Airport pick up Puerto Vallarta

[Loggie]

We will be going to Puerto Vallarta and need airport pick up ............. who should we use?

 

[Passepartout]

Most people going to a resort from PVR would go out past the timeshare sharks to the taxi stand outside and join the que, but if you want a private transfer, why not email or call your resort's concierge for a recommendation? They would know who gives good service. (or who tokes the concierge but that's a chance you take anywhere.

Jim

 

[T_R_Oglodyte]

Most of the resorts will arrange for a pickup, at a cheaper price than using a taxi at the airport. They do that to make their guests less likely to get snared by one of the timeshare companies that offer transportation in exchange for signing you up for a sales pitch.

Your cheapest option is to do what the locals do, which is to go out the airport doors, then go to the left on the sidewalk to the foot bridge over the carretera. Cross to the other side and catch a cab at the taxi stand on that side of the bridge. That's a normal taxi stand that doesn't have to pay the airport concession fee. The foot bridge has ramps on both sides, so if you have an ordinary size wheeled suitcase this works fine. On the whole, it's about the same as taking your bag all the way to the end of the concourse at a major airport when making a connection with a carryon bag.

 

[timesharejunkie4]

Yes you can schlep your luggage across the footbridge to save about 2/3 of the cost. We stayed at Villa del Palmar in November; the resort offered transportation for $14/person. We declined and took a taxi at the airport for 450pesos or ~$22.50 for all 4 of us. I believe they charge by zone. Here is a link to the cost of airport taxis, http://vallartainfo.com/transportation/

 

[T_R_Oglodyte]

And if all you have is a backpack you just catch the bus (without going over the bridge) and take the bus into town. (But if your resort is in the Marina or beyond downtown (Conchas Chinas or further) them you will need to know how to catch the second bus to your destination.)

 

[Passepartout]

We are going to a resort in the PV Marina. Resort emailed me that they would arrange private transport for $11 USD pp. DW will be somewhat mobility challenged. Is this a deal or about a toss-up with taxis?

Jim

 

[rpennisi]

Sounds like about a wash to me Jim. The taxi would probably be more timely and convenient. Sometimes you have to wait for the resort transportation to come, and if it's a van, there may be more of a wait for others. I am assuming the trip is just for the two of you.
Ron

 

[KarenLK]

if your wife is mobility challenged, be advised that crossing the street to take the off-site taxi requires walking up a long flight of stairs, crossing ABOVE the street and then down the stairs.

 

[Passepartout]

if your wife is mobility challenged, be advised that crossing the street to take the off-site taxi requires walking up a long flight of stairs, crossing ABOVE the street and then down the stairs.

Thanks. I'd already figured that out and rejected that idea. If price is more-or-less a wash we'll prolly go for the private transfer.

 

[easyrider]

I think a taxi or the private transfer right in front of the airport would be the way to go. Sometime the $5 savings just isn't worth $5 when convenience is factored in.

Bill

 

[T_R_Oglodyte]

if your wife is mobility challenged, be advised that crossing the street to take the off-site taxi requires walking up a long flight of stairs, crossing ABOVE the street and then down the stairs.

FWIW - it's not stairs, but a ramp.

You can see the bridge in Google Maps street view here.

 

[KarenLK]

Then it has changed, I think...I always remember it being stairs, at least on the other side. Either way, it would not be an easy trek for someone who is challenged.

 

[bellesgirl]

We always just take a taxi from the airport stand. BUT we get money from the ATM at the airport, if we don't have any left over from last year. They will quote you US $$ but ask how much for pesos. Always much cheaper with pesos as they give a lousy conversion rate. That way you can save money and have the convenience.

 

[T_R_Oglodyte]

Then it has changed, I think...I always remember it being stairs, at least on the other side. Either way, it would not be an easy trek for someone who is challenged.

Certainly not for the physically challenged. But the ramps do make it easier with luggage.

 

[pittle]

It has been a ramp for a long time. It is steep for someone who is physically challenged. We travel light - 22" roller bag and small rolling computer bag for each of us. We generally arrive around 2:00, so pull our bags across the bridge and have lunch at Tacon De Marlin before snagging a taxi to our resort. I think it was 120 pesos ($6) this year to the Buganvilias. We also did the reverse on December 5th, this year since we had a 3:00 flight - Lunch at Tacon De Marlin and the crossed the bridge to check in.

