Car Rental Downtown Puerto Vallarta

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What you need to know for your Downtown Puerto Vallarta car rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Downtown Puerto Vallarta

Renting a car in Downtown Puerto Vallarta offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the area at your own pace. With a rental car, you can conveniently manage your luggage and create travel plans that suit your needs, whether you're traveling with family, seeking outdoor adventures, or enjoying a romantic getaway. You can easily visit key attractions such as the Malecon, an esplanade perfect for outdoor, romantic, and family experiences, located right in Downtown Puerto Vallarta. The beautiful Playa de los Muertos beach is only 1 mile away, ideal for beach lovers. Additionally, the Los Muertos Pier, also less than 1 mile from Downtown, provides a charming spot for relaxation. Your rental car allows you to explore nearby neighborhoods like the Romantic Zone and Colonia 5 de Diciembre, both less than 1 mile away, where you can discover more of what Puerto Vallarta has to offer, including the Malecon and local cuisine. With the convenience of a car, you can enjoy a more personalized experience and easily access various attractions, making your trip enjoyable and stress-free.

Most popular car rentals around Downtown Puerto Vallarta

  • Midsize: Accommodating up to 5 travelers with space for 3 large suitcases, the midsize car is a fantastic option for couples and families looking to explore Downtown Puerto Vallarta. This choice provides a comfortable ride while allowing you the flexibility to manage your luggage easily, making it ideal for trips with family or friends.
  • Fullsize: Perfect for families and groups, the fullsize car accommodates up to 5 travelers and offers room for either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This option is excellent for those planning a longer stay or a road trip around Downtown Puerto Vallarta, as it provides ample space for both passengers and luggage, ensuring everyone travels comfortably together.
  • Standard SUV: The standard SUV is a versatile choice for up to 5 travelers, providing space for 2 medium suitcases. This option is ideal for couples, families, and groups who appreciate the elevated seating position and added comfort that an SUV offers. It’s well-suited for navigating the diverse terrain around Downtown Puerto Vallarta while offering a stylish and spacious travel experience.

Top rated car suppliers around Downtown Puerto Vallarta

  • Mex Rent A Car: Located 5 miles away from Downtown Puerto Vallarta, Mex Rent A Car is a popular choice among travelers. Known for its reliable service, this supplier offers a variety of vehicles to meet your needs, with Fullsize and Midsize cars being the most booked options. Renting a car from Mex Rent A Car allows you the freedom to explore the vibrant attractions of Puerto Vallarta at your own pace.
  • Routes: Situated 4 miles from Downtown Puerto Vallarta, Routes is another favored car rental supplier. It provides a selection of vehicles with Midsize and Fullsize options being particularly popular among customers. With a commitment to customer satisfaction, Routes makes your car rental experience smooth and enjoyable, enhancing your trip as you navigate through the beautiful surroundings.
  • Avis: Just 1 mile away from Downtown Puerto Vallarta, Avis stands out for its convenience and accessibility. This supplier offers a range of vehicles, with Compact Vans and Midsize cars being the most frequently booked. Avis is well-regarded for its service, making it an excellent choice for travelers looking to explore the area while managing their luggage easily and adjusting their itinerary as they go.

Where to stay around Downtown Puerto Vallarta

  • Downtown Puerto Vallarta: The heart of Puerto Vallarta, Downtown is vibrant and accessible, perfect for families and beach lovers. With proximity to the iconic Malecon esplanade, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities, local markets, and the beautiful beach. Key attractions like Los Arcos marine park and the family-friendly tourist precinct enhance the experience. Dining options are plentiful, offering a range of restaurants and cafes.
  • Romantic Zone: Located less than 1 mile from Downtown, the Romantic Zone is ideal for those seeking a blend of romance and family-friendly activities. This charming neighborhood features Playa de los Muertos beach for sunbathing and swimming. The Malecon esplanade is also within reach, providing a scenic spot for walking and enjoying local culture. Numerous dining options, bars, and cafes make it a lively area for visitors.
  • Colonia 5 de Diciembre: Also less than 1 mile from Downtown, Colonia 5 de Diciembre is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and outdoor experiences. Visitors can explore the local public market and enjoy proximity to the historic sites. The Malecon esplanade and Playa de los Muertos beach are accessible, offering great spots for relaxation and recreation. Additionally, the area has unique food and drink options, including local distilleries.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Downtown Puerto Vallarta

