Puerto Rico Getting Around

Getting Around

Unless you are staying in one of the hotels in San Juan, or you have friends or family to provide transportation, you will need to rent a car. Road signs are Spanish language versions of their U.S. counterparts, so you shouldn't have trouble figuring them out. Police cars and SUVs are noticeable, as by local regulation, they must keep their blue light bar continuously illuminated any time they are in motion. Avoid getting a speeding ticket: fines start at $50 + $5 for each mile above the speed limit. There are three toll roads on Puerto Rico. They are part of the Tourists Roads system, labeled by small brown signs. Tolls for a 2-axle car range from $0.70 and $1.50. The lanes on the left are reserved for people with RFID toll passes, which you probably won't have on your rental car. If you need change, head for the lanes marked with a "C", usually the furthest to the right. Renting a car is the best way to see the island. International car rental agencies are well represented on the island and there are plenty of local operators. Your home driving license is valid. Note that local driving habits are erratic (to be kind) though relatively free of aggro (to be fair). Also watch out for the speed limit signs which are in miles per hour even though distances are in kilometers. Drive on the right-hand side of the road. If driving doesn't appeal you can stock up on patience and take public transport. Minivans known as públicos link all decent-sized towns on the island. They have no set schedule and usually operate on short hops so be prepared for several changes if you're traveling a long distance and it's not between two major cities. Públicos are cheap sociable and recognizable by the 'P' or 'PD' on their license plate. You can flag one down anywhere. Metered taxis are plentiful in San Juan and other major tourist centers. San Juan's Luis Muñnz Marín International Airport is on the eastern fringe of the city. There are car rental agencies at the airport and plenty of taxis and buses for the short jaunt into San Juan. There's a baggage check in Terminal C which is handy if you're island hopping and want to travel light. Cheap government-operated ferries do the run from Fajardo to the islands of Culebra and Vieques. At least four ferries a day ply either route and the journey to either island is around one hour. It's possible to take a car including rental cars on the ferry to Culebra but it's necessary to book well in advance.