✈️ Our Guide to Choose Transportation from Puerto Vallarta Airport

At Riviera Go Transportation & Tours we understand that one of the first challenges on your vacations is choosing the right transportation to your hotel or Airbnb.

Making the right choice can mean the difference between a relaxing start to your vacation and a stressful experience.

That’s why we created this guide — to help you understand the available options, their differences, and how to choose the one that best fits your needs. 🌴

🚐 Types of Transportation Available at the Airport

At the Puerto Vallarta International Airport, three main authorized companies operate: TPV, Aeromovil, and Trip.

These companies have federally licensed vehicles, uniformed drivers, and counters inside the airport, providing a regulated, safe, and visible service right at the terminal.

However, many travelers prefer private transportation companies such as Riviera Go Transportation and Tours, which offer a personalized, flexible, and direct experience.

These services stand out for their pre-arrival coordination via WhatsApp or email, English-speaking assistance, and the ability to adjust schedules or include custom stops — such as a quick grocery stop or a scenic photo break. 📸

Most private units are modern, spacious, and air-conditioned, and the service is 100% private — no shared rides.

Your driver will be waiting at the airport with a sign bearing your name, so you can skip the lines, avoid confusion, and start your trip smoothly.

In summary, official companies ensure regulated service, while private operators excel in comfort, punctuality, and personalized attention. 🌟

💸 Prices and Key Differences

Official airport companies tend to charge higher rates, especially for long-distance trips, since they must pay airport operation fees.

For short distances, their rates can be competitive — but for destinations outside the main city areas (such as Sayulita, San Pancho, or Punta de Mita), private transportation often offers better value and flexibility.

Private companies stand out for offering a greater cost-benefit ratio, since the price usually includes:

✅ Direct communication with your driver

✅ Personalized and bilingual service

✅ Door-to-door transportation with no waiting times

✅ Flexible itineraries and customized stops

🚗 Digital Platforms (Uber, Didi, InDriver, etc.)

Ride-hailing apps like Uber, Didi, and InDriver also operate in Puerto Vallarta.

However, their airport access is limited due to local regulations. In most cases, passengers must walk outside the arrival area to meet their driver — which can be uncomfortable if traveling with luggage or children. 🧳

Additionally, their prices are dynamic, meaning fares can rise significantly during peak hours or high season.

Unlike private transfers — where the rate is confirmed in advance and doesn’t change — apps can adjust pricing in real time.

While these platforms can be practical for city rides, for airport transfers, the best option remains booking a private service to ensure punctuality, safety, and comfort. ✨

🚌 Hotel Shuttle Services

Some hotels offer shared shuttle transportation, which may seem convenient due to the lower price.

However, these services usually make multiple stops at different hotels, extending travel time considerably.

If you’re traveling with luggage or in a group, this option can become less comfortable and more time-consuming. ⏳

🧾 About Federal Licenses and Tourist Drivers

In Mexico, drivers providing tourist services must hold a Federal License issued by the Secretariat of Communications and Transportation (SCT).

This certification requires training courses, medical exams, and vehicle inspections.

Reputable private companies work exclusively with qualified, experienced drivers who have local knowledge and a strong service reputation, ensuring every ride is safe, punctual, and professional. 🚘

🌐 How to Find a Reliable Driver or Company

Before booking, always check online reviews.

Look at feedback on Google, TripAdvisor, or local Facebook groups, where other travelers share real experiences.

This is one of the most effective ways to identify trustworthy providers and avoid unpleasant surprises. 💬

⭐ Traveler Reviews

💬 “Humberto and his team at Riviera Go were amazing! Punctual, kind, and with excellent communication from the very first message. The vehicle was spotless, and the service was 100% professional.”

— Andrea M., California, USA

💬 “Pedro from PV Personal Driver gave us outstanding service — super friendly and helpful with local tips. Highly recommended if you need private transportation in Puerto Vallarta.”

— Thomas L., Toronto, Canada

💬 “XavierTravels assisted us during our trip to Sayulita and San Pancho — very kind and attentive, although airport wait times were a bit long.”

— Verónica P., Guadalajara, Mexico

🏁 Final Thoughts

We hope this guide helps you better understand how transportation works around Puerto Vallarta and Bahía de Banderas, so you can choose the option that best suits your travel style.

At Riviera Go Transportation & Tours, our mission is to offer you a safe, reliable, and stress-free experience, so your vacation starts exactly how it should — relaxed, comfortable, and worry-free. 🌴🚐✨

*We do not own the rights to some of the photos; they are for illustrative purposes only.

💬 If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment — we’ll gladly research and reply so you can travel with peace of mind and zero stress.