Puerto Vallarta Ordaz Airport (PVR) Flights & Flight Status

Puerto Vallarta International Airport - officially known as Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport - is the main gateway for Puerto Vallarta as well as other coastal hotspots in the state of Jalisco and in the nearby state of Nayarit. Most US airlines fly there, with nonstop service from multiple hubs in the United States as well as other cities.

Arriving at Puerto Vallarta International Airport

The airport has two concourses: one for domestic flights and one for international flights, linked by a long walkway and served by a single arrivals and departure building.

The Puerto Vallarta airport is often quite crowded due to the popularity of the destination and the limited size of the facility. That situation should be alleviated somewhat when the new Terminal 2, currently under construction, opens — supposedly sometime in 2025.

This is one of the airports in Mexico that supposedly no longer requires you to complete a tourist card before going through immigration. However, I’ve still been on flights where I was given a form. My policy is to follow the lead of officials and airline staff: I complete the form if someone hands it to me, either on the plane or in the airport. You can also fill out a tourist card online before your flight.

Most international flights dock at the B concourse, and it’s a bit of a walk to the customs and immigration area. Immigration lines can be rather long, so be prepared for a possible wait. If you’re arriving on an international flight, you’ll probably notice that the line for foreigners is longer than the one for Mexican citizens — a good indicator of just how big an international tourist destination Puerto Vallarta is.

I don’t usually check bags, but when I have, I’ve noticed that if the immigration line in Puerto Vallarta is long, my checked suitcase may arrive at the baggage claim before I do. Be aware that airport staff sometimes remove bags after a certain amount of time, to make room for the next round of luggage. So don’t fret if your flight number or items don’t appear at any of the belts. Look around for groups of bags that have been taken off the belt and organized by flight (you can also ask an airport staff member, of course).

The customs area is next. The standard practice now is for all arriving international passengers to place all luggage on a large scanner belt. They used to use a kiosk, to determine who would get scanned. That system is apparently now gone, but don’t be surprised if you see it pop up.

VIP Lounge for arrivals

If you’re looking for a quiet place to escape the hectic arrivals area, consider paying for a visit to the VIP Lounge located near the exit from customs processing. The facility offers free snacks, WiFi and ground transportation information. I usually prefer to have my transportation arranged in advance so I can head out and get on with my visit. But if you need time to regroup in a peaceful setting, it could be worth the cost; admission is available through membership in the VIP Lounge network or Priority Pass, as well as a one-time day pass, when capacity allows).

Money exchange

You’ll find multiple money exchange desks in both the arrivals and departures area. But pay close attention to the exchange rate. I generally find it easier to head toward the exit, where a row of ATMs allows withdrawals in pesos directly from your bank account. You’ll have to pay a standard service fee if it’s not your own bank’s ATM, but you can decline the exchange rate it offers and go with the official current exchange rate, which is usually a better deal.

Transport to and from Puerto Vallarta airport

Uber isn’t allowed to pick up at the terminal. If you’re set on using that rideshare app, you can walk over a pedestrian bridge that crosses the highway and get an Uber on the other side. I find it more convenient to take a taxi or arrange another ground transportation service, either through your hotel or a local tour operator. (Getting back to the airport provides more options, since you can take an Uber to the terminal.)

If you’re staying at a hotel, you may want to see if the property offers its own airport transfers before your trip (in some cases, it may even be free, although that’s not common). Depending on what they charge, an official hotel shuttle may be the best option.

If you’re looking for a taxi, be aware that you may be approached by multiple people offering taxis and other transportation when leaving the baggage claim area. You may also hear from people selling timeshares. It’s best to ignore them all. In fact, don’t bother engaging with anyone who tries to start a conversation in that area, even if they claim to be offering tourist information.

Instead, head outside. Go to the taxi kiosk near the terminal exit and pay for your ride there; fixed rates are determined by zone, and you’ll receive a ticket that you then present at the authorized taxi stand.

Rental cars

I’ve never felt the need to rent a car in Puerto Vallarta. If you’re planning on staying in Puerto Vallarta or at a large, resort-style hotel outside the city or in the adjacent state of Nayarit, you’ll generally do fine without one. Uber and taxis make it easy to get around Puerto Vallarta, and many people staying at large, self-contained resorts in Nayarit don’t leave the property much (plus, local tour operators offer a variety of excursions).

If, however, you want more freedom and flexibility to explore the region, you may want to consider getting a vehicle. Major rental brands have counters inside the terminal building, near arrivals.

Departing from Puerto Vallarta airport

Since the Puerto Vallarta airport can get crowded during busy travel times, I always arrive at least two hours before departure, even for domestic flights. Arriving early is especially important if you need to check baggage or want time to eat or shop. The airport isn’t overly large, but the likelihood of lines is always a possibility: lines of traffic to get to the airport, lines at check-in, lines at security and even lines to get food.

There are a few restaurants — including a Carl’s Jr. — on the upper level before you get to the security area. But keep an eye on the security line before deciding to sit down for very long. There are food options after security too, but they also may be crowded, so wherever you plan to eat, factor in extra time.

I’ve had varying luck with the security line wait time at Puerto Vallarta International Airport. If you’re traveling around the weekend or during peak tourist seasons (generally, winter through spring), you’re more likely to find longer lines at security.

Having said that, however, I’ve been surprised by short wait times during what should have been peak times, and long lines when I’d predicted short ones. For that reason, I always arrive early. A welcome recent development: the airport now has electronic boarding pass scanners, which helps to streamline the security process.

Generally, domestic flights depart from the smaller concourse A, which is a short walk from the security screening checkpoint. Concourse A can get crowded, however, so if you arrive early, you’re more likely to find a seat.

International flights usually depart from the more spacious B concourse, which is a further walk from the security screening area.

There is free WiFi at the airport, but it’s only available for 15-minute periods. You’ll find lots of shopping opportunities both before and after security - including duty-free enroute to the B concourse and shops like ¡Ay Güey!, which stocks colorfully casual Mexican clothing and accessories, and Xocodiva, which specializes in gourmet chocolates.

Airline Lounges at Puerto Vallarta airport

There are two VIP Lounge locations after security: one near domestic departures and the other near international departures. Both offer amenities including free WiFi, light snacks and beverages and multiple seating areas with tables. The two-level lounge in the international departure areas, near gates 8 and 10, also has shower facilities.

You can access both lounges by purchasing a membership, which provides access to 13 VIP Lounge facilities in various airports around Mexico. If you belong to Priority Pass, you can get free or discounted admission, depending on your membership level. You may also be able to purchase one-time admission, if the lounge isn’t full.

Hotels near Puerto Vallarta International Airport

Among the hotels closest to the airport is the One Puerto Vallarta Aeropuerto, a limited-service hotel with reasonable rates, a free breakfast buffet and outdoor swimming pool. Also nearby is the Holiday Inn Express Puerto Vallarta, which offers free breakfast and has a pool and fitness center. The larger, resort-style hotels in the Marina Vallarta neighborhood — including the Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, Melia Puerto Vallarta and Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta — are just a bit further.