# Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR)

> Puerto Vallarta, MX · 7.5 km (4.7 mi) north of central Puerto Vallarta

Web: https://airport.flights/airport/pvr
JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/pvr.json

## Facts

- **IATA**: PVR
- **ICAO**: MMPR
- **Timezone**: America/Mexico_City
- **Runways**: 1
- **Terminals**: 2
- **Passengers**: 6.7M/yr
- **Official site**: https://www.aeropuertosgap.com.mx/en/puerto-vallarta-3.html

## Overview

## Welcome

Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) serves as an intriguing mix of simplicity and intensity for travelers in Mexico. Often lauded for its compact and walkable terminal, it surprises visitors with one of the most aggressive transport sales operations right after customs. With savvy planning, frequent visitors easily navigate these quirks, often managing to hit the beach within an hour of touchdown. Meanwhile, the departure hall mirrors a lively resort, filled with ample opportunities to savor local flavors one last time before a flight.

## At a glance

Handling 6.7 million passengers annually, PVR lies just 7.5 km north of Puerto Vallarta's center. Without any major airline hub presence, it hosts two terminals—A and B. Terminal A sees the likes of Aeroméxico, VivaAerobús, and Volaris, while Terminal B primarily hosts American Airlines, Delta, and Southwest. With 20 restaurants and 8 lounges, PVR offers numerous dining and relaxation opportunities despite its small size.

## Terminals & layout

Terminal A, the older of the two, accommodates many local carriers, offering convenient connections to Mexican destinations. Its sibling, Terminal B, was recently expanded and caters mainly to U.S. and Canadian-bound flights. Though both terminals provide standard duty-free shopping and dining options, Terminal B is the better escape with newer gate seating and more functional amenities.

## Getting to and from the city

Post-arrival, brace for the "shark tank"—a notorious sales corridor pushing timeshares and transport. If steering clear, ignore staff in uniforms with badges—they often aren't offering official services. For cost-effective commuting, cross the pedestrian bridge to grab a cheaper city cab or arrange a rideshare, as these are banned from terminal pickups. Taxi rates from official booths inside can range from 400 to 600 MXN, much higher than 200 to 300 MXN quotes from street cabs across the bridge. Alternatively, budget travelers can take the ATM Red Urbano Route bus for a fraction of the price.

## Traveller essentials

A cluster of more reliable ATMs exists near arrivals, but avoid high-fee Euronet units. Dress lightly—the terminals can get stuffy. Stay refreshed by carrying a refillable water bottle, which you can fill up past security at water fountains or cafes. Also, keep some pesos handy as backup for any network glitches affecting electronic payments.

## Dining & shopping highlights

PVR is like a culinary glimpse into Mexico and beyond with spots like Wings, Starbucks, and Taco Tequila. Avoid hefty price tags in arrivals; upstairs in departures after security, find less frenzy and better food deals. Sights for last-minute shopping include Mr. Iglú souvenirs and tequila at duty-free prices, perhaps snagging rare local labels.

## Lounges

PVR features a range of lounges catering to various tastes and budgets. In Terminal A, try Aeromexico Salon Premier at $50 or American Airlines Admirals Club Partner Area for $55 if you're seeking premium comfort. Terminal B has a VIP Lounge Domestic for about $30, offering a quieter retreat before your flight. Priority Pass holders find value in the Partner Lounge Annex at around $40.

## Insider tips

- **Avoid:** Prepare for the infamous “shark tank” after customs—just walk straight through if you aren’t buying anything.

- **Money:** Cross the pedestrian bridge to arrange your cheaper ride with Uber or InDrive, significantly reducing transport costs.

- **Time:** Sitting near the front on international flights helps avoid immigration line rushes that can last an hour.

- **Money:** Use bank-branded ATMs instead of currency-exchange counters for a better deal upon arrival.

- **Quiet:** For peace, head to the newer Hall B gates where there’s more seating and better air-conditioning.

- **Local:** Check duty-free for local tequilas and raicilla—you might find unique brands to delight aficionados.

- **Insider:** Before check-in, regroup and unwind on the upstairs, pre-security level for a calm experience.

- **Time:** Leave plenty of time during high season—security delays for U.S./Canada flights can be substantial.

