How to Get to Sayulita. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel to Sayulita

Arrival Airport

Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) in Puerto Vallarta serves as the closest major airport.

Airport Details

Approx. 40-50 minutes drive south of Sayulita.
PVR is a busy international hub, well-connected to North America.
Airlines like Aeroméxico, American Airlines, United, Delta operate flights. Find deals via Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner.

Flight Routes & Availability

Direct flights to PVR are mainly available from various cities in the United States and Canada.

Seasonal Travel

High Season (Nov-Apr): Flight frequency rises, prices are higher.
Low Season (May-Oct): Flight frequency may decrease, lower prices are found.
Direct flights from Europe to PVR are less common; layovers are typical.

Private Transfers

Pre-book a private transfer for the most convenient and quickest option. Cost is approximately $60-$90 USD.

Ride-Sharing Uber

Uber is available from PVR. Walk across the pedestrian bridge outside the airport to a designated pickup area. Cost is approximately $30-$50 USD.

Public Bus

The most budget-friendly option. Take a local bus across the pedestrian bridge outside the airport marked 'Sayulita.' Cost about $3-$4 USD. Journey 1.5-2 hours.

Airport Facilities & Tips

PVR Services

Currency exchange offices, ATMs.
Duty-free shops.
Cafes, restaurants, airline lounges.
Car rental agencies.

Arrival Advice

Bypass aggressive timeshare salespeople upon exiting customs.
Proceed directly to designated transportation services.

Land Transportation to Sayulita

Long-Distance Buses

Local buses run frequently along Highway 200, connecting Sayulita to towns like Puerto Vallarta and San Pancho. Companies like ATM (Autotransportes Medina) or Pacífico operate these routes.

From Major Cities

Direct luxury buses from Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta are available (companies like ETN and Primera Plus). From Puerto Vallarta, transfer to a local bus or taxi to Sayulita.

Self-Driving

A valid driver's license from your home country and mandatory Mexican car insurance (DiscoverCars.com) are required. Highway 200 is generally well-maintained. Parking in Sayulita is challenging.

Road Conditions & Safety

Sayulita Roads

Sayulita's streets are mostly cobblestone. Some are steep. Main roads are congested, especially during peak season.

Local Driving

Highway 200 is mostly in good condition.
Driving at night outside major towns is not recommended due to poor lighting.
Unmarked speed bumps (topes) are abundant and can cause damage.

Driving Habits

Driving in Mexico is more aggressive than in some other countries. Defensive driving is advised.

Driver Behavior

Other drivers might make unexpected turns or pass in unexpected places.
Drive slowly and watch for signs indicating topes.
Always exercise caution on Mexican roads.

Sea & River Arrivals

While Sayulita is a coastal town, direct sea arrivals are limited.

Ferry & Cruise

No direct ferry services to Sayulita.
Puerto Vallarta is a major cruise port.
Travelers arriving by cruise ship in Puerto Vallarta arrange land transport to Sayulita.

River Transportation

River transportation is not applicable for arrival to Sayulita. The Sayulita River is small and not navigable for public transport.

Immigration at Seaports

If you arrive via a cruise ship that started in an international port, standard immigration procedures apply upon disembarkation in Puerto Vallarta.
From the Puerto Vallarta cruise terminal, taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available.
You can easily connect to buses or private transfers to Sayulita from this point.

Departure Information

No specific exit fee for tourists departing Mexico by air.
These taxes are typically included in your airline ticket price. Confirm this with your airline or travel agent.
Arrive at Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) at least 2-3 hours before an international flight.

For a domestic flight, allow 1.5-2 hours. This provides enough time for check-in and security.
Have your stamped FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) card from your arrival.
Losing your FMM card may result in a fine and delays at the airport.

Airport Facilities for Departing Travelers

PVR Post-Security Services

PVR has various facilities past security. You will find restaurants, cafes, duty-free shops, and souvenir stores.

Amenities

Restaurants and cafes for a meal before your flight.
Duty-free shops for last-minute purchases.
Souvenir stores for gifts.

Other Departure Services

The airport environment endeavors to be comfortable for travelers.

Departure Logistics

Luggage check-in counters are readily available.
Clear signage guides you to your gate.
Comfortable seating areas are in departure lounges.

Efficient Check-in

Allow enough time for check-in, especially during peak travel hours.

FMM Card Importance

Keep your FMM card safe throughout your trip; it is important for departure.

Security Procedures

Standard airport security checks apply. Prepare to remove liquids, electronics, and shoes as required.

Pre-Book Transfers

Sayulita to PVR Transfers

Arranging your airport transfer from Sayulita to PVR in advance is advisable.

Booking Recommendations

Book transfers well in advance, especially for early morning flights.
Consider private taxis or pre-arranged shuttles.
Sayulita can have limited taxis available on short notice during high season.

Smooth Departure

Benefits of Pre-Booking

Guaranteed pick-up time.
Direct travel to the airport.
Fixed pricing, avoiding negotiation.

Departure Checklist

Documents

Have passport and FMM card ready.

Luggage

Confirm weight and size restrictions with your airline.

Timing

Depart Sayulita with enough buffer time for traffic.

Final Tip

Consider your flight time when arranging transport from Sayulita.

How to Get to Sayulita