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

Home One-way Car Rentals Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta

Document required for international visitors

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 year(s).
Form of ID: A valid physical Mexico national photo ID
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted cards include Visa, Master, JCB, and AMEX. Support for XpCard and DcCard is available.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 18 and 85. Young drivers aged 18-24 may incur additional fees, such as US$ 10.00 per day or US$ 16.10 per day depending on the rental terms.

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). An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required as a translation and must be presented with the original driving licence 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 cards include Visa, Master, JCB, AMEX, and Discover. Support for XpCard and CtCard is available.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 18 and 85. Young drivers aged 18-24 may incur additional fees, such as US$ 10.00 per day or US$ 16.10 per day depending on the rental terms.

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

Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

Vehicle Types

Vehicle Types	Daily Rate(One-way Fee Included)	One-way Fee	Total(3-day Trip)	Best For
Small	US$ 157-211	US$ 0.00-289.30	US$ 234-305	Solo travelers, couples
Medium	US$ 341-341	US$ 213.56-213.56	US$ 508-508	Small families, light luggage
Large	US$ 350-326	US$ 0.00-189.76	US$ 505-543	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 174-428	US$ 0.00-289.30	US$ 284-864	Large groups, long drivers
Van	US$ 212-337	US$ 138.00-235.00	US$ 282-506	Large families, groups
Pickup Truck	US$ 327-327	US$ 189.76-189.76	US$ 547-547	Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

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

Key Consideration：

One-Way Fee: Take into account that one-way rentals usually incur an additional fee for returning the car to a different location.
Car Categories: Not all rental agencies offer the same car types for one-way rentals; verify availability in advance.
Route Restrictions: Check for any restrictions on routes, road closures, or toll fees along your journey.
Insurance Coverage: Ensure your rental insurance policy covers one-way rentals, especially across state borders.
Flexible Return Hours: Confirm the car rental provider's return location’s operating hours to plan your arrival time accordingly.

Smart Planning Tips:

Plan Your Journey: Familiarize yourself with your route to identify scenic spots and services like gas stations.
Budget Considerations: Prepare for toll road costs and additional fees along the way by accounting for them in your budget.
Refuel Strategically: Fill up at the last station near your drop-off location to avoid extra charges for returning a car with less fuel.
Confirm Your Booking in Advance: Secure your rental car and ensure available options by booking ahead, especially in busy travel seasons.
Read Policies Carefully: Review one-way rental terms to avoid unexpected fees or restrictions.

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

Tolls

Gas Stations near Drop-off Locations

Gold petrol station vallarta - Av. Francisco Medina Ascencio 7968, Villa Las Flores, 48335 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico

ARCO - C. Prisciliano Sánchez 530 Col, Vallarta 750, 48290 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to improve fuel efficiency.

Avoid carrying unnecessary weight in the vehicle.

Ensure tires are properly inflated to reduce rolling resistance.

Guadalajara Parking

Consider using parking garages for secure and convenient parking.

Parking in Guadalajara is generally available in public lots and garages. Costs vary depending on the area.

Puerto Vallarta Parking

Arrive early to secure parking, especially near tourist attractions.

In Puerto Vallarta, parking is available near the beach and downtown areas, though it may be limited during peak times.

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps like Parkopedia and SpotHero can assist in locating and reserving parking spaces.

Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure to carry cash in Mexican Pesos for toll payments as not all booths accept cards.

Plan your route in advance to identify toll roads and estimate costs.

There are toll roads along the route from Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta. Costs vary, and payment is typically made at toll booths.

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Highlight Routes from Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta:

Guadalajara - Tequila - Mezcaltitan Route

Historical and Cultural Exploration 6 hours

Travel through the historical town of Tequila, famous for its spirit industry, then continue to Mezcaltitan, known as the Mexican Venice.

Tequila Town , Amatitán , Mezcaltitan

Guadalajara - Chapala - Puerto Vallarta Route

Scenic Lakeside Drive 5.5 hours

Enjoy a serene drive along Lake Chapala, Mexico's largest lake, continuing to Puerto Vallarta.

Chapala Town , Ajijic , Ameca

Guadalajara - Costa Alegre Coastal Route

Coastal Retreat 7 hours

A longer but scenic route heading towards the Pacific Coast before reaching Puerto Vallarta.

Barra de Navidad , Melaque , Tacaniste

Favorite Journeys Near Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta:

Guadalajara to Los Guachimontones

1 hour 30 minutes

Embark to the outskirts for a unique archaeological experience at Los Guachimontones.

Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita

1 hour

Visit the bohemian surf town of Sayulita, famous for its vibrant culture and stunning beach.

Guadalajara to Mazamitla

2 hours

Explore Mazamitla, a charming town in the heart of the Sierra del Tigre.

Puerto Vallarta to Punta Mita

45 minutes

Relax at the luxurious and secluded beaches of Punta Mita.

Road Trip Planning Tips:

Vehicle Choice: Choose a car that retains comfort for long drives, especially on varying terrains.

Route Planning: Pre-plan your route and rest stops, keeping local road conditions in mind.

Fuel Management: Fuel up before starting and keep an eye out for gas stations along the route.

Rental Policy Review: Familiarize yourself with terms especially for one-way rentals.

Documentation: Document existing damages before departure to avoid potential disputes.

Emergency Preparedness: Carry a safety kit including first aid, food, and water for emergencies.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Selecting a car rental company for your one-way trip from Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta involves evaluating factors such as one-way fees, fleet quality, location accessibility, and unique advantages offered by each company.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage
Hertz	$$	★★★★☆	★★★★★
Avis	$$$	★★★★★	★★★★☆
Enterprise	$$	★★★★☆	★★★★☆
National	$$$	★★★★★	★★★★☆

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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

Car Rental Centers in Puerto Vallarta

Operating Hours:

Rental desks operate from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.

Location of Rental Car Center:

The rental car center is located within the arrivals area at Puerto Vallarta International Airport.

Shuttle Frequency:

Complimentary shuttles run every 15 minutes from the terminal to the rental car lots.

Returning the Vehicle:

Rental returns are accessible at the same airport location; follow signage for 'Car Return'.

Arrive 30 minutes before your planned drop-off time to ensure a smooth vehicle return process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a one-way car rental?

A one-way car rental allows you to pick up a rental car in one location (in this case, Guadalajara) and drop it off in another (e.g., Puerto Vallarta), rather than having to return it to the original location.

Are there any additional fees for a one-way car rental?

Yes, many rental companies charge a one-way fee for picking up the car in one city and dropping it off in another. This fee compensates the company for the inconvenience of returning the car to its origin.

What documents do I need to rent a car for this route?

To rent a car, you typically need a valid driver's license, a credit or debit card in the driver's name, and sometimes an additional form of identification. International travelers may need an International Driving Permit.

What routes are recommended from Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta?

The most common route takes you through Highway 80 and the Sierra Madre mountain range, offering scenic views along the way. Another option is using the toll roads for a faster, more direct trip.

Are there refueling stations along the route?

Yes, you will find numerous gas stations along the way, especially near significant towns and on toll roads. It’s advisable to refuel at larger towns to ensure access to premium services.

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Explore the Scenic Drive from Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta