Puerto Vallarta car hire information
| Pick-up location | Puerto Vallarta |
|---|---|
| Car types | |
| Hire locations | 52 |
| Airport locations | 27 |
Cheap car rentals in Puerto Vallarta
| Mini |
| Economy |
| Compact |
| Intermediate |
| Standard |
| Full-size |
| Luxury |
| People mover |
| Passenger van |
| SUV |
| Commercial |
| Pick-up truck |
Top tips for hiring a car in Puerto Vallarta
- Perhaps the top reason travelers should rent a vehicle during their time in Puerto Vallarta is that there is no better way to see the beautiful coastline. There are many gorgeous beach spots that dot the coastline near Puerto Vallarta and many of them are a quick drive from town. Some of the options include Playa de los Muertos (7 km or 3.4 miles away) and Playa las Gemelas (16 km or 10 miles away).
- Excited to begin your trip in Puerto Vallarta? You can pick up your hire car as soon as you arrive. For travelers with flights to Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport, the hire car counters can be found in both the National and International Arrivals Halls.
- Francisco Medina Ascencio is the main road in Puerto Vallarta and is often a key part of any itinerary. It is a very large road with four lanes of traffic on each side and can be a bit confusing for first time drivers. For instance, to take a left turn off the road you must exit onto one of the parallel running access roads and from there you can exit onto other streets.
- Rush hour in Puerto Vallarta, like in many cities in Mexico, is no joke. In general, the morning rush hour goes from 7:00 a.m. and lasts until 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. As for the afternoon and evening peak, it starts at around 5:00 p.m. and finishes up at around 7:00 p.m. Highway 200, one of the main thoroughfares in Puerto Vallarta, experiences the bulk of the city’s congestion and should be avoided during peak hours.
- Book your rental car in Puerto Vallarta at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Economy rental cars in Puerto Vallarta are around 90% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta car rental reviews and directory
Alamo
5.0
Fair
64 reviewsBest rated
Cleanliness
5.6
Comfort
5.4
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.1
Value for money
4.4
2 locations in Puerto Vallarta
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Reviews
2.0 Poor
May 2021
Cons:
Plane arrived late, there was no one at the Alamo counter in the airport despite still being within hours of operation. I was told they close at any time if they no longer have cars to rent, but then my reservation was not honored. Will never rent from Alamo again, poor customer service in puerto Vallarta.10.0 Wonderful
May 2021
Pros:
Staff was friendly and efficient.Cons:
I thought the car pickup was located at the airport but it was a short distance away.2.0 Poor
Apr 2021
Pros:
Shuttle pickup and drop off quick except location way off airport and negotiating traffic very haedCons:
We reSERVED A Jetta or versa they gave us a VW that was smaller Had been wrecked sounded like front end was going to fall out and had a bald tire They didn’t care2.0 Poor
Mar 2021
Pros:
Terrible staff. Location is NOT in airport, it’s miles away. Made us wait for 20 minutes for pick up. Once there they did not let me deny insurances although I am insured by Amex. The forced insurances were more expensive than the car rental itself. I tried talking to the manager but he was equal or worst than the employees. When we checked the car for damages I tried to do a video but the employee would not acknowledge the date, name or name of the company. Left my Amex cc open for a couple thousand dollars only to fin out one day later that “someone” tried to use my card for internet purchases upwards of $3,000 usd. TERRIBLE COMPANYCons:
Honesty. Service. Timing. Acknowledging and actually charging me what I reserved.2.0 Poor
Jan 2021
Pros:
Nothing, it was the worst experience I've ever had, the car was gone, the price was jacked up, and I was told to go.Cons:
Everything. This was terrible.2.0 Poor
Jan 2021
Cons:
Got there to rent the car and they want to charge 4 times the on-line quote I went to another car rental companyAce
3.9
Poor
31 reviewsCleanliness
4.1
Comfort
4.1
Pick-up/Drop-off
3.7
Value for money
3.9
One location in Puerto Vallarta
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Reviews
