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El Morro in Old San Juan

Getting Around Puerto Rico

Transportation Guide (Car, Uber, Public Transit)

Getting around Puerto Rico is easy once you understand your options. Whether you plan to stay in San Juan or explore the entire island, you can choose from car rentals, ride sharing, taxis, ferries, and limited public transportation.

Quick Answer: Best Way to Get Around Puerto Rico

Renting a Car

Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore Puerto Rico, especially if you want to visit beaches, small towns, or natural attractions outside San Juan.All major rental companies operate at airports and cities.

What to expect:

Tips:

Agencies operating in the island include: AAA, Afro, Avis, Budget (1-800-527-0700), Charlie, Discount, Dollar (787-791-5500), Enterprise (787-253-3722), Hertz (1-800-654-3131), L & M, Leaseway, National (1-800-227-7368), Popular Leasing, Target, Thrifty, and Vias. Rates might be a little higher than U.S.

Uber, Taxis & Ride Sharing

Ride-sharing services are convenient but limited to certain areas.

The Tourism Taxi Program, recently instituted by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, has simplified and established a flat-rate structure between the airport and several major tourism zones in the San Juan area. Fixed rates range between $10 and $20 for one-way trips.

Public Transportation

The Metropolitan Bus Authority (AMA and Metrobus) operates in the San Juan Metropolitan area, serving eight cities (San Juan, Trujillo Alto, Toa Baja (Levittown), Guaynabo, Cataño, Bayamón, Carolina and Loíza (vía Piñones)). Stops are marked by magenta, orange and white signs which read Parada. Buses run between certain hours, usually until 10:00 p.m. For route, terminals or schedule information, contact the AMA at (787) 767-7979.

Public transportation between cities is conducted in privately owned buses or mini-vans, called "guaguas". The "guaguas" or "carros publicos" usually stops in each town's main plaza, carrying 10 to 14 people. Públicos are a good way of getting around, but be prepare to wait for the car to fill up, which may take from 10 minutes to few hours, for additional information call (787) 765-7733.

In addition to public transportation some cities provide "Lineas". Lineas are private taxis you share with three to five other passengers. There are more than 20 companies, each usually specializing in a certain region. Most will arrange door-to-door service.

To verify rates contact the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (Transportation Division) 787-999-2100 or 1-866-2GOTOPR to verify current tariffs during your traveling dates.

Driving is on the right-hand side of the road. All the same rules as any part of the United States, except that the signs are in Spanish, the distance markers in kilometers and the gas sold in liters.

Learn more about Driving in Puerto Rico.

Ferries to Vieques and Culebra

Ferries and small passenger boats provide an easy way to reach some of Puerto Rico's nearby islands. Regular ferry service connects the main island to Vieques and Culebra, while private boat tours and water taxis offer additional options for exploring coastal areas and smaller cays.

Trains

The Tren Urbano (urban train) is a 10.7 mile (17.2 km) metropolitan rapid-transit system which links the central business district to residential and employment areas in San Juan, Bayamón, and Guaynabo. At the present the Tren Urbano is composed of 16 stations, ten of which are elevated, four at grade or in open cuttings, and two underground.

Plans for other phases will extend the system to the Minillas Government Center in Santurce, the municipality of Carolina, Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in Isla Verde, Old San Juan, and Caguas.

The train runs everyday with from 5:30am to 11:30pm. The one way rate is $1.50, students, Golden age (60 to 74 years of age) and handicaps .75¢ and free rides for passengers 75 years of age or older or 6 years of age and younger. The fare includes a one-way transfer to ride the bus. For information call: 1-866-900-1ATI (1284).

Railways

96 km rural narrow-gauge system for hauling sugar cane (2006)

Maps & Navitation

Getting around Puerto Rico is easy with modern navigation tools like Google Maps and Waze, with clear road signage and the option to download offline maps for remote areas.

You can buy maps practically at any store or gas station. Many recommend the Metro Data Map, which contains the most current and accurate map information available. If you are renting a car, the car rental agency may also provide you with a map, usually by request.

If you prefer to study your route before traveling you can purchase or download maps online.

Highway and Road Maps

Source: Mapa de Carreteras by DTOP



Did You Know?

The Flor de Maga is related to the hibiscus and blooms year-round in Puerto Rico's tropical climate.