Getting Around Old San Juan. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental

Major Airports & Airlines

Airports

Several airports serve Puerto Rico, with SJU as the main gateway.

Airport Details

Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU): Located in Carolina, approximately 8 miles (13 km) east of Old San Juan. This is the busiest and main international gateway to Puerto Rico.
Rafael Hernández Airport (BQN): Situated in Aguadilla, on the west coast, mainly serving domestic flights from the U.S. Mainland.
Mercedita International Airport (PSE): Located in Ponce, on the south coast, also mainly serving domestic flights from the U.S. Mainland.

Airlines & Routes

Numerous airlines operate flights to Puerto Rico, with SJU featuring the most extensive connections.

Flight Information

Key AMERICAN.S. Airlines: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and JetBlue Airways all operate services to SJU.
International Airlines: A few international carriers also serve SJU, including Copa Airlines, Avianca, Air Canada, and Condor (seasonal flights from Frankfurt).
Typical Routes: SJU maintains a wide network of direct flights from major U.S. Hubs like New York, Miami, Orlando, and Chicago.

Booking Tips

Booking your flights 3-6 months in advance typically secures better fares, especially for high season travel.

Price Fluctuations

Prices remain highest during the peak tourist season (mid-December to April) and around major holidays.

Lower Prices

Prices are usually lower during the off-peak summer and fall months (July to October), which coincide with the wet and hurricane seasons.

SJU Transfers to Old San Juan

Taxi & Ride-share

Taxi: Fixed rate to Zone 5 (Old San Juan) approximately $19-$21 plus tip. Direct and convenient.
Ride-sharing (Uber/Lyft): $15-$25 (variable, subject to surge pricing). App-based convenience.
Travel time for both choices is typically 20-30 minutes.
Taxis hold fixed rates to zones, while ride-share pricing can surge during peak hours.

Public & Shared

Public Bus (AMA D53): $0.75. Most economical option, but slow (45-60+ minutes) and inconvenient with large luggage.
Shared Shuttle: $15-$25 per person. Cost-effective for solo travelers, pre-booked convenience.
Rental Car: Daily rate plus parking. Grants freedom for exploring the island, but parking in Old San Juan is challenging and expensive.
If arriving late at night or with significant luggage, a taxi or ride-share offers the most convenient and direct transfer to your accommodation.

Airport Facilities & Tips

SJU Facilities

Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) has a range of facilities. Free Wi-Fi exists throughout the terminals. Numerous dining options and various retail stores are available. Duty-free shops exist.

Essential Services

Car rental agency counters, ATMs, currency exchange services, and luggage services (including wrapping) are provided.

Accessibility

The airport provides facilities and services for travelers with disabilities.

Land Transportation

Train Services

The Tren Urbano (Urban Train) serves parts of the San Juan city area. It does not directly reach Old San Juan.

Train Connectivity

It connects Bayamón, Guaynabo, Hato Rey, and Santurce.
To reach Old San Juan using the train, transfer to a public bus (e.g., Route E10, M3, D53) at Sagrado Corazón station in Santurce.
The Tren Urbano functions as a commuter rail and is not the direct route to Old San Juan for tourists arriving by air.

Long-Distance Buses

The public bus system (AMA) operates mainly within the San Juan metro area. It is not serve long-distance inter-city travel across the island.

Island Exploration

For travel to other parts of Puerto Rico, a few private bus companies have limited routes.
For island-wide exploration, self-driving with a rental car or organized tours are frequently chosen and adaptable options.
These services are less extensive and frequent compared to bus systems in other countries.

Self-Driving Considerations

Renting a car grants freedom for exploring outside San Juan. Old San Juan is an island, but land transportation relates to the wider metropolitan area.

Requirements & Rentals

U.S. Citizens: A valid U.S. Driver's license meets requirements. Non-U.S. Citizens: An International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended.
Minimum age for car rental typically falls between 21 to 25, varying by company. Surcharges frequently apply for drivers under 25.
A major credit card is required for a security deposit.

Road Conditions & Safety

Road conditions vary, and awareness of local driving habits holds importance.

Driving Environment

Driving habits in Puerto Rico might be more aggressive than some tourists are accustomed to. Defensive driving is advised.
Major highways are generally well-maintained. Secondary and rural roads can be narrow, winding, and prone to potholes.
Traffic in the San Juan metropolitan area can be heavy, especially during rush hour (morning and late afternoon/early evening). Plan travel times accordingly.

Road Safety Reminders

Driving laws: U.S. Traffic laws are in effect. Drive on the right side of the road. Seatbelt use is mandatory.
Road hazards: Watch for potholes. Pedestrians and living beings can show up unexpectedly, notably in rural areas.
Parking in Old San Juan is extremely limited and expensive.

Road signage can be inconsistent, specifically outside major routes. GPS navigation is important.
Lane changes may be sudden, and turn signals are not always used.
Consider parking your rental car outside Old San Juan in a designated garage and using local transport or walking within the historic district.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

Sea travel mainly relates to cruise ships or local ferry services. River transportation holds no significant role for tourists.

Port Details

Old San Juan Cruise Port: Located conveniently a short walk from many The Historic District of san juan attractions. This major port functions for Caribbean cruises.
Ferry to Cataño (Lancha de Cataño): A public ferry from Pier 2 in The Historic District of san juan across the bay to Cataño. It delivers a quick, inexpensive ($1 one-way) ride, popular for accessing the Bacardi Distillery.
Vieques/Culebra Ferry Terminal (Ceiba): On the east coast (1.5-hour drive from San Juan). It provides ferry services to the offshore islands recognized for stunning beaches. Advance booking is strongly advised.

River Transportation

River transportation is not a frequent mode of transport for tourists in Old San Juan. The city's geography centers on the bay and ocean.

Local Focus

The city's transport infrastructure is oriented towards its coastal and the bay area regions.
Explore other transportation options for excursions into inland areas or different regions.
No cable cars, funiculars, or other unique local river transport systems exist in Old San Juan.

International Arrivals

For international cruise arrivals, passengers undergo standard U.S. Customs and Border Protection procedures upon disembarkation.

Domestic Cruises

For domestic cruises (e.g., originating from the U.S. Mainland), standard identification is required.

Required IDs

Identification matching domestic air travel standards is sufficient for domestic sea arrivals.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures

Careful planning for departure allows you to maximize your time in Old San Juan and reduce travel-related stress.

Timing & Process

For domestic flights from SJU, arrive at least 2-3 hours before scheduled departure. For international flights, arrive 3 hours prior.
Standard Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security screening procedures apply.
Checking in online in advance can save time at the airport.

Airport Facilities SJU

Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) has a variety of facilities for departing passengers.

Terminal Amenities

Plenty of dining places, coffee shops, and snack bars exist post-security.
Duty-free shopping, gift stores, and various retail outlets create opportunities for last-minute purchases.
Airline lounges are available for eligible passengers. Further services like ATMs and accessible facilities are present throughout the airport.

Final Check

Confirm your flight status and terminal information the day before your departure. This stops last-minute surprises and guarantees a smooth journey.

Getting Around Old San Juan