4.0 Mediocre
Feb 2021
Pros:
The car was comfortableCons:
The rental was $15 and when I arrived they charged me $65 for insurance. That was a surprise and not explained to me.2.0 Poor
Feb 2021
Cons:
The car dealer try to rip me off and wanted $800 US as a deposit until we returned the car! I told you he was out of his mind.6.4 Okay
Dec 2020
Cons:
They ‘find’ tiny imperfections on the car at time of return, things that would be considered regular wear and tear in the US2.0 Poor
Dec 2019
Pros:
Nothing. Impossible to deal withCons:
Everything. Do not rent from ACE2.0 Poor
Jan 2019
Pros:
NothingCons:
We did not get the rental because they gave it away without notice.2.0 Poor
Apr 2018
Cons:
We called Ace in Mexico to confirm the options for liability insurance, and were quoted a certain price and told that it was optional. When we arrived, the price was double and were told it was not an option. So just factor this in to your costs!Sixt
9.3
Wonderful
5 reviewsCleanliness
9.3
Comfort
9.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.6
Value for money
9.3
4 locations in Puerto Vallarta
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Reviews
6.0 Okay
Jul 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Jan 2022
Routes Car & Truck Rentals
7.3
Good
6 reviewsCleanliness
6.6
Comfort
7.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.3
Value for money
6.3
One location in Puerto Vallarta
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Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Apr 2021
Pros:
Location, friendly staffCons:
Not much, it was pretty good!10.0 Wonderful
Apr 2021
Pros:
Yes2.0 Poor
Apr 2021
Pros:
I like nothing, it was the worst experience ever. I DO NOT RECOMMEND ROUTES CAR RENTAL AT ALL. I want my money backCons:
Everything10.0 Wonderful
Mar 2021
Pros:
The staff was very friendly2.0 Poor
Dec 2021
10.0 Wonderful
Jun 2021
Pros:
Everything was good!Cons:
We found that we didn’t need the car as much as we thought we would. Plenty of taxis and where we stayed everything was within walking distance.Enterprise Rent-A-Car
6.4
Okay
5 reviewsCleanliness
7.6
Comfort
7.2
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.4
Value for money
5.6
3 locations in Puerto Vallarta
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Reviews
4.0 Mediocre
Jan 2022
2.0 Poor
Jan 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Dec 2022
6.0 Okay
Nov 2021
Avis
6.2
Okay
19 reviewsCleanliness
6.2
Comfort
6.1
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.8
Value for money
5.9
2 locations in Puerto Vallarta
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Reviews
4.0 Mediocre
May 2023
4.0 Mediocre
Apr 2023
2.0 Poor
Apr 2023
2.0 Poor
Mar 2023
2.0 Poor
Mar 2023
8.0 Very Good
Feb 2023
Advantage
6.0
Okay
2 reviewsCleanliness
6.0
Comfort
6.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.0
Value for money
6.0
One location in Puerto Vallarta
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Reviews
2.0 Poor
Jul 2019
Pros:
Nothing, when I got there they didn’t have a car.Cons:
They said that my reservation wasn’t in their system.10.0 Wonderful
Nov 2018
Pros:
The folks at the car rental office were excellent. Spoke English well, and were very helpful. Often, renting a car in Mexico can be an ordeal, as the business model is "give the car away, but gouge for as much insurance money as you can." This was different; I have an umbrella policy that covers everything but international car rental liability, so that was all the coverage I purchased with the rental. No problema. The guys in the office completely understood and didn't give me the usual arm-twisting. I'll def use this agency again!Cons:
I reserved a Camry with automatic. I got a tiny little Chevy with manual tranny and everything else, too. (No cruise? No power mirrors? No remote locking? What is this? 1967?) But that is a petty complaint, considering the overall experience.Firefly
5.2
Fair
4 reviewsCleanliness
6.0
Comfort
5.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
4.5
Value for money
3.5
One location in Puerto Vallarta
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Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2022
2.0 Poor
Jan 2021
Pros:
NothingCons:
Unfelt like it was a total rip off. Our rental was supposed to be 56.00 for the week but then the insurance would be 555.00 for one week! Ridiculous completely bogus! We walked out without our rental.4.0 Mediocre
