Complete guide to Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR). Navigate arrivals, departures, customs, and ground transportation with confidence.
PVR Airport operates from one main terminal building that handles both domestic and international flights. The compact design makes navigation easy compared to larger Mexican airports. The terminal has two levels:
After landing, deplane via jet bridge or shuttle bus. Follow bilingual signs for “Baggage Claim / Reclamo de Equipaje.” Walk through the arrivals corridor – the terminal is compact so distances are short.
Important: Mexico replaced the paper FMM tourist card with a digital system. Most airlines process this automatically – check your email for your digital FMM or complete online at INM website before travel. Have passport ready for immigration officer.
Wait Time: Usually 5-20 minutes depending on flight volume.
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim area. Check screens for your flight number and carousel assignment. Carousels are clearly numbered. PVR baggage delivery is typically efficient – expect your luggage within 10-20 minutes of arrival.
Lost Luggage: Report immediately to your airline’s baggage office located in the baggage claim area.
After collecting bags, proceed to customs. Push the button at the customs checkpoint:
Most travelers get green light and pass through in seconds. Red light inspections are thorough but courteous.
After customs, exit through automatic doors to the arrivals hall. Here you’ll find:
As you exit customs, be aware of numerous timeshare representatives offering “free” transportation, tours, or gifts. These are high-pressure sales presentations. Politely decline and proceed directly to your pre-arranged transportation or authorized taxi booths. Don’t feel obligated to engage.
The easiest arrival experience is pre-booking a private transfer. Your driver waits with a name sign, helps with luggage, and takes you directly to your hotel. No lines, no negotiation, no stress. From $52 USD with flight tracking included.
International Flights: 3 hours before departure
Domestic Flights: 2 hours before departure
PVR can get busy during peak season (November-April), especially Sunday afternoons when many tourists depart. Better to arrive early than risk missing your flight.
Enter the departures level (upper floor). Check-in counters are organized by airline. Most airlines allow online check-in 24 hours before departure – recommended to save time. If you checked in online, proceed directly to bag drop counters.
Departure Tax: Usually included in ticket price (verify with airline).
After check-in, proceed to security screening. Standard TSA-style rules apply:
Wait Time: 5-30 minutes depending on season and time of day. Peak times: Sunday afternoons, early morning departures.
After security, international passengers proceed to immigration checkpoint. Have passport and boarding pass ready. This is where your departure from Mexico is officially recorded.
After immigration, you enter the departure lounge with duty-free shops, restaurants, bars, and gates. PVR has gates 1-12. Check your boarding pass for gate assignment and boarding time. Gates can change – monitor screens.
PVR has decent duty-free selection for alcohol, tobacco, perfumes, and Mexican souvenirs. Prices are competitive but not necessarily cheaper than US stores. Last chance to buy tequila, mezcal, and Mexican chocolate for gifts. Payment accepted in USD, pesos, or credit cards.
Multiple options including Starbucks, Margaritaville, Carl’s Jr., Chili’s, and Mexican restaurants. Pre-security and post-security dining available.
Duty-free shops, souvenir stores, jewelry, clothing, and convenience stores. Best selection in departure lounge after security.
Multiple ATMs throughout terminal. Currency exchange booths in arrivals – rates better in town but convenient for small amounts.
Major agencies: Hertz, Avis, Budget, Alamo, National, Thrifty. Counters in arrivals hall. Pre-book online for better rates.
Free WiFi throughout terminal. Network: “PVR-Airport”. Generally reliable but can be slow during peak times.
Small pharmacy in departures area selling over-the-counter medications, sunscreen, and basic health items.
Wheelchair assistance available. Notify airline 48 hours in advance. Elevators and ramps throughout terminal. Accessible restrooms available.
PVR has no on-site hotel. Nearest hotels are in Marina Vallarta (10 min). Not recommended for overnight stays between flights.
Family restrooms with changing tables. No dedicated play area. Compact terminal makes walking with kids manageable.
No smoking areas inside terminal. Designated outdoor smoking areas outside departures entrance.
Limited luggage storage available near arrivals. Not commonly used – most travelers prefer going directly to hotels.
Telcel and AT&T Mexico counters sell prepaid SIM cards. International calling cards available at shops. Public phones (increasingly rare).
Where: Driver waits with name sign in arrivals hall
Cost: $52-120 USD depending on destination
Booking: Pre-book online, by phone, or WhatsApp
Best For: Most travelers – guaranteed reliability, no waiting
Where: Official taxi booths in arrivals hall near exit
Cost: $35-180 USD (negotiate before entering vehicle)
Payment: Cash (USD or pesos) preferred
Best For: Travelers comfortable negotiating, have cash ready
Where: Pickup area outside terminal
Cost: $20-35 USD when available
Availability: ⚠️ Very unreliable – long waits, frequent cancellations
Best For: Not recommended for airport arrivals
Where: Counters in arrivals hall, vehicles in parking lot
Cost: $30-80 USD per day depending on vehicle and season
Companies: Hertz, Avis, Budget, Alamo, National, Thrifty
Best For: Travelers planning to explore region independently
PVR Airport is 7 km north of downtown. Distances to major zones: Marina Vallarta 10 km (15 min), Downtown/Romantic Zone 12 km (20 min), Nuevo Vallarta 18 km (25 min), Punta Mita 45 km (50 min).
PVR handles 5+ million passengers annually. Busiest November-April (peak season). Peak times: Sunday afternoons (departures), Saturday mornings (arrivals). Despite volume, the compact terminal makes navigation efficient. Lines for immigration, security reasonable except peak Sunday afternoons.
Not recommended. PVR has no designated sleeping areas, limited overnight seating, and no on-site hotel. If you have a long layover, better to book a hotel in Marina Vallarta (10 min away) for a few hours. Airport is open 24 hours but not comfortable for overnight stays.
Major carriers include: Alaska, American, Delta, United, Southwest, JetBlue, Air Canada, WestJet, Volaris, VivaAerobus, Aeromexico. Direct flights from 60+ cities in US, Canada, and Mexico. Seasonal routes increase in winter.
Mexico digitized the FMM form. Most airlines process this automatically and email you confirmation. You can also complete it online at the INM website before travel. No more paper forms on the plane. Have your digital FMM or confirmation number ready for immigration.
Mexico’s departure tax (approximately $30 USD) is typically included in your airline ticket price. Verify with your airline when booking. Very rarely, some tickets don’t include it and you must pay at the airport before departure.
Start your Puerto Vallarta vacation stress-free with reliable airport transportation.
Book Transfer – From $52Questions? Contact us: +52 322 319 6543 | WhatsApp | Email
