Starting From
$220
Flight Time
4h 45m
Best Months
November - May
Airlines
United, American Airlines, Frontier
Flying from Chicago to Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta offers a completely different Mexican beach experience compared to Cancun. The Pacific coast gem combines stunning beaches with a charming old town, incredible food scene, and genuine Mexican culture. From Chicago, it’s an easy 4.5-hour flight.
Flight Options
- United Airlines: Reliable nonstop service from O’Hare, especially during winter season.
- American Airlines: Seasonal nonstop flights with good pricing.
- Frontier Airlines: Budget-friendly seasonal service with very low base fares.
- Volaris: Year-round service with competitive pricing, especially for one-way tickets.
Best Time to Visit
Puerto Vallarta’s weather is best from November through May, which is the dry season. The rainy season (June-October) brings afternoon thunderstorms but also dramatically lower prices and fewer tourists.
Winter months (December-March) are peak season with the best weather — warm days in the 80s°F with low humidity and no rain.
Money-Saving Tips
- Travel in November or early December: Great weather, lower prices before the holiday rush.
- Stay in the Romantic Zone: More affordable than the hotel zone, with better restaurants and nightlife.
- Eat like a local: Street tacos and market food are incredible and cost a fraction of restaurant prices.
- Use Frontier for budget travel: Their sales often feature PVR routes.
- Book accommodation on the south side: Prices drop significantly south of the Romantic Zone.
What to Expect on Arrival
Puerto Vallarta’s Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) is compact and easy to navigate:
- Uber: Available and affordable. A ride to the Romantic Zone costs about $8-12.
- Airport buses: ATM buses run to downtown for about $2.
- Taxis: Fixed-rate from the airport, typically $15-25 to most hotel areas.
Average Flight Prices by Month
| Month | Average Price (Roundtrip) |
|---|---|
| January | $280 - $380 |
| February | $300 - $400 |
| March | $280 - $360 |
| April | $240 - $320 |
| May | $200 - $280 |
| June | $220 - $300 |
| September | $180 - $250 |
| October | $190 - $260 |
| November | $220 - $300 |
| December | $350 - $480 |
More Guides for Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta hotels guide. Need a car? Find out Car Rental tips in Puerto Vallarta. Need an end to end vacation package? Here are our guideline about possible vacation packages in Puerto Vallarta from Chicago. Puerto Vallarta a charming Pacific coast resort town known for its beautiful beaches, cobblestone streets, and thriving arts scene. Puerto Vallarta combines traditional Mexican charm with modern amenities, making it perfect for both relaxation and adventure. Must Visit places and to-do list in Puerto Vallarta. Need to visit other destinations in Mexico from Chicago? Find affordable direct flights to Mexico cities from USA