Jan 2021
Pros:
This question doesn't apply.Cons:
We didn't accept the offer. The initial price of the rental was $175 but at the pick up point tha=ey asked for $500. It was unacceptable...4.8 Mediocre
Dec 2018
Pros:
I’ve rented in Mexico for years. Worst exp yet. Make sure you use gecko instead. Upfront n clear about cost n Insurance. Went for 350 for the whole rental to 1000.Cons:
Poor service n bait n switch. They were going to lot abold on my card of the whole value of the vehicle if I used the insurance of my credit card....22k usd.Economy Rent a Car
4.7
Mediocre
10 reviewsCleanliness
5.0
Comfort
4.4
Pick-up/Drop-off
4.6
Value for money
4.4
One location in Puerto Vallarta
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Reviews
2.0 Poor
Apr 2021
Pros:
This car rental company is a scam. Their website is a bait and switch. We walked out of their offices and rented from a different company. Just waiting to check my CC for the damages. DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY!Cons:
They could have been straight forward from the web site through the pick up.2.0 Poor
Mar 2021
Pros:
Nothing. Staff lied and was dishonest as well as punks when I checked out. They lied to me when I extended our stay and the price was nearly double when dropping off the car. Terrible and sleazy. Not a good representation of Kayak, Hertz or Mexico. Stealing is a crime but I had a flight to catch and they use it against you. Losers. I will be reporting this all to my credit card company but the criminals at Hertz show you fine print stating you agreed. People who take advantage of others should be fired.Cons:
Do not steal and take advantage of travelers that are visiting to experience the beauty of your country. They lied to me when I extended our stay and the price was nearly double when dropping off the car. Terrible and sleazy. Not a good representation of Kayak, Hertz or Mexico. Stealing is a crime but I had a flight to catch and they use it against you. Losers. I will be reporting this all to my credit card company but the criminals at Hertz show you fine print stating you agreed. People who take advantage of others should be fired.2.0 Poor
Jul 2019
Pros:
The goodwill of the service personal at the pick up site, they did their best in spite of the poor infrastructure and maintenance of the cars.Cons:
1) Bettter cars: cars without broken windshields; cars with good maintenance. The air-conditioner had a terrible smell. On day five, the cooling system stopped working along with the AC; other alarms went off. The substituted car missed the fuel-cap. 2) Get the customer the car we paid for.3.2 Poor
Nov 2018
Cons:
Wasn’t the car I wanted, attendent wasn’t there when I go there or took it back (sign on the door), charged $20 mandatory insurance (which covered hardly anything) daily which was twice as much as the rental, never again4.0 Mediocre
Jan 2017
Pros:
Liability only insurance was $28 per day. There is no sign at the airport directing you to this company. One staff member in the office to process the paperwork for cars going out and coming back. Between trying to find the company 30 minutes and the one staff in the office it seemed to take an hour and half to rent the car. To top it off I have never paid so much for liability insurance only. The girl said the rate was higher because of the holiday season. Usually I am out the door with ins and car for $250. This was $375 for 6 days in a Jetta. Seemed like a scam.1.9 Poor
Oct 2021
Thrifty
4.0
Mediocre
9 reviewsCleanliness
4.5
Comfort
5.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
4.0
Value for money
4.0
3 locations in Puerto Vallarta
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Reviews
2.0 Poor
May 2021
Pros:
They did not have a car for me. I had to walk to another place to find a car. Terrible to book a car and not have one for them.Cons:
If they would have reserved my car.2.0 Poor
Jan 2017
Pros:
I did not rent a car it was so costly for insurance6.0 Okay
Jan 2017
Pros:
Nice staff, I ended up with a good car.Cons:
The final price was significantly higher than advertised. Did not have the car when I showed up. No guarantee that they will have the car even if you pre-pay, our trip was during the high season (last week of December).2.0 Poor
Dec 2016
Pros:
Not muchCons:
