How to find a cheap car hire deal in Puerto Vallarta (PVR)
Searching for a cheap Puerto Vallarta rental car? With an average price of 139 € a day, you're on the road to big savings. Whether you're after an economy ride, a road trip-ready SUV, or anything in between, we compare all the top offers to land you a bargain.
6 € is the cheapest daily price offered for a rental at Puerto Vallarta.
Staying a while in Puerto Vallarta and want to explore beyond the main attractions? 38 € is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
To get the cheapest price, book your PVR car hire around three weeks in advance.
Check out the offers available from America, MEX and Europcar. These are some of the popular providers at Puerto Vallarta.
Whether you book with America or a different supplier, double-check the coverage on your Puerto Vallarta car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as a paid extra.
Booking one-way could snag you a cheaper rate on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved between sites. Just select 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for hire in PVR.
Save money on fuel by choosing a car hire in Puerto Vallarta that has a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect your vehicle with a full tank and drop it off full, so you only pay for what you use.
Explore without limits by searching for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can go as far as you like with no extra cost.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best value with this company, with average prices at 15 € a day.
Not far behind, this provider offers daily rates of around 40 €.
The third option also shows up on the list of top-value suppliers. Cruise away in one of their rentals for roughly 47 € a day.
The Compact rental category is a reliable choice if you're not sure which ride is right for you. It's also the vehicle type that's rented the most at PVR.
Compare car hire types from Puerto Vallarta (PVR)
Small: These cheap Puerto Vallarta rental cars may be small in size, but they're big on what matters. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to manoeuvre, great on mileage, and just the thing for short trips.
Medium: A smart pick when you need something that's easy to manoeuvre but with a few more features. This category covers compact and intermediate models that come with a bit of extra room compared to smaller cars.
Large: Offering greater driving comfort and extra tech features, this PVR car hire option includes full-size cars. With roomier back seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: SUVs are made for plans that change mid-journey. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for city streets and country backroads alike.
Van: Choose this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Puerto Vallarta that makes light work of heavy loads. Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're built to carry more, whether that's equipment, luggage or large groups.
Insurance and optional extras
Adding excess insurance to your PVR car hire offers peace of mind. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of theft or damage. Insurance policies can differ from one provider to another, so always compare your options.
Upgrade your ride with extras like a navigation system or mobile Wi-Fi. These features can turn your drive into a smoother experience when you rent a car in Puerto Vallarta.
Good to know
Age requirements for rentals can vary by company and even car type, so know the rules before you book. Some providers in Mexico may rent to younger drivers for an extra fee. If you're outside the typical age bracket, simply uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to explore your options.
Travelling with kids? Car seat requirements vary according to the location, and the right setup may depend on their age, weight and height. Confirm whether you need to add one to your PVR car rental booking.
Bring the right documents to keep the pick-up process smooth. You'll typically need your physical driver's licence (not a screenshot or digital version) and a second photo ID. Have a credit card ready for the deposit too. If extra requirements apply, your booking will list them.
Get acquainted with your rental. Adjust your seat and mirrors, learn where everything is, and get comfortable with its handling before you set off. And importantly, stick to the right side of the road in Mexico.
Local speed limits can vary, but it's normally around 45kph in built-up areas and 100kph or so along highways. Always obey the road signs.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Mexico is 0.04%. Because alcohol doesn't affect all people equally, the only way to be sure you're safe to drive is to avoid drinking.
You'll be using the Mexican peso (MXN) for all your purchases and expenses on your trip. You may find it helpful to carry a mix of cards and cash to cover you in every situation.
Drive smarter from the start
Get the adventure started once you've picked up the keys to your PVR car hire. You'll have the freedom to go wherever you want, but if you're off to central Puerto Vallarta, it'll take you about 20 minutes to cover the 11 kilometres or so southeast.
During rush hour, expect the drive from Puerto Vallarta to the centre to take up to 30 minutes.
Around 8am is one of the busiest times for traffic around this destination. Try to avoid peak times generally for a smoother trip.
You can also get the keys to a car hire in Puerto Vallarta. If you don't need a vehicle immediately on arrival, wait until you're in the city and avoid paying for unused rental days.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Puerto Vallarta (PVR)
Before leaving town, do some sightseeing around Puerto Vallarta first. Popular attractions like Welcome to Puerto Vallarta and Malecón Puerto Vallarta are the perfect warm-up to your travels.
Keep travelling to Tepic. Around 97 kilometres north of PVR, it's home to must-do sights like Museo Regional de Nayarit and Zocalo Park.
Alternatively, take the wheel of your Puerto Vallarta car hire and head roughly 97 kilometres northeast to Ixtlán del Río. Featuring El salto del diablo and Cerro de Santa Catalina, there's no shortage of attractions that demand a visit.
Take things a bit further and road-trip it to Tlaquepaque, about 209 kilometres east of PVR. Kick things off at Parque Central, then spend some time at La Casa Histórica de Tlaquepaque.
