The Perfect Road Trip in Puerto Rico: Everything to Know
If you are looking for the best way to experience La Isla del Encanto, a road trip in Puerto Rico is hands down our top recommendation. The island is compact, diverse, and absolutely packed with hidden gems that you simply cannot reach by public transportation. From the colorful streets of Old San Juan and the lush trails of El Yunque to the dramatic salt flats of Cabo Rojo and the stunning offshore islands on the east coast, having a car is what separates a good trip from an extraordinary one.
We have driven around the island multiple times and know it well, from the coastal routes that will take your breath away to the pothole-filled back roads that lead to the most beautiful waterfalls you have ever seen. This guide covers everything you need to know before you get behind the wheel, from where to rent your car and how to avoid the hidden fees, to what to expect on the roads and how to plan your route around the island.
Whether you have a few days or a few weeks, there is truly no better way to see everything this island has to offer. In this guide we’re going to help you make the most of a road trip in Puerto Rico, with tons of valuable tips to avoid any potential bumps in the road.
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The Basics of Doing a Road Trip in Puerto Rico
Before hitting the road, here are a few things worth knowing to help you decide if a road trip in Puerto Rico is right for you and how to plan it properly.
🤔 Why Do a Road Trip in Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico is a small island but an incredibly diverse one, and driving gives you the freedom to experience all of it. Public transportation is limited, unreliable outside the capital, and simply does not reach most of the best places on the island. Having a car means you can chase waterfalls, explore hidden beaches, drive through mountain villages, and stop at scenic viewpoints whenever you feel like it.
It is also one of the easiest islands in the Caribbean to road trip, especially for American travelers. The roads follow US standards, signs are in both English and Spanish, driving is on the right side, and your US car insurance covers you since Puerto Rico is a US territory. It genuinely could not be more straightforward.
😅 Is Driving in Puerto Rico Difficult?
Overall, driving in Puerto Rico is pretty similar to driving in many areas throughout the US. The only difference is that the pace is definitely a lot more relaxed, so you will find that people drive very slow, and will even stop in the middle of the street for people to cross at their leisure. As a native Jersey Girl, this drove me insane! For those that are into a more relaxed pace though, this probably won’t bother you at all.
As far as roads go, most of them are well paved, unless you are going to more natural places like the hidden waterfalls in Puerto Rico, or off-the-beaten-path destinations. We suggest getting a 4×4 to play it safe.
Another thing to note is that Google Maps was not our best friend in Puerto Rico, especially for going to some of the lesser known destinations. Talk to locals and ask for directions, as they often times know much better than Google does.
💡 Download maps to be able to use them offline!
🚗 What Type of Car Should You Rent for Puerto Rico?
If you are sticking to the main towns and tourist areas, a standard sedan will do the job. But if you plan on visiting waterfalls, hidden beaches, or off the beaten path destinations, we strongly recommend renting a 4×4 or SUV.
Some of Puerto Rico’s most beautiful spots are down unpaved, pothole-heavy roads that a small car simply will not handle. There were plenty of places we would not have made it to without a larger vehicle, and we do not want you to miss them.
Cars in Puerto Rico are automatic, which is great news for most travelers.
⏳ How Much Time Do You Need to Do a Road Trip in Puerto Rico?
The island only takes a few hours to drive from east to west, and just one hour from north to south, so even a long weekend gives you a solid taste of what a road trip in Puerto Rico has to offer. That said, the more time you give yourself the better. We recommend at least 5 to 7 days to do the island justice, and 10 to 14 days if you really want to explore every corner including the offshore islands of Vieques and Culebra.
The key is not to rush. Puerto Rico rewards those who slow down, take the coastal roads, and leave room to get a little lost.
Renting a Car for Your Road Trip in Puerto Rico
Knowing where and how to rent your car can make a huge difference in what you end up paying. We have rented cars in Puerto Rico multiple times and have paid anywhere from $20 per day to $50 to $70 per day. The difference almost always comes down to where you rent from and which fees you get hit with.
💵 How Much Rental Cars in Puerto Rico Cost
We have rented cars in Puerto Rico a number of times, and prices have ranged quite a bit. I have paid as low as $20/day for a rental car in Puerto Rico, while other times I ended up paying $50-70/day. That’s why I am here to clarify where to rent from, and how to get the best deals for your road trip in Puerto Rico.
