Getting There & Away: Vieques

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

Antonio Rivera Rodríguez Airport (VQS) in Vieques serves as the main air entry. Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in San Juan is the main international gateway for Puerto Rico. José Aponte de la Torre Airport (RVR) in Ceiba is a smaller regional airport for flights to Vieques and Culebra.

Connecting Flights:

From SJU to VQS: Vieques Air Link, Air Flamenco, Cape Air use small propeller planes with strict luggage weight limits.
From RVR (Ceiba) to VQS: Vieques Air Link and Air Flamenco also operate these shorter, often cheaper flights.
No direct international flights operate to VQS. All international travelers first fly into SJU.

Seasonal Fluctuations & Airport Services

Flights to VQS, especially on small propeller planes, have limited capacity. Prices trend higher during high season (December-April), major holidays, and on weekends. Booking well in advance is a recommendation, especially for these smaller carriers, for better rates. Last-minute availability can be scarce.

Airport Facilities:

VQS: Antonio Rivera Rodríguez Airport facilities are very basic. Expect a small waiting area with limited amenities.
VQS amenities: Typically no lounges, minimal food options. Plan to have eaten and purchased necessities before arriving.
SJU: Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan provides full international airport facilities, including restaurants, shops, car rental agencies, and ATMs.

Fastest Travel

Connecting flights from SJU to VQS offer the fastest way to reach the island.

Book in Advance

Booking flights well in advance is a strong recommendation, especially during peak season.

Two-Step Process

Most international travelers will experience a two-step process to reach Vieques.

Transfer Options from Airports to Accommodation

From SJU to Vieques:

Option 1 (Fly): Take a connecting flight from SJU to VQS. This is the fastest but usually the most expensive.
Allow at least 2-3 hours for your connection at SJU, notably if arriving on an international flight.
Option 2 (Ferry): Take a taxi, pre-booked shuttle, or público from SJU to the Ceiba ferry terminal (1.5-hour drive). Then take the ferry.
The ferry option is generally more budget-friendly but requires more time and coordination.

From VQS to Towns:

Taxis are available outside the VQS terminal for transport to Isabel Segunda or Esperanza.
The ride is short, typically 10-15 minutes to either main town.
From RVR (Ceiba) to Vieques: Take a connecting flight from RVR to VQS. RVR is conveniently next to the ferry terminal.
For flight deals, explore Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner.

Land Transportation Mainland

Border Crossings

Puerto Rico is an U.S. Territory. No international border crossings when traveling from mainland Puerto Rico to Vieques. It is domestic travel.

Bus & Train

No train services on Vieques. On mainland, Tren Urbano serves parts of San Juan but not the Ceiba ferry terminal. No formal long-distance bus system directly serves the Ceiba ferry terminal from San Juan. Públicos and private shuttles are options.

Self-Driving

Valid U.S. Driver's license is sufficient. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their domestic license is not in English. Explore options at DiscoverCars.com.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services

The ferry from Ceiba on mainland Puerto Rico to Isabel Segunda in Vieques is a popular and economical way to reach the island. It operates between the Ceiba Ferry Terminal and the Vieques Ferry Terminal. Both passenger-only and cargo ferries are available. Cargo ferries also carry passengers, sometimes a limited number of vehicles.

Vehicle Space:

Vehicle space on cargo ferries receives prioritization for Vieques residents.
Bringing tourist rental cars across can be difficult. Most tourists travel as foot passengers.
Vieques does not have a cruise port. Cruise ships typically dock in San Juan.

Immigration & Land Connections

As Vieques is an U.S. Territory, no specific immigration procedures apply for travelers arriving from mainland Puerto Rico. The journey is domestic travel within the U.S. System. You will not go through customs or passport control again when arriving in Vieques from Ceiba.

Connections at Terminals:

From Ceiba Terminal: Taxis and públicos are available for transfers to/from San Juan or other parts of the mainland.
From Vieques Terminal (Isabel Segunda): Taxis and públicos are accessible for transport to Esperanza or other parts of the island.
Many rental car agencies are near the ferry terminal for convenient pickup.

Departure Information Air

No specific exit fees or taxes apply when departing Vieques or Puerto Rico, whether by air or sea. If flying out of Antonio Rivera Rodríguez Airport (VQS), arrive at least 60-90 minutes before your scheduled departure. These are small planes, and check-in processes are brief, but limited staff and small waiting areas mean arriving early helps manage any unexpected delays.

VQS Airport Facilities:

Facilities at VQS are very limited.
Wise to have eaten and purchased necessities before arriving; dining options are not available.
Snack machines might be available.

Departure Information Ferry

Arrive at the Isabel Segunda ferry terminal at least 60-90 minutes before your scheduled ferry departure. Lines can grow long, especially during peak season or holidays. Ferries can fill up, and their schedules are subject to delays or changes without much advance notice.

Ferry Terminal Facilities & Rental Returns:

Pre-booking your ferry ticket online through the official Puerto Rico Ferry website is highly recommended.
The ferry terminal provides a basic waiting area. Limited concessions or snack stands may be available.
If you rented a car on Vieques, allow ample time to return it to the rental agency before your flight or ferry.

Road Conditions & Safety Concerns Mainland & Vieques

Mainland Puerto Rico

Major highways are generally in good condition. Local roads vary. Be aware of local driving styles. Traffic in San Juan can be heavy.

Vieques Roads

Main roads on Vieques are paved. Many roads within the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge are unpaved, rough, and challenging without a high-clearance vehicle like a Jeep.

Wildlife Awareness

Watch for wild horses and stray dogs on all roads, notably at night. They frequently cross roads unexpectedly. Drive slowly and cautiously, notably around blind turns.

Travel Coordination

The two-step process to reach Vieques from international origins means budgeting sufficient time for connections between your SJU arrival and your onward flight or ferry to Vieques.

Getting There & Away