One of the most noticeable differences between Sayulita and Puerto Vallarta? Beach options. At most, Sayulita has three. Whereas Puerto Vallarta has more than 10 options.
It’s safe to say the beach atmosphere in Puerto Vallarta is livelier. Not to mention, finding a secluded beach is easy enough.
But beaches aside, you’ll need more than that to decide which destination is the better fit for you. Are you a party-type person? Does your travel style lean more towards humbler accommodations and a placid vibe? Or are you looking for a mix of unforgettable activities and sitting around the beach?
Whatever it is you’re looking for, keep reading and you’ll find the answer soon enough. But if you’re in a hurry, you can jump to the section “Should I Stay in Sayulita or Puerto Vallarta?”
Sayulita
If chilling under a beach umbrella sounds like your kind of vacation, Sayulita just might be for you.
Sayulita’s scene is best described as peaceful. The town radiates a Bohemian vibe that’s impossible to miss, from its stores to its people, so much so that you won’t find flashy nightclubs here. However, the main town beach is probably the closest you’ll get to experiencing a party.
Prefer a gentler vacation the whole way? There are secluded stretches of virgin sand that are easy to spot in Sayulita. What’s more, it’s only a 20-minute walk from the town beach, and easily reached on foot.
If you’re thinking that Sayulita’s a boring place to be, you’ll be happy to know it does have an upbeat side. The main town itself can get slightly wild late in the evening. But if booze and shots don’t appeal to you, riding waves is perhaps the wildest side to experience in Sayulita.
Surfers – both beginner and intermediate – will enjoy the waves here, no doubt. Especially for those eager to learn and shred their first wave breaks, Sayulita is one of the best places to get started.
That being said, there’s more to learn about this humble town and what it offers. Which is what you’ll find in the next sections below.
What Makes Sayulita Unique?
Sayulita Is a Close-Knit Community
There are a lot of reasons to love Sayulita, but one of its most talked-about qualities is the welcoming community.
Everyone gets along with everyone is a common vibe in this surfer town. And that goes for families traveling with kids too. Safe to say, Sayulita is one of the best places for anyone that wants to mingle and make new friends.
Most of all, for those with a high concern for safety, you’ll have no worries while vacationing here. Whether you’re hanging out at the local town plaza, relaxing at the beach, or sipping a beer at the bar. The local community in Sayulita welcomes all to be part of the crowd.
Without a doubt, the close-knit community in this town is a quality that will add to an even more pleasant and peaceful stay.
Beaches for Surfing and Taking a Breather
It goes without saying that Sayulita, apart from its charms, is well known for its surfing activities. But if you’d rather stay far from adventurous activities, there’s a great selection of secluded beaches too.
For Surfing Activities
For newbies, the south end of Sayulita is ideal for those still learning how to break waves. Or even if you’re simply trying to get the hang of balancing your board. Specifically, you’ll find these mellow waves in Punta Sayulita.
For longboarders, Punta Sayulita is also a fantastic spot. If you find the waves to be a little too fast in Punta Sayulita, you have more options.
Anclote, located in Punta Mita and right across Hotel Cinco is known for its slow and long waves. On that note, traveling to Punta Mita from Sayulita only takes 28 minutes via bus. The best part? Buses depart every 20 minutes, so you can easily book a ride back and forth.
Just south of Anclote sits another beginner-friendly beach for surfing, Stinky’s. Beginners who’ve enrolled in Sayulita’s surfing school will find Stinky’s to be a common spot for learning how to ride waves.
Want stronger and bigger waves?
Head to the northern area of Sayulita if you’re ready to put your skills to the test. From Sayulita, you can take a short boat ride to Ostiones, known for its big swells and consistent waves year-round. If you prefer a more challenging surf, La Lancha is your best bet. The left breaks here can be tricky to surf and quicker too. So it’s a good challenge for any intermediate or experienced surfer.
Last but not least, Bahia and El Faro are excellent beaches to check out. Both are also well-suited for shortboarders and longboarders. One thing to note, though. The right breaks in Bahia are steeper and faster.
