I don’t know about many of you, but figuring out how to get around a favorite destination is probably one of the most frustrating parts of a trip. While creating the itinerary or as soon as you land, it is the first thing on most people’s minds. Should we get a guide? Rent a car? Dare to take public transportation? Rent a bike? A scooter? Walk everywhere? It’s one of the most hidden stressful parts of travel for some, ESPECIALLY if you are not traveling alone.
Well, you are in luck! At least for Puerto Rico, we’ll ease your mind and give you some insight into a few options as well as our preferred mode of transportation. It may or may not surprise you, but if you know us by now, you may already know which option we most likely have chosen 😊. Let it be known there is no right or wrong answer here. Only preferences.
Puerto Rico, but even more precisely, one of the main locations, San Juan, is relatively easy to get around. The main areas of Condado, Ocean Park, and Old San Juan are great walking areas. If you plan it right or use one of the many walking tour guides, you can get around with relative ease if planned accordingly.
Let’s get into it!
HOW TO GET AROUND PUERTO RICO
Walking
Car Rental
Taxi
Bike/E-Bike
Public TransportationWalking
The bread and butter of every part of the exploration. You will eventually end up doing this in some shape or form during your trip. The question is, to what extent? After you arrive at one of the many attractions? Or during the process of the whole day hoofing it from point A to B to C….? This is entirely up to you.
PROS:
• Cost effective. By far the cheapest mode of transportation. Nothing beats walking since this effort is on you.
• Great to explore. Way, way, way, way more to see. Sightseeing at its finest! You get to take in more since you are not rushing past everything. You get an opportunity to capture more moments since you are in settings in different areas for extended periods of time.
CONS:
• Time-consuming. I think walking shouldn’t be your only choice if you stay for only 2 or 3 days. Incorporate a taxi or a bike rental to keep the cost at a minimum.
• Tiring. When it is hot, rainy, humid, or hot/rainy/humid at the same time. This could be exhausting. Instead of enjoying Old San Juan’s nightlife, you will be enjoying your comfy hotel bed and soaking your feet. If this is the plan, then you are on the right track!
• Limits you to a specific area. Not a bad thing if you only want to visit Old San Juan, then stay in a hotel in OSJ, and you are good to go (check out Daniela’s article “The 18 Best Boutique Hotels in Puerto Rico” for some recommendations about cool hotels in the city) , but if you want to visit other areas on the island, then this wouldn’t be ideal, and the prices for transportation go up based on the number of tractions outside of your walkable area. So when deciding on “only walking,” make sure to consider your itinerary.
RECCOMENDED FOR:
• People who love to walk
• People that enjoy sightseeing
• People on a budget
• People that are staying for longer than 4 days or more
• People staying and only wanting to relax near beaches/beach resorts (Condado, Isla Verde, or Ocean Park)
Car Rental - (YTF Choice)
We love exploring everywhere in a short amount of time. Vacationing is not our primary job, so limited time means we have to find faster ways to get around to explore more areas. Renting a car comes in handy, especially in some places.
There is so much more to see and things to do in Puerto Rico! Visit the Pork Highway (R184 in Guavate), head over to one of the bioluminescent bays, El Yunque, Little Malibu/Rincon, check out the Camuy Caves, or just visit historic cities like Ponce, to name a few. Renting a car for some may seem like a burden, but in most cities, it truly isn’t. And when you do the math on how much taxis, tour guides, tour buses, or a combination of the two starts to add up, you realize that the upfront cost of a car rental truly saves you money on transportation while at the same time increases your accessibility to see many more things while traveling abroad.
YTF Myth Buster. Don’t read the reviews of a few which instill fear about driving in Puerto Rico. If you have driven in places like Boston, San Francisco, NYC, and Chicago, to name a few, you can handle yourself in 70-80% of the countries you could visit, let alone Puerto Rico. The roads are not as bumpy as most would make you believe. We have traveled to San Juan numerous times and have never had an issue with roads or thefts. Are we mindful of where we park and how visible things are in our cars? OF COURSE… you should be mindful of this in your hometown as well! So don’t be afraid. Get out and drive and explore! You will love it!
PROS:
• Cost-effective. It is cheaper than booking multiple tours.
