Yelapa has no airport and no road, so flights to Yelapa really mean flights to Puerto Vallarta (PVR), followed by a short boat ride across Banderas Bay. The good news is that Puerto Vallarta is easy to reach from the United States, with nonstop flights from more than 20 US airports this winter. This guide covers which cities fly nonstop, how long the flights take, and how to pick a flight that gets you to Yelapa the same day, as of November 6, 2026.
How flights to Yelapa work
You fly into Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport in Puerto Vallarta, clear immigration and customs, and take a taxi to one of two piers: Los Muertos in town or Boca de Tomatlán to the south. From there a water taxi carries you to Yelapa. Our boat guide explains both piers and what to expect on the ride, and go2yelapa transport lists the boats.
US cities with nonstop flights to Puerto Vallarta
These are the nonstop routes on the Puerto Vallarta direct flights list, last checked November 1, 2026. Many routes run only in winter, and airlines change schedules, so confirm your dates on the airline's own site before you book.
- California: Los Angeles (Alaska, American, Delta, and United), San Francisco (Alaska and United), San Diego (Alaska and Southwest), Orange County (Southwest), San Jose (Alaska, seasonal), and Sacramento (Southwest, seasonal).
- Pacific Northwest: Seattle (Alaska, plus Delta in season) and Portland (Alaska, seasonal).
- Mountain West and Southwest: Phoenix (American and Southwest), Las Vegas (Southwest), Denver (United, Frontier, and Southwest), and Salt Lake City (Delta, seasonal).
- Texas: Dallas/Fort Worth (American), Houston Bush Intercontinental (United), Houston Hobby (Southwest), and Austin (Southwest, seasonal).
- Midwest: Chicago O'Hare (American and United), Minneapolis (Sun Country, plus Delta in season), Detroit (Delta, seasonal), and St. Louis (Southwest, seasonal).
- East: Atlanta (Delta) and Newark (United, seasonal).
Flight times run from under 3 hours from Texas and Phoenix, to about 3 hours from Southern California and Las Vegas, to about 4 and a half hours from Chicago and Minneapolis, and about 5 hours from Seattle and Newark.
No nonstop from your city?
Most travelers who don't live near one of these airports connect once through a hub on the list, such as Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Denver, Atlanta, Phoenix, or Los Angeles, and still land in Puerto Vallarta the same day. You can also fly through Mexico City or Guadalajara; our guide to reaching Yelapa from Mexico City or Guadalajara covers that route. Flying from Canada? See Yelapa from Canada for this winter's direct flights.
Pick a flight that lands in time for the boat
Boats to Yelapa run in daylight, so the best flight lands by early afternoon. That leaves time for immigration, customs, the taxi to the pier, and a relaxed boat ride while the sun is still up. You can watch your flight on the airport's live flight information page on travel day.
If your flight lands later in the day, make it part of the trip: book a night in Puerto Vallarta and take a morning boat. A day and night in the Romantic Zone is a fun way to start, and it puts you a short walk from the Los Muertos pier.
From the airport to Yelapa
Take a taxi or a prearranged transfer from the airport to either pier. Boca de Tomatlán means a shorter boat ride, while Los Muertos suits guests who want a meal or a night in town first. When you reach Yelapa, our host family meets you at the pier and helps with your bags. The getting to Casa Gratitud post has the last steps to the house.
Before you fly
- Passport and entry: follow the US State Department's Mexico page for the current entry and exit steps, and check it again close to your trip.
- Cash: Yelapa runs on pesos and has no ATMs, so get pesos in Puerto Vallarta before the boat.
- Bags: soft bags are easiest, since you lift them onto the boat.
- Phone: turn on Wi-Fi calling before you leave so your number works over the house internet (how to set it up).
When to fly
Winter brings the most nonstop routes, warm dry days, and whale season in the bay from about December to March. Our best time to visit Yelapa guide walks through each month, and the snowbird guide helps if you are planning a longer winter stay.
Plan your stay
Casa Gratitud is an ocean-view vacation rental at the point in Yelapa that sleeps up to 8, with whales from the terrace in winter. Once you have your flight, check open dates and rates, compare areas in our guide to where to stay in Yelapa, and book direct at yelapacasagratitud.com.