Best on foot in Old San Juan, elsewhere, hiring a car is the best way of getting around Puerto Rico – just watch out for the chaotic driving habits of the locals as well as the often poor road conditions in rural areas.
In San Juan, a car is more trouble than it's worth – traffic is terrible and parking is scarce, but taxis and buses provide easy transport to get around the city.
Cape Air offers daily flights from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) to the offshore islands. Fast sea ferries are also available from the port of Ceiba.
The quality of the road network in Puerto Rico is generally good. All the main cities are well connected by a modern highway system, but secondary roads through the mountains are in generally poor condition, with rough surfaces, pot holes and narrow passes.
All major roads have signage indicating the speed limit, which varies by type and road condition. Traffic drives on the right-hand side of the road.
There are tolls along many highways; be prepared to have the correct change in coins or bills, usually 50¢ to US$2, ready at toll booths.
Air: Cape Air (www.capeair.com) and JetBlue (www.jetblue.com) offer frequent daily flights between San Juan and Mayagüez on the mainland, and to the offshore islands of Culebra and Vieques. Flight times vary by season, and booking in advance is recommended.
Vieques Air Link (www.viequesairlink.com) also connects Culebra with Vieques and either Isla Grande or Luis Muñoz Marín airports in San Juan.
Sea: Ferries are an inexpensive and reliable way to get to both Culebra and Vieques.
Fast ferries, operated by Puerto Rico Fast Ferries (PRFF), depart several times daily from the port of Ceiba, taking 90 minutes to reach Vieques, and 60 minutes to reach Culebra.
Tickets cost US$2.00 one way to Vieques and US$2.50 one way to Culebra. They can be bought online at PorFerry.com (https://porferry.com) or at the ferry terminal.
It's best to arrive an hour before departure. Schedules are subject to change according to weather conditions and boat availability.
There are also ferries between Old San Juan and Cataño, and between Ponce and Caja de Muertos (Coffin Island).
Car hire: Several international and local car-hire firms are available at the airport and in San Juan.
Generally, you need to be 25 years of age or older to hire a car in Puerto Rico; although some companies may rent to drivers aged 21-24, with a daily surcharge. Several companies prohibit taking rental cars from the mainland to Culebra and Vieques.
Any valid driver’s licence can be used to hire a car or scooter in Puerto Rico. For stays of longer than 90 days, residency laws require that you to apply for a Puerto Rican licence.
Finding parking can be a real problem in San Juan and central Ponce. Do not park at curbs painted red or yellow. Parking fees at the hotels average about US$20 per day.
Seat belts and motorcycle helmets must be worn; children younger than four years must travel in child safety seats.
Note: In Puerto Rico, distances are measured in kilometres, while speed limits are posted in miles per hour. It is legal to turn right at a red light, except where signs state otherwise.
Taxi: Taxis are easily available in San Juan at the airport, outside hotels and major tourist sites.
Taxis from San Juan airport and within San Juan's designated tourist zones will charge the fare by zone – the rates are fixed and posted. Elsewhere in San Juan, metered taxis can be hailed on the street or you can call one to come pick you up.
Initial charge is US$1.75; minimum charge per trip should be around US$3.00. Taxi drivers expect a 15% tip. There is an additional fee for luggage, late nights and airport drop-offs. Fares are paid in cash only. Tolls and tips are not included.
Ride-hailing options are available in San Juan, including Uber and local app, Jaime te lleva.
Bus: Buses in San Juan are known as guaguas. The local service is operated by Autoridad Metropolitana de Autobuses, which runs extensive routes throughout the city and to the beaches from 5 a.m. to 8 or 9 p.m. (depending on the route and day of the week).
Rates are regulated and the schedules are frequent. The base fare is US$1.50. Routes that originate in San Juan (5, 9, 21 and 53) depart from near the cruise ship terminal.
There are also públicos (share-minibuses), identifiable by a 'P' or 'PD' at the end of the yellow licence plate numbers. These minibuses run regular routes between established points usually from the main plaza (central square) of a town.
Públicos operate during daylight hours and are a hassle-free alternative to driving. The Public Service Commission fixes routes and sets reasonable fares.
Bicycle: Cycling is increasingly popular in Puerto Rico, but it's not generally recommended for visitors due to the heavy traffic, aggressive driving habits of many locals, the narrow roadways and a general lack of awareness about cyclists' needs.
However, continued improvements in San Juan now offer designated cycle paths along many scenic routes, including the San Juan National Historic Site in Old San Juan, Condado Lagoon and the Ocean Park beach neighbourhood.
It's now possible to ride from the north-western tip of San Juan (Fort El Morro) approximately 29km (18mi) east to the beach front town of Loiza. Paseo Puerta de Tierra gives walkers and cyclists a scenic and safe path from Old San Juan to Condado.
It's fairly easy to rent a bike in tourist areas.
Latest update: How to get around Puerto Rico: 7 May, 2022
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