Getting to Malecon and church from cruise terminal in Puerto Vallarta

[desertdwellingsailor]

We are going to be on a cruise that stops in Puerto Vallarta and don't have an excursion. We want to go to the big church and the Malecon and I've read other posts in this section about doing that but wanted to double check. Once we get off the ship (Discovery Princess), will there be busses waiting there with signs saying Malecon or something like that and do we have to pay for them? I ordered pesos from my bank for what that is worth. I've also got Uber app on my phone which will probably work there. Do I need to do anything else or just get off the ship and buses will be waiting? Sorry, I know this has been asked before but I am a little uncertain.

[Ashland]

There will be shuttles lined up at the port. You can also walk out to the main street and take a taxi. Yes, the shuttle will be priced as a one way pp. Taxi will be a flat rate but ask what the rate is before you get in. We've usually paid approx $10.00. for the two of us one way for a taxi. When you're ready to return go one block over from the Malecon (one way traffic) and flag down a taxi (easy to do) tell them back to the port and again price before you get in. 

 

We pay in USD for the small purchases we do in port, for us not worth getting pesos, but it's a personal choice.

[Mike45LC]

There are public buses ($10 Mx per person, so just over $1 US for a couple), but my time and convenience is too important for me to deal with public buses.   I will pay a taxi driver $10 US for the ride for the two of us.  The taxi will drop you off at the near end of the Malecon.  

 

There are also vans/shuttles that charge $5US pp (unless the price has gone up), but I prefer a private taxi.

[Hlitner]

46 minutes ago, Mike45LC said:

There are public buses ($10 Mx per person, so just over $1 US for a couple), but my time and convenience is too important for me to deal with public buses.   I will pay a taxi driver $10 US for the ride for the two of us.  The taxi will drop you off at the near end of the Malecon.  

 

There are also vans/shuttles that charge $5US pp (unless the price has gone up), but I prefer a private taxi.

If you catch a normal taxi (not the ones you get inside the port area) you can ask the taxi to drop you just about anywhere.  So for example, you could take a taxi directly to the church rather then getting dropped at the beginning of the Malecon (i.e. Rosita Hotel).  In theory, taxi prices are set by zone and the entire area of Centro is the same zone...hence the fare should be the same being dropped at the Rosita or at the church.  Just keep in mind that too many taxis try to take advantage of cruisers, so you want some idea of the fare (which should be agreed to before you even get in a taxi).  These days, the regular taxis will want at least $150 (Pesos) from outside of the port (the street that faces Walmart) and drivers may well try to get $200.  Taxis generally will hold up to 4 people, so they are pretty reasonable if you have two couples.  

 

Also keep in mind that the so-called "Federal taxis" that operate inside the port operate with different fare rules.  Those cabs charge a price "per person" and not per taxi (the norm outside the port area).

In other words, a group of 4 can generally save about $10 (US) (to Centro)  by walking out of the port and making a deal with a normal taxi.

 

Hank

[desertdwellingsailor]

Thanks for all the feedback. That is what I am looking for.

 

[Ashland]

On 2/13/2024 at 2:18 PM, desertdwellingsailor said:

Thanks for all the feedback. That is what I am looking for.

 

Enjoy your cruise !!

[moviegal]

I am a frequent cruiser to Puerto Vallarta, and we usually get off the ship, exit the gate, and cross the street to the Walmart. From there, it's super easy to catch a cab or call an Uber (yes, Uber operates in PV). I find both are cheaper if you catch them somewhere other than the cruise terminal, and Uber is usually cheaper than a taxi. The going rate is anywhere from $10 U.S. to 200 pesos in each direction, if you get an honest cabbie. With Uber, the app makes them stay honest.

[tonit964]

On 2/13/2024 at 2:09 PM, Hlitner said:

If you catch a normal taxi (not the ones you get inside the port area) you can ask the taxi to drop you just about anywhere.  So for example, you could take a taxi directly to the church rather then getting dropped at the beginning of the Malecon (i.e. Rosita Hotel).  In theory, taxi prices are set by zone and the entire area of Centro is the same zone...hence the fare should be the same being dropped at the Rosita or at the church.  Just keep in mind that too many taxis try to take advantage of cruisers, so you want some idea of the fare (which should be agreed to before you even get in a taxi).  These days, the regular taxis will want at least $150 (Pesos) from outside of the port (the street that faces Walmart) and drivers may well try to get $200.  Taxis generally will hold up to 4 people, so they are pretty reasonable if you have two couples.  

 

Also keep in mind that the so-called "Federal taxis" that operate inside the port operate with different fare rules.  Those cabs charge a price "per person" and not per taxi (the norm outside the port area).

In other words, a group of 4 can generally save about $10 (US) (to Centro)  by walking out of the port and making a deal with a normal taxi.

 

Hank

What are your thoughts on a solo female getting an Uber outside the cruise terminal (away from the taxi's) to the Malecon and back?

 

I've been to Mexico dozens of times but that was when I had hubby with me.

I don't want to be fearful but I do want to be cautious and sensible.

Thank you!

[Hlitner]

8 minutes ago, tonit964 said:

What are your thoughts on a solo female getting an Uber outside the cruise terminal (away from the taxi's) to the Malecon and back?

 

I've been to Mexico dozens of times but that was when I had hubby with me.

I don't want to be fearful but I do want to be cautious and sensible.

Thank you!