Renting a car in Puerto Rico usually ends up being much more expensive than what car rental companies show online. But why is it so expensive to rent a car in Puerto Rico? This is because there are fees added that the third part sites don’t account for. (Don’t worry- you can in fact get great rates for rental cars in Puerto Rico! You’ll need to find ways to avoid the fees we’ll be sharing).
🛡️ Insurance in Puerto Rico
When it comes to insurance, if you are from a part of the US than you are in luck. You won’t need to purchase extra insurance, as you will just need to make sure that you are covered in case of an accident. They never asked us to show the insurance, but of course it is good to have your proof ready just in case.
If you are not from the US, or you do not have car insurance already, you can pay a flat rate per day in order to be covered. As Fede is not American, We decided to pay an extra $13/ day for him to drive, which is pretty standard.
✈️ Renting From Inside the Airport
The most convenient option is renting directly from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, and companies like Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National are all located inside.
The convenience is real, especially if you want to maximize your time and not worry about getting into the city first. However, this is also the most expensive option.
Airport rentals come with a long list of fees that are not shown online and only reveal themselves when you are standing at the counter.
🏙 Renting From Outside the Airport
This is something that takes a bit more attention while booking! Many budget rental companies advertise themselves as being at the airport but are actually located on a strip just outside it.
Companies like Dollar,Thrifty, Payless, Cabrera Car & Truck Rental, Leaseway Car & Truck Rental, E-Z Rent-a-Car, and Allied Car & Truck Rental are some of the ones to look out for, as well as SIXT, and Europcar.
These might look like a bargain online but the price you see will often be close to double by the time you factor in all the fees. On top of that, you will need to wait for a shuttle to get there and factor in extra time on return, which adds stress to your last day.
💸 The Hidden Fees to Know About
When we did our two week road trip in Puerto Rico we rented a car from just outside the airport, thinking we scored a deal. The reality? We were hit with countless extra fees, making it a not-so-budget-friendly option in the end.
Here are the fees we were charged by Payless Car Rental at the airport, which are fairly representative of what you will encounter if you go with one of the budget rental companies outside the airport:
On top of those, there are additional charges for being a franchise, for being at the airport, and sometimes for being just outside the airport. It adds up fast and it adds up quietly!
🏆 Our Recommendation: Rent in the City
Renting from inside San Juan is by far the most transparent and seamless experience. Prices are clear, check-in and check-out are quick, and there are no surprise fees waiting for you at the counter.
Our personal favorite spot is located right outside where the cruise ships dock, inside the Sheraton Hotel in Old San Juan. It is perfectly located, hassle free, and the prices are honest. Just make sure to book in advance as it sells out faster than you would expect!
If you are cruising to Puerto Rico, this is absolutely the best option. If you are flying in and do not mind paying a little extra for the convenience of picking up at the airport, stick to the major brands inside the terminal and avoid the off-site budget companies.
Road Trip in Puerto Rico: Driving Tips
When it comes to a road trip in Puerto Rico, there are a few things to take into consideration while driving around the island. Many islands in the Caribbean are very relaxed when it comes to driving regulations, but as the Puerto Rico is part of the US, it can be very easy to get a ticket.
🚦 Traffic Lights and Stop Signs
One thing that caught us off guard was discovering areas of the island with no stop signs or traffic lights at all. In these intersections, the unwritten rule is to yield to whoever arrived first. It sounds chaotic but locals navigate it smoothly. Just slow down, make eye contact, and use common sense.
On the west side of the island in particular, we encountered traffic lights that were standing but not functioning. When this happens, treat the intersection as a four way stop, slow right down, and yield to any cars that arrived before you.
🛣 Tolls
When it comes to tolls, the only way that you can pay them is by having the tag. This means that if you plan on renting a car you pretty much need to get the Auto Expreso Pass, or you will get a $50 fine every time you pass through a toll.
The pass costs $4.95/day, and is definitely something that they will try to push on you. However, we found that it wasn’t really necessary, as it is very easy to avoid toll roads without adding time onto your trip.
