Explore on your own rating
Cheap buses, Uber and taxis make getting downtown simple, and the Malecón is walkable.
Where ships dock
- Puerto Vallarta cruise terminal, Marina Vallarta
Getting to town
The terminal is north of downtown. The Malecón and old town (Centro) are about 20–30 minutes by bus or 15 minutes by taxi.
Local buses marked "Centro" (not "Tunel") cost about 10 pesos per person. Taxis inside the terminal charge more than yellow cabs outside the gate; sources report about US$8–16 per car. Uber operates outside the gates.
Fares are as reported by the sources below and change often. Treat them as estimates.
Top sights nearby
- The Malecón and its sculptures
- Our Lady of Guadalupe Church
- Zona Romántica
- Marina Vallarta
Beaches
- Playa Los Muertos (Zona Romántica)
- Beaches south along the coast (e.g. Mismaloya; taxi)
Safety & tips
- Carry pesos in small bills for buses.
- Agree on taxi fares before getting in.
- Be careful around timeshare offers.
Check U.S. State Department travel advisories before you sail.
⏰ Back to the ship on time
Traffic back from downtown can be slow. Be back 45 minutes before all-aboard.
Ship time can differ from local time. Your ship won't wait for independent travelers.