My DW's response was "I don't see where that is a problem."  Understand, that the area outside the cruise terminal is a very busy (with both traffic and pedestrians).  Other than the normal risk of pickpockets, and getting hit by a car/bus, it is quite safe.  In fact, the entire region from the cruise port all the way into town (which spans the so-called Hotel Zone) is safe for anyone during the day time.  

 

As to choosing Uber over a regular taxi (generally yellow) that is debatable.  Until the last two years, I was a big fan of Uber because one knew the cost (it is on the app) and Uber prices were somewhat less than the taxis.  However, in the past two seasons we have noticed an increase in Uber prices (something akin to their surge pricing in the USA) which often means that the regular taxis are competitive.  The thing about using the regular taxis (those outside the port) is that there are no meters and the drivers will often overcharge (they are supposed to use published zone fares) "gringos" and especially cruisers (who they see as naive easy marks).  Before using a regular taxi, always tell the driver your destination and ask for the fare (you can specify dollars or pesos).  You can bargain, but this is best done before getting in the cab.

 

I will reiterate why I say "regular taxis"  Inside the port area, the taxis are so-called "federal taxis" and follow different rules form the normal taxis found everywhere outside the port (and airport).  The port or federal taxis charge a price per person fare and are not permitted to pick-up any customers outside the port.  This means they must return to to the port, empty!  Accordingly, their fares are generally higher than the regular taxis (assuming you have 2 or more in the taxi).  The regular taxis (found outside the port) charge fares for the taxi...not per person.  All the taxis (federal taxis and the regular taxis) are safe and the drivers licensed.  In theory, Uber is also controlled, but some folks have their doubts (just like in the USA).  

 

Once upon a time, about 3 years ago, I was ripped-off by an Uber driver.  She overcharged me, big time, by reporting that I had made several stops beyond my Uber App destination.  I caught the error, within an hour, and immediately sent a message to Uber (via the app).  Uber (Mexico) did acknowledge my complaint, asked for more details, and corrected the overcharge (this all happened the following day).  I mention this, because just like the regular taxis, Uber drivers can try to scam folks.

 

Hank

[tonit964]

3 minutes ago, Hlitner said:

My DW's response was "I don't see where that is a problem."  Understand, that the area outside the cruise terminal is a very busy (with both traffic and pedestrians).  Other than the normal risk of pickpockets, and getting hit by a car/bus, it is quite safe.  In fact, the entire region from the cruise port all the way into town (which spans the so-called Hotel Zone) is safe for anyone during the day time.  

 

As to choosing Uber over a regular taxi (generally yellow) that is debatable.  Until the last two years, I was a big fan of Uber because one knew the cost (it is on the app) and Uber prices were somewhat less than the taxis.  However, in the past two seasons we have noticed an increase in Uber prices (something akin to their surge pricing in the USA) which often means that the regular taxis are competitive.  The thing about using the regular taxis (those outside the port) is that there are no meters and the drivers will often overcharge (they are supposed to use published zone fares) "gringos" and especially cruisers (who they see as naive easy marks).  Before using a regular taxi, always tell the driver your destination and ask for the fare (you can specify dollars or pesos).  You can bargain, but this is best done before getting in the cab.

 

I will reiterate why I say "regular taxis"  Inside the port area, the taxis are so-called "federal taxis" and follow different rules form the normal taxis found everywhere outside the port (and airport).  The port or federal taxis charge a price per person fare and are not permitted to pick-up any customers outside the port.  This means they must return to to the port, empty!  Accordingly, their fares are generally higher than the regular taxis (assuming you have 2 or more in the taxi).  The regular taxis (found outside the port) charge fares for the taxi...not per person.  All the taxis (federal taxis and the regular taxis) are safe and the drivers licensed.  In theory, Uber is also controlled, but some folks have their doubts (just like in the USA).  

 

Once upon a time, about 3 years ago, I was ripped-off by an Uber driver.  She overcharged me, big time, by reporting that I had made several stops beyond my Uber App destination.  I caught the error, within an hour, and immediately sent a message to Uber (via the app).  Uber (Mexico) did acknowledge my complaint, asked for more details, and corrected the overcharge (this all happened the following day).  I mention this, because just like the regular taxis, Uber drivers can try to scam folks.

 

Hank

Thank you Hank for your very detailed response. I appreciate it.

 

I've taken the taxi's many times over at the gas station on the corner just outside the terminal and it has always been fine but never just by myself. My family is just worried about me doing that alone.

[Hlitner]

4 minutes ago, tonit964 said:

Thank you Hank for your very detailed response. I appreciate it.

 

I've taken the taxi's many times over at the gas station the corner just outside the terminal and it has always been fine but never just by myself. My family is just worried about me doing that alone.

We have single lady friends, in PV, who are out and about every day.  These ladies are in their 70s and we know some that live in places that are on quiet dark streets!  Do we have crime in PV?  Of course (which is why I always warn folks to take the usual precautions against pick pockets).  But violent crime, during the daytime, against solo ladies (or anyone) is rare.  DW would tell you that she feels safer in PV than in most places of the USA.

 

Hank

[tonit964]

1 hour ago, Hlitner said:

We have single lady friends, in PV, who are out and about every day.  These ladies are in their 70s and we know some that live in places that are on quiet dark streets!  Do we have crime in PV?  Of course (which is why I always warn folks to take the usual precautions against pick pockets).  But violent crime, during the daytime, against solo ladies (or anyone) is rare.  DW would tell you that she feels safer in PV than in most places of the USA.

 

Hank

Thank you again.😊 That info will put my family's mind at ease.