• Explore more. You have more freedom to explore
• Flexibility. Do things on your own time and at your own pace
• Freedom. You are your own taxi service 24/7
• Hands free travel. Storage for all the goodies you purchase
• Feel like a local. You can explore in a less touristy way.
• Save time. It will definitely take you less time to go from one place to another.
CONS:
• Planning. You are your own tour guide
• Additional costs. Insurance, Fees, gas, tickets (yeah, you may get them)
• Theft. It is always a potential additional risk.
• Parking. It is not always easy to find parking and it can be a little time consuming in some areas.
LIST OF CAR RENTAL COMPANIES:
• Alamo Car Rental – 787-791-1805 – SJU Garage Parking
• Avis Car Rental – 787-253-5930 – SJU Garage Parking
• Budget Rental Car – 787-791-0600 – 1st Level of Garage Parking
• Sixt Rental Car – 787-791-1991 – Shuttle available – 1 mile from the airport
• Thrifty Car Rental – 787-253-5930 – SJU Garage Parking
• Enterprise – 787-253-3722 – SJU Garage Parking
• National – 787-791-1805 – SJU Garage Parking
• Hertz – 787-791-0840 – SJU Garage Parking
Taxi/Car Services/Private Drivers
This will always be an option for any traveler. It’s the no-brainer and, most of the time, the least stressful option out of all the ones we mention. Any of these services in San Juan are doable. Using this option comes at a cost, so if you have a limited budget, you should plan out what works best for you accordingly. Let’s break down some of the costs.
Taxi’s
• ZONE 1 → San Juan International Airport – Metered
• ZONE 2 → Isla Verde Hotels & Resorts – $12
• ZONE 3 → Condado, Miramar, Ocean Park, Santurce & Hotels / Resorts – $17
• ZONE 4 → Old San Juan, ALL Cruise Ship Piers, Puerta de Tierra & Hotels in the area – $21 (Attemdamt will provide a written down price which may include a fuel surcharge)
• ZONE 5 → Puerto Rico Convention Center, Isla Grande Airport, & Hotels – $17
Fixed rates to other popular destinations in San Juan:
• To the Mall of San Juan: $ 15.00
• To Coliseo José Miguel Agrelot: $ 16.00
• To Plaza Carolina: $ 16.00
• To Plaza Las Américas: $ 20.00
Also note there may be additional charges for luggage, the total amount of individuals being transported, and tips are customary (between 10-15%).
Private Drivers and Car services:
These two are more challenging to provide information on. As you might already know, Uber’s rate system is based on many factors. Not only on the distance to a location but also on demand at the time of the request. So be wary of this while using your cell to quickly get a ride. Private Drivers range from competitive prices to daily rates in the 2-300 dollar range. If you are in a large group where the bill is being split, this could work, but in the end, you will still have to decide if it is truly worth it. Other car services are (for women and children) and Jaime Te lleva.
PROS:
• Ease of Travel
• Provides Freedom (multi-task, make phone calls, take photos, read a book)
• Get a mini-tour from a local
• Available 24/7
CONS:
• Expensive
• Increase crime
• At times disrupts communication when a stranger is present
• Try to cheat you out of your money
Bike/E-bike/Segways
This is becoming one of the most sought-after ways to explore in many countries. San Juan is very cycle friendly since it is something enjoyed daily by locals. In the main capital, there are designated lanes placed on scenic routes with relatively easy access to beaches and most major attractions. You can explore beautiful residential areas and even not-so-beautiful areas as well. If you are a person that enjoys getting on two wheels and pedaling to your favorite destinations, then cycling is definitely something you should try while visiting Puerto Rico. If this is something you would like to do as part of your trip, you can join a few tours and have a guided experience. Some rental places also have tour packages. Make sure to remember to ask if it can be included in your rental prices so you can show up at given starting points.
Some Bike/E-bike Rental Companies in San Juan with great online reviews:
PROS:
• Affordable. Prices are relatively fair, though a full day matches that of compact-sized cars… vrooom!
• Quick in cities. Unbeatable, can get to places cars can’t…what can I say? I am a fan)
• Save the planet. Think about it… we’ll wait.
• Easy parking. All you need is a chain and a lock, and a prayer it is there when you get back.
