There are many ways to get to Sayulita from Puerto Vallarta Airport and transportation options around the magical Riviera Nayarit. In this post, we will explain that to you, so start browsing your transportation options.
I lived in Sayulita for two years, and this is the most common question I receive from friends and family: how do I get to Sayulita from the airport? It does seem complicated, but in this post, I will share with you everything you need to know about Sayulita airport transfers.
There will also be tips here on where to get a taxi when you are already in Sayulita. Spoiler alert: Uber does not work in Sayulita, as this post also discusses in detail.
You can also check our guide on getting around Sayulita, which explains the city’s layout and transportation options, such as buses, white taxis, and golf carts.
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How to get to Sayulita from the airport?
Like most airports in Mexico, Ubers are not allowed to enter Puerto Vallarta International Airport. You can get an Uber, but you have to leave the airport and wait for them at the footbridge. The footbridge is about a 3-minute walk from the departure gate. Once you are at the footbridge, you can order the Uber there, and it costs about $20 – $40, depending on what time you’re calling it.
If you have a lot of things and don’t want to walk far, below are some alternatives on how to get to Sayulita from Puerto Vallarta Airport.
What airport do you fly into for Sayulita?
The airport that serves Sayulita is Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR). This is also the airport that serves the whole of Riviera Nayarit, including destinations like San Pancho, Punta Mita, Bucerias, Marina Vallarta, and more!
How do you get to Sayulita from the US?
There are many US flights that go straight to Puerto Vallarta. Some popular US cities that fly straight to Puerto Vallarta include Austin, Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Diego.
How far is Sayulita from Puerto Vallarta Airport?
Sayulita is about an hour’s drive from Puerto Vallarta Airport. There is only one highway that goes from Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita (called KM 300) so these days, traffic is becoming heavier. I’d usually just go to the airport an hour before departure, but now, I am always making sure I leave Sayulita 2.5 hours before the flight.
Sayulita from Puerto Vallarta Airport transportation (from $69)
Mexico Insider’s Support Local project helps locals in the Riviera Nayarit area promote their businesses. Right now, we have about 3-4 drivers in the area who can get you to the airport for a lower price. Their English is not perfect but this is a good chance for you to practice your Spanish! These taxi drivers can also take you from Puerto Vallarta downtown to Sayulita, San Pancho, or Punta de Mita.
Use the code INSIDER10 for a 10% discount upon checkout.
How much is a taxi from Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita?
The price of a taxi from Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita varies. Remember that all over Mexico, there are certified and licensed taxi operators in airports. Not all transportation services can enter airports in Mexico. But our local taxi drivers start at $98 (1-way).
How much is an Uber from Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita?
The Uber from Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita costs $80-$120 (est) but you have to take them outside of Puerto Vallarta Airport. There are two meeting points for Uber at PVR Airport but the driver will tell you the exact meeting point.
If you decide to take the Uber (since it’s cheaper), the walk from the arrivals gate to the meeting point is about 5-7 minutes. Be mindful with walking with your suitcases as this is a federal highway. You don’t need to cross but it is still a very busy area for all types of vehicles.
Is Uber available in Sayulita?
Within the town of Sayulita, Uber is a hit and miss. Or let’s say almost non-existent. If you want to go to neighboring towns like San Pancho and Punta Mita, your best bet is to take the white taxis parked at the Sayulita plaza. These guys are easy to deal with and you can always haggle. But expect them to charge you ridiculous prices (i.e. $30 for a 5-minute drive to San Pancho).
Better polish your Spanish before your trip so you can haggle with the taxi drivers easily.
Sayulita from Puerto Vallarta Airport via VIP service
Most airport vans and taxis parked by the arrivals gate are companies with permits to operate inside the airport. This permit is not cheap so not everyone has it. And those who do, charge standard pricing of $125 and up to go to Sayulita from Puerto Vallarta Airport. These taxi drivers will wait for you at the arrivals gate holding a sign with your name.
How to get to Sayulita from Puerto Vallarta Airport by bus ($4)
A bus ride to Sayulita costs $4 and it will take you all the way to the Sayulita bus station. This ride can take up to 1.5 hours since the bus stops a lot in different small towns on the way to Sayulita. Note that the way to Sayulita is on the other side of the airport so you have to cross the footbridge. At the bottom of this footbridge, you will find busses with ‘Sayulita’ signs. They come every 30-45 minutes, and you can even take them to San Pancho.
Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita car rental
I don’t recommend bringing a car to Sayulita because parking is horrible in town but if you have an Airbnb in Sayulita that has a parking space, then you better rent a car. It will allow you to move around Sayulita and visit nearby towns. This is also advisable for those who are going on surf trips in Sayulita.
There are no rental car companies in Sayulita, so you can only rent a car at Puerto Vallarta International Airport. As this airport is really busy, it’s smarter to book in advance instead of getting it upon arrival.
Helpful Sayulita Travel Resources
