Complete travel information for your March journey
March is a high-interest month for flights from Portland International Airport (PDX) to Puerto Vallarta due to spring break and early-spring sunshine seekers. Travelers should search for fares 6–10 weeks in advance, compare nonstop vs connecting options, and consider midweek departures to lower costs. PDX offers multiple ground-transport choices—MAX light rail, shuttle services, rideshares and covered parking—making it straightforward to start your March getaway. Nearby destinations often paired with PDX flights include Vancouver (WA), Seattle, Bend, and the Oregon Coast, useful for multi-city itineraries or pre-trip stays. Book now to lock March seat prices and sign up for fare alerts to catch last-minute deals.
Portland International Airport (PDX) is easily accessible by car, rideshare, TriMet public transit and the MAX light rail (Red Line). In March, expect occasional rain and slightly slower road conditions during morning and evening commutes, so allow an extra 20–30 minutes for traffic. For stress-free travel, book an airport shuttle or check real-time TriMet/MAX schedules and airport parking availability before you depart.
Direct nonstop flights from Portland International Airport (PDX) to Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) are commonly scheduled during high-demand months, including March when spring break travel increases. Availability varies by airline and year; check carriers like Alaska Airlines and seasonal partners for March nonstop service. If direct flights aren’t available, one-stop options via Los Angeles (LAX) or Phoenix (PHX) are frequent and competitive.
For flights departing Portland International Airport (PDX), review your airline’s checked and carry-on baggage limits before packing; March can be busy so bring a compact carry-on to avoid gate-checking. Use online check-in 24 hours before departure to secure seats and mobile boarding passes, and arrive at least 2–3 hours for international flights. Consider parking long-term off-site or using pre-paid curbside drop-off services to streamline your airport experience.
To find cheap flights PDX to PVR in March, search flexible-date calendars, sign up for fare alerts, and compare multi-airline itineraries on flight aggregators. Booking 6–10 weeks in advance often secures better fares for March spring-break demand; consider midweek departures and one-stop flights via hubs like LAX or PHX for additional savings. Use airline newsletters and loyalty points to reduce costs and set price-drop alerts to buy when fares dip.
Portland International Airport (PDX) serves travelers to Portland metro areas and nearby destinations such as Vancouver, WA; Salem, OR; Bend, OR; Seattle, WA; and Eugene, OR. Many travelers use PDX as a gateway to Pacific Northwest outdoor destinations like Mount Hood, the Oregon Coast, and the Columbia River Gorge. If you’re flying to Puerto Vallarta, PDX offers convenient connections and regional flight options for pre- or post-trip stays in these cities.
March in Portland can be cool and rainy, with average daytime highs in the mid-50s°F (around 12–14°C), so pack a waterproof jacket and travel umbrella. Occasional early spring storms can cause short delays; monitor airline notifications and PDX flight status on the day of travel. Plan extra time for traffic, and consider indoor parking or covered ride-share pick-up points to stay dry before your flight.
March is one of the most popular months to arrive at Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) due to warm, dry weather and spring-break travel. Expect busy terminals and enhanced ground transport demand; pre-book airport transfers or confirm hotel shuttles for a seamless arrival. Popular nearby destinations accessible from PVR include Nuevo Vallarta, Punta Mita, Sayulita and San Pancho—each offering different vibes from luxury resorts to surf towns. With favorable beach conditions and numerous activities available, book tours and restaurants in advance and use official taxi stands or licensed transfer companies at the airport. Call-to-action: Reserve your Puerto Vallarta transfers and book March activities early to avoid sold-out tours.
Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) in Puerto Vallarta is well-equipped with immigration and customs facilities, modern terminals and ground transport options. In March, the airport experiences higher passenger volumes due to spring break and warm weather tourism, so expect slightly longer immigration lines and use the Global Entry or expedited lanes if available. Pre-arrange hotel transfers or check ride-hail and authorized taxi stands to avoid surge pricing on arrival.
March weather in Puerto Vallarta is warm and dry, with average highs around 85°F (29°C) and low humidity—ideal for beach days and outdoor activities. Ocean temperatures are comfortably warm for swimming, snorkeling, and water sports, plus rainfall is minimal compared with summer months. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, light clothing, and a hat, and be aware that popular beaches and resorts can be busier during March spring-break weeks.
Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) is approximately 5–10 miles (8–16 km) north of downtown Puerto Vallarta, with drive times typically 20–30 minutes depending on traffic and time of day. Many travelers also use PVR as a gateway to nearby destinations like Nuevo Vallarta, Sayulita, Punta Mita, and San Pancho, which can range from 25 minutes to 90+ minutes by car. Pre-book transfers or choose authorized taxis for fixed rates and reliable service, especially during March’s busy travel period.