Secluded Beaches
Sayulita’s soulful vibes make it one of the best beach destinations in Mexico for serenity seekers. For those that truly want to rest and recharge, Sayulita will surpass your expectations.
And two of the best secluded beaches to visit are Playa Muertos and Playa Carricitos.
Between the two, Playa Carricitos is the more secluded choice. Mainly because it’s also one of Sayulita’s hidden beach gems. This tucked-away beach is surrounded by lush, green vegetation and if you’re lucky, you’ll find nobody else here. That said, it’s not rare to find less than five people in Playa Muertos.
Either way, both are spectacular secluded-beach options and ideal for anyone in need of downtime.
Still looking for more secluded beaches?
You’ll have to travel a little further than Sayulita to get to these secret beach spots. Specifically, via a water taxi. But rest assured, these trips are worth it. Las Cuevas and Mal Pasos are pristine, virgin beaches not many know about.
Not to mention, the extra trip via boat or ferry makes it harder for just about anyone to come by. This means Las Cuevas and Mal Pasos are ideal for solitariness seekers above all. But mostly, these beaches are so beautiful you can spend an entire day here and forget all your worries.
Everything Is Easily Accessible Within Sayulita
Sayulita may be small, but there’s a huge advantage to that too. And it’s that you can easily explore everything the town has to offer on foot. From your hotel to the beach, then to the main plaza, followed by visiting a beach bar and back.
If your accommodations are high up in the mountains, you may need transport. But apart from that, you can easily get away without ever having to use a vehicle in Sayulita. For the experience, you might want to rent a golf cart for the day and explore alongside the little ones.
What’s there to explore around town? Apart from beaches and bars, a lot. Restaurants, which are fantastic by the way, yoga retreat centers, shops with affordable price tags, and more.
Put it this way. You can dine, shop, explore, beach lounge, chill in a bar, and even do yoga all in one day.
And just in case you feel like going on an adventure, that’s easy to do too. You can ride a boat to any one of Sayulita’s nearby majestic islands, like the Marietas Islands. Or, you can visit other towns that are just as charming and peaceful, like San Pancho or Punta Mita.
Excellent Food
Foodie or not, Sayulita is full of must-try restaurants and cafes. Now you might think this beach town is limited to just Mexican cuisine. But as Sayulita has grown over the years, so has its variety of culinary choices.
But if you prefer to start your vacation with the local culinary scene, head to Mary’s. Popular for its tacos, you’ll find everything Mexican here. From nachos and empanadas to quesadillas and burritos.
Up for pizza and pasta? La Rustica Sayulita serves the best Italian cuisine in town. Be sure to order the Mejillones—mussels sauteed in garlic, white wine, parsley, and cream. Another great pizza place? Pizza Venezia has been hailed several times for its excellent pizza.
Don’t forget to explore Sayulita’s street food scene too. El Itacate serves amazing burritos and is a must-try for cheese lovers. Additionally, they even offer burritos served with a unique twist. Rather than stick to the classic corn tortilla wrap, El Itacate offers a wrap made entirely of cheese!
Now that you’ve had your fill of Mexican cuisine, pizza, and even Italian picks, what else is left? You’ll be happy to know Sayulita also offers some of the best breakfast cafes and pastries. For sweet tooths, don’t miss Miscelanea Sayulita. Coffee lovers will also love it here.
If you’d rather go for a savory breakfast place, Yah Yah Café has the best breakfast bagels in town. There’s also Tierra Viva, Anchor Café, and Don Bonito Café. For serious coffee aficionados, Another One Coffee Roasters deserves special mention.
From here, make your way to Coco’s Beach Club for flavorsome seafood and oceanfront views. Or, you can opt for Si Senor if you’re after a romantic restaurant with a view.
All in all, Sayulita is a paradise for foodies and any tourist in need of an amazing food experience. Whether it’s at a local food stall or restaurant, you’re bound to be satisfied.
Puerto Vallarta
Beach haven. Foodie paradise. Party town. Adventure playground. There’s no single way to define Puerto Vallarta. Its diversity and expansive wealth of attractions are what has made it the main attraction for millions every year.