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for cost savings, utilize the filters on Expedia to identify the best option for your journey.
  2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary greatly based on demand, so it's wise to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you're more likely to lock in lower rates and ensure better availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically less expensive to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
  4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle types—like SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This also applies to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
  5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most economical choice. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are acceptable as well; just remember to return the car empty in that scenario.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: Renting a car from an airport often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may make it worthwhile.
  7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
  8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provide peace of mind if something goes wrong during your trip. It's simple to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning a lengthy road trip, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent extra charges.
  10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Downtown Puerto Vallarta

The best time to rent a car in and around Downtown Puerto Vallarta is October, when prices are at their lowest and demand is also moderate. September can be a good option too, as both prices and demand remain slightly low. The months of April and May also offer reasonable prices and average demand. However, December is usually the most expensive month, with high demand leading up to the holiday season. January and March also tend to see slightly higher prices and demand levels.

 

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconDemandprice iconPricing
January70.7°F (21.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
February71.1°F (21.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
March72.7°F (22.6°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
April74.8°F (23.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
May78.3°F (25.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
June79.3°F (26.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July79.3°F (26.3°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
August79.2°F (26.2°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
September78.6°F (25.9°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
October77.7°F (25.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
November74.8°F (23.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
December71.2°F (21.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately HighSlightly High

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Frequently asked questions

What are the best cheap car rental companies near Downtown Puerto Vallarta?
You can find cheap car rentals near Downtown Puerto Vallarta from $10 a day with Budget's fullsize 2/4 door. Sixt and Alamo Rent A Car offer economy SUVs starting from $11 a day and fullsize 2 or 4 door cars starting from $11 a day. Compare suppliers on Expedia to find a cheap car rental near Downtown Puerto Vallarta that fits your budget. For more options, explore Economy Car Rentals in Downtown Puerto Vallarta.
What are the best luxury car companies near Downtown Puerto Vallarta?
For luxury car rentals near Downtown Puerto Vallarta, you can find premium options through providers on Expedia like Enterprise. Enterprise offers premium SUVs starting from $56 a day, providing comfort and advanced features for a refined travel experience. Other providers like Sixt and Alamo Rent A Car also offer premium category vehicles in the Downtown Puerto Vallarta area. Luxury rentals often include enhanced features and attentive service. For more options, explore Luxury Car Rentals in Downtown Puerto Vallarta.
Can I rent a car one-way near Downtown Puerto Vallarta?
A one-way car rental near Downtown Puerto Vallarta is an excellent option for regional road trips, with prices starting from $11 a day. Providers like Sixt and Alamo Rent A Car may have flexible one-way policies, allowing you to pick up your car near Downtown Puerto Vallarta and drop it off at a different location. These are good options for a one-way car rental starting near Downtown Puerto Vallarta, offering convenience for travelers with varied itineraries. For more options, explore Standard Car Rentals in Downtown Puerto Vallarta.
Can I rent a car round-trip near Downtown Puerto Vallarta?
The area near Downtown Puerto Vallarta is well suited to round-trip rentals, with round-trip rentals starting from $10 a day. Picking up and dropping off at the same location generally avoids one-way drop-off fees, which can make it the most cost-effective option for exploring areas near Downtown Puerto Vallarta, such as Nuevo Vallarta Beach, Malecon, and Sayulita Beach, and returning to the same spot. Providers like Sixt and Alamo Rent A Car also offer wide round-trip availability, making it easy to plan your itinerary. For more options, explore Fullsize Car Rentals in Downtown Puerto Vallarta.
What are the best car rentals near Downtown Puerto Vallarta?
Car rentals near Downtown Puerto Vallarta offer extensive vehicle variety. The most popular car classes available in the Downtown Puerto Vallarta area include:
  • Economy SUV
  • Fullsize 2 or 4 door
  • Standard 2 or 4 door
  • Compact 2 or 4 door
  • Mini 2 or 4 door
Most vehicles come with automatic transmission and air conditioning as standard. Families visiting attractions often prefer SUVs or minivans for space and comfort, while couples and solo travelers might find economy or compact cars more suitable for easy navigation and fuel efficiency. Choose a vehicle based on your passenger count, luggage needs, and planned activities. For more options, explore Minivan Car Rentals in Downtown Puerto Vallarta.

