Transportation in Puerto Rico

March 13, 2024 11:59 AM

We're traveling to Puerto Rico for the first time next week. How should we get around? I'd rather not rent a car, but will do that if it's absolutely the best option.

We're staying close to SJU. We'll mostly be spending time on the beach and won't need transportation. But we would like to spend one day exploring Viejo San Juan and El Morro, and another day spending a little time in El Yunque National Forest. There's 4 of us, 2 kids and 2 adults, and we have small booster seats for the kids we're bringing on the plane and could put in a taxi if needed.

posted by Tehhund to Travel & Transportation around Puerto Rico (3 answers total)

Taxis and rideshares are a great choice for San Juan. Rent a car for one day to go to El Yunque. Taxis are not permitted inside El Yunque and hike distances from the entrance to the various sights are too far for a family with kids, plus there isn't a protected shoulder or walkway along much of the road. You might also be able to charter a van or tour guide with an El Yunque permit, but most visitors seem to be traveling by rental car.
posted by horizons at 12:26 PM on March 13, 2024 [2 favorites]

Can't speak to El Yunque access, but co-signing horizons' comment about rideshares. Uber is plentiful in San Juan and should get you from where you're staying to the Viejo San Juan area (or anywhere else in the city you want to go) and back without much difficulty.
posted by Kosh at 1:36 PM on March 13, 2024 [1 favorite]

If you're staying in Isla Verde, the El San Juan has rental cars for your El Yunque trip. But there are also numerous tour companies that will be happy to drive you in one of those 10-15 person buses. You will have a tour guide and won't be able to fully explore, exactly, but if you have 2 kids that should be fine.
posted by bowbeacon at 5:35 PM on March 13, 2024 [1 favorite]