How to Get to San Juan. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel to San Juan

Main Airport & Airlines

Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) is the main international gateway to Puerto Rico. Located in Carolina, it sits approximately 3 miles (5 km) southeast of San Juan. SJU handles the vast majority of commercial flights to and from the island.

Airlines Serving SJU

Major U.S. Airlines: American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, United, Frontier.
International Airlines: Air Canada, WestJet, Copa Airlines.
Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport (SIG) for inter-island flights only.

Routes & Prices

Direct flights operate from numerous key AMERICAN.S. Cities. Travelers from Europe, Asia, or other global regions typically connect through a major U.S. Hub or The Capital of panama to reach San Juan.

Seasonal Flight Info

High Season (Mid-Dec to Apr): Flight prices are highest, book well in advance.
Low Season (Jul to Oct): Commonly has lower fares and more flight options.
Shoulder Season (May, early Jun, Nov): Prices are often moderate.

Dining & Shopping

A wide selection of restaurants, cafes, fast-food outlets, and shops, including duty-free options, are available.

Car Rentals

Desks for major car rental companies are on-site or nearby with shuttle service at SJU.

Facilities & Services

ATMs, currency exchange, free Wi-Fi, and several airline lounges are at SJU.

Airport Transfer Options

Convenient Transfers

Taxis: Licensed taxis are available outside SJU terminals. Fares to zones are regulated.
Ride-Sharing: Uber and Lyft operate at SJU. Designated pick-up zones are marked.
Public Bus (AMA): Route D53 serves parts of San Juan from the airport (budget-friendly, but slower).
Hotel Shuttles: Some hotels offer complimentary or paid shuttle services.

Self-Drive & Tips

Car Rentals: Pick up straight at the airport for convenience if you plan to rent.
Use flight comparison websites (e.g., Dollar Flight Club, Skyscanner) to monitor fares.
Set price alerts for the best deals on your travel dates.
Book car rentals in advance, especially during high season (DiscoverCars.com).

Land Transportation Arrivals

Border Crossings

Not applicable. Puerto Rico is an island and an U.S. Territory; no crossing borders by land exist.

Train Connections

Not applicable for getting to the island. The Tren Urbano operates only within San Juan's metropolitan area.

Long-Distance Buses

Not applicable for arrival to the island. Long-distance bus services operate Within Puerto Rico.

Sea Arrivals to San Juan

Cruise Ports & Ferries

Cruise ships represent a popular way to arrive in San Juan. San Juan Cruise Port features various piers. The Pan American Pier accommodates larger cruise ships. Piers in Old San Juan are closer to the historic district, with easy walking access.

Ferry Information

International Ferry Services: No regular passenger ferry service by the U.S. Mainland or other international destinations.
Local Ferries: Connect San Juan (Pier 2) to Cataño across the bay. Also, from Fajardo to Vieques and Culebra.
River Transportation: Not applicable; San Juan uses no river transportation for passenger arrivals.

Seaport Procedures & Transfers

Immigration procedures for cruise passengers mirror air travel. International visitors entering the U.S. Via cruise ship must meet passport, visa, or ESTA requirements. U.S. Citizens need a valid government-issued photo ID.

Connections from Port

Customs: U.S. Customs and Border Protection manages arrivals. Declare any goods.
Taxis: Readily available at all cruise piers. Fares are usually fixed.
Walking: Many Old San Juan attractions are walkable if your ship docks at the city piers.

Departure Information

Airport Departure Times

No specific exit fees or taxes apply for departing The Island of enchantment beyond those typically included in your airline ticket fare.

SJU Departure Guidelines

Domestic Flights (to U.S. Mainland): Arrive at least 2-3 hours before departure.
International Flights: Arrive at least 3 hours before scheduled departure.
Allow time for check-in, baggage drop, and security screening.

Facilities & Cruise Departure

Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) offers a wide range of dining, shopping (including duty-free), lounges, and Wi-Fi access. This provides comfort and convenience before your flight.

Cruise Departure Tips

Cruise Port: Follow your cruise line's specific departure instructions.
Check for disembarkation times and baggage procedures with your cruise line.
Thoughtful planning for arrival and departure makes a smooth start and finish.

Planning for Smooth Transit

Peak Travel Awareness

Expect longer wait times at SJU during peak travel times of year and holidays.

Cruise Port Amenities

Cruise port facilities vary, but usually include basic amenities and access to taxis/ride-sharing.

Check Flight Status

Before heading to the airport, confirm your flight status online.

Travel Smart

This lets you maximize your time enjoying the island.

How to Get to San Juan