What are the best car rentals near Downtown Puerto Vallarta for solo travelers?
The best car rentals near Downtown Puerto Vallarta for solo travelers are economy and compact classes—small, easy to park, and efficient to run for one person exploring at their own pace:
  • Economy 2 or 4 door, starting from $11 a day — fits up to 2 medium suitcases, nimble on city streets and simple to park
  • Compact 2 or 4 door, starting from $11 a day — fits up to 3 medium suitcases with a little more room for luggage while remaining fuel-efficient
Both comfortably fit a solo traveler plus a bag or two. If you are planning longer drives to spots like Nuevo Vallarta Beach, consider sizing up to a compact SUV, starting from $12 a day, for extra highway comfort and a higher ride. For more options, explore Compact Car Rentals in Downtown Puerto Vallarta.

What are the best car rentals near Downtown Puerto Vallarta for couples?
The best car rentals near Downtown Puerto Vallarta for couples balance comfort and easy handling for two:
  • Midsize SUV, starting from $13 a day — fits up to 3 large suitcases with smooth cruising for two
  • Compact SUV, starting from $12 a day — fits up to 3 medium suitcases with a higher ride for day trips around the region
Both give a couple comfortable seating and trunk space without being hard to park. These options are ideal for exploring the Downtown Puerto Vallarta area and beyond, offering a good blend of comfort and practicality for two travelers. For more options, explore Midsize Car Rentals in Downtown Puerto Vallarta.

What are the best car rentals near Downtown Puerto Vallarta for families?
The best car rentals near Downtown Puerto Vallarta for families are the ones with room for everyone and their gear:
  • Midsize SUV, starting from $13 a day — seats up to 5 with room for 3 large suitcases and a car seat
  • Mini passenger van, starting from $23 a day — seats up to 8 with room for 6 large suitcases, ideal for larger families with strollers and full luggage
SUVs and minivans provide ample space for the whole family, car seats, strollers, and luggage, making them the most comfortable fit for trips around the Downtown Puerto Vallarta area. Book 4+ weeks ahead, especially for travel during the December and March peak months, as family-sized vehicles can have lower availability. Consider adding GPS for easier navigation in unfamiliar areas. For more options, explore SUV Car Rentals in Downtown Puerto Vallarta.

Are there any car rental companies that provide electric cars near Downtown Puerto Vallarta?
The area near Downtown Puerto Vallarta has hybrid vehicle options available. Sixt offers hybrid vehicles starting from $18 a day, and Advantage Rent-A-Car provides hybrid options starting from $10 a day. Mex Rent A Car also offers hybrid vehicles starting from $10 a day. These fuel-efficient choices are available from multiple rental companies near Downtown Puerto Vallarta, offering a more environmentally conscious way to explore the area.
What is the best time to book a car near Downtown Puerto Vallarta?
From September, prices for car rentals near Downtown Puerto Vallarta are typically lower—rentals can start from as little as $11 a day during this period. December tends to be the busiest month, when high demand can lead to higher prices. During major holidays and special events, rates may also fluctuate. Demand climbs as travelers head to popular spots and activities such as:
  • Nuevo Vallarta Beach
  • Malecon
  • Sayulita Beach
  • Downtown Vallarta Food Tour with Vallarta Food Tours
  • Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos
Booking 3-4 weeks ahead can help with availability and pricing. Many bookings allow free cancellation 24+ hours before pickup—book early and rebook if rates drop.

