Complete Guide to Transportation in Puerto Rico: Car Rental, Old San Juan Transit, and Island Hopping
What documents are needed to rent a car, how to get around Old San Juan, whether to take a plane or ferry to Vieques and Culebra—this guide covers all transportation across Puerto Rico.
Arrival and Airport Transfers
| Option | Time/Cost | Details |
|---|
| San Juan Airport (SJU) to Old San Juan | 15–20 minutes | Taxis have a fixed fare of about $20–30 USD; Uber is cheaper |
| Airport to El Yunque/Caguas | About 1 hour | Renting a car directly at the airport is recommended |
| Flight to Vieques | About 20 minutes | Small Seaborne planes; baggage weight limits apply; advance booking required |
| Fajardo Ferry to Vieques/Culebra | 30–45 minutes | Cheap but long queues in peak season; online ticket purchase available |
San Juan is one of the largest aviation hubs in the Caribbean, with direct flights to dozens of cities in the continental United States. Arriving from the U.S. mainland does not require passport control, but departing the U.S. (including returning to the mainland) requires passing through TSA security.
Getting Around the City and Between Islands
- Car Rental: The best way to explore the island; the road network is the same as in the continental U.S.; most rental agencies accept a foreign driver’s license with a translation, though drivers under 25 may be charged a young driver fee.
- Uber: Operates well in the San Juan metropolitan area; ideal for short trips in Old San Juan and Condado.
- Old San Juan Free Trolley: A free shuttle loop around the old town, connecting two forts.
- Tren Urbano: San Juan’s metro system, with just one line; limited usefulness for tourists.
- Public Buses (AMA): Irregular schedules; not recommended for tourists.
Practical Tips
- The cobblestone streets in Old San Juan are narrow, and parking is both difficult and expensive; confirm hotel parking availability before staying in the old town.
- When heading to Vieques on a tight schedule, choose a small plane for speed and convenience; for budget travel, opt for an early morning ferry.
- Highways on the island now use electronic tolling (AutoExpreso); purchase a toll pass when renting a car and avoid toll lanes to prevent fines.
- Mountain roads at night have poor lighting; try to travel during the day, and be aware of sudden heavy rain in the evenings during the rainy season.
Private Transfers and Day Tours
One-day tours such as rainforest and bioluminescent bay trips, as well as guided hikes in Old San Juan, can be booked at hotels and tourist information centers in San Juan, typically costing $60–150 USD per person including vehicle and guide. For travelers who don’t rent a car, it’s advisable to book full island-hopping packages through local operators in Fajardo, which include transportation and gear for a hassle-free experience. When negotiating private transfers, confirm that gratuities and parking fees are included to avoid unexpected extra charges.