Poor and slow pickup and transfer. The office is a mess in a hard to get to location Staff is rude and nasty. When I booked no one informed me of mandetory insurance that is 50% of the rental fee. Nice surprise that both the booking agent price line and thrifty left out or was hidden2.0 Poor
Jan 2022
2.0 Poor
Jun 2021
Cons:
The pickup and drop off process is much too slow. I waited in line for 45 minutes to pickup my car. At drop off, I was the only customer there and it still took 20 minutes to check me out. The insurance is ridiculously expensive and I did not have an option to waive it.Dollar
3.8
Poor
3 reviewsCleanliness
4.0
Comfort
4.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
4.0
Value for money
3.0
2 locations in Puerto Vallarta
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Reviews
3.6 Poor
Feb 2019
Pros:
Our van was not ready for the day requested, so the staff lent us their shuttle van so we were not stranded, or incite extra costs for taxis. This was appreciated, particularly given the price deception.Cons:
The price advertised was dramatically less than what was actuality. While this was a red flag, it remains categorically price deceptive. Beyond this, we were expected to participate in a timeshare presentation.4.0 Mediocre
Dec 2018
Pros:
Newer model vanCons:
Fee did not include “mandatory” liability insurance. Was not explained prior to booking. More than doubled the anticipated cost of rental vehicle6.4 Okay
Nov 2016
Pros:
After I get to the place, they surprise me with an additional $431 of insurance fees and taxes.Cons:
After I get to the place, they surprise me with an additional $431 of insurance fees and taxes.Europcar
3.7
Poor
21 reviewsCleanliness
4.2
Comfort
3.8
Pick-up/Drop-off
4.0
Value for money
4.0
One location in Puerto Vallarta
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Reviews
2.0 Poor
Mar 2021
Cons:
I reserved the car, place my credit card info. And once I got their I got told yeah here's your reservation and we have your car. But a few minutes later they told me I didn't book it correctly and that they didn't have a car for me. It was extremely frustrating because then I had to try and find a new car rental that same day. Very poor service.8.8 Very Good
Mar 2020
Pros:
Staff was very friendly and helpful.2.0 Poor
Mar 2020
Pros:
They lied about prices and terrible customer service. Lies about prices and then traps you forcing to say okay or else you'll be stuck away from the airport and away from your hotel.Cons:
Everything could have been better4.4 Mediocre
May 2019
Cons:
The car rental pickup office did not honor my 3rd party insurance purchased through Allianz.8.0 Very Good
May 2019
Pros:
Onsite staff very friendly.Cons:
Paid for insurance online and charged but did not show up on their office system in a foreign country. Had to rebuy and now how to dispute first charge with credit card company.9.6 Wonderful
Feb 2019
Pros:
AbsolutelyCons:
To be more clear with explanations of the total fare2 locations in Puerto Vallarta
Locations in Puerto Vallarta
Francisco Medina Ascencio 141
+52 322 221 1210
Km 7.5 Carretera Tepic
+52 322 221 1210
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7.6 Good
Apr 2017
Pros:
The car was fine and the people in the Puerto Vallarta office spoke English which was nice. It was nice to be able to pick up in Puerto Vallarta and drop off in Guadalajara.Cons:
The one way fee of $200 seemed excessive but the fact that the mandatory insurance cost even more was totally unexpected. Although Mexican drivers are crazy so while expensive, the insurance is probably worth it if you get in an accident. It would have been nice to know the cost of the insurance ahead of time. It was unanticipated and cut into our budget.3.2 Poor
Mar 2017
Cons:
Didn't have the right car and then had to pay for the upgrade because the right car wasn't there2.0 Poor
Jan 2017
Pros:
When I got to budget they charged 48.00 for mandatory insurance while hassling us to look at time shares for a free car rental. Claimed the car rental was in airport but it was off sight.2.0 Poor
Jan 2017
Pros:
Car was cleanCons:
