How to Get from Puerto Vallarta Airport to Guayabitos: Complete Transportation Guide (2025)
⚡TL;DR
Getting from Puerto Vallarta (PVR) airport to Guayabitos is straightforward. You have four main options:
- Private Transfer - $22-40 USD per person (most convenient, door-to-door)
- Bus - ~$5-10 USD per person (cheapest, requires transfers)
- Rental Car - $30-50 USD per day (best if exploring the region)
- Taxi - $60-100 USD total (expensive for groups)
Our recommendation: Private transfer if you want comfort and convenience, bus if you're budget-conscious and traveling light. Rental car if you plan to explore beyond Guayabitos. See our complete FAQ →
The Route: What You Need to Know
- From: Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR), Puerto Vallarta
- To: Rincón de Guayabitos, Nayarit
- Direction: North along Highway 200
- Distance: 39 miles (63 km)
- Drive Time: 50 minutes - 1 hour 10 minutes
- Passing through: Bucerías, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Punta Mita turnoff, Sayulita, San Pancho, La Peñita
Important:
Guayabitos is in the state of Nayarit, not Jalisco (where Puerto Vallarta is). You'll cross the state line about 20 minutes after leaving the airport—don't worry, there's no checkpoint or paperwork.
Your Transportation Options
Which transportation method is best for you? Let's break down all four options in detail. For more planning questions, check out our complete FAQ guide.
Option 1: Private Transfer (Recommended for Most Travelers)
Best for: Families, groups, first-timers, night arrivals
How It Works
A private driver meets you at PVR airport arrivals with a sign with your name, helps with luggage, and drives you directly to your hotel or vacation rental in Guayabitos. Door-to-door service in an air-conditioned van.
Cost
| Option | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shared van (1-3 people) | $22-30 USD per person | Shared with other travelers |
| Shared van (4-7 people) | $20-25 USD per person | Better value for groups |
| Private van (up to 8) | $80-120 USD total | Your group only |
Travel Time
50 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes depending on traffic. Longer if you hit rush hour (4-6 PM).
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- ✅Most convenient (door-to-door)
- ✅No navigating buses or taxis
- ✅Comfortable and air-conditioned
- ✅Good value for groups of 3+
- ✅Driver speaks English (usually)
- ✅Safe and reliable
Cons:
- ❌More expensive than bus for solo travelers
- ❌Requires advance booking
- ❌Less flexible (scheduled pickup time)
Option 2: Bus (Budget Option)
Best for: Solo travelers, couples on a budget, daytime arrivals, light packers
⚠️ Important Note
There is NO direct bus from PVR airport to Guayabitos. You'll need to transfer at least once. But don't worry—it's doable!
The Route (Step-by-Step)
PVR Airport → Sayulita
Exit arrivals and walk to the airport bus stop (about 100 meters to your right as you exit). Look for the Compostela-Pacifico bus (white and green).
- Cost: ~40-60 pesos ($2-3 USD)
- Frequency: Every 20-30 minutes during the day
- Travel time: 45-60 minutes to Sayulita
- Ask the driver: "¿Va a Sayulita?" (Are you going to Sayulita?)
Sayulita → La Peñita (or Guayabitos)
From Sayulita, catch another Compostela-Pacifico bus heading north.
- Ask for: "La Peñita, por favor" (most buses go to La Peñita bus terminal)
- Cost: ~30-40 pesos ($1.50-2 USD)
- Frequency: Every 30-45 minutes
- Travel time: 20-25 minutes
La Peñita → Guayabitos (if needed)
If the bus drops you at La Peñita terminal, take a local taxi to Guayabitos.
- Cost: 30-50 pesos ($1.50-2.50 USD)
- Travel time: 5 minutes
Total Cost & Time
- Total cost: ~$5-8 USD per person (all segments combined)
- Total travel time: 2-2.5 hours including waiting for connections
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- ✅Cheapest option ($5-8 vs $25-40)
- ✅No advance booking needed
- ✅Authentic local experience
- ✅Scenic coastal route
Cons:
- ❌Requires 1-2 transfers
- ❌Longer travel time (2-2.5 hours)
- ❌Not ideal for lots of luggage
- ❌Can be confusing for first-timers
- ❌No air conditioning (windows open)
- ❌Not recommended for night arrivals
Option 3: Rental Car (Best for Explorers)
Best for: Road trip enthusiasts, day trip planners, long stays (1+ weeks)
Cost
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Economy car | $30-40 USD/day |
| Mid-size SUV | $40-60 USD/day |
| Full-size SUV | $60-80 USD/day |
| Gas (full tank) | ~$10-15 USD |
| Liability insurance (required) | ~$15-25 USD/day |
| Full coverage (recommended) | ~$25-40 USD/day |
Driving Directions (PVR → Guayabitos)
- Exit PVR airport, follow signs for "Tepic / Nayarit / North"
- Turn left onto Highway 200 North (Carretera Federal 200)
- Drive through Nuevo Vallarta (5 min), Bucerías (10 min), La Cruz (15 min)
- Continue past Punta Mita junction (20 min) - keep straight, don't turn
- Pass through Sayulita (35 min) and San Pancho (40 min)
- Watch for signs: "Rincón de Guayabitos" or "La Peñita de Jaltemba"
- Turn right at the Guayabitos exit (~50 min mark)
- Follow the road down to the beach - you've arrived!
Google Maps works perfectly for this route. Just type "Rincón de Guayabitos" and follow the blue line.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- ✅Total flexibility (explore nearby towns)
- ✅Scenic coastal drive
- ✅Good value for groups or long stays
- ✅No waiting for buses or transfers
- ✅Air-conditioned comfort
Cons:
- ❌More expensive than bus
- ❌Mandatory insurance adds cost
- ❌Parking can be tight in busy season
- ❌Navigating if you're not confident driving in Mexico
Cost Comparison (All Options)
Here's a complete cost breakdown to help you decide. Once you arrive, you can explore local restaurants and activities to continue your adventure.
| Option | Solo Traveler | Couple | Family of 4 | Group of 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | $5-8 | $10-16 | $20-32 | $30-48 |
| Private Transfer | $25-40 | $50-80 | $80-120 | $100-140 |
| Airport Taxi | $100-140 | $100-140 | $100-140 | $140-180 |
| Rental Car (3 days) | $120-180 | $120-180 | $150-220 | $180-270 |
Best value:
- Solo/couple on a budget: Bus
- Family/group comfort: Private transfer
- Planning day trips: Rental car
Our Family's Recommendation
If It's Your First Time in Mexico:
Book a private transfer. The peace of mind is worth the extra $15-20 per person. You'll be tired from the flight, possibly overwhelmed by a new place, and just want to get to your accommodation. Let someone else handle the logistics.
If You're on a Tight Budget:
Take the bus. It's safe, scenic, and you'll save $20-30 per person. Just travel light, arrive during the day, and embrace the adventure.
If You Plan to Explore the Area:
Rent a car. Guayabitos is amazing, but so are nearby towns—Sayulita, San Pancho, San Blas, even Tepic. A car gives you freedom to explore at your own pace. Check out our tours & activities guide to plan your adventures.
Prefer Guaranteed Reliability?
Our family offers airport transfer service through Casa Nayarit: $100 flat rate for up to 6 people. We'll pick you up at PVR, stop at a grocery store if needed, and deliver you directly to your accommodation. English-speaking driver with local knowledge. Learn about safety →
Need Stress-Free Airport Pickup?
Casa Nayarit offers trusted airport transfer service: $100 flat rate for up to 6 people. English-speaking driver, optional grocery stop, local expertise.
View Casa Nayarit