Best day trips from Puerto Vallarta
The best places to escape Puerto Vallarta for a day — drives, train rides, and easy outings within 1–3 hours of the city.
Skip the search — let a CheapoTrav expert do it for you.
Phone-only fares for Puerto Vallarta, 24/7.
Call 1 (815) 473-8090Key facts
- Most day trips from Puerto Vallarta fall in a 60–120 minute radius
- Rental car is the most flexible option for day trips
- Guided tours include transport and skip-the-line tickets at most destinations
- Train and bus options exist for many popular routes
- Pack water, snacks, and a flexible return time
Already settled in Puerto Vallarta and looking for a change of scenery for the day? Pacific resort town with cobblestone old town and Banderas Bay. A short drive or train ride away, you'll find beaches, mountains, smaller towns, or wine country depending on the direction you go.
This shortlist focuses on day trips that are genuinely doable in one day — most under a 2-hour drive each way. We've flagged whether you'll need a car, can take transit, or whether a guided day tour is the easiest path.
In this guide
- Top picks for day trips
- How to get there from Puerto Vallarta
- Best for nature
- Best for food and drink
- Tips for planning
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a rental car for day trips from Puerto Vallarta?
- Not always — many popular day trips from Puerto Vallarta are reachable by train, bus, or guided tour. A car gives the most flexibility, especially for nature destinations.
- How long should a day trip from Puerto Vallarta be?
- Plan on 8–10 hours door to door including transit. Anything farther than a 2-hour drive each way usually works better as an overnight. Call 1 (815) 473-8090 for phone-only fares
- What are the best day trips from Puerto Vallarta without a car?
- Train- or bus-accessible destinations from Puerto Vallarta include several of the nearby cities listed in this guide — check the "getting there" notes on each pick.
- Are day tours from Puerto Vallarta worth it?
- Yes for first-timers and time-pressed travelers. A guided day tour bundles transport, entrance fees, and a guide for usually $50–$150 per person. Call 1 (815) 473-8090 for phone-only fares
- What should I pack for a day trip from Puerto Vallarta?
- Water, snacks, layers for changing weather, a portable phone charger, and any tickets pre-loaded on your phone.
- Can CheapoTrav help book day trips?
- Yes — our travel desk can quote a rental car or guided day tour as part of your overall trip. Call us for a bundled rate. Call 1 (815) 473-8090 for phone-only fares
More for travelers visiting Puerto Vallarta
- Flights: Puerto Vallarta
- Hotels: Puerto Vallarta
- Car rentals: Puerto Vallarta
- Things to do: Puerto Vallarta
- Best time to visit: Puerto Vallarta
- Travel guide: Puerto Vallarta
- Cheap eats: Puerto Vallarta
- Where to stay: Puerto Vallarta
- Weekend in: Puerto Vallarta
- 3 days in: Puerto Vallarta
- Budget travel: Puerto Vallarta
Nearby destinations
- Day trips: Mexico City
Massive food scene, art museums, and Aztec ruins downtown.
- Day trips: Cabo San Lucas
Land's End arch, sportfishing, and Baja resort beaches.
- Day trips: Guadalajara
Birthplace of mariachi and tequila — Mexico's second city.