Curious as to pros/cons for car rental versus public transport in and around PV. We wish to take some day trips up or down coast, and wonder whether or not public transport will work for this. Also in evenings is public transport going to be practical for restaurant/bistro hours. We are staying in Conchas Chinas neighborhood.

Can't imagine wanting the hassle of driving and parking in Puerta Vallarta. Cabs are plentiful and cheap, and would be by far my first choice. For day trips in Mexico, I usually choose option 3: hire a driver.

Agreeing with Marilyn above.

Taxis will be your best bet for Chonchas Chinas into town, cheap and plentiful. Depending on your exact location there may be a local bus you can use as well.

For outside of town you can get busses up to Sayulita, San Pancho, etc. or you could rent a car for a day or two maybe, or again as mentioned above we've hired a driver for a 1/2 day to take us around.

I would absolutely not want a car rental for within PV proper for reasons: the traffic is wild, parking is limited, I won't even start about the one-way streets with minimal marking and the 'secret' rules of the road I have observed with busses and local drivers!!

oops Conchas Chinas (shouldn't type before I have coffee)

as to the question about evening hours, rest assured, if there're people out, there will be taxis available.

thanks marilyn and suze for your input. looking forward to our trip