Puerto Vallarta Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Puerto Vallarta

Renting a car in Puerto Vallarta offers the freedom and flexibility to explore this beautiful city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily access key attractions such as the Malecon, an esplanade perfect for family outings and romantic strolls, and Los Arcos, a marine park ideal for adventurous experiences. The convenience of a car also allows for easy luggage management, making it simpler to visit various locations without the hassle of public transportation.

Additionally, exploring popular neighbourhoods like the Romantic Zone, which features Playa de los Muertos and the Malecon, becomes effortless with a rental vehicle. You can also visit Emiliano Zapata, known for Olas Altas Beach, or the Hotel Zone, which showcases Camarones Beach and Playa Las Glorias. A rental car is particularly beneficial for families or those seeking outdoor and beach-related experiences, ensuring everyone stays together while enjoying the sights. Overall, having a car enhances your travel experience in Puerto Vallarta, allowing you to make the most of every moment in this charming destination.

Most popular car rentals in Puerto Vallarta

• Midsize: The midsize car option is a popular choice for those travelling in Puerto Vallarta. It accommodates up to 5 travellers and offers ample space for up to 3 large suitcases. This makes it ideal for couples or families looking to explore the area comfortably. With its balanced size, the midsize vehicle provides the perfect combination of ease of handling and capacity for luggage, allowing you to enjoy your trip without worrying about space.
• Standard SUV: A standard SUV is another highly booked option in Puerto Vallarta, accommodating 5 travellers along with up to 2 medium suitcases. This type of vehicle is perfect for couples, families, or groups who desire a bit more space and versatility during their travels. The standard SUV provides a comfortable ride while allowing for easy access to various attractions around the city, making your journey both enjoyable and practical.
• Fullsize: For those needing extra room, the fullsize car option is an excellent choice. It comfortably accommodates 5 travellers and can hold up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This makes it ideal for larger families or groups who need ample space for luggage and passengers. Renting a fullsize vehicle in Puerto Vallarta ensures that you have the flexibility to manage your travel plans with ease and comfort throughout your adventure.

Top rated car suppliers in Puerto Vallarta

• Enterprise: Enterprise is a popular choice for travellers in Puerto Vallarta, offering one rental location in the area. Known for its exceptional customer service, this supplier provides a wide selection of vehicles, with the Midsize SUV and Fullsize being the most booked options. Customers appreciate the flexibility and convenience that Enterprise offers, making it an excellent choice for those looking to explore Puerto Vallarta at their own pace.
• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo Rent A Car stands out with two rental locations in Puerto Vallarta, providing travellers with ease and accessibility. This supplier is particularly favoured for its quick pickup process and friendly staff. The Midsize SUV and Standard SUV are the most popular vehicles among renters, allowing visitors to navigate the city and surrounding areas comfortably. Alamo is committed to ensuring a hassle-free rental experience for all customers.
• Avis: Avis also boasts two rental locations within Puerto Vallarta, making it a convenient option for tourists. Known for its diverse fleet, Avis offers Compact and Midsize SUVs as the most frequently booked vehicles. Customers often highlight the cleanliness and reliability of Avis vehicles, alongside their competitive pricing. This supplier is a solid choice for those seeking a trustworthy and efficient car rental experience in Puerto Vallarta.

Where to stay in Puerto Vallarta

• Romantic Zone: This charming neighbourhood is ideal for families, couples, and outdoor enthusiasts. Its proximity to attractions such as Playa de los Muertos beach and the scenic Malecon esplanade makes it a perfect spot for relaxation and exploration. The area is well-known for its vibrant markets and a variety of dining options, including bars and cafés, ensuring that there is something for everyone to enjoy.
• Marina Vallarta: A fantastic choice for those seeking outdoor activities and sports, Marina Vallarta is home to beautiful beaches like Nuevo Vallarta Beach and Playa Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta. This neighbourhood features golf courses and a market, providing ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. The close proximity to the Malecon esplanade enhances its appeal, making it a great place for families and active travellers.
• Hotel Zone: Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, the Hotel Zone is perfect for beach lovers and outdoor activities. With stunning beaches such as Camarones Beach and Playa Las Glorias nearby, visitors can enjoy sun-soaked days and refreshing ocean breezes. The area also offers convenient access to markets and diverse dining options, making it a well-rounded destination for those looking to unwind and explore.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Puerto Vallarta

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you need an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or a compact car for cost-effectiveness, utilize the filters on Expedia to identify the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices vary with demand, so it’s advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you’re likely to obtain lower rates and better availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 years may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is usually the most advantageous option. Other rentals may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling alternatives, which can also be convenient. Just ensure you return the car empty in those cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You may incur a surcharge for picking up your rental car at airports, but the added convenience might justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind if something unexpected occurs during your trip. It’s easy to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning long road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Puerto Vallarta

The best time to rent a car in and around Puerto Vallarta is July, when prices are at their lowest and demand is quite low. June through August can also offer good value, with June seeing average prices and low demand. April and May are shoulder months, where prices and demand are moderate. In contrast, December is typically the most expensive month, marked by high demand, while January and March also see elevated prices and busy rental periods.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	70.7°F (21.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Slightly High
February	71.1°F (21.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Average
March	72.7°F (22.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Slightly High
April	74.8°F (23.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
May	78.3°F (25.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
June	79.3°F (26.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
July	79.3°F (26.3°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
August	79.2°F (26.2°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
September	78.6°F (25.9°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly Low
October	77.7°F (25.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	74.8°F (23.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
December	71.2°F (21.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High