1. High-Pressure tactics about taking insurance... You are not obligated to take their insurance (Visa Cards often cover you), and they charge you 90% of the cost of the rental in INSURANCE - my car cost $200/day !!!!! It was just a VW Jetta.... 2. They refuse to rent you the car, unless you take the minimum insurance 3. They hold your CC hostage for many thousands of dollars, unless you take their insurance. 4. Rent from: Gecko or SIXT - honest and good people who INCLUDE the cost of the insurance in the price per day!!!2.0 Poor
Jan 2017
Pros:
The car was cleanCons:
I was upset of the fact the rates went up from what I had reserved online to what I ended up paying. Horrible customer service in pick up. Will never use them again!4.4 Mediocre
Jan 2017
Pros:
The car itself was just fine.Cons:
The actual pickup location added about 100% in extra taxes and fees from what was both advertised and reserved. It literally doubled the cost of the car. Very, very misleading.2 locations in Puerto Vallarta
Locations in Puerto Vallarta
Calle Av. Francisco Medina Asc
+52 322 221 0263
Francisco Medina Ascencio 141
+52 33 3688 6609
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Reviews
4.8 Mediocre
Oct 2019
Pros:
The staff at pickup was good and the vehicle overall was satisfactory.Cons:
We were charged to replace a flat tire and were charged for an upgrade even though we didn't ask for one and got the vehicle type that we requested.2.0 Poor
Sep 2019
Cons:
employees there try to rip you off any way they can via trying to upsell you insurance and other vehicles. they also take forever to check in, at least an hour. I would never reccomend this place to anyone!!5.6 Fair
Apr 2018
Pros:
Ease of booking via priceline and the seemingly good priceCons:
Once at PVR, the taxes, fees, and "required" insurance coverage nearly tripled the cost of the car rental. Plus, we had to wait 1 hour for the shuttle to Enterprise, after being told that a car wasn't available via Budget (the rental company confirmed by Payless).2.0 Poor
Nov 2017
Pros:
If you want to pay more.....Payless!Cons:
Reservation was made for an SUV to fit 4 people plus golf gear. Upon arrival, they did not have an SUV available so offered us a Jetta. They also don't include mandatory insurance in their quote (doubled the price of the rental). As we could not fit all the people + gear in the Jetta, 2 people had to take a taxi to our destination. +80$. The office was not open early enough before our return flight which again meant another 2 taxi's from punta mita to PVR. The (child?) manager Jaime was openly rude, unhelpful, and unwilling to compromise despite us paying out of pocket for three 40 minute taxis due to their screw ups. He even told us that the taxi we booked through the 4 seasons was "not a real taxi" then suddenly he went back to not being able to speak english. Huge waste of time and money on our vacation. Could not urge you to look elsewhere strongly enough.2.0 Poor
Apr 2017
Cons:
We made a rental reservation online prior to arriving in Mexico. The rental rate was very, very inexpensive, but we figured that was because the region didn't have many renters. When we arrived at the rental facility after 6 hours of travel, burdened with our luggage, we were told that there was an additional $38/day rental cost to cover liability insurance. The fact that I have individual auto insurance and rental insurance through my credit card company didn't matter. What a complete and total ripoff. Because the car wasn't absolutely essential, we ended up calling a taxi and paying 1/3 of what we would have paid for the rental. When I make a booking that tells me all taxes and fees are included, I expect that to be true when I arrive to pick up my vehicle.2.0 Poor
Mar 2017
Cons:
You get offered a very low rate for the car. But, upon arrival you are forced to buy required minimum insurance, which was quoted at oaver $300. They even lowered it to "negotiate". I've rented cars in Mexico before and I'm well aware 3PL insurance is required in Mexico and your insurance and your credit card insurance does not cover this. It normally ranges $10-15 a day MAX. So for a 7 day rental a $300 charge for this insurance was a total scam and makes it feel very timeshare like game playing. When I rent a car, show the price of the car to me and don't hike the cost of ancillary insurance to make up for the low cost of the actual car rental. It is a very shady way of operating a business and I walked out of the rental place, took a taxi and called it a day.4 locations in Puerto Vallarta
Locations in Puerto Vallarta
Carr. Costera A Barra De
