Using the bus system in Puerto Vallarta is an excellent way to explore the city and its surrounding areas. Not only is it cost-effective, but it also provides a genuine local experience. However, as a visitor, it’s essential to be mindful of the locals who rely on buses for their daily commutes. This guide will help you navigate the bus system like a seasoned traveler while respecting the community.
Key Considerations
- Respect Local Commuters: Many locals use buses to get to and from work, often after long, exhausting shifts. Be considerate of this during peak times (typically early morning and late afternoon). If a bus is packed, consider waiting for the next one.
- Offer Your Seat: If you’re seated and notice a senior, a pregnant woman, or someone with small children standing, offer your seat as a courtesy. Some seats near the front are reserved explicitly for these passengers.
- Support Local Performers: Occasionally, performers or musicians may board the bus seeking tips. While this is optional, giving a few pesos helps foster the friendly and welcoming spirit that makes Vallarta so unique.
Why Take the Bus?
- Budget-Friendly: Fares start as low as 10 pesos for city routes and increase slightly for trips to surrounding towns.
- Convenient: Buses frequently run on major routes, making getting around without a car easy.
- Local Perspective: Riding with residents offers a more immersive experience and a chance to enjoy scenic views along the way.
Practical Tips for Bus Travel
- Exact Fare: Pay the driver directly when you board and try to have the exact change, as drivers often don’t carry much cash.
- Keep Your Ticket: Inspectors may randomly hop on ticketed buses to ensure passengers have paid.
- Know the Routes: Download the Moovit app for live route information. Or use Google Maps to locate the right stops to catch your buses.
- Plan Ahead: Buses don’t offer transfers or round-trip tickets; each fare is for a one-way journey.
Common Routes and Fares In Puerto Vallarta
- City Routes: 10 pesos
- Look for buses marked with your destination on the windshield.
- For downtown, buses labeled Centro travel through the city center. Those marked Túnel bypass downtown, heading straight to the Romantic Zone.
- Romantic Zone to Boca de Tomatlán: 10 pesos
- Board an Orange & White C01 – Mismaloya bus at the corner of Basilio Badillo & Constitution.
- Stops include Conchas Chinas, Dreams Resort, and Mismaloya.
- Romantic Zone to Botanical Gardens: 25 pesos
- Take a Blue Bus labeled El Tuito / Botanical Gardens from V. Carranza & Aguacate.
- Take a Blue Bus labeled El Tuito / Botanical Gardens from V. Carranza & Aguacate.
To Nearby Towns
- Puerto Vallarta → Sayulita: 45 pesos
- Take a city bus to Walmart ($10 pesos).
- Switch to a Green Compostela bus with Sayulita on the windshield (35 pesos).
- Puerto Vallarta → Bucerías: 24–35 pesos
- Travel to Walmart first (10 pesos).
- Transfer to an ATM bus (25 pesos) or a Green Compostela bus (14 pesos).
- Puerto Vallarta → Nuevo Vallarta: 35 pesos
- Catch an ATM bus to Nuevo Vallarta from Walmart.
- Puerto Vallarta → Boca de Tomatlán: 10 pesos
- Board the Boca bus at the corner of Basilio Badillo & Constitution.
- Puerto Vallarta → Botanical Gardens & El Tuito: $25–50 pesos
- Use the El Tuito / Botanical Gardens bus from V. Carranza & Aguacate.
Insider Advice
- Avoid Rush Hours: Buses are busiest during the early morning and late afternoon when locals commute.
- Choose the Right Side: For the best ocean views, sit on the right-hand side when heading south.
- Returning from Botanical Gardens: Carefully cross the highway at the gardens’ entrance to the covered bench area for your return bus.
Helpful Spanish Phrases
- Where is the bus stop? ¿Dónde está la parada del autobús?
- How long to get to [destination]? ¿Cuánto se demora en llegar a [destino]?
- Bus Stop: Parada
- Driver: Chofer
Discover Puerto Vallarta the Local Way
By following this guide, you’ll not only navigate the bus system with ease but also contribute to the respectful, harmonious atmosphere that defines Puerto Vallarta. Whether you’re heading to a picturesque beach or exploring the bustling city center, the bus is a fantastic way to see the area and connect with its vibrant community.
