Complete transportation guide from Puerto Vallarta Airport to Rincón de Guayabitos
The most budget-friendly option is the bus (~$211 pesos), but requires a taxi to the bus terminal. For convenience, a pre-arranged local driver ($1,600-$2,200 pesos) offers the best value. Avoid airport taxis inside the terminal - they charge 2-3x more due to federal licensing fees.
Choose the option that fits your budget and travel style
Why so expensive? Federal airport licensing fees make these taxis 2-3x more expensive.
How it works: Driver meets you outside terminal (pedestrian bridge) to avoid airport fees. Safe, common practice with local drivers.
The hack: Exit terminal, turn left, walk across pedestrian bridge. Hail a taxi or Uber on the other side to avoid airport fees.
Steps: (1) Taxi from airport to Central Camionera bus terminal, (2) Catch Pacifico bus to Guayabitos, (3) Dropped at Pemex gas station in town.
| Option | Description & Key Details | Cost (Pesos) |
|---|---|---|
| Airport Limo/Taxi | Located inside the terminal building after customs. Easiest option, but most expensive due to federal airport licensing fees. | $2,200 - $2,800 |
| Pre-Arranged Local DriverRecommended | Local drivers meet you outside the terminal (e.g., at the Oxxo) and walk you over the pedestrian bridge. Common and safe practice offering personal service and great value. | $1,600 - $2,200 |
| Taxi/Uber Across Bridge | Most budget-friendly taxi option. Exit terminal, turn left, walk across pedestrian bridge to hail a non-airport taxi or Uber, avoiding steep airport fees. | $1,000 - $1,600 |
| Bus (e.g., Pacifico)Most Economical | Most economical choice. Requires taxi from airport to Puerto Vallarta's Central Camionera bus terminal to catch the Pacifico bus. Drops you at a local stop in Guayabitos (Pemex gas station). | ~$211 |
Recommended route using a pre-arranged driver
Guayabitos and the Jaltemba Bay area are easy to navigate
Regulated white-colored cars or minivans. Easy to flag down on the main avenue or find at the town square.
Guayabitos → La Peñita (as of Jan 2025)
✓ Fares set by taxi unions
✓ Available via WhatsApp
✓ Cash only (pesos)
Small vans running from Los Ayala through Guayabitos to La Colonia (near La Peñita).
Per person, any distance
✓ 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily
✓ ~Every 20 minutes
✓ Most economical option
Best way to explore the town's shops, restaurants, and beach at your own pace.
Walk the "Bridge of Life" pedestrian suspension bridge connecting Guayabitos to La Peñita - scenic and free!
✓ Free and healthy
✓ Great for beach access
✓ Town is very walkable
Guayabitos has two newer bus terminals for traveling to nearby towns or back to Puerto Vallarta. The most distinctive is the "Burger King" terminal, easily recognized by its unique arches designed by BAG arquitectura.
Local knowledge that saves you time and money
Always decline the machine's currency conversion!
Your home bank's exchange rate is almost always better. This single tip can save you 1,000+ pesos in fees over a week-long trip.
Caution: ATMs can run out of cash during high season (Jan-March). Withdraw when you see one available.
Guayabitos operates largely as a cash-based economy. Most restaurants, shops, tours, and taxis only accept pesos.
Pro tip: Use the airport ATM immediately after landing to get pesos for your driver. Avoid arriving with no cash!
If arriving on a late-night flight, book your transportation in advance. The bus may not be running, and finding a taxi at 11 PM is more challenging.
Pre-arranged drivers offer peace of mind for any arrival time.
Traveling with 3-4 people? A private driver ($1,600-$2,200 total) becomes cheaper per personthan taking the bus, and you get door-to-door service.
Example: $2,000 pesos ÷ 4 people = 500 pesos each (vs ~211 + taxi fees for bus option)
If you book a driver for arrival, save their WhatsApp number! You can use them for your return trip to the airport and for day trips during your stay.
Many local drivers offer full-day tours to nearby attractions at reasonable rates.
Many local taxi and tour drivers speak some English, especially those who work with tourists. However, learning a few Spanish phrases goes a long way!
Helpful phrase: "¿Cuánto cuesta a...?" (How much to...?)
Common questions about getting to Guayabitos
Start planning your Guayabitos adventure today