The Malecon, a popular boardwalk in Puerto Vallarta, is where the fun starts. You’ll find a long stretch of bars, clubs, restaurants, and shops here. For any first-time visitor, this is the main spot to hang out, chill, party, and dine.
Moving past the Malecon sits enticing choices for all that visit the city, whether it’s a jungle or outdoor activity, island-hopping excursions, or shopping at upscale malls.
If you’d rather vacay in peace, there are streets full of mural-decorated walls. Perfect for those that enjoy wandering along picturesque streets.
Come sunset and Puerto Vallarta’s personality takes on a new identity. A vibrant nightlife is what the community calls it. But this can often be misread as a place for spring breakers or party animals.
And the truth is that Puerto Vallarta is popular for its dance floors and wild party scene. But over the years, its nightlife has also grown. To be more specific, the city has beach bars aplenty. Not to mention, dozens of rooftop bars, perfect for a romantic evening or chill night out with friends.
Even better, Puerto Vallarta is home to five breweries that serve excellent IPAs, lagers, stouts, and porters.
Aside from Puerto Vallarta’s wild nightlife vibes, it’s also chock-full of family fun-filled activities. Whale watching, horseback riding, jungle eco-adventures, and even ATV-ing are only a few of the many.
Beaches, excursions, gastronomy, shopping, and partying. There’s no doubt Puerto Vallarta has plenty to offer tourists. And if you want the full details, you can refer to the next sections below.
What Makes Puerto Vallarta Unique?
Beaches for Everyone
Beautiful beaches are only the beginning of your tropical island experience in Puerto Vallarta. For any beach lover, Puerto Vallarta’s beaches offer more than your average sandy coastline. For families and solitariness seekers, there’s a beach just for you too.
Playa Majahuitas boasts clear jade waters, a lush jungle backdrop, and light-golden sand. The pristine beach is also one of the best snorkeling spots.
And if you’re craving a solitary experience, there’s a secluded cove worth kayaking to. Or, visit Playa Majahuitas during the weekdays and you’ll find more than enough space to retreat in peace.
For a truly secluded retreat away from the hustle and bustle, Playa Madagascar holds the no.1 spot. Alternatively, Playa Colmitos is stunning and peaceful too.
For families and kids, Playa Las Animas offers calm waters and good waves for the little ones to enjoy. It’s worth noting that Puerto Vallarta is home to several kid-friendly beaches. Some of these include Las Gemelas, Los Muertos Beach, Playa Garza Blanca, and Playa Palmares.
Speaking of Playa Palmeras, it’s one of the few blue-flag-certified beaches in Puerto Vallarta. This is one of the cleanest and eco-friendliest beaches you’ll find all around the city. While most of Puerto Vallarta’s beaches boast clear emerald waters, Playa Palmares’ is an aqua blue color.
There are over 15 beaches in Puerto Vallarta. Some are ideal for surfing. Others for total seclusion. Several for families. And a few that require an extra boat ride but are beyond stunning, like Playa del Amor.
Overall, there’s no doubt visiting Puerto Vallarta for its beaches is an excellent decision. There’s a beach for everyone in this city. From family-friendly beach havens to surf-certified beaches and island getaways.
Hop From Beach Bar to Art Museum to Jungle
Mango’s Beach Club is a local fave that never fails to appeal to first-timers and returning guests. This beach club is one of the first that popped up in Puerto Vallarta. And for years, it’s garnered a loyal customer base that can’t get enough of its food, vibes, and atmosphere.
Among all though, Mango’s Beach Club is rather mellow compared to the rest. For young teens and those looking for an all-out party, there are three you simply can’t miss out on:
- Chicabal Sunset Club
- Mantamar Beach Club
- Majahuitas Beach Club
It’s also worth noting that Mantamar Beach Club is more popular among the LGBTQ community. Apart from the four beach clubs mentioned, there’s still a lot more around Puerto Vallarta. In fact, there are a few that welcome kids like Puntomar Beach Club.
Other great options include Tau Beach Club, Sapphire Ocean Club, Swell Beach Bar, and Mixto.