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⛽️ Gas
When renting a car you will be given the option to prepay your gas. We don’t suggest this, as the rate is obviously higher than what you would get gas for, and then you would need to make sure to return the car empty to feel like it was worth it. Not to mention that that would be an anxious drive back returning the car!
The gas is priced in liters, and is around 50 cents /liter, or $2/gallon. Being that gas is pretty cheap, going on a road trip in Puerto Rico is definitely an even smarter option!
🅿️ Parking
Now parking is a BIG one. We say this because it is very easy to get a ticket when it comes to parking. The reason being, that there are so many cars that will park in places they shouldn’t.
We thought that we were able to park in spots many times, to find out that we were in fact not allowed to, and that police come around giving tickets. Having a rental car makes you an easy target, and we had to learn the hard way.
🚏 Parking on the Streets in Puerto Rico
When parking in the cities, there are always cars parked and lined up on either side of the road. The trick is, to make sure that you are avoiding any yellow lines. If there is a yellow line, you cannot park there, even if you see all of the other cars lined up next to the yellow lines.
It is also important to note, that there are plenty of streets (especially in San Juan) that it may seem that you can park there, but there will be a small sign on the wall nearby saying that parking is not allowed. When in doubt, look around and make sure that the area is clear of any signs.
That being said, we got a ticket by following all the rules. When we tried to fight it they made up some BS excuse about only locals being able to park in the city. So because of this, we highly suggest finding a parking garage when in San Juan.
🍃 Parking in Nature in Puerto RIco
There are many places such as waterfalls, nature trails, and parks that do not have official parking. In this case, you can just park on the side of the road. Just be aware, that your car must have all four tires off of the pavement, and you should be safe. We saw a few cars get tickets for just barely touching the road.
🗺 GPS and Navigation
Google Maps in Puerto Rico is notoriously unreliable, especially for more remote destinations like hidden waterfalls and off the beaten path beaches. Always double check directions with locals before heading somewhere unfamiliar. They will often know a faster or safer route than any app will suggest.
Road Trip in Puerto Rico: Suggested Itinerary
One of the best things about a road trip in Puerto Rico is how much variety you can pack in. Here is a suggested route that takes you around the island in a big loop, which is our recommended approach.
🌆 San Juan (1-2 Days)
Start in the capital. Explore Old San Juan on foot, visit El Morro at sunset, eat your weight in mofongo, and use the city as your home base before hitting the road. You will not need your car much inside Old San Juan itself, so leave it parked and explore on foot. You can even spend a day or two in the capital, and then rent your car from the city to continue exploring the island.
Suggested Read: 16 Top Things to Do in San Juan
🌿 El Yunque & the East Coast (2-4 Days)
Head east from San Juan and spend time in El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest system. You can also include Luquillo, a small beach town on the way that has a large food court. Las Pailas is also nearby, a natural waterslide worth checking out!
From there, continue along the east coast toward Fajardo, where you can catch a ferry to Vieques or Culebra for a night or two if your schedule allows. The east coast is also where you will find some of the best snorkeling and beach hopping on the island, along with experiencing bioluminescence.
🏝 The Southeast (1 Day)
Continue south along the coast toward Ponce, Puerto Rico’s second largest city and a fascinating destination in its own right. The drive along the southeastern coast offers beautiful coastal scenery and some great stops along the way away from the crowds.
🏝️ Ponce and the Southern Islands (1-2 Days)
Ponce is one of the bigger cities in Puerto Rico. We simply passed through, but you can also spend a night and enjoy the nearby islands.
On your way to the southeast, don’t miss a stop in Yaucromatic, one of the most colorful destinations in Puerto Rico!
🧂 Cabo Rojo & the Southwest (1-2 Days)
The southwestern corner of the island is one of our favorites. Spend time at Playa Sucia, discover the hidden gem of Puente de Piedra, visit the surreal pink salt ponds of Las Salinas, and explore the colorful streets of Boquerón. This part of the island feels completely different from San Juan and is worth dedicating real time to.
Suggested Read: 6 Reasons to Visit Cabo Rojo
🏄 The West Coast & Rincón (1-2 Days)
Head north along the west coast to Rincón, Puerto Rico’s surf capital. The scenery along this stretch of coastline is stunning and the laid back energy of Rincón is an incredible contrast to the bustle of San Juan. This is also where you will find some of the best sunsets on the island, and the opportunity to snorkel with turtles if you visit Puerto Rico at the right time.
