One-Way Car Rental from Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta | Compare Prices & Fees

Home One-way Car Rentals Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta

Can I rent a car from Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta. Many major companies offer this service, but there are specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.

Documents required for MX residents

Documents required for international visitors

Form of ID: A valid physical Mexico national photo ID
Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1-2 year(s).
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, JCB, AMEX, and Discover. Supported card attributes include XpCard, DcCard, and CtCard.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 18 and 85 years. Young drivers aged 18-24 may incur additional fees, such as US$ 10.00, US$ 16.10, US$ 9.00, or US$ 13.38 per day, depending on the rental provider.

Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. Accepted driving licence include:
• Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP). Please note that an International Driving Permit (IDP) is only a translation. You must present your original driving licence with the original IDP at the counter.
Form of ID: A valid passport
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, JCB, AMEX, and Discover. Supported card attributes include XpCard, DcCard, and CtCard.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 18 and 85 years. Young drivers aged 18-24 may incur additional fees, such as US$ 10.00, US$ 16.10, US$ 9.00, or US$ 13.38 per day, depending on the rental provider.

How much does renting a car from Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta cost?

One-way rentals typically includes a drop-off fee, depending on the company and distance. Below are approximate rates for different vehicle types:

Cheapest Economy Rate

Starting from

US$ 72/day

Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

US$ 85/day

Vehicle Types

Vehicle Types	Daily Rate(One-way Fee Included)	One-way Fee	Total(3-day Trip)	Best For
Small	US$ 230-US$ 264	US$ 160-US$ 387	US$ 214-US$ 333	Solo travelers, couples
Large	US$ 354	US$ 191	US$ 418-US$ 591	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 247-US$ 475	US$ 0-US$ 387	US$ 255-US$ 645	Large groups, long drivers
Van	US$ 294-US$ 349	US$ 160-US$ 235	US$ 315-US$ 675	Large families, groups
Pickup Truck	US$ 359	US$ 191	US$ 604	Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

What should I pay attention to for a one-way rental?

Key Consideration：

Understand One-Way Fees: Some rental companies charge an additional fee for dropping the car off at a different location.
Know The Road Conditions: Research the route from Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta, including potential toll roads or restricted areas.
Confirm Drop-Off Stations: Ensure the drop-off point in Puerto Vallarta is accessible and meets your travel timeline.
Check Cross-Border Policies: Determine if your rental agreement includes restrictions on travel within other regions, if applicable.
Refuel Before Drop-Off: Many agreements require you to return the car with a full tank of fuel to avoid refueling charges.

Smart Planning Tips:

Research Reliable Car Rental Providers: Choose reputable companies known for their clear policies and excellent customer support.
Book In Advance: Secure the best options and rates by booking your rental car well before your travel date.
Inspect The Vehicle: Prior to departure, check the car for any damages and ensure all features are functioning properly.
Understand Insurance Coverage: Know what your car rental insurance covers along the route, and consider additional coverage if necessary.
Plan Your Stops: Map out rest stops or sightseeing opportunities to make your journey more enjoyable.

Insurance: A Critical Consideration

Rental car insurance is essential for peace of mind on your journey. Counter rates can be expensive, often adding $20-40 per day to your rental cost.

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Book Earlier for Better Rates

Car rental prices fluctuate based on demand and availability. Booking in advance typically secures better rates, especially during peak travel seasons.

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Refueling, Parking and Tolls

Refueling

Parking

Refuel Policy Basic

Refuel the car before returning to avoid additional charges from the rental company.

Keep the final refueling receipt as proof for the rental company.

Use recommended gas stations to ensure the quality of fuel.

Fuel Cost

The estimated average fuel cost along the route is approximately $4.50 per gallon.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed and avoid abrupt accelerations to conserve fuel.

Check tire pressure regularly to ensure optimal fuel efficiency.

Limit air conditioning usage when possible to reduce fuel consumption.

Guadalajara Parking

Parking in central Guadalajara can cost around $1-2 USD per hour.

Several parking garages are available near the city center.

Street parking may be limited; consider using secured parking lots.

Puerto Vallarta Parking

Parking near the beach areas can cost $2-3 USD per hour.

Parking lots are available near major tourist attractions.

Some hotels offer complimentary parking for guests.

