Getting Around: Aguadilla

Main Transportation Options

For most visitors, renting a car is the preferred way to experience Aguadilla and its surrounding region. This mode provides the utmost flexibility, granting access to remote beaches, diverse surf spots, and neighboring towns at your own pace. While not the sole means of travel, it greatly broadens your exploration possibilities.

Taxis and ride-sharing services offer alternatives for specific trips, like airport transfers or evenings out. These can be convenient for direct point-to-point journeys without the need for personal parking. Walking and cycling, while limited in scope for extensive travel, present enjoyable ways to experience pedestrian-friendly zones and coastal areas within closer proximity to your accommodation.

Overview of Local Transport

Rental Car: Maximum flexibility for broad exploration.
Taxis & Ride-Sharing: Convenient for specific trips like airport transfers or evening outings.
Walking & Cycling: Suitable for short distances within pedestrian-friendly areas.
Public Transportation: Limited and not generally practical for tourist use.

Car Rental

Highly recommended for exploring Aguadilla and the entire northwestern region. Provides maximum flexibility to visit remote beaches and towns. Booking in advance, especially during high season, secures preferred vehicles and rates.

Uber & Taxis

Uber is a reliable option for getting around town, to and from the airport. Taxis are available at BQN and major hotels. Always confirm taxi fares before starting your trip. Ideal for direct point-to-point travel.

Walking & Cycling

The Aguadilla Pueblo and coastal boardwalks suit walking. Cycling is viable for leisurely rides along coastal paths, but dedicated bike lanes are limited. Exercise caution on shared roads.

Rental Requirements & Safety

Car Rental Requirements

Valid U.S. Driver's license, or International Driving Permit (IDP) with home country license for foreign nationals.
Minimum age for drivers is generally 21, with surcharges for those under 25.
A major credit card in the renter's name for the rental and security deposit.

Driving & Parking Safety

Road conditions vary; major highways are good, secondary roads can be narrow with potholes.
Drive defensively; local driving habits can appear aggressive. Be wary of pedestrians, cyclists, and stray animals.
Never leave valuables visible in parked cars. Park in well-lit, secure areas.

Comparison of Local Transportation Options

Rental Car

Maximum flexibility, explore independently. Cost: $40-$80/day.

Uber

Convenient, transparent pricing. Cost: $8-$20/short trip.

Taxi

Direct service, available at airport/hotels. Cost: $10-$40/short trip.

Walking/Cycling

Free, eco-friendly for short distances. Cost: Free.

Detailed Rental Car Information

Renting a car is the most efficient and recommended way to explore Aguadilla and the entire northwestern region of Puerto Rico. Major car rental companies operate directly at Rafael Hernández Airport (BQN), making pick-up upon arrival highly convenient.

Popular Rental Companies BQN

Avis.
Budget.
Enterprise.
Hertz, National, and Sixt.

Rental Tips

Book your rental in advance, especially during peak travel times.
Consider a car with GPS or use a navigation app with offline maps.
Factor in fuel costs, as you will likely cover significant distances.
A rental car unlocks access to more secluded beaches and attractions.

Driving Law & Road Conditions

Driving occurs on the right side of the road, like the continental U.S.
Speed limits are posted in miles per hour (MPH).
Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants.

Major highways are generally well-maintained.
Secondary roads can be narrow, winding, and may have potholes.
Some rural roads lack proper street lighting at night.

Parking & Tolls

Beach Parking

Free parking generally exists at most beaches and attractions, though lots fill quickly on weekends.

Town Parking

In downtown Aguadilla (the Pueblo), you might find street parking or small paid lots.

Tolls

Some highways, like PR-22, have tolls. Many rental cars have an AutoExpreso transponder for automatic payment.

Walking & Cycling in Detail

Walking and cycling offer enjoyable ways to experience specific parts of Aguadilla, notably its pedestrian-friendly zones and scenic coastal areas. These modes of transport suit leisurely exploration and shorter distances.

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

Aguadilla Pueblo (Downtown): The historic town center remains walkable, with sidewalks and plazas for strolling.
Coastal Boardwalks: Areas along the coast, especially near Crash Boat, feature paths for walking.
Punta Borinquen Lighthouse Park: Offers scenic walking trails along cliffs with stunning ocean views.
Survival Beach Trail: A rugged walking experience from the lighthouse area to a secluded beach.

Cycling Information & Safety

Dedicated bicycle infrastructure (bike lanes) is limited in Aguadilla.
Cyclists typically share the road with vehicles; exercise extreme caution.
Wearing a Helmet is important; use lights for low-light conditions.
Some hotels or surf shops may offer bicycle rentals, but no city-wide sharing programs exist.

Walking Tour Ideas

Downtown Stroll

Explore local shops, eateries, and historic buildings like the Parish of San Carlos Borromeo.

Self-guided

Crash Boat Pier Walk

Walk along the iconic pier remnants and enjoy the beach scene.

Leisurely coastal walk

Lighthouse Park Trails

Follow the trails near Punta Borinquen Lighthouse for panoramic ocean views and a peaceful setting.

Scenic nature walk

Specialized Transport Details

Water Transport

No regular boat taxi services for public transport.
Private charters for fishing or snorkeling are arrangable.
These services typically depart from nearby Rincón or Isabela.

Accessibility Support

Aguadilla presents challenges for travelers with mobility needs.
Newer buildings and larger hotels often offer better accessibility features.
Accessible vehicle rentals require advance booking and may have limited availability.

Restricted Transportation Methods

No inter-city train services exist on the island for Aguadilla.
Aguadilla lacks a major cruise port or regular ferry services for general transport.
No cable cars, funiculars, tuk-tuks, or jeepneys are found here.
River transportation for tourists is not organized.

Public transportation is limited and not tourist-friendly.
Motorcycle and scooter rentals are less common and often not recommended for tourists.
No city-wide bicycle sharing programs exist.
Formal guided walking tours are not widely advertised.

Final Transportation Advice

While Aguadilla presents a range of transportation options, the most unrestricted and comfortable way to experience its charm and the wider western region of Puerto Rico remains a rental car.

Plan your movements according to your interests, balancing convenience, cost, and the scope of your desired exploration.

Getting Around Aguadilla