a full list of Food, Wine & Nightlife tours offered in Puerto Vallarta (link takes you to Viator.com).
- Day Cruises – Getting out on the water is something many vacationers want to experience while in Puerto Vallarta. You have many options, but day cruises are very popular and can offer you a wide variety of things to do. Click here to see a full list of day cruises offered in Puerto Vallarta (link takes you to Viator.com).
- Sunset Cruises – If you are wanting to see the sun sink into the ocean while sailing the Bandera Bay and other areas surrounding Puerto Vallarta, then click here to see a full list of sunset cruises offered in the Puerto Vallarta area (link takes you to Viator.com). Read user reviews to determine which would work best for you.
- Horseback Tours – There are several horseback tours offered in the Puerto Vallarta area, and this gives you an alternate way to explore the surrounding area. Click here to see a list of horseback tours in the Puerto Vallarta area to get an idea if they will work for your travel party (link takes you to Viator.com).
- Uber – As we discussed earlier, Uber in Puerto Vallarta is an option. You can get an Uber fare estimate and explore your transportation options for Uber in Puerto Vallarta by clicking on this link that will take you to Uber’s site.
Before you go and plan on Uber in Puerto Vallarta being your only method of transportation, you will want to make sure you account for some of the issues listed in the article below. We will also go into further detail about some of the other options you will have if you find that Uber in Puerto Vallarta does not work for you.
Table of Contents
Does Puerto Vallarta Have Uber?
Yes, Uber in Puerto Vallarta launched in 2017 and has since become a popular method of transportation for tourists visiting the seaside town. You will be able to use your Uber app just like you do while in the United States.
Is Uber Safe In Puerto Vallarta?
Yes, Uber is considered to be safe in Puerto Vallarta.
But of course, you will want to remember that the Mexican state of Jalisco (where Puerto Vallarta is located) was issued a Level 3 Travel Advisory by the US State Department in 2019 which means to “Reconsider Travel Due To Crime” (review the issued advisory by clicking this link).
Now, before you run and cancel your trip, Puerto Vallarta is excluded from the travel restriction. The travel advisory specifically states that:
“There are no restrictions on travel for U.S government employees to: Guadalajara Metropolitan Area, Riviera Nayarit (including Puerto Vallarta), Chapala, and Ajijic.”
When using Uber in Puerto Vallarta, travelers can anticipate the same safety standards they would expect elsewhere as all rides are backed by Uber’s commitment to safety.
Passengers, however, should always take reasonable safety measures when using rideshare services. For example, be mindful of your surroundings and consider these four common safety tips before using Uber in Puerto Vallarta:
- Be sure to know where the in-app emergency button is located in case you need to get help.
- Share your trip with friends or family members who aren’t traveling with you.
- Travel with others as much as possible.
- Verify who your driver is before entering the vehicle.
3 Drawbacks To Using Uber In Puerto Vallarta
1. Cannot Use Uber At The Airport
Frequent travelers are likely familiar with rideshare pick-up points at American airports. The Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport in Puerto Vallarta does not have one of these designated pick-up points on-site.
In fact, there is a regulation that only federally approved taxis and shuttles are allowed to retrieve arriving passengers from the Puerto Vallarta Airport.
There is, though, a method of working around this restriction. Slightly off the airport property is a bus stop which serves as a de-facto Uber pick-up point.
Simply walk the short distance to the bus stop and wait underneath the pedestrian walkway, which is where your Uber driver will find you.
Pro Tip: Order your Uber prior to exiting the airport, as there is typically a short wait for your ride. If you are not already at the location when you request your ride, the Uber app will also direct you to this particular pick-up point.
2. No Uber XL
Uber XL is, unfortunately, unavailable in Puerto Vallarta. In fact, most of the Uber vehicles you’ll travel in are sedans.
These cars are able to hold four passengers comfortably, unlike Uber XL vehicles which can accommodate up to six passengers. If you’re traveling with a large group, this may be problematic as you won’t be able to ride to your destination together.
In addition to being a hassle for timing and logistics, this may also end up costing your group more money. Paying for multiple Ubers can be much more expensive than traveling jointly.
3. Bad Cell Phone Service
Most United States cell phone carriers rely on local carriers for roaming. American travelers will need to enable international roaming on their devices in order to have service.
Although cell phone service is available in Mexico, there are widespread traveler reports of the Uber app not working on occasion in Mexico. Even if your cell phone has service in Mexico, your phone plan may not support large amounts of data usage when not on WiFi.
Of course, this means that you’d be able to order an Uber from your hotel, while you’re connected to Wifi. However, you might run into trouble when attempting to order your return ride. It may not be worth the risk to rely solely on Uber while you’re enjoying the activities, restaurants, and bars in Puerto Vallarta.
Alternatives To Uber in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta has a plethora of transportation options for tourists to travel safely throughout the town.
- Bus
- Car Rental
- Taxi
- Walk
- Shuttle
Walking is a free option and is the a perfect choice if your hotel or vacation rental is in the Downtown or Romantic Zone. Pedestrian walkways in these areas are well lit, crowded, and safe throughout the day and even into the night.
If you’re located in the Marina, Hotel Zone, or South Zone, the bus is an excellent and inexpensive alternative. Bus service is frequent, easy, and extremely inexpensive. In fact, a trip to the Malecón Boardwalk may even cost less than a dollar.
Taxis are also affordable transportation options. Travelers should, however, take time to become familiar with the taxi fares as rates vary by zone.
Although rate charts are frequently displayed in hotel lobbies, taxi drivers may quote tourists a different price. Be aware of what you should be charged and agree upon the fare with your taxi driver before departing.
Although transportation throughout Puerto Vallarta is typically inexpensive, traveling from the airport can be pricey. Shuttle options abound and are easy to arrange at the booths inside the airport.
AeroMovil is a reputable shuttle company that provides service from the Puerto Vallarta Airport. Taxis are another option when leaving the airport and these rates are non-negotiable.
Travelers can expect to pay slightly less for a taxi than for a shuttle, but arranging a ride may be more stressful for travelers who don’t speak Spanish.