By Air
Puerto Rico airports handle domestic, US and international flights to and from
the Island on a daily basis. There is a total of 30 airports (23 usable) in
Puerto Rico, including Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport (SJU),
which ranks 37th among passenger airports in the U.S., and 26th, out of 250
American airports, in cargo movement. Conveniently located 14km (9 miles)
northeast of San Juan. The airport facilities includes restaurants, a bar,
a bank, a post office, a duty-free shop and cars for hire.
Airports
Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan (SJU) is the island's main airport. Located in the area known as Isla Verde, the airport was, for many decades, known as Isla Verde International Airport, until 1985, when then Governor Rafael Hernandez Colon decided to name it after Luis Muñoz Marín, Puerto Rico's first democratically elected governor
There are also regional airports: Rafael Hernandez International Airport in Aguadilla (BQN), Fajardo Airport in Fajardo (FAJ), Eugenio Maria de Hostos Airport in Mayagüez (MAZ), Humacao Airport in Humacao (HUC), and Mercedita Airport in Ponce (PSE).
Ponce's airport is located two miles (3.2km) east of town. Flying time from San Juan is half an hour.
By Road
There are taxis, car rentals, buses, public
transportation and private limousines available throughout the country.
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.
Maps
You can buy maps practically at any store or gas station. Many 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.
If you prefer to study your route before traveling you can purchase or download maps online.
Automobile Rentals (Rent a Car)
Agencies are located around the island. Includes: AAA, Afro, Avis, Budget,
Charlie, Discount, Hertz, L & M, Leaseway, National, Popular Leasing, Target,
Thrifty, and Vias. Rates might be a little higher than U.S.
Buses
The Metropolitan Bus Authority (or AMA, its Spanish acronym) operates in the
San Juan Metropolitan area. Stops are marked by magenta, orange and white signs
which read Parada. Buses run between certain hours, usually until 9:00 p.m.
For route,
terminals, or schedule
information, call (787) 767-7979.
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. In addition to public transportation some cities provide "Linéas". Linéas 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.
Taxis
The Tourism Taxi Program, recently instituted by the Puerto Rico
Tourism Company, has simplified the fare structure between the airport, piers and
several major tourism zones in the San Juan area. Charge set rates as
follows (effective from November 17, 2005):
Metropolitan Areas/Tourist Zones
| Zone 1 | Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport |
| Zone 2 | Isla Verde |
| Zone 3 | Condado, Ocean Park and Miramar |
| Zone 4 | Old San Juan, Piers in Old San Juan, Puerta de Tierra and Miramar |
| Zone 5 | Conventions Center and Luis Rivas Dominichi Airport in Isla Grande |
Fixed Rates from Luis Muñoz Maríln International Airport *
| To Zone 2 | $10.00 |
| To Zone 3 | $15.00 |
| To Zone 4 | $19.00 |
| To Zone 5 | $15.00 |
| To Plaza las Américas | $18.00 |
| To Plaza Carolina | $14.00 |
| To Coliseo José Miguel Agrelot | $14.00 |
Fixed Rates from Maritime Terminals and Piers *
| From Old San Juan Maritime Terminal, Puerta de Tierra and Miramar to Zone 1 | $19.00 |
| From Old San Juan Maritime Terminal, Puerta de Tierra and Miramar to Zone 2 | $19.00 |
| From Old San Juan Maritime Terminal, Puerta de Tierra and Miramar to Zone 3 | $12.00 |
| From Old San Juan Maritime Terminal, Puerta de Tierra and Miramar to Zone 4 | $10.00 |
| From Old San Juan Maritime Terminal, Puerta de Tierra and Miramar to Zone 5 | $9.00 |
| From Old San Juan Piers to Plaza las Américas | $14.00 |
| From Old San Juan Piers to Plaza Carolina | $24.00 |
| From Old San Juan Piers to Coliseo José Miguel Agrelot | $14.00 |
Fixed Rates from Convention Center or Isla Grande Airport *
| To Zone 1 | $15.00 |
| To Zone 2 | $15.00 |
| To Zone 3 | $9.00 |
| To Zone 4 | $10.00 |
| To Plaza las Américas | $12.00 |
| To Plaza Carolina | $22.00 |
| To Coliseo José Miguel Agrelot | $12.00 |
* Passenger will be responsible for paying for any and all tolls actually passed through during the itinerary.
Metered Rates
| Minimum charge | $3.00 |
| Initial charge | $1.00 x 1/13 mile |
| Charge | $0.10 waiting time (every 45 seconds) |
|
Each piece of luggage (excluding hand pieces) | $0.50 |
|
Extra piece of luggage (after three pieces) | $1.00 |
| Reservation of unit | $5.00 |
| Hourly rental charge: | $20.00 |
| Night (10pm to 6am) over the meter charge | $1.00 |
By Rail
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 .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).
By Sea
San Juan is a fascinating mixture of the old and the new. If you ever
considered a Cruise Vacation you will not be disappointed by choosing one
that has San Juan, Puerto Rico as one of the ports of call. Puerto Rico
offers long, white beaches, cobblestone streets, colonial forts and
buildings, museums, vibrant hotels, casinos, restaurants and shops. The
island is rich in history, blessed by nature, and alive with its own unique
culture.
All maritime facilities in Puerto Rico are owned and administered by the Puerto Rico Ports Authority. Facilities include all the Ports in San Juan, Guánica, Guayanilla, Guayama, Yabucoa, Arecibo, Fajardo, Vieques and Culebra.
Cruise ships and boats may depart from one of several piers located in Old San Juan and Isla Verde.
Piers 1 to 6 are located in the heart of Old San Juan at Marina Street and within walking distance of all the major points of interest. The Pan American Pier is located south of Old San Juan in Isla Grande and further away, because the docks serve larger cruise ships. There are no hotels near the Pan American Pier. The closest hotel is the Caribe Hilton, located approximately 5 minutes away by car.
Pier/Terminal Information:
- Pier 1 - A modern two-tiered terminal 770 feet in length. Equipped with pier-side passenger and baggage gangways, elevators, parking and shopping concessions.
- Pier 3 - Used for transit cruise ships, mainly used by the Royal Caribbean line.
- Pier 4 - A modern terminal at the north shore of the harbor with a total length of 1,196 feet. Managed by Carnival Cruise Lines.
- Pier 6 - A marginal wharf with a total length of 1,196 feet.
- Frontier Pier - A single berth used for cruise vessels and conventional ocean carriers handling open storage cargo.
- Pan American Pier - A modern, two-tiered passenger terminal with a marginal wharf 2,000 feet in length. Managed by Royal Caribbean International.
How to get to the Piers from the Luis Munoz Marin International Airport:
To Piers 1 to 6
Take Baldorioty Avenue (Carr 26). Follow Baldorioty Ave. to San Juan. Turn slight right onto Ponce de Leon
Ave (Carr 25). Turn slight left onto Ave Fernandez Juncos which becomes Calle del Muelle. Turn right onto
Calle Marina (Carr 1).
Reference Points
Calle Marina, Piers 1-6, Paseo Gilberto Concepcion de Gracia at Calle
Brumbaugh, Old San Juan, Puerto Rico 00901
Some of the ships scheduled to cruise operate between Puerto Rico, the rest of the world include: Carnival Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, among others.
Find a great deal on the best
Cruise lines!
In addition, ferries to Vieques and Culebra are available from Fajardo.
- Cataño - San Juan Ferries
Ferries operate daily, every half hour between 6:00am to 9:00pm.
- Ponce - Caja de Muertos
Saturday, Sunday and holidays from 9:00am and return to 5:00pm.
- Vieques/Culebra Ferries
Weekdays 9:30am, 4:30pm
Weekends and Holiday: 9:00am, 3:00pm, 6:00pm
Additional Information
Driving
Traffic proceeds on the right. Signs are in Spanish, distance markers is posted in kilometers and the gas is sold in liters.
Driver's License
Valid resident country or international driver's license required.
Fuel Stations
There are fuel stations throughout Puerto Rico. Some open 24 hours a day and nearly all supply leaded and unleaded gasoline and diesel. Don't be surprised to find a lot of fuel stations providing both full and self service.
Speed Limits
Highways are 65mph/112kph. Two-lane roads are 55 mph/88kph. Built-up areas are 30 mph/48kph unless otherwise posted.
Drinking and Driving
The penalties for drinking alcohol and driving afterwards are severe and exactly the same for both residents and visitors (legal drinking age of 18).
Seat Belts
It is compulsory to wear seat belts, including the rear seats - if fitted. Very small children and babies must at all times be restrained in an appropriate child seat or carrier.
Maps
-
Puerto Fly & Drive Map - It includes a list of attractions to visit per region!
Highway and Road Maps (Source: DTOP)
Additional Resources and Links