What are the best car companies near Downtown Puerto Vallarta?
Car rentals in the Downtown Puerto Vallarta area are available from providers like Sixt, Alamo Rent A Car, and Enterprise, offering vehicles suited to local roads and conditions. Sixt has economy SUVs and fullsize 2 or 4 door options that are easy to park and fuel-efficient for city streets. Alamo Rent A Car offers midsize SUVs and fullsize 4-5 door vehicles with more space and stability for highways. Enterprise rounds out the choices with fullsize 4-5 door and fullsize 2 or 4 door vehicles. Consider a compact class for easy maneuvering and better mileage, or an SUV for more space and comfort on longer drives. For more options, explore Premium Car Rentals in Downtown Puerto Vallarta.
What are good day trip destinations from Downtown Puerto Vallarta by rental car?
Top day-trip destinations and activities within easy reach from Downtown Puerto Vallarta include:
  • Nuevo Vallarta Beach, approximately 7 miles away
  • Malecon, approximately 4 miles away
  • Sayulita Beach, approximately 25 miles away
  • Downtown Vallarta Food Tour with Vallarta Food Tours
  • Puerto Vallarta's Best Canopy Zipline + Jorullo Bridge walk!
These destinations are easily accessible by rental car, with distances manageable for most car types. Consider a compact car for shorter drives or an SUV for more comfort on longer excursions to places like Sayulita Beach. Booking a car with flexible cancellation policies can be beneficial for planning your day trips. For more options, explore Convertible Car Rentals in Downtown Puerto Vallarta.

Are there any hidden fees when renting a car on Expedia?
Expedia aims to show the key price and important rental details clearly during booking, so you know what to expect before you reserve. In some cases, car rental companies may apply additional charges at pick-up or during the rental, such as security deposits, tolls, fuel charges, extra driver fees, or local requirements, so it's worth checking the supplier's rental terms before you book.
Are there any long-term car rentals in Downtown Puerto Vallarta?
Yes, there are several long-term car rental options available in Downtown Puerto Vallarta. Whether you're planning an extended holiday with the family, relocating temporarily, or simply need a vehicle for several weeks or months, many car rental providers offer flexible long-term rental plans tailored to your needs. Click on our long-term car rental deals page, enter your trip information and then book a ride that suits.
Do you need insurance to rent a car in Downtown Puerto Vallarta?
No, you don't need personal auto insurance to rent a car in most cases. You will, however, be required to purchase some insurance to cover the duration of the rental. Rental companies will offer this insurance when you rent the car. Certain personal car insurance policies can also be applied to rental cars, and travelers can even use non-owner car insurance if they rent cars often but don't have a car of their own. Additionally, some car rentals simply include rental car insurance within the price of the rental.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Downtown Puerto Vallarta?
Budget car rental in Downtown Puerto Vallarta can be easy to find, with prices based on rates seen within the past seven days . To find some of the cheapest options, sort your search results by price and use filters to match your budget and travel needs. For added flexibility, it's also worth exploring one-way car rentals.
What are the top car rental deals in Downtown Puerto Vallarta?
No matter what kind of vehicle you're looking for, Expedia makes it easy to find a great car rental deal in Downtown Puerto Vallarta. The easiest way to get a good deal on a rental car is to use our filters. At the top of the filter list, you'll find a section featuring our best car rental offers. Check the filter for "Great Deal," and your search results will be filled with specials. Compare offers from trusted rental providers, choose the option that fits your trip, and book with confidence. For even more value, bundle your Downtown Puerto Vallarta car rental with a hotel or flight to unlock additional savings.
What do I need to rent a car in Downtown Puerto Vallarta?
To rent a car in Downtown Puerto Vallarta, a current driver's license and a credit card in the same name are essential. If you're opting out of the company's insurance plan, then you may also need proof of other coverage. Rules may differ between rental companies, so read through your policy.
What happens if I need to cancel my Downtown Puerto Vallarta car rental?
If you need to cancel your Downtown Puerto Vallarta car rental, read over the policy to be sure, but almost all prepaid rentals are eligible for a complete refund if you notify us at least six hours prior to the pickup time, though there may be some exclusions so check your itinerary for more information, or just click through to our Customer Service Portal.
Why should I rent a car in Downtown Puerto Vallarta with Expedia?
Booking your car rental on Expedia makes it easier to get more out of your trip from the start. With a wide choice of car rentals, you can compare prices, suppliers and deals all in one place, then bundle your car with a hotel which could help you save even more. Join our free One Key™ travel rewards program to instantly unlock additional savings.

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