5 Best Ways to get from Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita, Mexico

You can get from Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita by bus, shared shuttle, private transfer, rental car, or taxi.

The cheapest transportation option from Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita is by public bus, which costs USD 3. The journey takes about 1.5 hours.

The most popular option is the shared shuttle since it provides convenience at a very affordable price of only USD 33.

The fastest way to travel to Sayulita from Puerto Vallarta Airport is by private transfer, rental car, or taxi, which takes about 50 minutes.

Throughout my countless trips across Mexico, I’ve learned the ins and outs of its transportation systems.

In this piece, I will give you a firsthand rundown on moving efficiently from Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita. Dive in!

Check our guide for the best options to travel from Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita.

Transportation Options from Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita

The following table outlines all transportation options from Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita:

Method	Time	Price
Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita Public Bus	~1.5 hrs	~$3
Shuttle from Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita	30 min	$33
Private Transfer from Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita	~50 min	$45 to 219
Taxi from Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita	~50 min	$40 to 50
Rental Car	~50 min	–

How far is Sayulita from Puerto Vallarta Airport?

The distance from Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita is 23.8 miles or 38.3 kilometers.

I takes about 50 minutes to travel from Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita by car.

Getting to Sayulita from Puerto Vallarta Airport

1. Public Bus from Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita

Journey Duration: ~1 hour 30 minutes

A public bus is an economical and relatively straightforward way to get from Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita. Here’s everything you need to know about this transportation option:

Once you exit Puerto Vallarta Airport, head towards the pedestrian overpass. Cross the bridge, and you will find yourself on the main highway, where public buses are available. Look for a Compostela bus marked “Sayulita” – this is your ride.

Buses generally run every 20 minutes from early morning until late at night, offering flexibility for travelers with varying schedules. The travel time is approximately 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. 

Bear in mind that there is no dedicated space for luggage, so if you’re traveling with heavy bags, you might find this option a bit cumbersome.

A one-way ticket typically costs around 50 pesos, less than USD 3. It’s important to note that you should have the exact fare in pesos, as drivers do not usually give change.

The buses are generally comfortable and maintained well, but they’re not luxury coaches. There is no air conditioning and rides can get bumpy on the town roads.

Keep an eye on your belongings, as it can get crowded, and as you approach Sayulita, be ready to press the stop button above your seat – the buses don’t automatically stop at all locations.

This public bus option is best suited for travelers on a budget or those seeking a taste of local life. It’s not the fastest or most convenient way to get to Sayulita, but it offers an authentic Mexican travel experience!

2. Shared Van Shuttle from Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita

Journey Duration: 30 minutes

A more comfortable alternative to the public bus is a Shared Van Shuttle service from Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita. This is a popular choice among tourists seeking convenience at a moderate price point.

Companies like Gray Line offer shared shuttle services directly to Sayulita. Booking your shuttle in advance is a good idea to avoid waiting, especially during peak travel seasons.

Shuttles typically coordinate with flight schedules, meaning a van will usually be ready for departure when your flight lands. 

They’ll drop you off right at your accommodation in Sayulita, which can be a significant advantage after a long flight!

A shared shuttle ticket with Gray Line costs USD 33 per person one way. This price includes a comfortable, air-conditioned ride and assistance with your luggage.

The journey from Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita usually takes 30-50 minutes, depending on the number of drop-offs.

Keep your shuttle booking confirmation handy, as you may need to show it before boarding.

Choosing a Shared Van Shuttle for your journey from Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita combines the benefits of cost-effective travel with added comfort and convenience.

It’s a great middle-ground option for those not wanting to navigate public buses but still wanting to keep costs relatively low.

Check out the schedules and book your shuttle ticket online in advance!

Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita Shared Shuttle Schedule

The table below displays the shared shuttle timetable for trips from Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.

DEP	ETA	DUR	PX
09:30am	10:00am	30m	$33
10:30am	11:00am	30m	$33
12:30pm	01:00pm	30m	$33
01:30pm	02:00pm	30m	$33
02:30pm	03:00pm	30m	$33
03:30pm	04:00pm	30m	$33
04:30pm	05:00pm	30m	$33
06:30pm	07:00pm	30m	$33
08:00pm	08:30pm	30m	$33

3. Private Transfer from Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita

Journey Duration: Custom Time

Opting for a Private Transfer from Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita represents the epitome of comfort, convenience, and efficiency!

Although this mode of transportation comes at a higher cost, its level of service and ease make it a popular choice for many visitors, especially those traveling in a group.

Numerous private transfer companies offer these services to and from the airport. These services must be pre-booked online, ensuring your vehicle is ready and waiting when your flight lands.

The cost of a private transfer varies depending on the provider and the number of passengers, but you can generally expect to pay anywhere from USD 45 to USD 219 one way.

This cost covers the entire vehicle, which could be a more economical option for larger groups or families.

Private transfers are available 24/7, aligning with flight schedules. Once you’ve landed, locate your driver in the arrivals hall—they’ll often hold a sign with your name. They’ll assist with your luggage and guide you to your vehicle.

The journey from Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita in a private transfer takes about an hour, barring unusual traffic conditions.

One significant advantage of private transfers is the direct route—unlike shared shuttles, you won’t need to make multiple stops.

To make everything easier, you can check out the deals and group packages and book your private transfer here!

Prices for a private transfer from Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita:

• 1-3 passengers: USD 45
• 4-5 passengers: USD 89
• 6-9 passengers: USD 164
• 10-12 passengers: USD 219

4. Driving with a Rental Car from Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita

Journey Duration: ~50 minutes

Renting a car provides an appealing choice for those who value independence and flexibility in their travels from Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita.

Having your vehicle allows you to explore at your own pace and extend your adventures beyond public transportation limits.

Car rental companies have counters directly at the airport. You can typically arrange your rental online before your arrival or secure one on the spot, although pre-booking is recommended!

Prices for rentals vary significantly depending on the vehicle type, rental company, and duration of your rental. 

The route to Sayulita is straightforward—primarily via Highway 200. Ensure you have a reliable GPS and know the speed limits.

Lastly, remember that you’ll need a valid driver’s license and a credit card to rent a car in Mexico.

If you’re comfortable driving in a foreign country and value the freedom of movement, renting a car could be an excellent way to get from Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita!

Rentalcars compares 900 companies at over 53,000 locations. Click here to guarantee you the best car rental price.

5. Taxi from Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita

Journey Duration: ~50 minutes

And lastly, a taxi can be a good option for travelers seeking a straightforward and relatively quick method of transportation from Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita.

Upon exiting the airport, you’ll find an official taxi stand where you can hail a ride. Note that taxis from the airport are regulated and follow a fixed pricing structure, so you’ll know the price before you depart.

The cost for a taxi ride from Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita generally ranges between USD 40 and USD 50. The price is per taxi, not per passenger, so sharing a ride with fellow travelers can help offset the cost.

Taxis are available 24/7, making them a convenient choice for travelers arriving on late-night flights. The drive to Sayulita usually takes around 50 minutes to an hour.

Best day tours in Sayulita, Mexico

Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.

Here, you can find some of the best tours in Sayulita, Mexico.

Frequently Asked Questions