Getting Around
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is connected by a good network of well paved and maintained highways, so driving the island is a breeze. The outer islands of Vieques and Culebra are connected to the main land by modern ferry service as well as cargo boats that have the capacity to act as car ferries.
The best way to get around the island is to rent a car. Most of the US car rental agencies have a presence at San Juan Airport as well as at additional locations throughout the island. There are also many local companies which tend to offer a better rate. When driving in Puerto Rico, keep in mind that speed limit signs are posted in miles per hour while distances are marked in kilometers.
For the more adventurous, publicos (privately owned mini-buses) ply routes between the main cities of Puerto Rico. They provide an inexpensive way of getting around the island at a small portion of the price of the other means of transportation. Publicos also provide visitors a unique opportunity to get to know the local people of Puerto Rico. Publicos have no set schedule, but can be flagged down anywhere along the road. Publicos are recognizable by the "P" or "PD" on their license plate.
All major towns in Puerto Rico have metered taxis to get you around to all the attractions. Some taxis can also be hired for the day for longer excusions. Old San Juan and Ponce also have hop-on, hop-off trolleys that ply routes through the cities stopping at all the major sites. You pay for one day pass and get on and off at your leisure.
Puerto Rico Ferry Service
Ferry service to the islands of Vieques and Culebra leave from the eastern port town of Fajardo. Approximately four passenger ferries a day make the one-hour journey to the islands costing just $3. There are also cargo boats, which include space for cars (including rental cars) on their routes, but the service tends to be less reliable and needs to be booked well in advance.
New this year, a high speed catamaran connects the islands of Vieques and Culebra with San Juan. The one-hour 45 minute journey to Culebra costs approximately $65 roundtrip. Vieques is an additional half hour and costs about $10 more. Boats leave once a day on weekdays and twice a day on weekends.
Puerto Rico By Air
Small planes frequent the main destinations around Puerto Rico including the islands of Vieques and Culebra. Local flights leave from the domestic airport in Isla Grande, a suburb of San Juan. Or for a unique island experience, Seaborne Airlines offers seaplane service between Puerto Rico, St. Thomas and St. Croix.
To check availability and special discounted rates at Puerto Rico hotels, click here.
