Traffic congestion is a significant aspect of life in Puerto Rico, where car ownership is prevalent, and driving remains the primary transport mode.
This phenomenon can be attributed to the limited public transportation options available throughout the island, especially outside the urban centers. Hence, driving offers the most effective means to appreciate the island’s breathtaking vistas.
Nevertheless, it is feasible to navigate the capital of San Juan via bus, metro, taxi, or on foot. For traversing the rest of the island, here are the optimal transportation methods tailored to your budget and duration of stay.
Cycling on the road in Puerto Rico is an extreme sport
To be candid, cycling across Puerto Rico presents substantial challenges, ranging from risky traffic conditions to poorly maintained roads and inattentive drivers, making it a precarious choice overall.
Cyclists face various dangers, including heavy traffic, road faults, and a general lack of cyclist awareness. Cycling after dusk is especially ill-advised.
…except in San Juan, where there are designated bike lanes
Recreational cycling is viable within San Juan, which features a scenic and secure route along the coast, extending from Old San Juan through Condado and Isla Verde, reaching as far as Piñones (the concluding segment is on a dedicated bike lane).
Various well-maintained bike types are available, including mountain, road, electric, hybrid, and cruiser models from San Juan Bike Rentals – they offer delivery service to your accommodation.
Explore San Juan on the bus or metro
San Juan is the sole city in Puerto Rico benefitting from an extensive network of clean, air-conditioned city buses.
However, locating route maps and bus information can prove challenging, as few stops indicate their respective routes. The frequency of service may vary, with wait times ranging from 30 to 60 minutes. Consultation with local riders at bus stops may provide helpful insights.
Moreover, San Juan boasts the island’s only inexpensive and efficient metro. Trains operate every 16 minutes, from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., linking the popular Santurce area with the university district of Río Piedras and shopping destinations in Hato Rey, Torrimar, as well as the more distant Guaynabo and Bayamón.
Driving is the only option in some parts of Puerto Rico
The condition of numerous roads in Puerto Rico is subpar, particularly given the damage sustained during recent hurricanes. Outside of well-kept expressway toll routes, one can expect to encounter bumps, potholes, and broken guardrails, alongside erratic driving behaviors and animals on the roads, with a notably high vehicle density.
Despite these challenges, having access to a vehicle is advantageous outside the capital and may even be essential for those wishing to explore the countryside, visit national parks, or discover the stunning 167-mile Ruta Panorámica that traverses the mountainous core of the island, extending between Mayagüez and Cayey.
Renting a car in Puerto Rico
Car rental rates in San Juan are competitive; however, prices tend to be higher in smaller cities and adjacent islands, with vehicles costing around US$30 or less per day in San Juan compared to US$60 or more elsewhere.
It is prudent to review the conditions of your rental agreement as some companies may restrict taking rentals to Culebra and Vieques.
All major international car rental companies are present on the island, particularly at the San Juan airport, alongside various local firms in smaller cities and the offshore islands.
Local advice: For visitors focusing exclusively on San Juan, a rental car may create more issues than it resolves; the traffic is congested, and parking is difficult to find. Public transportation or taxis are recommended alternatives. Parking is likewise a considerable challenge in central Ponce.
Take the ferry to explore nearby islands
Frequent daily ferry services connect the islands of Vieques and Culebra, departing from Ceiba’s ferry terminal, which is a 25-minute drive south of Fajardo port. Current ferry timetables and ticketing can be accessed online; it is advisable to arrive at the terminal at least one hour prior to departure.
In January, with a bit of luck, travelers may observe humpback whales during the ferry ride. Note that ferry services can experience delays or cancellations during hurricane season (early June to late November). Ferries do not operate between Vieques and Culebra.
Internal flights are limited and usually not worth it
Daily domestic flights link San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín airport with Mayagüez on the western mainland and the islands of Culebra and Vieques to the east.
However, considering the travel duration of two hours by car from San Juan to Mayagüez and one hour to Fajardo, followed by a considerably cheaper ferry ride to Culebra or Vieques, flying is generally not a viable option.
Walking is a pleasure in the historic centers of San Juan and Ponce
Old San Juan and the historical center of Ponce offer delightful walking experiences, making them a joy to explore. However, many other towns and cities in Puerto Rico feature inadequate sidewalks and featureless urban sprawl, detracting from walkability.
Públicos are the cheapest way to travel the island
The most economical method of getting around Puerto Rico is via públicos – public minibuses servicing defined routes during daylight hours, whether connecting areas like San Juan and Ponce or handling shorter trips. Públicos are vans with their destination clearly labeled in the front window, departing once full.
Some operate primarily during busy commuter hours in the morning and evening, while others serve more remote locations, potentially leaving travelers stranded due to infrequent schedules. Experiencing a público provides a unique local encounter, provided one can tolerate the heat and close quarters with other passengers.
There is no centralized source for schedule or pricing information; travelers will need to appear at a público terminal or van station near a smaller town’s main plaza and inquire locally.
Taxis and Uber are readily available in larger cities
Taxis are abundant in San Juan and the larger cities across the island. It is often faster to approach a taxi rank or flag down a passing vehicle rather than waiting for a response by phone. Meters are rarely utilized, so it is advisable to establish a fare prior to commencing the journey.
The only exception is San Juan, where “tourist taxis” are regulated by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, which sets fixed rates based on the destination zone.
Uber services are popular, primarily covering San Juan, much of the north coast (including Arecibo and Fajardo), eastern areas (Caguas, Fajardo), and parts of the southern coast (Guayama and surrounding areas).
Uber does not operate in Ponce, Cabo Rojo, or Mayagüez. In San Juan, taxi advocacy groups have lobbied for legislation prohibiting Uber from picking up or dropping off passengers at the airport and at specific hotels.
Accessible transportation in Puerto Rico is improving
Travel accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges is on the rise, thanks, in part, to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Public transportation services (including San Juan’s bus and metro systems, as well as taxis) are mandated by law to be wheelchair-accessible.
Additionally, wheelchair-accessible shuttles are available from the airport, and Equipos Pro Impedidos Caguas provides wheelchair-accessible vehicle rentals.
This article was first published on November 1, 2022, and updated on December 4, 2023.
