The most common - and by far the cheapest - way of getting from point A to point B in Mexico has long been by bus. So whether you're looking for a quick way to get from one side of the city to another or are contemplating venturing off to explore other Mexican cities, take advantage of Puerto Vallarta's inexpensive local and inter-city transit!

Long-Distance Buses in Puerto Vallarta

Welcoming thousands upon thousands of visitors each year, Puerto Vallarta is undeniably a major transportation hub linked up with cities and towns throughout Mexico and beyond. Thanks to the many bus companies that operate out of Puerto Vallarta's main bus station, travelers can further discover the vibrant culture and natural beauty of other Mexican destinations.

Puerto Vallarta's bus station, or "Estación de Autobuses", is located roughly 10 kilometers north of the city on Highway 200. Luckily, most of the inter-city bus lines operating out of Puerto Vallarta have additional offices in the city where you can get information and purchased tickets without having to trek out to the bus station.

To get to and from the bus station, a taxi ride will probably set you back between five and eight dollars and a bus ride only takes a few coins. From the city center, local buses with signs that read "Ixtapa" and "Juntas" will bring you to the main bus terminal. If you're at the bus station and are city-bound, look for buses marked as "Centro" and "Olas Altas". These buses depart from just beside the bus station parking lot and will bring you right into town.

Puerto Vallarta Bus Companies

• Estrella Blanca (and associated bus companies TNS and Elite)
  Office: Corner of streets Badillo & Insurgentes
  www.estrellablanca.com.mx
  
• ETN
  Office: Cárdenas 268
  www.etn.com.mx
  
• Primera Plus
  Office: Cárdenas 268
  www.primeraplus.com.mx
  
• Transportes del Pacífico
  Office: Insurgentes 282
  www.tap.com.mx

Local Puerto Vallarta Buses

To get around the different parts of Puerto Vallarta, a fleet of local buses makes every nook and cranny of the city easily accessible. Passing every five to ten minutes all day long, these buses cover everywhere from the beaches to the south up the coast to the hotel zone and Marina Vallarta, both located kilometers north of Puerto Vallarta.

To get from the city center to the northern parts of town, look for the buses marked "Hoteles", "Aeropuerto", "Pitillal", "Ixtapa" and "Juntas." All of these buses pass through the city en route to the airport, hotel zone and Marina Vallarta. Southern Puerto Vallarta destinations along the coastal highway, such as Mismaloya and Boca de Tomatlán, can be reached by hopping on the "Boca de Tomatlán" buses that constantly from the street Constitución.