🎨 Aguadilla & the Northwest (1 Day)
Continue north to visit Aguadilla, one of our favorite places on the island and a place that genuinely surprised us. The colorful street art, the abandoned airplane turned art installation, the stunning Crash Boat Beach, and the warm energy of the locals make Aguadilla one of the highlights of any road trip in Puerto Rico.
Suggested Read: 5 Reasons to Visit Aguadilla
🏔 The Mountain Route Back to San Juan (1 Day)
Rather than driving straight back along the north coast, consider cutting through the Cordillera Central mountain range. The drive is stunning, the air is cooler, and there are coffee farms, viewpoints, and small mountain towns worth stopping in along the way. This is also where you will find some of Puerto Rico’s best hidden waterfalls.
Tips for Doing a Road Trip in Puerto Rico
Now that you know where to stop along your road trip in Puerto Rico, let’s go over a few tips to make your journey smoother.
FAQ About Doing a Road Trip in Puerto Rico
Now you have our Puerto Rico road trip itinerary, tips for booking, and info for driving around the island. I think we’ve covered it all! But in case you missed anything, here are some answers to frequently asked questions we’ve gotten and found across the web.
Is it worth renting a car in Puerto Rico?
Absolutely. Renting a car is hands down the best way to experience Puerto Rico. Public transportation is limited and unreliable outside of San Juan, and most of the island’s best beaches, waterfalls, and hidden gems are only reachable by car. It is also very affordable, especially if you rent from within the city rather than the airport.
Where is the best place to rent a car in Puerto Rico?
We recommend renting from within San Juan rather than the airport to avoid the extra taxes and hidden fees. Our personal favorite is the rental spot located right outside the cruise ship dock inside the Sheraton Hotel in Old San Juan. It is transparent with pricing, quick to check in and out, and very conveniently located. Just book in advance as it sells out fast.
Why is renting a car in Puerto Rico so expensive?
It is really only expensive when you rent from the airport, where a long list of taxes and fees get added on top of the online price. City tax, state tax, franchise fees, airport fees, energy fees, and more can nearly double the rate you see advertised. Rent from within the city and you will find the prices are much more transparent and affordable.
Do I need a 4×4 for a road trip in Puerto Rico?
If you are sticking to main towns and tourist areas, a standard sedan is fine. But if you plan on visiting waterfalls, hidden beaches, or off the beaten path destinations, we strongly recommend renting a 4×4 or SUV. Some of the best spots on the island are down rough, unpaved roads that a small car simply will not handle.
Do I need extra car insurance in Puerto Rico?
If you are a US citizen with existing car insurance, you are already covered in Puerto Rico since it is a US territory. No additional insurance is needed. If you are not from the US or do not have car insurance, you can add daily coverage at the rental counter for around $13 per day.
Are there tolls on a road trip in Puerto Rico?
Yes, but they are very easy to avoid. Tolls in Puerto Rico can only be paid electronically via the Auto Expreso Pass, which costs $4.95 per day. We found it completely unnecessary on our trips as toll roads are easy to route around without adding much time to your journey.
Is driving in Puerto Rico difficult?
Not at all. Driving in Puerto Rico is very similar to driving on the US mainland. Roads follow US standards, signs are in both English and Spanish, and driving is on the right side. The pace is more relaxed than many US cities, and traffic in and around San Juan can be heavy, but overall it is an easy and enjoyable island to drive around.
Is Google Maps reliable in Puerto Rico?
Not always, especially for more remote or lesser known destinations. GPS in Puerto Rico has a reputation for errors and outdated information. We strongly recommend asking locals for directions when heading somewhere off the beaten path, and downloading offline maps before you head out for the day.
How long does it take to drive around Puerto Rico?
The island is only a few hours from east to west and about one hour from north to south, so it is very manageable to cover a lot of ground. That said, we recommend giving yourself at least 5 to 7 days for a proper road trip in Puerto Rico, and 10 to 14 days if you want to explore deeply including the offshore islands.
What is the best route for a road trip in Puerto Rico?
