sunset with blue and orange colors over the water in Puerto Vallarta Mexico

Uber In Puerto Vallarta: Guide To Prices, Info & More 2024

ByNausheen Farishta
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Are you heading to Puerto Vallarta for your next Mexico vacation? 

If so, you may be wondering how to get around the town. You may have heard horror stories about tourists driving in Mexico, so it’s natural to wonder if you can just Uber in Puerto Vallarta instead. It’s not a silly question; it’s actually a really excellent one! 

In this post, we will take a look at using Uber in Puerto Vallarta, so you can be well-prepared and have nothing to worry about on your vacation except which flavor margarita to order. Your coastal Mexico getaway will be just as it should be: relaxed and carefree, with a dash (or a tidal wave) of adventure.

Planning your trip? Use my go-to resources:

Is There Uber In Puerto Vallarta?  

The good news is, yes, there is Uber in Puerto Vallarta, and it’s not limited to the heart of the city. Uber has been an easy and convenient option for getting around Puerto Vallarta since 2017. 

Whether you are staying at an all inclusive resort, or heading out on a snorkeling adventure, Uber can get you to your destination! 

Not only that, but Mexico is actually the third biggest market, in the world, for Uber ridesharing. So, there’s nothing new or unproven about Uber’s ability to handle your ridesharing needs south of the border. On the contrary, it’s often a timely, reliable way to get around town. 

You can count on the same easy and safe riding options that you get at home. You’ll also be offered similar options for different rides, based on your different transportation needs. 

There’s no need to download an additional app, as your Uber app from back home works the same in Puerto Vallarta, so it’s as simple, convenient, and user-friendly as ever. Even the many safety features operate just as they do back home, so you know what to expect from Uber’s safety standards for riders.

How Much Does Uber In Puerto Vallarta Cost? 

As is the case for Uber rides in any city, the actual cost of your ride in Puerto Vallarta will vary, depending on several different factors. The cost of a ride begins with the base rate. This portion is calculated by both the time and distance of your requested trip.

Atop the base rate of your fare, you’ll often have an operating fee, and these vary by city or locale. While the operating fee is typically a more nominal portion of the overall fare, other factors are more important. Another, potentially more sizable factor affecting cost is the variation in busy times and areas.

So, let’s say you’re looking to grab an Uber to head from a bar or restaurant back to your hotel, it’s 2 am on a Friday night, and most of the other eating establishments in town also close at 2 am.

Fares are much more likely to be a bit higher than if you were booking a ride at a non-peak time or day of the week. So, we can assume the price of your Uber is definitely influenced by supply and demand for your specific time, day and location.

When choosing Uber ride-sharing over taxis in Puerto Vallarta, you’ll always know the fare amount in advance of your ride. Not only this, but you’ll be able to pay with Apple Pay or with a credit or debit card.

So, unlike cab service, there’s no need to carry cash around the city. Many consider this a great advantage for Uber. 

view of a street with cars parked on both sides and sun setting in distance in Puerto Vallarta Mexico

How To Use Uber In Puerto Vallarta  

Using the Uber app in Puerto Vallarta works much the same as it does back home. You’ll have the ability to book a ride from a wide swath of Puerto Vallarta, right at your fingertips on the app. 

You even have the ability to book a ride up to 30 days in advance of your actual trip. So, you could potentially book your Uber from the international airport to your hotel, at the same time as you book your flight and hotel.  

Types of Uber  

Uber offers several different types of vehicles to meet riders’ differing needs, just as you’ll find back home.

You’ll want to be sure to weigh the priorities that matter most to you, including how many riders you’ll need to accommodate, how many bags or pieces of luggage you’ll need space for, and whether you’re looking for a budget option over extras. 

Though your needs differ from someone else’s, Uber in Puerto Vallarta offers a range of options to meet your needs, whatever they may be. Most riders will look to choose a vehicle from Uber’s grouping of economy choices. Let’s take a look at the different options offered.

  • UberX: Uber’s most affordable offering. Options available for 1-4 riders.
  • Comfort: A larger option for those seeking additional space for riders and/or luggage. Options available for 1-4 riders.
  • Uber Planet: An offering for those wishing for a portion of their fare to help offset the cost of their carbon footprint. Options available for 1-4 riders.
  • Flash: This service option allows you to send or receive packages via the Uber app. Flash is a non-ride option only.
  • UberXL: Typically the priciest option, offers room for more passengers, and also more luggage. Options available for 1-6 riders.

Uber At Puerto Vallarta Airport  

Don’t want to deal with the fuss of calling an Uber and finding the uber pickup area when you land in Puerto Vallarta? Then pre-booking this roundtrip shuttle is a great option. 

If you prefer, Uber is also an option. Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) is located a mere 20 minute drive from the heart of Puerto Vallarta.

Booking a ride on Uber from the airport to your hotel is often going to cost far less than booking the same ride with a taxi.

One thing you do need to know is that you’ll receive specific instructions (via the app) telling you exactly where to walk to meet your ride. That’s because you won’t find the Uber drivers pulling up to the same entrance as the taxis.