+52 322 226 5000
Carretera Punta De Mita
+52 624 142 1022
Carretera Tepic Km 7 5
+52 322 221 1226
Marriott Hotel
+52 322 226 0069
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Reviews
2.0 Poor
May 2021
Pros:
Once we got the vehicle we wanted it served it’s purposeCons:
We were completely scammed from the minute that we walked into the Hertz office in Mexico. They took advantage of us and it was very sad. Even though our taxes and fees were including the rental price they forced additional taxes and fees which we knew was incorrect. They forced us to get insurance when we wanted to waive it and we had already confirmed that we had insurance with both our auto company and through our credit card before hand. We were also forced to pay for the full tank of gasoline when we have only usedLess than half. The entire experience was very unfortunate and wrong. They also wouldn’t give us the keys to our vehicle until we sat through a seminar on excursions and “” discounts because we got a car rental. We should not have been forced to do that.2.0 Poor
Mar 2017
Pros:
didn't rent carCons:
when we got there, were hit up for a USA$22/day insurance fee, unannounced when reserving8.0 Very Good
Feb 2017
Pros:
The personnel were very friendlyCons:
It is a little pricy4.0 Mediocre
Jan 2017
Pros:
NaCons:
I have a premium car rental insurance with Amex that I pay $24 per rental. National wouldn't that insurance and wants us to settle with their for $40 per day. Upon my return and checkin with amex, it seems that agent misled us2.0 Poor
Mar 2022
One location in Puerto Vallarta
Locations in Puerto Vallarta
Aeropuerto Intl. Lic. Gustavo Díaz Ordáz
+52 334 170 8243
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2.0 Poor
Aug 2022
4 locations in Puerto Vallarta
Locations in Puerto Vallarta
Paseo De Los Cocoteros 85 Sur
+52 800 709 5000
Paseo De Los Cocoteros
+52 800 709 5000
Paseo De Los Cocoteros
+52 800 709 5000
Paseo De Los Cocoteros
+52 800 709 5000
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No reviews available
3 locations in Puerto Vallarta
Locations in Puerto Vallarta
Aeropuerto Intl. Lic. Gustavo Diaz Ordaz
+52 33 4170 8243
Blvd.Medina Ascencio # 7968
+52 33 4170 8243
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No reviews available
3 locations in Puerto Vallarta
Locations in Puerto Vallarta
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No reviews available
2 locations in Puerto Vallarta
Locations in Puerto Vallarta
Ave, Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio 8060, Villa Las Flores
+54 9 11 5259 9877
Carretera a Tepic Km 7. 5, Área Militar de Vallarta
+54 9 11 5259 9877
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No reviews available
2 locations in Puerto Vallarta
Locations in Puerto Vallarta
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No reviews available
One location in Puerto Vallarta
Locations in Puerto Vallarta
Av. Francisco Medina Ascencio 8060
+52 322 308 0085
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No reviews available
One location in Puerto Vallarta
Locations in Puerto Vallarta
Carretera Vallarta-Tepic Km 7.5 Col. Villa Flores
+52 322 209 0921
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No reviews available
One location in Puerto Vallarta
Locations in Puerto Vallarta
Aeropuerto Internacional De Puerto Vallarta
0180 0225 4369
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No reviews available
One location in Puerto Vallarta
Locations in Puerto Vallarta
Ave Palma Ral 114
+52 322 688 8046
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No reviews available
One location in Puerto Vallarta
Locations in Puerto Vallarta
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No reviews available
One location in Puerto Vallarta
Locations in Puerto Vallarta
Carretera Vallarta-tepic Km 7.5
+86 10 6064 1387
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No reviews available
One location in Puerto Vallarta
Locations in Puerto Vallarta
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No reviews available
225 travellers who rented a car in Puerto Vallarta gave the car agency they used an average rating of 4.9
Car hire locations in or near Puerto Vallarta
Good to know
Most popular car type | Economy |
|---|
When to book a car hire in Puerto Vallarta
Average daily price per month
Car hire prices as pick-up date approaches