• Low impact on the knees. Better than walking, sore quads, but you will have worked the hell out of your gluteus maximus in the process.
• It’s fun.
CONS:
• Exposure to the elements. Rain/storm/high winds.
• Unexpected expenses. Flat tires/broken chains make sure these are covered before you rent.
• Dangerous drivers. I mean, it’s SJ.
• Road hazards. Watch out for stone/gravel/uneven roads.
• Poor lights. Not ideal for nighttime.
• Lack of cycle lanes and trails. Once you are out of the city and away from tourist areas, you have to be more confident about your riding abilities.
• Limited travel distance. Based on your health, as well as how much juice you have left in your e-bikes (FYI: you can still pedal if your e-bike runs out of juice)
• Theft
Public Transportation Bus/Train
If you are not in a hurry or on a tight budget, these are ways you can get around. The best thing to do is map your stay near local stops/depots to get the best scheduling possible to organize your trip/day experiences. Look out for one of the many green & white ‘PARADA’ bus stop signs along the street or hop on from the Old San Juan main bus terminal. There are also direct routes to and from the airport.
For More Information and Scheduling:
Buses – Check here.
Trains – Check here.
Tips: Main bus route for tourists in San Juan is Route 53. It’s the one used most to travel between hotels, beaches, and Old San Juan. It also has a connection to Route 50 for Isla Verde to get back to SJU.
The below information we found from the Discover Puerto Rico website was extremely helpful while visiting San Juan. Here are some tips for using the bus in San Juan, Puerto Rico:
• You may wait for 5 to 30 minutes+ for a bus going to your destination.
• If waiting at a bus stop, make sure to wave your bus down as it approaches, or it may not stop.
• If heading west to Old San Juan from Condado, Ocean Park, or Isla Verde, for example, be sure to wait at a bus stop in the westbound lane to minimize travel time.
• Buses may be full during work rush hours.
• Be patient. You will save a lot of money but expect a longer trip vs. taking a taxi.
• Reminder – buses accept exact change only!
San Juan Tourist Area Bus/Route Number Chart.
(Note: Some buses or route stops may display a letter before the bus or stop number, such as “T5” or “B21”. Ignore any letters – only be concerned with the numbers.) – Subject to ongoing changes.
Chart Updates
You can take the Metrobus Express (ME) to travel between Old San Juan, the Convention Center area, and Miramar/Santurce.
Bus/Route Numbers & Rates to and from popular tourist and traveler destinations:
•Use bus 53 to travel between Old San Juan, the Convention Center/Pan American Pier/Isla Grande Airport area, Puerta de Tierra, Condado, Ocean Park, and Isla Verde (75¢).
Using the bus from San Juan International Airport
• To Old San Juan & its cruise piers, Ocean Park, or Isla Verde – take bus 50 from the airport to Isla Verde & transfer to 5 or 53 heading west. Due to the transfer, the regular tourist rate will be $1.50 (75¢ x 2).
• To Condado, the Pan American Pier, Puerto Rico Convention Center, or Isla Grande Airport – take bus 50 from the airport to Isla Verde & transfer to 53 heading west. Due to the transfer, the regular tourist rate will be $1.50 (75¢ x 2).
• To Miramar – take bus 50 from the airport to Isla Verde & transfer to 5 heading west. Due to the transfer, the regular tourist rate will be $1.50 (75¢ x 2).
Traveling by bus from Condado, San Juan, PR
• To the San Juan International Airport – take bus 53 east to Isla Verde and transfer to bus 50 to the airport. Due to the transfer, the regular tourist rate will be $1.50 (75¢ x 2).
• To Old San Juan & its cruise piers, the Pan American Pier, Puerto Rico Convention Center, or Isla Grande Airport – take bus 21 or 53 West (75¢).
• To Miramar – take bus 21 and transfer to bus 5. Due to the transfer, the regular tourist rate will be $1.50 (75¢ x 2).
Traveling by bus From Miramar, San Juan
• To the San Juan International Airport – take bus 5 East to Isla Verde and transfer to bus 50 to the airport. Due to the transfer, the regular tourist rate will be $1.50 (75¢ x 2).
• To Ocean Park or Isla Verde – take bus 5 East (75¢).