As of March, most travelers to Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) are not required to show proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 tests for entry, but requirements can change; always verify current Mexican government and airline policies before departure. Carry digital and paper copies of your passport, return ticket, and any required travel documents, and check with your airline for pre-departure screening or health forms. We recommend enrolling in travel insurance that covers medical and trip interruptions for peace of mind.
To find cheap accommodations in Puerto Vallarta during March, compare hotel booking platforms, consider boutique hotels or rentals in nearby Nuevo Vallarta, and book flexible options early to secure better rates. For transfers, arrange group shuttles or pre-book private transfers with reputable providers to avoid airport surcharges; midweek arrivals can sometimes yield lower rates. Use bundle deals that combine flights and hotels for extra savings and set fare alerts on hotel platforms for last-minute discounts.
Puerto Vallarta is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions apply: use authorized taxis, avoid unlit areas at night, and store valuables in hotel safes. March’s busy season means more crowds at beaches and attractions—book popular tours, whale-watching excursions, and restaurants in advance. Stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and check tide and surf advisories before swimming or participating in water sports.
March in Puerto Vallarta often features cultural events, art walks, culinary festivals and spring-break activities that attract visitors and affect availability of hotels and tours. Popular events may include local food and tequila festivals, gallery walks in the Zona Romántica, and regional sporting events such as fishing tournaments, which can increase demand around Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR). If your trip coincides with a major festival, book accommodations, restaurant reservations and excursions well in advance. Check local tourism calendars for specific event dates and ticket availability.
The best time to fly from PDX to PVR in March is midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) and outside peak spring-break weeks to avoid premium fares and crowded flights. Early-morning departures from PDX can reduce the chance of weather-related delays while late-evening flights might offer lower prices. If you have flexibility, target flights two weeks before or after peak spring-break dates and consider one-stop itineraries for lower costs. Use fare calendars and set alerts for price drops, and book refundable or flexible tickets if your travel dates are uncertain.
Direct nonstop flights from PDX to PVR save time and reduce the risk of missed connections, which is especially valuable during busy March travel periods. However, nonstop fares are often higher and sell out quickly; connecting flights via hubs like LAX or PHX can be significantly cheaper and offer more schedule flexibility. When choosing, weigh total travel time, layover risk, baggage transfer reliability, and ticket price. For March travel, if price sensitivity is high, a one-stop itinerary booked with sufficient connection time can be a smart compromise.
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and select seasonal carriers frequently offer routes between Portland International Airport (PDX) and Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) in March. Alaska often provides competitive nonstop or one-stop options from the West Coast, while American and Delta offer convenient connections through their hubs (DFW, LAX, PHX). Compare baggage allowances, change fee policies, and onboard amenities—Alaska Loyalty Program and major carrier status perks can add value for frequent flyers. For March travel, check seasonal schedules and promotional fares; flexibility in travel dates can reveal substantial price differences between airlines.
Pack layered clothing for Portland departures—light rain jackets and waterproof shoes for PDX travel—then include lightweight, breathable clothes, swimwear, and reef-safe sunscreen for warm Puerto Vallarta weather. March is busy: arrive early, pre-book transfers and tours, and verify baggage allowances to avoid fees. Bring photocopies of travel documents, ensure your mobile phone has international roaming or local SIM options, and consider travel insurance that includes trip interruption and medical coverage. For families traveling during spring break, reserve child-friendly activities and confirm seat assignments in advance to keep travel smooth.
Nonstop flights from Portland International Airport (PDX) to Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR), when available, average about 5 hours to 5 hours 30 minutes. One-stop itineraries through hubs such as Los Angeles (LAX), Phoenix (PHX), or Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) typically add 1–4 hours of connection time, leading to total travel of 7–11+ hours depending on layover length. In March, airlines often increase frequency on popular leisure routes—check daily schedule grids on carrier sites and set alerts for new nonstop offerings. Plan for earlier check-in windows at PDX and possible longer immigration waits at PVR due to spring-break arrivals.
To score cheap flights PDX to PVR in March, use flexible-date searches, set multiple fare alerts, and consider one-stop routes via Los Angeles (LAX), Phoenix (PHX), or Dallas (DFW). Booking 6–10 weeks in advance typically yields the best balance of availability and price for March departures. For maximum savings, be open to early-morning or late-evening departures and compare round-trip vs open-jaw itineraries. Consider airline newsletters, lightweight carry-on packing to avoid checked bag fees, and redeeming loyalty miles or credit-card points for March spring-break flights.