San Francisco International to Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz
1556 miles great-circle distance, typically flown in 3h 32m with 7 airlines operating direct service from San Francisco International (SFO) to Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz (PVR). Cheapest fares are usually in Jun (around $185 return), with peak prices in Jun (around $185). Departures on a Tuesday tend to undercut weekend prices on this corridor.
Flying from San Francisco International
San Francisco International is United's main Pacific hub and Alaska Airlines' largest non-Seattle base. Four terminals form a single ring connected by the AirTrain shuttle, with BART running from the dedicated airport station directly to Powell Street downtown in around 30 minutes for $10. Heavy fog from May through August causes chronic morning delays — book mid-day departures during summer where possible. International long-haul to Asia and Europe is the deepest on the West Coast.
Arriving in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta's Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz Airport is 7 km north of central Puerto Vallarta. Public buses run from the highway 200 m from the terminal for 13 MXN; resort shuttles cost $15–$30. Fares from the US Pacific coast peak in winter (January–March) when American snowbirds drive demand; September and October are the cheapest months and weather is increasingly favourable as the rainy season ends.
Who flies SFO to PVR?
| Airline | IATA | Flight time | Cabin |
| United Airlines | UA | 3h 32m | Economy |
| Alaska Airlines | AS | 3h 32m | Economy |
| American Airlines | AA | 3h 32m | Economy |
| Delta Air Lines | DL | 3h 32m | Economy |
| Southwest Airlines | WN | 3h 32m | Economy |
| JetBlue Airways | B6 | 3h 32m | Economy |
| Hawaiian Airlines | HA | 3h 32m | Economy |
7 carriers fly direct on this corridor. Frequencies vary by season — summer and winter holiday peaks see additional flights.
Best time to fly SFO→PVR
Synthesised from 12-month price aggregates. Cheapest months in green, peak in red.
Estimated baseline. Prices update on a 30-day cadence as Travelpayouts data refreshes. Cheapest day-of-week typically Tuesday.
San Francisco to Puerto Vallarta FAQs
Direct flights from San Francisco International (SFO) to Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz (PVR) take approximately 3h 32m for the 1556-mile journey, plus 30–60 minutes of taxi, climb and descent. Total airport-to-airport time depends on cruise winds and air-traffic queueing on approach.
Jun is typically the cheapest month on this route, with one-way fares from $185. Jun is the peak — expect prices 2–3× higher. Book 4–8 weeks ahead for best fares; last-minute prices on this corridor rise sharply inside two weeks of departure.
7 carriers operate direct service from San Francisco International (SFO) to Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz (PVR): United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and 2 more. Frequencies vary by season and carrier — United Airlines typically operates the highest weekly count on this corridor.
No visa required for US passport holders for stays up to 180 days. FMM tourist card included with airfare and issued at arrival. Always check travel.state.gov for the latest entry requirements before booking.
Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz (PVR) is the primary international airport for Puerto Vallarta. Allow 30–60 minutes for the ground transfer by train, express bus, taxi or rideshare depending on traffic and time of day. See the airport's official website for current train and shuttle timetables.