Getting Around Puerto Rico

Whether you're staying in San Juan or exploring the island, getting around Puerto Rico is easy once you understand your options. Rental cars offer the most flexibility, while Uber, taxis, public transportation, ferries, and regional flights work well for specific destinations.

Car Rentals and Driving

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:

• Major rental companies available at airports
• Roads similar to the U.S.
• Signs in Spanish (easy to follow)

Tips:

• Book early during peak travel seasons
• Consider toll roads and insurance coverage
• Ideal for visiting places like El Yunque, Rincón, or Cabo Rojo

Major national and local rental car companies operate (Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National) throughout Puerto Rico, with the largest selection available at or near Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU). Rental cars are also available at other airports and in major tourist areas. During holidays and peak travel periods, booking in advance is recommended.

Driving in Puerto Rico

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.

Puerto Rico drives on the right side of the road. All the same rules as any part of the United States, except that the signs are in Spanish. Distances are commonly shown in kilometers, while speed limits are posted in miles per hour. Major highways use electronic tolls through the AutoExpreso system.

Learn more about Driving in Puerto Rico.

Tolls

Highways use the AutoExpreso electronic toll system. Ensure your rental car includes a toll pass or tag to avoid fines.

Uber, Taxis & Ride Sharing

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

• Uber is widely available in San Juan and nearby areas
• Taxis are common in tourist zones and hotels
• Limited availability in rural or remote 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 Transit In San Juan

AMA Buses

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.

Públicos

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 6 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.

Tren Urbano

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 0.75¢ 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).

Ferries

Ferry services connect several destinations around Puerto Rico. The Cataño ferry provides convenient transportation across San Juan Bay, while ferries from Ceiba provide access to Vieques and Culebra. Other ferry and excursion services operate to offshore destinations on more limited schedules.

Cataño – San Juan Ferry

The Cataño ferry crosses San Juan Bay between Cataño and Old San Juan, providing a convenient and scenic alternative to driving around the bay. The short crossing is useful for visitors traveling between Old San Juan and attractions in Cataño. Service operates daily, every half hour between 6:00am to 9:00pm.

Getting to Offshore Islands

Ferries

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.

Ponce - Caja de Muertos

Caja de Muertos is a small nature reserve and island located off the southern coast of Puerto Rico near Ponce. Boat and excursion services to the island may operate seasonally or on limited schedules, so availability should be confirmed before planning your visit.

Vieques and Culebra

Vieques and Culebra are accessible from Puerto Rico's main island by passenger ferry from Ceiba. These routes are popular with both residents and visitors, and tickets can sell out during weekends and holidays. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended.

Schedules vary by day and season. Check current departure times and purchase tickets before traveling.

Getting to Ceiba

Ceiba is approximately 45 miles east of San Juan. If you are taking the ferry, remember to include travel time to the terminal and arrive before your scheduled departure.

Flights

Short regional flights connect Vieques and Culebra with airports on Puerto Rico's main island, including the San Juan area.

Maps & Navitation

Google Maps and Waze are widely used for driving directions in Puerto Rico. Cellular coverage is generally reliable in populated areas, but service can be less consistent in mountainous and remote locations.

You can buy map books before hand or while in the island, I'll 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.

Download offline maps before exploring areas such as the Cordillera Central, El Yunque, or less populated parts of the island. If you prefer to study your route before traveling you can purchase or download maps online.

• Puerto Rico Insight Fleximap (Fleximaps)
• Puerto Rico Map by ITMB

Highway and Road Maps

• East
• East-Center
• West-Center
• West

Source: Mapa de Carreteras by DTOP

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a rental car in Puerto Rico?

Not necessarily. If you are staying primarily in San Juan, you can often get around using Uber, taxis, and public transportation. A rental car is recommended if you plan to explore beaches, mountain towns, the west coast, or other destinations outside the San Juan metropolitan area.

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Is Uber available in Puerto Rico?

Yes. Uber is widely available throughout the San Juan metropolitan area and is convenient for trips between Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, Isla Verde, Condado, Miramar, Santurce, and Old San Juan. Availability may be more limited in rural areas and smaller towns.

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Does Puerto Rico have public transportation?

Yes. Public transportation in the San Juan metropolitan area includes AMA buses and the Tren Urbano rail system. However, Puerto Rico does not have an extensive island-wide public transportation network, so a rental car is generally more practical for exploring destinations outside the metro area.

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Are there toll roads in Puerto Rico?

Yes. Many major highways in Puerto Rico use electronic tolls through the AutoExpreso system. If you rent a car, ask the rental company how tolls are charged, as toll policies and additional fees vary by company.

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How do I get to Vieques and Culebra?

Vieques and Culebra can be reached by passenger ferry from Ceiba or by regional flight from airports on Puerto Rico's main island. Ferry schedules and availability can vary, so purchasing tickets in advance is recommended.

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Continue Exploring Puerto Rico

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