Once you’ve had your fill of sun-drenched activities, don’t forget to take a break and slow down. The cobblestone streets along the Malecon are perfect for taking an early evening or late afternoon stroll. Head to Centro for art galleries, museums, and walls decorated with murals. Starting in October, Puerto Vallarta offers a free art walk daily at 6 pm.
Anyone looking for a change of scenery and pace will also find it in Puerto Vallarta. Rather than hit the clubs or beach bars once again, you can also explore the city’s massive jungles.
Puerto Vallarta sits between the Bahia de Banderas and Sierra Madre Mountains. This means that apart from its dazzling coastline, it also has a mountainous landscape open for tourists to explore.
Here, you can go zip-lining, hiking, horseback riding, and even cross a suspension bridge on an ATV. There are also wildlife-watching tours, mountain biking tours, and the Vallarta Botanical Gardens.
Vallarta Adventures is one of the most popular tour operators in the entire city. So, if you’re looking for an adventure that doesn’t involve alcohol or sand, there are still a lot of activities to do.
You’ll Never Get Bored of the Culinary Variety and Options
It’s obvious that Puerto Vallarta is full of restaurants that serve excellent Mexican food. However, Puerto Vallarta also has a strong international culinary presence. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you won’t be disappointed with Puerto Vallarta’s food selection.
But first, Mexican. If you stroll around Zona Romantica, you’ll find a wide range of local food stalls selling your Mexican favorites. Tacos, quesadillas, burritos, tortas, and even shrimp burgers, you name it.
Not to mention, street food portions are about the same size as your head. El Carboncito and Pancho’s Tacos are two of the most raved about. Joe Jack’s is also another local food stall that serves excellent fish tacos.
For all your breakfast cravings, Fredy’s Tucan and Coco’s Kitchen are fantastic options. Both serve all your breakfast classics and a few with a Mexican twist. Like enchiladas, for example.
Puerto Vallarta even has Asian cuisine, and Bonito’s Kitchen & Bar is among the best picks. For seafood lovers and those looking to have a celebratory dinner, Le Kliff is an upscale choice. Or, go for Café des Artistes, famous for its exquisite dishes like the duck confit taco.
Don’t miss out on any of the beach restaurants like La Palapa either. These places are king when it comes to fresh catches of the day.
Looking for more? Puerto Vallarta has Japanese, Italian, Chinese, Caribbean, Austrian, and even Brazilian. Of course, steakhouses are also very much easy to find too.
There’s Never Really a Bad Time to Visit Puerto Vallarta
Geographically, Puerto Vallarta is at a sweet spot. Because it’s sheltered by the Sierra Madre Mountains, the city is at a very low threat during the hurricane season. This means it’s safe for travelers to visit year-round.
The best part? Hurricane season is usually when you’ll get the lowest rates and best deals. Since Puerto Vallarta is at a very low threat during this time, travelers can take advantage of these deals. What’s more, you’ll have more of the city to yourself since there are fewer crowds during this time.
Plus, the temperatures in Puerto Vallarta remain mild throughout the year. There are certain months when it’s hotter than usual. That said, it’s the perfect opportunity for snowbirds to escape from the cold weather too.
Should you visit anywhere between December and April, you’ll get the best weather. If you want to avoid the crowds though, 2nd week of January may be a safer option.
For a century, Puerto Vallarta has only been struck by six hurricanes. And four out of the six didn’t cause massive damage as you’d expect.
Should I Stay in Sayulita or Puerto Vallarta?
Between the two, Puerto Vallarta offers more accommodations. This might matter more if you’re traveling with kids. Even for honeymooners, you’ll have more options in Puerto Vallarta as well.
Sayulita is the better choice if you’d rather stay far from an urbanized scene. Because Sayulita offers fewer activities and things to do, it’s really meant for those that want to slow down. If you want peace all throughout, you’ll find it in Sayulita.
Don’t mind the occasional party scene? Sayulita is also the better option to stay in. But if you enjoy hitting clubs and bars more than once during your vacation, Puerto Vallarta takes the cake.
