To rent a car in Puerto Vallarta, you’ll need to have the following documents:
- Proof of age
- Driver’s license
- Credit Card
- Mexican Car Insurance
Can Tourists Rent a Car in Puerto Vallarta?
Yes, tourists can rent a vehicle in Puerto Vallarta by submitting the following documents:
- Proof of age (you need to be at least 18 years old);
- Valid driver’s license (in Latin script or with an International Driving Permit);
- Credit card (in your name, with sufficient funds as a rental guarantee);
- Mexican car insurance (obtainable from the rental car agency in Mexico).
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Car in Puerto Vallarta?
Renting a car in Puerto Vallarta typically begins at $30 per day. This rate covers an economy vehicle. Although the minimum for the car per day is $25, you pay an additional $5 to $15 per day for Mexican car insurance, which is mandated by law.
Of course, if you opt for a high-end car, the daily rate can easily surpass $300. Renting the car itself costs up to $280 per day. The top-tier, full-coverage insurance tacks on another $20 to $40 to that, daily.
How to Rent a Car in Puerto Vallarta
- Select your pick-up and drop-off dates and locations
- Choose the car that suits your needs
- Pick the type of Mexican car insurance.
- Collect your car
- Sign the rental agreement
- Return the car with a full tank of gas
Step 1: Select the Date, Time, & Location
Go to the car rental company’s website and choose your pick-up date and location. Opt for the airport if you’d like a car waiting for you upon arrival or pick a spot like Downtown Puerto Vallarta if you want the car for a later time during your trip.
For the drop-off, it’s just as simple. Pick your return dates and choose where you’d like to return the car. If you’re flying out, the simplest option is to return the car to the Puerto Vallarta International Airport on your day of departure.
Step 2: Choose a Car
Once you’ve picked your dates and locations, you’ll see a list of available cars.
You can choose from various car types. The most common ones are small and economical (budget-friendly), mid-sized (compact yet roomy), large (for up to five passengers), SUVs (great for different terrains), vans (ideal for big families), and premium cars (with high-end features). Brands like Nissan, Chevrolet, Volkswagen, and Kia are common choices, and most have automatic transmissions.
Step 3: Pick a Mexican Car Insurance
When renting a car in Mexico, insurance is legally mandated. Some rental companies allow you to buy insurance online, while others take you through the paperwork when you pick up the car.
Remember, driving without insurance in Mexico is illegal, and your home country’s insurance doesn’t apply here. Here are your choices:
- Third-party liability insurance (required): This is required by law. It covers any potential damage to others in an accident.
- Additional insurance options (optional): Optional policies that you can purchase in addition to the third-party liability insurance include collision insurance (for your car’s repairs), medical insurance (for doctor visits, pharmaceuticals, etc.), comprehensive insurance (damage done from natural disasters, wildlife), and theft protection (stolen car expenses).
- Full-coverage insurance (optional): A policy that combines all insurances into one. If you opt for full coverage, you don’t need to buy third-party liability insurance separately.
Your choice depends on your budget and what it takes for you to have peace of mind. Third-party insurance is the most affordable, around $5 to $15 daily, whereas full coverage is the most pricy, typically $20 to $40 per day.
Step 4: Arrive to Pick up the Car
When you arrive at the car rental company, you’ll need to give the required documents (proof of age, driver’s license, credit card information) to the representatives and confirm your insurance. After that, a company representative will guide you to your chosen car.
Examine the car closely. If you see any damage you need to notify the company and take photos as proof to avoid paying for existing issues later on when you return the car.
Step 5: Sign the Car Rental Agreement
The rental agreement outlines the rules and conditions that you must follow while renting the car. Typically, it covers the total cost, extra fees (such as taxes, insurance, and fuel), mileage limits, details about additional drivers, cancellation rules, return instructions, and so on. Take a moment to read it carefully. If you’re comfortable with all the terms and conditions, sign the agreement, take the keys, and begin your adventure.
Step 6: End of the Agreement
The rental agreement ends when you bring the car back to the rental location. Stick to the agreed return date and time and fill the tank as stated in the agreement to avoid fuel charges and extra fees for late returns.
When you arrive at the rental place, they’ll inspect the car for any new damage. If all is well, you’ll get confirmation, hand over the keys, and be on your way. You can also leave a review if you wish, to help future customers.
FAQ
At the time of writing, gas stations in Puerto Vallarta charge from 22.49 to 24MXN per liter of gasoline. This roughly converts to $1.28–$1.37 per liter. The car rental company will hand over the car with an already-filled tank, so you don’t have to worry about gasoline prices right away.
Renting a car in Puerto Vallarta is indeed safe! However, you need to make sure that you’re renting from a reputable rental company that won’t surprise you with hidden fees and takes good care of their vehicles. Don’t worry – we’ll suggest some companies to you shortly.
GPS navigation is highly reliable in Puerto Vallarta. It’s available either in the cars of rental companies or on your smartphone, with apps like Google Maps.
When it comes to road conditions, the roads in central Puerto Vallarta and the tourist areas are well-maintained and with adequate street lighting. However, road conditions can vary in the less developed, less central areas, where you can come across potholes and less consistent lighting.
