La Manzanilla by Air
Check with your travel agent as many airlines offer charter services to both Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo during the high season.
The most direct route is to fly to Manzanillo Airport (ZLO). Manzanillo Airport is approximately 45 minutes south of La Manzanilla. You can rent a car at the airport from many of the well-known US car rental companies. The rentals are on-site at the airport and reservations are recommended.
Alternatively you can take a taxi from the airport. Taxis are approximately $50 USD each way and there are plenty of taxis available as you exit the airport. There is no direct bus service from the airport to La Manzanilla.
Airlines serving Manzanillo Airport (ZLO)
Regular service is only offered during the high season, November-March. Check with your travel agent for scheduled charter flight services from your area.
- America West Airlines
- Alaska Airlines
- Aeromexico
- Aeromar/Mexicana Airlines
- Delta Airlines
- Northwest
- Mexicana
Alternatively, you can fly to Puerto Vallarta and rent a car or take a bus 3 ½ hours south along the well-maintained Hwy 200. The road between Puerto Vallarta and La Manzanilla is good but narrow and curvy. If your flight arrives in the evening, plan to stay in a hotel in Puerto Vallarta and leave the next morning. It’s best to avoid highway driving at night.
Airlines serving Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR)
- Aero California
- AeroCalafia
- Aeromar
- Aeroméxico
- Alma de México
- Alaska Airlines
- America West
- American Airlines
- Aviacsa
- Continental Airlines
- Líneas Aéreas Azteca
- Mexicana
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First class bus service is available between Puerto Vallarta and Melaque, the town just south of La Manzanilla. There is no direct bus service between Puerto Vallarta and La Manzanilla. From the PVR airport, take a taxi to the city’s main bus station, Central Camionero. Several first classes busses from Puerto Vallarta to Melaque operate daily and are approximately $15 USD. Your best bet is to call the Central Camionero Puerto Vallarta-Tepic Hwy., Km 9, Las Mojoneras (011-52-322-290-1008 from the US) and ask for the schedule.
Alternatively, call the companies directly or try their websites (if they are working)- ETN (www.etn.com.mx) 011-52-322-290-0119 from the US. Estrella Blanca (www.estrellablanca.com.mx) 011-52-322-290-1001 from the US. Primera Plus 011-52-322-290-0715 from the US.
From Melaque, take a taxi north 20 minutes to La Manzanilla for approximately $15 USD or you can catch a bus from Melaque to La Manzanilla for about $1 USD.
Buses between Melaque and La Manzanilla run five times daily, cost 10 pesos, and the ride is approximately 30 minutes.
Departs La Manzanilla: 8:30 & 10:30 a.m. and 1:30, 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. The bus originates just south of the primary school but you can wave it down anywhere along the main street and it will stop to pick you up.
Departs Melaque: 7:40 & 9:40 a.m. and 12:40, 2:40 and 4:40 p.m. The bus station in Melaque is located near the middle of the main street going through town.
Melaque to Barra: hop a bus every 15 minutes from the main Melaque bus station.
Taxis are usually parked next to the jardín (town square). It’s always a good idea to ask the price before you get in. Taxis are approximately $50 USD each way between the Manzanillo Airport and La Manzanilla and there are plenty of taxis available as you exit the airport. You can arrange for a taxi back to the airport a day or two in advance by talking with one of the drivers at the jardín. Taxis are also available to take you to Tenacatita for a day of snorkeling, and the drivers will usually just wait for you.
Car Rental
You can rent a car at the La Manzanilla Airport from many of the well- known US car rental companies. The rentals are on-site at the airport and reservations are recommended. The same is true for Puerto Vallarta Airport. In Melaque, there is a car rental shop just north of the main bus station on the main road of town. |
