The comprehensive guide to navigating Puerto Rico

Traffic jams are a common occurrence in Puerto Rico, where it seems like everyone and their grandmother drives, making personal vehicles the primary means of transport.

This situation arises mainly from the lack of public transportation options across the vast island, outside its major urban areas. Driving remains the quickest way to explore every breathtaking aspect of this Caribbean paradise.

That said, you can traverse the capital of San Juan using buses, the metro, taxis, or by walking. For the rest of the island? Here are the top ways to travel around Puerto Rico, tailored to your budget and the duration of your stay.

Cycling on Puerto Rican roads is nothing short of an extreme sport

To be frank, biking around Puerto Rico is risky at best and could be considered a death wish at worst.

Cyclists face numerous challenges, including chaotic traffic, poor road conditions, reckless drivers, and a general lack of consideration for their safety. Avoid cycling after dark at all costs.

...except in San Juan, which features dedicated bike lanes.

In San Juan, recreational cycling is feasible, with a scenic and safe route that stretches from Old San Juan along the coast through Condado and Isla Verde, reaching as far as Piñones (the final stretch includes a designated bike lane).

Choose from a selection of well-kept bicycles, including mountain, road, electric, hybrid, and cruiser bikes at San Juan Bike Rentals – they even offer delivery to your hotel.

Discover San Juan via the bus or metro system.

San Juan is the sole city in Puerto Rico with a comprehensive network of clean, air-conditioned city buses.

Nevertheless, finding route maps and information can be challenging, and many bus stops do not display which buses service them. The schedule can be unpredictable, with wait times ranging from 30 to 60 minutes. It's helpful to ask locals at bus stops, as seasoned riders can provide valuable insights.

San Juan stands out as the only city in Puerto Rico with an affordable and efficient metro system. Trains operate every 16 minutes from 5:30 am to 11:30 pm, linking the vibrant Santurce neighborhood with the Río Piedras university campus and shopping areas in Hato Rey and Torrimar, extending to the distant regions of Guaynabo and Bayamón.

In certain areas of Puerto Rico, driving is the sole means of transportation.

Many roads in Puerto Rico are in disrepair, particularly after recent hurricanes. Beyond the well-maintained toll expressways, travelers can expect bumps, potholes, and broken guardrails, along with unpredictable driving conditions, wildlife crossing the road, and a density of cars unmatched anywhere else on the planet.

Despite these challenges, having a car is the most practical way to navigate outside the capital. It's essential for exploring the countryside, visiting national parks, or traveling along the stunning 167-mile Ruta Panorámica, which traverses the island's mountainous spine from Mayagüez to Cayey.

Car Rentals in Puerto Rico

Rental prices in San Juan are quite competitive; however, rates can soar in smaller towns and nearby islands, with cars available for US$30 a day in San Juan costing US$60 or more elsewhere.

Be sure to review your rental agreement, as some companies may restrict taking vehicles from the mainland to Culebra and Vieques.

All major international car rental agencies operate on the island, particularly at San Juan's airport. Additionally, there are local companies, especially in smaller towns and on the islands.

Local tip: If your plans are confined to San Juan, renting a car may not be ideal due to heavy traffic and limited parking. Instead, consider using public transport and taxis. Parking can also be quite challenging in central Ponce.

Catch the ferry to visit nearby islands

Regular ferry services run daily to Vieques and Culebra from Ceiba’s ferry terminal, located a 25-minute drive south of Fajardo. For the latest ferry schedules and ticket purchases check online; make sure to arrive at least an hour before departure.

In January, if you’re fortunate, you might spot humpback whales during your ferry ride. Be aware that services can be delayed or canceled during hurricane season (early June to late November), and there are no ferry connections between Vieques and Culebra.

Domestic flights are scarce and often not worth the hassle

There are daily flights from San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín airport to Mayagüez on the west coast of the mainland, as well as to the offshore islands of Culebra and Vieques on the east coast.

Considering it takes two hours to drive from San Juan to Mayagüez and an hour to reach Fajardo before boarding a (much cheaper) ferry to Culebra or Vieques, flying is generally unnecessary.

Walking is delightful in the historic districts of San Juan and Ponce

Old San Juan and the historic center of Ponce offer a charming environment for exploring on foot, unlike many other towns and cities in Puerto Rico, which often lack proper sidewalks and feature uniform urban sprawl.

Públicos offer the most affordable way to navigate the island.

The most economical means of traveling around Puerto Rico is via públicos—public minibuses that operate on set routes during daylight hours, connecting places like San Juan and Ponce or Mayagüez, as well as offering short trips. Públicos are vans with the destination clearly marked in the front window, departing once they reach full capacity.

Some públicos are particularly busy during morning and evening commutes, while others service more remote areas and may leave you waiting due to their limited schedules. Riding a público can be a unique local experience, as long as you're comfortable with the heat and sharing space with numerous other passengers.

There is no centralized information source for schedules or fares; simply visit a público terminal or a van stand near a smaller town's main plaza and inquire.

Taxis and Uber services are widely available in larger cities.

Taxis are everywhere in San Juan and other major cities across the island. It's often faster to walk to a taxi stand or flag down a cab than to call one. Meters are rarely used, so be sure to confirm the fare before you start your journey.

The only exception is San Juan, where 'tourist taxis' are regulated by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, with fixed fares based on the zone of your destination.

Uber is a popular option, serving San Juan, much of the northern coast (including Arecibo and Fajardo), the eastern half of the island (Caguas, Fajardo), and parts of the southern coast (like Guayama).

However, it does not operate in Ponce, Cabo Rojo, or Mayagüez. In San Juan, taxi lobbyists have pushed for laws that restrict Uber from picking up or dropping off passengers at the airport and specific hotels.

Accessible transportation options in Puerto Rico are on the rise.

Thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), traveling has become more accessible for individuals with mobility challenges. Public transport services, including San Juan’s buses and metro, as well as taxis, are now mandated to be wheelchair-friendly.

Additionally, there are wheelchair-accessible shuttles available from the airport, and Equipos Pro Impedidos Caguas provides rentals for wheelchair-accessible vehicles.