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable car rental experience in this beautiful coastal city, it’s essential to exercise caution, particularly when driving at night.
Be cautious of online car rental scams targeting tourists, especially those advertising unrealistically low rates like $5 per day. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Dishonest rental companies use these tactics to attract customers, only to surprise them with hidden fees later, resulting in a much higher final bill than the “promised” $5.
To protect yourself from falling into these traps, thoroughly research the rental company’s reputation. Read customer reviews and stick with established and reputable car rental companies that are trustworthy and transparent.
The best car rental companies in Puerto Vallarta are Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Economy, Enterprise, Europcar, Firefly, Flexways, Hertz, Mex-Rent-a-Car, National, Routes Car Rental, Sixt, and Thrifty.
You can book a car directly from their website or through another rental platform called DiscoverCars – our top-recommended platform to rent a car in Puerto Vallarta.
We recommend DiscoverCars because it collaborates with all the aforementioned rental companies, offering the same cars, prices, and services on a single, neatly organized and comprehensive list. This means you can easily compare different companies without the hassle of dealing with multiple tabs.
The platform is user-friendly and incurs no hidden fees, so you won’t have to worry about scams. You can even use the website to get a discount or check customer reviews on the different cars and services.
There are a couple of rental car pick-up locations in Puerto Vallarta. You can find rental offices at the Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport, which is likely your point of arrival if you’re traveling by plane. Additionally, rental offices are available in Downtown Puerto Vallarta and in the Hotel Zone, specifically at the Marriott and Hilton hotels.
For those arriving by plane, picking up your rental at the airport is the most time-efficient option, eliminating the need for and cost of additional transport like taxis, bus, shuttles, etc.
Driving in Puerto Vallarta: Rules & Tips for a Smooth Ride
To stay safe and avoid encounters with the police, fines, and other hassles, drive responsibly and follow a set of simple rules and tips:
- In Mexico, always drive on the right side of the road, as you would in the US and most other countries in the world. Pay close attention to road signs, and if you encounter a sign that reads “ALTO,” remember that it means “STOP.”
- Respect speed limits, which typically range from 18-43 mph (30-70 km/h) in urban areas, 55 mph (90 km/h) in rural areas, and 62-74 mph (100-120 km/h) on highways.
- Always wear your seatbelt regardless of the area you drive around.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal, and the legal blood alcohol concentration limit is 0.08%. If you plan to drink that day, it’s best not to plan any road trips.
- Using your phone while driving is illegal in Mexico, so keep it out of reach and your hands on the wheel.
- Mexico has two main road types: “libre” (free roads) and “cuota” (toll roads). Opt for the toll roads as they are safer and better-maintained. Consider using a GPS tracker or navigation app that supports offline usage, such as Google Maps.
- It’s advisable to avoid driving at night, as road conditions are less predictable.
- Park your car in designated spots, and never leave valuables inside.
- Refrain from offering rides to hitchhikers, as this is also illegal in Mexico.
- Watch out for wildlife on the roads, as it’s common for animals to cross. Be patient and allow them to move to safety.
- If pulled over by the police for any reason, remain calm and polite. Be prepared to provide your driver’s license, passport, car rental agreement, and proof of insurance.
Following these guidelines will help ensure a smooth and trouble-free driving experience in Mexico while promoting safety and compliance with local laws.
Is Renting a Car in Puerto Vallarta Worth It?
Renting a car in Puerto Vallarta is a great choice if you want to explore the city and surrounding area to the fullest during your limited stay. You won’t have to spend money on expensive taxis or spend time waiting for buses. It’s the most convenient option for seeing as much as possible during your trip.
However, if you prefer a more relaxed vacation unwinding at your resort, Puerto Vallarta has plenty to offer. You can indulge in spa treatments, savor the traditional cuisine at local restaurants, relax on white-sand beaches, and visit cool bars — everything depends on your idea of a “perfect vacation.” And, if you plan to travel much less, it’s better to brave a bus or taxi ride, or simply rent a car for fewer days.
Things You Should Do in Puerto Vallarta With Your Rental Car
- Relax on Los Muertos Beach
- Go zip lining in El Eden Zip
- Visit the Vallarta Botanical Gardens
- Visit the charming surf town Sayulita
- Go to the historic mining town San Sebastian del Oeste
- Explore this upscale coastal area of Punta Mita
- Learn about the region’s history and culture at Cuale Archaeological Museum
- Visit the picturesque mountain town of El Tuito
- Dive into the Canopy River
- Discover the art of tequila making at local distilleries
- Explore waterfalls like Colomitos, Quimixto, and Mismaloya
Car Rental in Other Mexican Cities
- How to Rent a Car in Mexico
- How to Rent a Car in Cancun
- How to Rent a Car in Cabo San Lucas
- How to Rent a Car in Cozumel
- How to Rent a Car in Mexico City
- How to Rent a Car in Playa Del Carmen
- How to Rent a Car in Oaxaca
- How to Rent a Car in La Paz Mexico
- How to Rent a Car in Guadalajara