Once you’ve scheduled your ride, Uber will instruct you when and where you can find your ride. Follow the instructions and you shouldn’t have any trouble locating your driver. 

From the main terminal, the app will offer detailed instructions on where to cross the pedestrian bridge outside the terminal. From there, you’ll find yourself arriving at the Uber pick-up area. 

While all vehicles are allowed to drop-off directly in front of the international airport, Uber is only allowed to pick-up passengers across the bridge from the exits.

Be sure to conserve your WIFI when making your way through PVR. Travellers have 30 minutes of free WIFI upon arrival, and you’ll need the time to book your Uber through the app.

Use your WIFI wisely. Similarly, you’ll want to be sure to have the Uber app itself already downloaded onto your phone before you arrive at PVR.

Don’t want to rely on 30 minutes of WiFi alone? Set up an eSim with Airalo so you have access to data as soon as you land!

Visiting Puerto Vallarta: FAQs 

Taking an Uber to get around Puerto Vallarta is often an economical, safe, efficient way of getting where you want to go. You’ll find you can catch an Uber from nearly anywhere around the Puerto Vallarta area.

You’ll also likely find that, in areas where you can’t seem to find a cab, you’ll still have the option of Uber.

Are Ubers easy to get in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico?  

Uber is one of the very best ways to get around in Puerto Vallarta. It’s exceptionally easy to find an Uber ride in Puerto Vallarta, and the wait time is typically quite short.

That being said, of course, rates and wait times can and will fluctuate, depending on several supply and demand driven factors. 

Where do you pick up Uber at Puerto Vallarta airport?  

Once you input your information into the app while booking, the app will give you exact instructions on where to meet your ride. With more than one pick-up location at Puerto Vallarta airport, your location will vary based on the terminal. 

At the main terminal, catching an Uber will mean a short walk left outside of the building. This, followed by a walk along the pedestrian bridge walkway will lead you to the Uber pick-up spot at PVR. 

Which is safer in Puerto Vallarta: taxis or Ubers? 

When choosing a way of getting around Puerto Vallarta, Mexico safety is a really important question. Ubers have our vote for the more safety-conscious option between taking an Uber or a taxi, and safety counts for quite a bit. 

Uber Safety in Puerto Vallarta

The Uber ride sharing app offers several safety features to help ensure riders arrive safely at their destination, and that they have peace of mind while they travel. 

Uber offers the ability to share your rides, along with details and destinations, with your loved ones. Simply choose your “trusted contacts” in the app, then set reminders to share your Uber ride details with your saved contacts. 

puerto vallarta mural with drawn palm trees in Mexico

Uber also offers you the ability to know some details about your driver, prior to them picking you up. This is another huge safety advantage over taxis in Puerto Vallarta.

While you obviously won’t be able to see personal information on your driver, you will be able to see how long they’ve been driving, how many trips they’ve completed, comments from previous riders, and their current Uber driver rating. 

The Uber app also offers 24/7 customer support, whether there was an incident that occurred, or you just have a question. You’ll rest a bit easier knowing there’s always someone there to chat with, so your questions or concerns don’t go unanswered. 

Further, the platform verifies the drivers’ identities at regular intervals. The app forces drivers to hold their phone to their face for a full face scan, in order to verify they are the same individual pictured on their driver’s licence. 

You can rest assured that your driver is, in fact, who they say they are. This is definitely a nice feature over taxi companies, especially independent cabs, who doubtfully have the same technology available. 

Uber also anonymizes your phone number and private information. This is a great feature to have, as your contact information is always automatically protected. The driver is only able to contact you via the app itself, with your phone number unavailable to them. 

Uber offers emergency assistance, right at your fingertips via the app. Just tap for emergency services, and you’ll connect with the local services you need, right when you need them. 

Additionally, you’ll have access to your ride history, so if you accidentally leave an important item in your Uber, you’ll be able to contact your driver. 

Note: Any time you take an Uber, always be sure to confirm the make, model and licence plate of the driver’s car. The app will give you this information, so always be sure it matches the car *before* you enter the vehicle.

Also confirm the driver’s name matches the name listed in your app. If something doesn’t match up, don’t take the ride.

Final Thoughts: Uber in Puerto Vallarta

When getting around Puerto Vallarta, booking a ride via Uber is certainly an option. The Uber app offers specific safety features, reliable transportation, timely service and covers a wide area of Puerto Vallarta.

The app offers many distinct advantages over choosing to take a cab. With safety features including the ability to share your ride location and itinerary, information on your driver and identity verification, you can feel secure taking Uber in Puerto Vallarta. 

Written by Chantelle Kincy, of Flannels or FlipFlops

Nausheen is a solo female traveler who is passionate about travel as a way to increase self love and confidence. She focuses on slow travel and bouts of digital nomadism, and has experience living abroad across several continents. As a post-divorce, South Asian woman in her 30s Nausheen aims to empower fellow women of color in particular to live life on their own terms. She shares travel itineraries, tips and inspiration on her blog and social media channels.