The neuropeptide pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide (PACAP) has been implicated in a wide range of functions including vasodilatation, neuroprotection, nociception and neurogenic inflammation. PACAP activates three distinct receptors, the PAC1 receptor, which responds to PACAP, and the VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors, which respond to both PACAP and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide. The trigeminovascular system plays a key role in migraine and contains the trigeminal nerve, which is the major conduit of craniofacial pain. PACAP is expressed throughout the trigeminovascular system and in higher brain regions involved in processing pain. Evidence from human clinical studies suggests that PACAP may act outside the blood–brain barrier in the pathogenesis of migraine. However, the precise mechanisms involved remain unclear. PACAP potentially induces migraine attacks by activating different receptors in different cell types and tissues. This complexity prompted this review of PACAP receptor pharmacology, expression and function in the trigeminovascular system. Current evidence suggests that the PAC1 receptor is the likely pathophysiological target of PACAP in migraine. However, multiple PACAP receptors are expressed in key parts of the trigeminovascular system and further work is required to determine their contribution to PACAP physiology and the pathology of migraine. Linked Articles This article is part of a themed section on Molecular Pharmacology of GPCRs. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.21/issuetoc