Transportation and Travel in Sayulita by Taxi, Car Rental and Bus

Sayulita is a small town — and in some ways that makes getting around easy. In other ways, cobblestone streets, hills, one-way lanes, and the absence of rideshare apps require a little local knowledge to navigate efficiently. Here's everything you need to know about taxis, golf carts, buses, airport transfers, and what to skip.

Most of central Sayulita is walkable — the beach, plaza, restaurants, and main market streets are within easy reach on foot. That said, walking here is not like walking on flat city sidewalks.

• Streets are cobblestone — uneven, slippery when wet, and hard on ankles; wear sturdy sandals or walking shoes
• Many neighborhoods sit on hills, so even short distances can involve real elevation
• There are no sidewalks on most streets — pedestrians and vehicles share the road
• High heels are a genuinely bad idea on cobblestones — leave them at home

If you're staying in neighborhoods away from the center, you'll likely rely on taxis or golf carts for some trips — especially after dark.

Thinking about renting a car in Sayulita? For travelers who wish to see the surrounding beach towns and local sights that Nayarit has to offer, a car rental is your best bet. A car rental gives you more flexibility while you vacation and gives you access to some of the hidden beaches and jungle hikes along the coast. A rental car is a great idea for larger groups of friends or families visiting Sayulita. All major car rental agencies are represented at Puerto Vallarta's airport and reservations may be made prior to arrival (recommended) through your travel agent or when booking online; vehicles may of course be rented on arrival, providing availability.

Note: for getting around within Sayulita itself, a car creates more problems than it solves — parking is scarce, streets are narrow, and taxis are cheaper for short hops. Cars are best used for day trips.

• Yellow curb = no parking
• "E" with a red diagonal dash = no parking (the Mexican standard sign)
• Parking is scarce near the beach and plaza — especially on weekends and holidays

See also: Renting a Car for Your Sayulita Vacation

Transportation to and from Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) — about 45 minutes to one hour from Sayulita — can be done quickly and efficiently with many local premium car services. If you plan on traveling to Sayulita with a medium to large group, we highly recommend hiring one of our local premium SUV car rentals. This option is perfect for those hosting retreats, wedding parties, families on vacation, and more.

Private transport removes the hassle and stress of navigating a new country on your own. All drivers will respect and honor your time schedule and be flexible to your individual itinerary. Many drivers also offer a stop at the Mega, a large grocery store, to pick up produce, snacks, wine and spirits, and any essentials you might need — ask your driver about this option upon booking.

Local companies offering airport transfers and SUV service:

Prices may vary depending upon the provider. View all Sayulita airport transfer companies →

Insider tip from Sayulita Life: For early morning flights, book your transfer the day before and confirm the night before. Taxi availability before 7am is limited — a pre-arranged shuttle or private driver is worth the peace of mind.

Taxis are available from the Puerto Vallarta airport to Sayulita. Taxis at airport taxi stands generally carry a higher price due to airport taxes — and note that this is a one-way trip, not a round-trip transfer. We highly recommend reserving your round-trip airport transfer directly from one of the reliable taxi and transportation service companies in Sayulita.

Once you are in Sayulita, local taxis are a great way to get around. There are no meters — all fares are zone-based and fixed. Always confirm the price before getting in. Fares are per trip, not per person, and are cash only.

Sayulita Local Taxi Fares:

For a complete list of the most current fares, check the sign in the plaza or ask a local taxi driver. Fares may increase during peak season or at night.

• Taxis typically operate from roughly 7am to 10pm; late-night availability is limited
• For drivers you trust, ask for a WhatsApp number — many offer on-call service
• Uber and Lyft do not reliably operate in Sayulita — use local taxis or a pre-arranged driver

Insider tip from Sayulita Life: If you find a taxi driver you like — punctual, honest, comfortable vehicle — ask for their WhatsApp number. Having a reliable driver on call is worth its weight in gold, especially for early-morning airport runs.

If your Sayulita vacation rental is located in a hilly area or away from town, or if you have small children or elders in your group, you may wish to consider renting a golf cart for your stay. It can make return trips up the hill, grocery shopping, and errands much easier. We have a number of golf cart rental companies that are trusted and even used by locals in Sayulita. Many have energy-saving electric golf carts available. We suggest booking in advance.