Ultimately, Sayulita is like a gentle parade full of soulful experiences. There’s surfing and a few bars if you’re after a lively activity too. But for the most part, Sayulita is a laid-back town where recharge, rest, and relaxation are its default settings.
In contrast, Puerto Vallarta is the bustling, citified choice. Endless vats of alcohol and limitless troughs of food are just some of the many reasons so many love staying in the city. Put simply, it feels like you have a bottomless pit of options in Puerto Vallarta.
Whether it’s finding things to do, places to eat, malls/stalls to shop, beaches to enjoy, or bars to party. Overall, Puerto Vallarta has x3 the range of choices. And if you prefer a place that offers plenty to do during your stay, Puerto Vallarta wins.
FAQ
Is Sayulita Cheaper Than Puerto Vallarta?
Sayulita isn’t necessarily more expensive than Puerto Vallarta. In fact, both Sayulita and Puerto Vallarta are relatively more expensive than most destinations in Mexico.
For instance, renting an Airbnb in Sayulita costs around 600 to 1,000 MXN (USD 30 to 50 at 20 MXN a dollar). In Puerto Vallarta, prices usually start at 900 MXN (USD 45) per night.
However, you’ll find cheaper hostels in Puerto Vallarta than in Sayulita. The cheapest in Sayulita has an average price of 400 MXN (USD 20) a night. Whereas in Puerto Vallarta, you can find a good hostel for 300 MXN (USD 15).
Food-wise, you’ll find inexpensive meal prices at both Sayulita and Puerto Vallarta. At local street stalls, prices range from 20 to 140 MXN (USD 1 to 7).
In general, Puerto Vallarta can easily become the more expensive destination. Why? For one, transportation costs. Getting around in Sayulita doesn’t always require taking a vehicle. Because it’s a smaller town, you can easily get away with just walking from place to place.
Second, Puerto Vallarta has more choices. This goes for restaurants and tours or excursions. So, you’re likely to spend more in Puerto Vallarta given a broader selection.
Although Puerto Vallarta has a lot of inexpensive options, you’re also likely to spend more for tours. This also includes its more vibrant nightlife and more island-hopping opportunities.
Is Sayulita Near Puerto Vallarta?
Sayulita is near Puerto Vallarta. So much so that you can easily visit both Sayulita and Puerto Vallarta in one day.
How Far Is Sayulita From Puerto Vallarta?
Sayulita is 26.6 miles (42.8 km) away from Puerto Vallarta. This also means it only takes approximately 52 minutes to get from one destination to the other. If you’re coming from the Puerto Vallarta airport, there is only one highway that takes you from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita.
Taking into account traffic, it might take around an extra 30 minutes.
How to Get From Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita
There are several ways to get from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita. Your modes of transportation include the following:
- Taxi
- Rental car
- Public bus
- Private vehicle / Airport transfer
Buses are the most common option, and also the cheapest. Taxis are a good option too, but only if there’s no Uber available.
Airport transfers or renting a private vehicle are the most expensive. Since it’s a premium service, expect to pay more. That being said, it can be your best option if you prefer privacy, comfort, and convenience.
Last but not least, a rental car is ideal for anyone that prefers to explore at their own pace. This might is ideal in Puerto Vallarta. In Sayulita, however, you rarely need to use a car to get around. Not to mention, you can rent a golf cart for a cheaper price if you want to explore Sayulita.
Is It Safe to Travel From Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita?
It’s perfectly safe to travel from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita. With buses being the most common option, you’re guaranteed a safe journey. The same goes for private rental services and taxis.
However, make sure to ask about taxi rates ahead of time. This way, you can negotiate with your taxi driver in case there’s a high markup or price bump. If you’re taking taxis from the airport though, expect the prices to be a lot higher (more on this later).
Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita Drive
Driving from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita is common for tourists to do. Especially if you’re a big group traveling with friends. Driving from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita can take between 50 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and any additional stops made.
The route is also easy to follow since there’s only one highway that connects Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita. This means you won’t have a hard time finding the right direction as well.