 

[KarenLK]

Six dollars? I might try it depending on how much luggage I have.

 

[sunshine3330]

We always get a taxi at the taxi stand in the airport. I pay in pesos which is way cheaper than paying in US. I always have some leftover from previous visit or get from bank before heading to Mexico. Because I have problems walking long distances, the airline always has a wheelchair waiting when I disembark the airplane. The courtesy clerk will take us to the luggage claim area, help load the luggage cart, through customs, then to the taxi stand or the guys waiting at the front door to order a taxi. When the taxi arrives, I am wheeled to the taxi. There is no walking involved at all. Taxi would be either a van or sedan, depending number of passengers in your group. And I always tip the courtesy clerk who wheeled me at the airport. I should also mention that I have found getting taxi at airport is less expensive than using a private transfer company. Learned this through experience.

 

[pittle]

Six dollars? I might try it depending on how much luggage I have.

The exchange rate was 20.74 pesos per $ in November. This made for a less expensive vacation while there! It was 210 pesos from the Buganvilias to Grand Mayan, so $10 and from Nuevo Grand Mayan, it was 190 pesos ($9.25) to the Tacon De Marlin. We always use pesos in Mexico. I bring home enough to buy dinner, beverages at OXXO and taxi the first day of our next trip.

 

[chalucky]

Across the bridge are there larger vehicles that can take all our luggage? We have always arranged for a van pickup but walking for short distance seems reasonable.
We are exchangers into Grand Luxxe and only owner get free pickup I am told.

 

[bellesgirl]

Across the bridge are there larger vehicles that can take all our luggage? We have always arranged for a van pickup but walking for short distance seems reasonable.
We are exchangers into Grand Luxxe and only owner get free pickup I am told.

When we exchanged to the Grand Mayan in the Cancun area a few years ago, we got free pickup and we were exchangers. Our son and daughter with respective families, also got free transportation and they were not even on the reservation. It seems like if they do it for Cancun they should do it for Nuevo. I would recommend you contact the concierge via email and ask about their airport pickup.

 

[pittle]

Across the bridge are there larger vehicles that can take all our luggage? We have always arranged for a van pickup but walking for short distance seems reasonable.
We are exchangers into Grand Luxxe and only owner get free pickup I am told.

No, there are not larger vehicles across the street. Exchangers do get picked up for "Free". It is included in the $75 fee that also includes, WIFI, Gym Use, and Santuario cover charge. Check your exchange confirmation - it was on ours with SFX in November (but, we were already in PV, so did not use it). It is also on our II exchange for next November.

 

[T_R_Oglodyte]

Across the bridge are there larger vehicles that can take all our luggage? We have always arranged for a van pickup but walking for short distance seems reasonable.
We are exchangers into Grand Luxxe and only owner get free pickup I am told.

The stand across the street is a regular taxi cab stand. Full size vehicles and the occasional van.

If you click on the Google maps street view link I provided above and pan to the right, you can see the cabs lined up there, including one mini-van type of vehicle.

 

[bbobo1812@yahoo.com]

It has been a ramp for a long time. It is steep for someone who is physically challenged. We travel light - 22" roller bag and small rolling computer bag for each of us. We generally arrive around 2:00, so pull our bags across the bridge and have lunch at Tacon De Marlin before snagging a taxi to our resort. I think it was 120 pesos ($6) this year to the Buganvilias. We also did the reverse on December 5th, this year since we had a 3:00 flight - Lunch at Tacon De Marlin and the crossed wethe bridge to check in.

I just read your post that mentioned Buganvilias and we are thinking of visiting in April on a trade. Any suggestions for what to see in the area? What to avoid? It will be our first trip to Mexico.

 

[pittle]

I just read your post that mentioned Buganvilias and we are thinking of visiting in April on a trade. Any suggestions for what to see in the area? What to avoid? It will be our first trip to Mexico.

Our family loves Buganvilias because of the location. There are several nice restaurants within a short walking distance. You can walk to the Malecon and see the downtown area. You can catch a bus and go to the Marina, Bucerias, Punta de Mita, Salylita.We can do as much or as little as we want. If you have walked downtown and want to take a taxi back, the cost is very reasonable. The Mega (grocery) is about 3 blocks away. The staff is friendly and you will find lots of folks who return each year that can let you know what not to miss. Puerto Vallarta is a great place to visit.

 

[bbobo1812@yahoo.com]

Thanks so very much! We can hardly wait!