Puerto Vallarta for Soccer Fans: How to Get Here from Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey

The opening whistle is already imminent.  From June 11 to July 19, the spotlight will once again shine on Mexico as the global epicenter of soccer, with Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Mexico City gearing up to host millions of fans from all corners of the globe.

But let's be real: once your favorite match is over, all the savvy traveler wants is to soak up some sun, relax on the sand, and have a blast.  And this is where Puerto Vallarta steps in as the perfect destination to round out the Grand Soccer Fiesta experience.

The good news is that the three Mexican host cities have never had better land and air connectivity to Jalisco’s premier beach destination. This is your guide to getting to Puerto Vallarta hassle-free if you already have a ticket to a match.

The Scenic Route

From Guadalajara to Vallarta by Road

The road trip is a worthwhile experience in itself for fans coming from Guadalajara.  The new highway between Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta has reduced the travel time to just two and a half hours for a distance of 186.6 kilometers, which is divided into three sections.  The road trip, once marked by navigating curves and winding roads, now transforms into a cinematic experience.

The highway runs through the heart of Jalisco, showing off the area's varied scenery.  You'll see the agave fields that give tequila its name, the volcanic slopes that show off the region's power, and a slow but interesting change into the tropical rainforest of the Mexican Pacific.

The Guadalajara–Puerto Vallarta highway boasts wide lanes, guardrails on curves, and strategic overlooks that offer panoramic views of the ocean and the jungle landscape.  A private car is a cost-effective alternative to flying, with toll costs ranging from 1,177 MXN to 1,380 MXN.

Those traveling from Guadalajara who prefer the steering wheel to the airplane cockpit will find this road trip the perfect visual prelude before seeing the sea.

By Air from Guadalajara

Swift and Well-Connected

Guadalajara offers excellent flight options to Puerto Vallarta, with specific and frequent departures.  From Guadalajara, you can fly nonstop to Jalisco’s premier beach destination with VivaAerobus and Volaris.  The flight lasts around 45 minutes.

In 2024, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport welcomed nearly 18 million passengers.  Guadalajara's international airport is currently undergoing expansion to accommodate 40 million annual travelers by 2026, showcasing its readiness to handle significant demand, such as that associated with major sporting events like the Grand Soccer Fiesta.

Our advice: book in advance.  To align with the three host cities in Mexico of the Grand Soccer Fiesta, flight carriers are adjusting their offerings.  So if you wait until the last minute, you'll end up paying more.

By Air from Monterrey

Mexico’s Industrial Hub is also in Proximity to the Sea

Direct flights to Puerto Vallarta are offered to travelers via two domestic airlines from Monterrey, the largest city of the northeastern state of Nuevo León and the third host city in Mexico.  VivaAerobus and Volaris operate direct, nonstop flights from Monterrey to the Puerto Vallarta International Airport.

The Monterrey–Vallarta flight takes only about an hour and a half, just enough time to revisit the game you just attended and arrive ready for the afternoon ceviche at Camarones Beach.  Sea, sun, and soccer—all in a single trip!  Are you ready for your weekend getaway to the beach?

By Air from Mexico City

Two Airports, One Single Beach Destination

Mexico City provides the most extensive array of air travel choices, yet a notable difference exists: AICM and AIFA airports are not equivalent in terms of their connection to Puerto Vallarta.

From Mexico City International Airport (AICM), the route has generous service frequency.  On average, Aeromexico operates 130 flights per month from AICM to Puerto Vallarta, and VivaAerobus and Volaris add 120 additional flights per month on the same route.  The flight lasts around one hour and 35 minutes.

AIFA also has options available.  Non-stop flights from Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) to Puerto Vallarta are operated by Mexicana with twelve flights per month and VivaAerobus with 31 monthly flights, respectively.

In 2024 alone, AIFA carried over six million travelers, and it is planned to expand in the coming years with new land and rail links, making it a genuine and increasingly affordable option.

Vallarta is Closer than Ever

If you're an international soccer fan coming to Mexico through another city and want to go to the beach, there are a lot of choices.

Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) has the privilege of accommodating air travel from an international array of destinations.  United, Alaska, Viva, WestJet, and Delta are just some of the airlines that operate direct routes from Puerto Vallarta, with connections to major destinations in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, including Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Denver, and more.

The international airport has a convenient location within the city and a short distance from the Hotel Zone and downtown Puerto Vallarta.  This means that in less than 20 minutes after landing, you can be gazing out at the ocean with your favorite drink in hand.

Visit the Jalisco Is Mexico blog to learn more about flight connections from Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta to major cities in the United States and Canada.

You can book flights to Puerto Vallarta and find special deals on the best hotels through the Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, official booking engine.

The Grand Soccer Fiesta is coming to Mexico in a big way.  Savvy travelers who know how to make the most of the location are really going to come out ahead—they'll have the game in their hearts and the beach at their feet.  Today, Puerto Vallarta is closer than ever, offering easy access for those looking to explore this vibrant city.  Tickets to Jalisco’s premier beach destination are currently available.  All you have to do is book yours.