• To Condado – take bus 5 and transfer to bus 21. Due to the transfer, the regular tourist rate will be $1.50 (75¢ x 2).
• To Old San Juan and its cruise piers – take bus 5 West (75¢) or the Metrobus Express (50¢).
• To the Pan American Pier, Puerto Rico Convention Center, or Isla Grande Airport – take bus 5 to Condado and transfer to bus 21. Due to the transfer, the regular tourist rate will be $1.50 (75¢ x 2).
Traveling by bus from Isla Verde or Ocean Park, San Juan, PR
• From Ocean Park or Isla Verde to the San Juan International Airport – take bus 5 or 53 east to Isla Verde and transfer to bus 50 to the airport. Due to the transfer, the regular tourist rate will be $1.50 (75¢ x 2).
• Bus from Ocean Park or Isla Verde to Old San Juan & its cruise piers – take bus 5 or 53 West (75¢).
• Bus from Ocean Park or Isla Verde to the Pan American Pier, Puerto Rico Convention Center, or Isla Grande Airport – take bus 53 West (75¢).
• Bus from Ocean Park or Isla Verde to Miramar – take bus 5 West (75¢).
Traveling by bus from Old San Juan & Cruise Piers, Puerto Rico
• To San Juan International Airport – take bus 5 or 53 east to Isla Verde and transfer to bus 50 going to the airport. Due to the transfer, the regular tourist rate will be $1.50 (75¢ x 2).
• To/from Ocean Park or Isla Verde – take bus 5 or 53 (75¢).
• To Condado, the Pan American Pier, Puerto Rico Convention Center, or Isla Grande Airport – take bus 21 or 53 East (75¢).
• To Miramar – take bus 5 East (75¢) or the Metrobus Express (50¢).
Traveling by bus from Pan American Pier / Convention Center / Isla Grande Airport
• To San Juan International Airport – take bus 53 east to Isla Verde, then transfer to 50 to the airport. Due to the transfer, the regular tourist rate will be $1.50 (75¢ x 2).
• To Ocean Park or Isla Verde – take bus 53 East (75¢).
• To Old San Juan, cruise Piers or Condado – take bus 21 or 53 (75¢).
• To Miramar – take bus 21 to Condado and transfer to bus 5. Due to the transfer, the regular tourist rate will be $1.50 (75¢ x 2).
Getting to the San Juan Train Station – Tren Urbano
• From Old San Juan & its cruise piers, the Pan American Pier, Puerto Rico Convention Center, Isla Grande Airport, or Miramar, take the Metrobus Express (ME) to Sagrado Corazon Station (50¢).
• From Condado, take bus 21 east to Sagrado Corazon Station (75¢).
• From Ocean Park or Isla Verde, take bus 5 West to Condado, transfer to bus 21, and ride to Sagrado Corazon Station. Due to the transfers, the regular tourist rate will be $1.50 (75¢ x 2).
• From the San Juan International Airport, take bus 50 north and transfer to bus 5 in Isla Verde. Take bus 5 West to Condado, transfer to bus 21, and ride to Sagrado Corazon Station. Due to the transfers, the regular tourist rate will be $2.25 (75¢ x 3).
PROS:
• Cheap
• Cheap (Had to say it twice since it sounded so nice)
CONS:
• Long waits
• Limited Space
• Limited usage hours
• Improper use of time on vacation (you will spend hours using these services in a day)
• If you are not a local, it will be confusing at first, so getting lost is a possibility
YTF Choices?
Car Rental or Bikes with walking thrown in.
The best thing to do is figure out a way to combine the experiences to get the most optimal use of your time when possible. Example: Drive from hotels across the Island to old San Juan. Park by bike rental places or have Bikes delivered to a specific location (based on the company you use). Rent bikes or walk around to your heart’s content. Does the price increase? Definitely, but when you are pressed for time and want to enjoy every moment in a beautiful place like this, you tend to figure out how to modify your budget to accommodate your thirst for exploration. So sacrifices would need to be made. Daily bike rental = one less Colada for the day, or skip that case of Medalla or that extra portion of Pernil lol… I know, I think the bike rental just lost with that last one, but you get our point. You can make it work!
What’s your favorite mode of transportation when traveling, and why? Let me know in the comments below!
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