From the Puerto Vallarta airport, simply exit and drive under the bridge. This will get you to the other side of the highway. From here, take the highway leading to Buscarias (this drive takes about 20 minutes).
Along the way, you’ll see a lot of supermarkets such as Walmart, Mega, Chedraui, and La Comer. Take note that there are no supermarkets in Sayulita. So if you need to buy any essentials, it’s best to buy as much as you can in any of the supermarkets. Mega is also relatively cheaper than most.
From the Buscarias route, you can turn to the road for La Cruz if you want a nicer drive. Or, you can simply follow the signs that point to Sayulita. Either way, you should get to Sayulita safely and easily as the drive isn’t difficult at all.
Most of all, make sure you aren’t driving at night especially if it’s rainy season. Some of the roads are poorly lit, and the downpour reduces your driving visibility. If you can leave early morning, this is the best option as it also reduces any chances of heavy traffic.
Taxi From Sayulita to Puerto Vallarta
You can easily flag down a taxi around town to take you from Sayulita to Puerto Vallarta. Local taxis are easy to spot in Sayulita after all. However, expect the rates to be different depending on where in Puerto Vallarta you want to go.
For example, taking a taxi from Sayulita to the Puerto Vallarta airport costs about 700 MXN (USD 35). If you’re traveling farther like, say, the Malecon, expect the price to bump up between 800 to 900 MXN (USD 40 to 45).
How Much Is a Taxi From Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita?
In Puerto Vallarta and Sayulita, taxis are fixed rates depending on zones and are regulated by the government. Taxi rates also depend on what type of taxi you’re taking from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita. If you’re taking an airport taxi, prices are higher and usually start at 2,000 MXN (USD 100).
However, if you’re taking a city taxi, the costs can be between 700 to 1,000 MXN (USD 35 to 50). It’s also important to note that certain zones are more expensive than others. In Puerto Vallarta, there are a total of 3 zones.
In general, coming from Zone 3 to Sayulita is a lot more expensive than if you’re coming from Zone 1. So, if you flag a city taxi from Zone 3 in Puerto Vallarta, the costs are much higher than if you’re coming from Zone 1. Keep this in mind as it can help you save on taxi fare costs. It may be cheaper to take a bus as well if that’s the case.
Can You Uber From Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita?
Uber is a fantastic alternative for traveling from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita. If you want to save on taxi costs, taking an Uber is the best option.
However, take note that Uber isn’t as readily available as taxis are. You might have to wait longer to get a booking compared to booking a taxi.
It’s also worth mentioning that it’s even harder to book an Uber while in Sayulita. If you have plans of taking an Uber from Sayulita to Puerto Vallarta, chances are it’s a hit or miss.
How Much Is an Uber From Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita?
Taking an Uber from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita is without a doubt cheaper than taking a taxi. From the Puerto Vallarta airport to Sayulita, it costs about 800 MXN (USD 40).
However, there is one thing to note about taking an Uber. You’ll have to walk from the arrivals gate at the airport to the meeting point, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Note that this is a federal highway, so expect it to be a busy area for vehicles.
Private Driver From Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita
Hiring a private driver from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita is a costly but hassle-free option. The best part about hiring a private driver is being able to customize your route. This includes stopping by any landmarks along the way. Not to mention, you’re getting more comfort and a roomy interior.
It’s also one of the safest and most secure ways to travel from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita. There are two options when it comes to hiring a private driver. The first option is a regular private service and the second is a VIP or premium option.
Typically, regular private services won’t always have airport permits. This means you’ll have to be picked up at a different meeting point than in the arrivals area at the airport. Fortunately, the meeting point isn’t a hassle to get to.
In most cases, this will usually be in the OXXO convenience store inside the airport. It’s also easy to spot so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding it. For regular private services, it costs 1,000 MXN (USD 50), along with a 400 MXN (USD 20) deposit. For round-trip services, the deposit fee is 800 MXN (USD 40).
Those who opt for the VIP option have the benefit of being picked up in the arrivals area at the airport. It also comes with additional perks, depending on which operator you book with. VIP options are usually better suited to large groups, around 8 pax or more.
