Getting Around
1. Internal Flights
Cape Air offers regular connections between Luis Muñoz Marín International and Ponce, Vieques, and Mayagüez. Vieques Air Link flies from Isla Grande Airport to Vieques and Culebra and Seaborne Airlines links San Juan and Vieques.
Cape Air • 1800 352 0714 or 508 771 6944 • www.capeair.com
Vieques Air Link • 1888 901 9247 • www.viequesairlink.com
Seaborne Airlines • 877 772 1005 or 787 977 5044 • www.seaborneairlines.com
2. Long-Distance Buses
Although large buses serve metropolitan San Juan, there is no scheduled long-distance service. Travel between island towns is by small públicos. However, private operators like American Tours of Puerto Rico and Rico Sun Tours offer trips around the island in modern, air-conditioned buses with toilets and reclining seats.
American Tours of Puerto Rico • 787 547 1819
Rico Sun Tours • 787 722 2080 • www.ricosuntours.com
3. Publicos
Públicos, or gua-guas (buses), are privately operated minibuses that are the staple for travel throughout Puerto Rico. They usually depart from each town’s main plaza and can be hailed anywhere along their routes. Públicos make frequent stops and are a cheap way to travel locally.
4. City Public Transport
The Metropolitan Bus Authority runs a reliable bus service in San Juan; the brightly colored bus stops are clearly marked “parada” (bus stop) and fares are 75c. The rapid-transit Tren Urbano, which connects San Juan’s business and Bayamón districts, operates from 5:30am to 11:30pm. There are free trolleys in Old San Juan and Isla Verde districts, and in downtown Ponce. Elsewhere, públicos provide bus services.Metropolitan Bus Authority • 787 767 7979 • sanjuanpuertorico.com/bus-routes-map/
5. Taxis
Taxis are easily available within San Juan and major cities. Fares within San Juan are zoned. Not all non-zoned taxi drivers use their meters, preferring to charge a set fare. Linéas (or colectivos) – private taxis in which you share rides with other passengers – operate in many towns.
6. Car Rental
Most major car rental companies have offices at the airport, in San Juan, and in larger cities. It is wise to reserve a car ahead of your arrival. Scooters can be rented on Vieques and Culebra.
7. Driving
Driving in Puerto Rico requires extreme caution. While the island has an extensive road system and good signage, many drivers disregard traffic regulations and towns can get congested. When trying to find a destination, be aware that the Km figure in an address is a distance marker.
8. Walking
Walking is the best way of exploring Old San Juan and Ponce’s historic downtown, so remember to wear comfortable shoes. It is advisable to carry drinking water.
9. By Bicycle
The serene islands of Vieques and Culebra, and the Rincón area, are ideal for exploring by bicycle. You can rent one from Vieques Adventure Company. (For further details see also Cycling.)Vieques Adventure Company • 787 692 9162
10. By Boat
The Port Authority’s ferries depart Fajardo for the islands of Vieques and Culebra several times daily, but there is no service between Vieques and Culebra. Car ferries also serve the two islands. Private boats can be chartered at marinas.Puerto Rican Port Authority • Fajardo: 800 981 2005 or 800 863 0852 • Vieques: 787 741 4761 • Culebra: 787 741 3161