Recommended Parking Apps

Parkopedia

SpotHero

ParkWhiz

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Exploring Key Routes From Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta:

Route 1: Via Tepic

Mountain and Coastal 5 hours 30 minutes

This route takes you through lush mountain landscapes and arrives at the turquoise coastal vistas of Puerto Vallarta.

Tequila , Tepic , Compostela

Route 2: Pacific Highway

Coastal Drive 6 hours

Follow the Pacific shoreline and enjoy scenic views along the way.

Chapala , San Marcos , Nuevo Vallarta

Route 3: Scenic Forest Detour

Nature and Adventure 6 hours 30 minutes

The route features dense forests and serene reserves, perfect for nature enthusiasts.

Bosque de La Primavera , Ameca , San Sebastián del Oeste

Highlights of Day-Tripping Around the Route:

Visit Tequila Distilleries

1 hour from Guadalajara

Explore the origins of tequila production in this charming, vibrant town.

Explore Tepic

3 hours from Guadalajara

Discover cultural landmarks and enjoy local Nayarit cuisine.

San Sebastián del Oeste Excursion

1 hour from Puerto Vallarta

Wander this historical town nestled in the mountains.

Nuevo Vallarta Beaches

20 minutes from Puerto Vallarta

Relax at luxurious resorts and pristine beaches.

Road Trip Planning Tips:

Select the Right Vehicle: Choose a vehicle that matches your route needs, such as a high-clearance vehicle for mountain trails.

Plan Fuel Stops: Verify the availability of fuel stations along your intended route to avoid running out of fuel.

Navigation Backup: Save offline maps or route directions as some parts have limited network coverage.

Reserve Accommodation Early: Book stays in advance, especially during holidays, to secure good options.

Seasonal Considerations: Check weather conditions to better prepare for times like the rainy season.

Insurance and Contracts: Understand the policies on one-way rentals and check the terms for possible additional fees.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Choosing a suitable car rental company for your one-way trip from Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta involves assessing their service range, costs, and customer reviews.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Hertz	$$	High	Extensive	Reliable service , Wide range of vehicle types , High number of locations
Avis	$$	Medium	Good	Affordable rates , Good customer support , Frequent deals
Enterprise	$$$	High	Extensive	Premium vehicles available , Excellent pick-up and drop-off locations , Loyalty rewards
Sixt	$$$	High	Moderate	Luxury options available , Modern vehicles , Convenient pick-up process

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Selection Criteria for One-Way Rentals:

Pricing Considerations

Base rental rate per day
One-way drop-off fees
Additional driver charges
Insurance costs
Fuel policy and potential charges

Vehicle Selection

Vehicle size for passengers and luggage
Fuel efficiency for long drives
Comfort features for highway driving
Navigation and entertainment systems
Vehicle condition and mileage

Company Reliability

Customer service reputation
Transparency in fees and policies
Roadside assistance coverage
Cancellation and modification policies
Reviews from other one-way renters

All About the Car Rental Centers

Operating Hours:

Car rental desks usually operate from 6 AM to 11 PM at Guadalajara International Airport.

Location of Rental Car Center:

The rental car center is located in the arrivals area of the terminal.

Shuttle Services:

Shuttle services to off-airport rental locations run every 10–15 minutes.

Pro Tips for Guadalajara Airport(GDL) Car Rentals

Book your vehicle online in advance to benefit from better rates and ensure availability for one-way rentals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is required to book a one-way car rental for the route from Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta?

To book a one-way car rental, you will need a valid driver's license, a credit card for payment and security deposit, and any necessary identification documents required by the rental agency.

Are there additional fees for returning the rental car in Puerto Vallarta instead of Guadalajara?

Yes, typically there is a one-way fee charged by the rental car company for returning the car to a different location from the pickup point. This amount varies based on the provider.

How long is the drive from Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta, and what routes are recommended?

The driving distance between Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta is approximately 320 kilometers (199 miles), and the drive typically takes around 5-6 hours depending on traffic and the route taken. The most common route is via the Mexico 80D highway.

Can the rental cars be picked up in Guadalajara and dropped off near Puerto Vallarta Airport?

Yes, many car rental agencies offer the option to drop off the vehicle near major airports, including the Puerto Vallarta International Airport. Ensure this preference is communicated during booking.

What are some tips for fueling during the trip?

Plan fuel stops along major highways, as gas stations can be sparse in remote areas. Be aware of the types of payment options accepted at gas stations. Always refuel the car to the agreed-upon level before returning it.

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