I'm going to Puerto Vallarta would like to know what is the best means of transportaion? rental car, taxi, bus

depends on your budget and your comfort level of driving in a foreign country where drivers are safe but agressive. i drive my own car every day, and feel safer than in a taxi, but it depends on your driving style. Buses are abundant here, and you can get to just about anywhere you want to go .
Maybe you can rent a car for a day to drive around a bit and see how it goes and also take a few taxis and buses and decide what is best for you. I would highly recommend a trip to the Botanical Gardens, not just because I work for them, but because it is an amazing place. Also, you can ask the concierge at your hotel, but beware of high priced tours that he/ she gets a comission for.

The bus system is very good in PV. You can go anywhere for about 50 cents US. When you arrive at the airport do not take the taxis parked outside the door as they will cost you about $20 for a ride to your hotel. Walk across the pedestrian overpass to the other side of the road. There are more taxis parked there that will cost you about $8.

When you want to catch a bus, look for the blue buses that have "Cento" written on the windshield. This will take you to downtown PV which is alot of fun. Great shopping and restaurants. Buses come by every few minutes. Pay the driver when you get on.

If you take a taxi make sure you agree on a price BEFORE you get in.

I recomend a Taxi even thoe it is more expensive it's more safe.

To be safe taxi.The bus if you want an adventure..they drive crazy, but its so much fun!

i say rent a car if u know the way other wise taxi because your not with alot of people its more comfy

Bus transportation is great, cabs are a little expensive and renting a car only if you know your way around.

Take a taxi. The drivers there a bit adventurous so be prepared for some crazy driving. They really don't have lanes of traffic. Everyone just kinda starts driving. Oh, and don't stick your hand or anything else out the window! You can use a taxi for the entire afternoon and it barely costs a thing. I stayed at the Riu Jalisco and took a taxi into town for shopping. The same driver stayed with me all afternoon and it cost me $40. We also used a taxi when we went out to the bars. They're all competing for your fare so you can quote your own prices there. It's amazing! Have a great time and be careful : )

Within Puerto Vallarta You dont need a rental car. This only makes sense if You go to Nuevo Vallarta or to the south coast.

Taxis are cheap within the city area, cheaper are buses. They stop everywhere, tourists use them all the day, and it costs only 5 Pesos, 50 cent. If You want to visit other places within the Banderas Bay You may use the ATM buses to the north, about 12 Pesos or the white buses to the south, same price.

FInd more information at the mentioned sites including some area maps.

Taxi for sure.... Bus's break down a lot down there... Be careful and do not rent a car it is not worth it

take a taxi! they are cheap and they are available every 10 feet (no joke)! they drive like bats out of hell but they all do in PV. from our hotel to downtown it was five dollars. the buses looked crowded, hot and not too great...
we went last year and stayed at the golden crown. had an awesome time! hope you do too!

********ALWAYS ASK "HOW MUCH" BEFORE GETTING INTO THE TAXI!!!