The cost is x3 a regular private service – 3,000 MXN (USD 150) plus a 500 MXN (USD 25) deposit.
Bus From Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita
Buses from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita are the cheapest mode of transportation. For budget-conscious travelers, this is also the best option. What’s also convenient about taking the bus is that it departs every 15 or 20 minutes.
How Much Is the Bus From Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita?
The average price for taking the bus from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita costs around 50 MXN (USD 2.50).
How Long Is the Bus Ride From Sayulita to Puerto Vallarta?
The travel time for a bus ride from Sayulita to Puerto Vallarta averages 1 hour and 30 minutes. In some cases, it might take longer depending on the traffic situation.
How Do I Take a Bus From Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita?
To take the bus from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita, you’ll have to go to Highway 200 Walmart. This is the Sayulita bus stop that’s across the cruise port. It’s also near the shopping mall Galerias Vallarta.
Now, take note. There are 3 bus stops at the Highway 200 Walmart pickup point. The buses that depart for Sayulita from Puerto Vallarta are white and green Compostela buses. However, not all Compostela buses depart for Sayulita. So, you should look for the text written on the front window shield saying, “Sayulita.”
It’s also important to mention that Highway 200 Walmart is the only bus stop for Sayulita. There are no buses in the Malecon boardwalk or Zona Romantica that depart for Sayulita.
Bus ticket rates from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita costs about 55 MXN (USD 2.75).
Where Do I Take the Bus From Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita?
The best place to take the bus from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita is the Walmart located on Highway 200. To get there, you can take a taxi, Uber, or bus. If you take the bus, head to Highway 200 first.
Once at the bus stop point, look for the buses that say “Walmart.” If you don’t see any sign of the text “Walmart,” you can say “Walmart” to the bus driver. From there, the bus driver will let you know if you should or shouldn’t get on.
Where Do You Catch the Bus From Sayulita to Puerto Vallarta?
Unlike in Puerto Vallarta, Sayulita has a designated bus terminal so it’s easy to find all the buses. Not to mention, you won’t have to worry about any confusing bus stops.
In Sayulita, there is only one bridge in the entire town. On the other side of that bridge is the Sayulita Bus Terminal. You should also see a sign that says Terminal de Autobuses.
According to Google Maps, the Sayulita bus terminal is located in Av. Revolucion 3B. Basically, from Saint Luke’s Hospitals Sayulita, walk towards Hotel Playa Sayulita. A little further down, you should see an OXXO convenience store. A couple more steps from there and you should see the Sayulita bus terminal.
Take note you can only buy bus tickets at the Sayulita bus terminal. A ticket costs 55 MXN (USD 2.75) one way. You cannot purchase round trip tickets either.
Sayulita to Puerto Vallarta Bus Schedule
The bus from Sayulita to Puerto Vallarta departs every 15 minutes. Their starting hours of operation are at 5:30 am and end at 10:45 pm.
Take note that the bus from Sayulita to Puerto Vallarta stops only at the Puerto Vallarta airport. From here, you’ll have to take another mode of transportation to the tourist center or city.
What Time Is the Last Bus From Sayulita to Puerto Vallarta?
The last bus from Sayulita to Puerto Vallarta departs at 10:45 pm. On the weekends, it’s possible that the last bus departing to Puerto Vallarta from Sayulita will be at 10 pm. To be safe, it’s best to arrive at the terminal at least 30 minutes early before buying your ticket.
Best Way to Get to Sayulita From Puerto Vallarta
The best way to get to Sayulita from Puerto Vallarta depends on who you’re traveling with. Other factors like luggage, comfort, and safety also matter.
If you’re traveling with kids, the safest option would be to take an Uber or hire a private driver. Airport taxis are a great option too, but if you want to save on costs, an Uber is the better choice.
Hiring a private driver is also ideal if you’re carrying a lot of luggage. For those traveling as a large group, like 6 pax or more, hiring a private driver is also beneficial.