We recommend doing a big loop around the island, starting in San Juan and heading east toward El Yunque, then south along the coast to Ponce, west to Cabo Rojo and the southwest, north along the west coast through Rincón and Aguadilla, and then back to San Juan either along the north coast or through the mountains. Always take the coastal route wherever possible as the scenery is extraordinary.
How do I avoid parking tickets in Puerto Rico?
Always avoid yellow lines even if other cars are parked nearby, look for small signs on walls that indicate no parking zones, and use a parking garage in Old San Juan rather than trying to park on the street. When parking on the side of the road near nature spots, make sure all four tires are completely off the pavement.
Final Thoughts About Doing a Road Trip in Puerto Rico & What’s Next
We hope this guide has made you make up your mind about whether or not you want to do a road trip in Puerto Rico. But in case you’re still on the fence, here are our final thoughts.
🤔 Is it a Good Idea to Rent a Car in Puerto Rico?
We absolutely loved renting a car in Puerto Rico! Being that there is so much to see and do, doing a road trip in Puerto Rico allows you to really experience all that the island has to offer. . The freedom to pull over whenever something catches your eye, to find a waterfall that is not in any guide, or to stumble onto a beach that feels completely undiscovered is what makes driving in Puerto Rico so special.
As an American, it is also super easy being already covered by your insurance company in case something happens. The island is small enough that you can cover a lot of ground in a short time, but rich enough that every area has something worth stopping for. Go slow, take the scenic roads, talk to locals, and enjoy every single mile of it.
If you are only staying in Old San Juan for a couple of days, a car won’t be necessary, but if you want to explore beyond the capital and have more time, then renting a car is absolutely the way to go!
⭐️ Our Final Tips for Your Road Trip in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is a very easy island to get around, and has so many great places to offer. Driving allows you to discover so many beautiful hidden gems, as well as some fantastic views. While on a road trip in Puerto Rico, we suggest going in a big circle east, south, west then north and heading back to San Juan, or vice versa.
The island only takes a few hours from east to west, and just one hour from north to South. Give yourself extra time when driving around, and don’t be afraid to get lost, because you never know when you will stumble on some beautiful nature, colorful artwork, or stunning views. And one more thing- take the coastal route! It is so scenic.
With all of these recommendations and tips, we know that you’ll have an amazing road trip in Puerto Rico. Just remember, book your rental car in advance!
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👀 What’s Next?
Now that you know all about road tripping in Puerto Rico, let’s help you five a bit deeper!
Here are all of our Puerto Rico travel guides:
🛳 How to get to Puerto Rico
✈️ How to get to San Juan, Puerto Rico
🍴 10 Best places to eat in San Juan
🚤 Top 16 things to do in San Juan
🤿 14 Beach activities & water sports in San Juan
🪂 24 Fun things in San Juan most tourists miss
🍛 San Juan food guide
🚐 11 Day Trips from San Juan
🚗 How to get around San Juan
📖 San Juan travel guide
⭐️ 10 Reasons to visit Puerto Rico
❣️ The 15 best places to visit in Puerto Rico
💧 The 15 best waterfalls in Puerto Rico
🍃 Visiting El Yunque National Park
📸 The 20 most Instagrammable places in Puerto Rico
⛵️ 20 Awesome experiences in Puerto Rico
🏝 Top 10 beaches in Puerto Rico
🎨 5 Reasons to visit Aguadilla
✨ How to see bioluminescence in Puerto Rico
🧂 6 Reasons to visit Cabo Rojo
💦 Las Pailas natural waterslide
🥾 Hiking Cerro Rodadero
🌈 8 Colorful spots in Puerto Rico
🤩 30 Amazing spots to see in Puerto Rico
🏝 Vieques Island guide
🏖 Culebra Island guide
📆 The best time to visit Puerto Rico
🚌 How to get around Puerto Rico
📖 The ultimate guide for visiting Puerto Rico
We hope our guide to doing a road trip in Puerto Rico has inspired you to hit the road, and helped you with any questions you may have had. If you have any more questions, please feel free to drop them in the comments below!
We’ve visited Puerto Rico a countless amount of times, and have a lot of experience on the island! Don’t miss out on the rest of our Puerto Rico guides, covering all different destinations across the island.
Need help planning you next trip? We can help you create the most epic itinerary, while saving money along the way! Want to learn more? Take a sneak peak at the different travel planning packages that we have to offer.
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