• Golf carts are subject to the same traffic laws as cars — one-way streets apply and you can be fined for violations
• Book well in advance during peak season (December–April) — carts are often fully reserved weeks ahead
• Ask your rental host whether a cart is recommended for your specific neighborhood

Insider tip from Sayulita Life: Book your golf cart as soon as you know your travel dates. During Semana Santa and the Christmas–New Year's window, carts are gone weeks in advance.

The bus ride from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita costs around $46 pesos. Buses normally arrive every 20 minutes and the 24-mile journey takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours due to frequent stops.

If you plan on catching the bus from the airport, cross over the highway using the pedestrian bridge. The bus line serving Sayulita is COMPOSTELA — buses are usually white and green. Some newer Compostela buses have Riviera Nayarit logos that are green, red, and white. Look for the name "Sayulita" written on the windshield. Note: not all COMPOSTELA buses go to Sayulita.

Buses to Puerto Vallarta from Sayulita leave from the bus stop next to the Salud Clinic, located on the main road into Sayulita. Seats are available while you wait in a shaded area. Fares: P.V. $46 pesos | Bucerías $25 | MEGA $25. The bus stops at all major shopping plazas in P.V. and terminates at Gold's Gym just past Plaza Genovesa. Here you can transfer to a city bus to head further downtown. Buses within Puerto Vallarta have a set fare of $10 pesos — you must pay each time you board; there are no transfers.

Compostela Bus Schedule:

Vallarta Plus is a first-class bus service operating between Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, stopping at the Pemex Gas station on Hwy 200 and the Salud Clinic on Av. Revolución as you come into Sayulita. Visit vallartaplus.com for current schedules and fares.

Vallarta Plus Schedule (7 days a week):

ETN is a luxury bus line operating between Tepic and Nuevo Vallarta. Visit etn.com.mx for current information.

ETN Schedule:

Motorbikes and scooters are used in Sayulita but come with real risk — especially for inexperienced riders.

• A valid motorcycle license is legally required
• Helmets are essential — both legally and practically
• Cobblestones, loose gravel, and steep hills create challenging conditions
• Recommended only for experienced riders comfortable on two wheels in unpredictable traffic

Biking is not recommended as a primary way to get around Sayulita. Cobblestone streets, steep hills, and no dedicated bike lanes make it impractical for daily transportation. It can work for specific trails or beach rides, but it is not a reliable way to get around town.

• Regular taxis in Sayulita typically operate from around 7am to 10pm
• After 10pm, options thin out significantly — ask your rental host or a local restaurant for trusted late-night driver contacts
• For very early airport departures, pre-arrange a driver the night before — don't count on finding a taxi at 4am
• WhatsApp is the local standard for booking private drivers — ask around for recommendations during your stay

Additional trusted local transportation providers:

Do taxis in Sayulita have meters? No. All taxis use zone-based flat fares. Always confirm the price before getting in. Fares are per trip, not per person, and are cash-only.

Is Uber available in Sayulita? No — Uber and Lyft do not reliably operate in Sayulita. Use local taxis or pre-arrange a private driver via WhatsApp. InDriver has limited and unreliable coverage in the area.

How do I get from Sayulita to Puerto Vallarta Airport? The drive is 45 minutes to one hour. Taxis run approximately $700 pesos. Shared shuttles are cheaper and comfortable. For early-morning flights, pre-arrange your driver the night before.

Should I rent a golf cart in Sayulita? Golf carts are a great option, especially for families or those staying outside the town center. Book well in advance during peak season — they're often fully reserved weeks ahead. Golf cart traffic laws are the same as for cars, including one-way street rules.

How do I catch the bus to Puerto Vallarta? The Compostela bus runs every 20 minutes from approximately 6am to 10pm for about $46 pesos. Catch it at the Salud Clinic bus stop on the main road into Sayulita — not in the center of town.

Can I bike around Sayulita? Not easily. Cobblestone streets, steep hills, and no bike lanes make biking impractical for daily transportation. It works for specific trails, not for getting around town.

Are taxis available late at night in Sayulita? Availability drops significantly after 10pm. Get a WhatsApp number from a trusted driver during the day — don't expect to flag one down late at night.

Is it worth renting a car in Sayulita? A car is useful for day trips to Punta Mita, San Pancho, or Puerto Vallarta — but a liability for getting around town. Use a golf cart for local transport and a rental car only if you're doing a lot of day-tripping.

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Also see: Sayulita Neighborhoods Guide — north vs. south & how to choose  |  Safety Tips  |  Travel Tips & Local Customs  |  ← Full Sayulita Travel Guide