## Terminals (2)

- **Terminal A** — Aeroméxico, VivaAerobús, Volaris
- **Terminal B** — American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines

## Dining (20)

- **Berry Hills**
- **Café Punta del Cielo**
- **Café Sorbito**
- **Carl’s Jr**
- **Chili’s**
- **Cinnabon**
- **Corona Beach Bar**
- **Fast Food Court**
- **Grab and Go**
- **La Mansión**
- **La Pausa**
- **La Tarraya**
- **Margaritaville**
- **Pacific Grill**
- **Sbarro**
- **Starbucks**
- **Subway**
- **Taco Tequila**
- **The Green Bar**
- **Wings**

## Lounges (8)

- **Aeromexico Salon Premier** — A · Terminal, domestic departures · $50
- **Air Canada Maple Leaf Partner Area** — A · Terminal, international departures · $45
- **American Airlines Admirals Club Partner Area** — A · Terminal, international departures · $55
- **Priority Pass Lounge Annex** — B · Terminal, international departures · $40
- **Private FBO Lounge** — B · FBO, general aviation · $100
- **United Club Partner Lounge** — B · Terminal, international departures · $60
- **VIP Lounge Domestic** — B · Terminal, domestic departures, pay-in and Priority Pass · $30
- **VIP Lounge Puerto Vallarta** — A · Terminal, international departures, pay-in and Priority Pass · $41

## Shops (18)

- **7C Shop**
- **Cali Bears**
- **Cloe**
- **Duty Free Americas**
- **Duty Free Dufry**
- **Elektra Travel**
- **Farmacia Benavides**
- **JR Duty Free**
- **La Huichol**
- **Los Cactus Souvenirs**
- **Miniso**
- **Mr. Iglú**
- **News and Books**
- **Oxxo**
- **Parfois**
- **Perfumes y Esencias**
- **Sunglass Island**
- **Tequilería**

## Parking (8)

- **Estacionamiento Corta Estancia PVR** — Short-stay lot
- **Estacionamiento FBO** — General aviation parking
- **Estacionamiento General PVR** — Official lot
- **Estacionamiento Hotel Near Airport** — Off-site hotel parking
- **Estacionamiento Larga Estancia PVR** — Long-stay lot
- **Private Long-Term Lot North Side** — Private lot
- **Shuttle Parking Lot Airport Zone** — Off-site shuttle lot
- **Valet Parking PVR** — Valet service

## Ground transport (12)

- **ADO Aeropuerto Servicio Conectado** — Coach connection · /not applicable/ · /not applicable/ · /not applicable/
- **Amstar DMC Transfers** — Prebooked shuttle · /long wait at the airport/ · /not applicable/ · /shared vans with multiple stops/
- **ATM Pacifico Compostela Line** — Intercity bus · /significantly longer than a direct taxi/ · /dirt-cheap/ · /not frequent/
- **ATM Red Urbano Route Aeropuerto** — City bus · /frequent in daytime , but thin out late at night/ · cheap compared to taxis · frequent in daytime
- **DiDi** — Rideshare · /fewer active drivers than Uber/ · cheaper than Uber on some routes · /longer ETA and more cancellations/
- **Gray Line Puerto Vallarta** — Tour and transfer · /not applicable/ · /not applicable/ · Varies, shared shuttle or private transfer
- **InDrive** — Rideshare · /not applicable/ · /bid-style pricing/ · /less reliable than Uber or DiDi/
- **Pacifico Bus Line Tepic Route** — Regional bus · /less frequent/ · /not applicable/ · /less frequent/
- **Private Airport Transfers PV** — Prebooked van · /not applicable/ · /close to or cheaper than multiple sitio taxis/ · /round‑trip transfers/
- **Sitio de Taxis Aeropuerto PVR** — Taxi · /zone-based/ · /overpriced/ · /zone-based/
- **Uber** — Rideshare · /longer waits at peak hours/ · around half the official taxi price · /not applicable/
- **Vallarta Plus** — Intercity coach · 4–6 hour journey · /cheaper than flying/ · /not applicable/

## Insider tips

- _Avoid_: Prepare for the infamous “shark tank” after customs—just walk straight through if you aren’t buying anything.
- _Money_: Cross the pedestrian bridge to arrange your cheaper ride with Uber or InDrive, significantly reducing transport costs.
- _Time_: Sitting near the front on international flights helps avoid immigration line rushes that can last an hour.
- _Money_: Use bank-branded ATMs instead of currency-exchange counters for a better deal upon arrival.
- _Quiet_: For peace, head to the newer Hall B gates where there’s more seating and better air-conditioning.
- _Local_: Check duty-free for local tequilas and raicilla—you might find unique brands to delight aficionados.
- _Insider_: Before check-in, regroup and unwind on the upstairs, pre-security level for a calm experience.
- _Time_: Leave plenty of time during high season—security delays for U.S./Canada flights can be substantial.