Granted, a premium airport transfer service is the most expensive. But at the same time, it’s the most hassle-free. And it also offers the best comfort among all modes of transportation.
In case you forgot to buy any essentials or basic items, this is also another perk to hiring a private driver. You can easily stop by the supermarket along the way if need be. Unlike taxis and Uber that charge you for a fixed route, this means incurring higher costs.
Finally, buses are ideal for budget-conscious travelers. This is ideal if you’re after the most economical option. For backpackers, taking the bus is the most common choice. Because buses don’t offer a lot of luggage space, taking the bus is fit for those who are traveling light.
How Far Is Sayulita From Puerto Vallarta Airport?
The distance from Sayulita to the Puerto Vallarta airport is only 24 miles or 38 kilometers. This means the total travel time should be under an hour. From the Puerto Vallarta airport to the tourist center, it’s only an extra 10- to 15-minute ride.
How Do You Get From Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita?
There are several ways to get from the Puerto Vallarta airport to Sayulita. You can take the airport taxi, Uber, airport transfer, or bus.
Among them all, the most convenient and quickest way is to get an airport taxi. Although more expensive than the city taxi, it’s better than having to exit the airport and flagging a taxi.
Uber is also a fantastic option, but the wait time is a little longer. So, if you’re not in a hurry, go for an Uber.
Buses are still by far the cheapest, even from the Puerto Vallarta airport. However, this requires walking a couple of meters to get to the bus stop. If you’re carrying a lot of luggage, this will only lead to inconvenience.
But should you decide to do so, here’s what you’ll have to do: First, exit the Puerto Vallarta airport. At this point, you should be facing Highway 200. Simply follow the route along the airport sidewalk until you reach the end of the outdoor area of the airport.
From here, and to your left, you should see a staircase that leads to the pedestrian bridge. Walk up the staircase and through the bridge. In the end, you’ll be at the bus stop for all the buses that depart for Sayulita.
Now, if you’d rather not hassle yourself, you can always hire a private driver or airport transfer service. Yes, it’s expensive but you’re also guaranteed the most comfort, convenience, and safety.
How Much Is a Taxi From Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita?
Taking a taxi from the Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita has an average price of 2,000 MXN (USD 100). Take note that taxi rates in Puerto Vallarta are fixed. In some cases though, you might have to pay a higher taxi fare.
Generally, the more passengers, the more expensive the taxi fare as well.
Uber From Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita
You can take an Uber from the Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita. It’s also cheaper than booking a taxi. However, the only downside is that Uber drivers are not allowed to pick you up inside the airport.
Instead, you’ll have to exit the airport and walk close to where the bus stop is and wait there. Although taking an Uber is cheap, it’s not recommended at night especially if it’s your first time. The reason is that it might be hard for you to find the ideal pickup point for your Uber.
In cases like these, it’s better to be safe and book a taxi or private transfer.
Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita Shuttle
You can take several modes of transportation from the Puerto Vallarta airport to the Sayulita Shuttle. Uber, taxis, private airport transfers, and even the bus are all possible modes of transportation.
Taking the bus from the Puerto Vallarta airport to Sayulita will take you to the Sayulita bus terminal. This is the only shuttle terminal in Sayulita where you’ll find all the buses. It’s also the cheapest.
Taking an Uber, taxi, or private airport transfer is more flexible. You have the option to choose where in Sayulita you want to be dropped. Among all the three mentioned, Uber will be the cheapest. Taxis cost about 10% more, while private transfers are usually x2 or x3 than an Uber.
Is There a Bus From Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita?
There are no buses in the Puerto Vallarta airport that take you to Sayulita. Rather, you’ll have to head to the Walmart located on Highway 200. Once you exit the Puerto Vallarta airport, you’ll already be facing Highway 200.
From there, you’ll need to walk a couple of meters until you see a staircase that leads to a pedestrian bridge. Once you’ve crossed the bridge, you’ll already be at the bus stop for all the buses traveling to Sayulita. Look for the white and green Compostela buses to get to Sayulita.
There’s also a person with a clipboard that says Sayulita, so it’s easier for first-timers to spot.
