It’s easy to get rolling in Puerto Rico. Use the search form above to find available rental cars across the island. Enter your pickup location, popular choices include San Juan Airport (SJU) for immediate wheels right after you land, or downtown locations in Condado or Old San Juan if you prefer to explore the city first. We also serve regional airports like Aguadilla (BQN) and Ponce (PSE), and even ferry ports if you’re connecting from the Virgin Islands. Choose your dates and hit “Search”, in an instant, we’ll compare deals from major brands (Enterprise, Hertz, Sixt, Avis, and more) and local agencies. You can narrow results by vehicle size (compact for city ease, SUV for family comfort, or maybe a Jeep for a beach adventure). Our interface highlights key features, like free cancellation, unlimited mileage, or 4x4 capability, so you can make an informed choice. Booking only takes a few minutes, and you won’t pay a dime until pick-up (for most rentals). With our Best Price Guarantee, you can reserve now and know you’re getting a great deal.
Puerto Rico offers the perfect mix of tropical beaches, lush rainforests, and historic cities, and the best way to experience it all is with the freedom of your own rental car. Although it’s a relatively small island (100 miles long by 35 miles wide), Puerto Rico’s public transport is limited outside the San Juan metro area, having a car lets you explore beyond the resort. From the colorful streets of Old San Juan to hidden waterfalls in the mountains, a rental car unlocks every corner of “La Isla del Encanto” (The Island of Enchantment). Enjoy the convenience of U.S.-style driving (yes, they drive on the right and use U.S. dollars) with the excitement of an island adventure. No waiting on tour buses or paying for pricey taxis, renting a car in Puerto Rico means you’re on your schedule. Whether you’re here for business, a family vacation, or a road trip around the island, we’ll help you find the right car at the right price, with the flexibility and peace of mind you need.
Our Puerto Rico Car Rental Benefits
Instant Confirmation, No Prepayment: We partner with over 30 rental locations in Puerto Rico to bring you real-time availability. Most bookings come with zero down payment, reserve now, pay at the counter when you arrive. And there’s no foreign transaction fuss, since Puerto Rico uses USD just like the mainland.
Puerto Rico Car Rental Deals)
(Note: Prices vary by date and location. “From” rates are based on recent bookings at San Juan Airport and may be higher during peak holiday periods. Puerto Rico adds a modest road recovery fee (around $3/day) and rental car tax, which are included in the quoted rate here to ensure transparency.)
Driving in Puerto Rico: Laws & Tips for Tourists
Driving in Puerto Rico is in many ways similar to driving in the mainland United States, but there are a few local quirks and tips to keep in mind. Here’s what you should know before hitting the road:
With these pointers in mind, you’ll find driving in Puerto Rico not only doable, but truly enjoyable. From coastal expressways to twisting mountain roads, the island offers a fun driving experience, and your rental car is the key to discovering it all.
Top 2 Puerto Rico Road Trip Ideas
Ready to explore beyond San Juan? Here are two fantastic Puerto Rico road trips that showcase the island’s diversity, complete with distances, highlights, and tips:
The Island Loop: San Juan → Ponce → Rincón → San Juan (Grand Tour of Puerto Rico)
Distance: ~300 miles (480 km) total, best done over 4–7 days.
Route: Start in San Juan and head west on PR-22 (toll highway) along the north coast to Arecibo (visit the famous Arecibo Observatory telescope or Cueva del Indio sea cave). Continue west to Aguadilla (try a surfing lesson at Crash Boat Beach or visit the old lighthouse ruins) then down PR-2 to Rincón on the west coast (~3 hours from San Juan in total). Enjoy Rincón’s sunsets and surf vibes, then drive south to Cabo Rojo for the stunning Los Morrillos lighthouse and Playa Sucia (one of the prettiest beaches). Next, head east to Ponce on the south coast (via PR-100 and PR-2, about 2 hours). Ponce is Puerto Rico’s second city, check out the colorful Parque de Bombas firehouse and art museum. Finally, complete the loop by driving back north to San Juan via the central highway PR-52 (toll, ~1.5 hours).
Highlights: This loop hits every coast, north, west, south (we’ll leave east for the next trip!). You’ll experience urban culture in San Juan and Ponce, the laid-back beach life of Rincón, and natural wonders like the pink salt flats of Cabo Rojo. Don’t miss the freshly caught seafood in Joyuda (near Cabo Rojo) or a trip to Gilligan’s Island cay off Guánica for a unique mangrove snorkeling experience. If you have extra time, detour into the central mountains from Ponce to Adjuntas or Jayuya for coffee haciendas and Taíno heritage sites.
Tips: The roads on this loop are mostly highway, but around Cabo Rojo and some parts near Rincón, expect two-lane roads. Rincón’s peak season is winter (for surf), book accommodations in advance. In Ponce, watch for one-way streets downtown. Carry some cash for tolls (AutoExpreso works throughout if your car has a tag), you’ll hit several tolls on PR-22 and PR-52. This trip offers a bit of everything, so pack for beach and light hiking (the lighthouse in Cabo Rojo requires a short walk). Driving wise, it’s straightforward. Try to avoid leaving San Juan during rush hour, and similarly plan around Ponce’s traffic times.
Rainforest to Reef: San Juan → El Yunque → Fajardo (East Coast Explorer)
Distance: ~80 miles (130 km) round-trip, can be a full-day trip or spread over 2–3 days with beach time.
Route: From San Juan, take PR-3 or the toll PR-66 east ~30 miles to reach El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest system. Drive up PR-191 into the forest (parking at trailheads like La Coca Falls or the Yokahú Tower lookout). After enjoying El Yunque’s waterfalls and trails, continue east to the coast, to Fajardo (another 20 miles). Fajardo is the gateway to Icacos island and the famed bioluminescent bay at Laguna Grande. Also nearby is the calm Seven Seas Beach and the Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve (with the historic Cape San Juan Lighthouse). Many travelers base themselves around Fajardo or nearby Luquillo (known for its kiosk food stalls and beautiful beach) for a night. Finally, return to San Juan via PR-3 west (about 1 hour drive).
Highlights: This shorter road trip packs in natural beauty. In the morning, hear coquí frogs and see panoramic views from El Yunque’s Mount Britton trail or Juan Diego falls (go early to beat crowds, the forest opens at 8am and sometimes requires a reservation for entry, check recreation.gov). Cool off with a fresh coconut or fruit smoothie in Luquillo on your way to Fajardo. Late afternoon, head out on a kayak tour of the Bioluminescent Bay, at night, you’ll witness the magical glow of microscopic organisms in the water as your paddle strokes light them up (best on a moonless night). If you stay overnight, consider a snorkel catamaran trip to Icacos or Palomino islands the next morning for crystal-clear waters and tropical fish.
Tips: Driving to El Yunque is easy but note that PR-191 into the heart of the rainforest has limited access beyond certain points, park where allowed and hike from there. It can rain frequently (it is a rainforest!), so drive cautiously on wet mountain roads and be prepared with rain gear. In Fajardo, follow signs to Cabezas/Las Croabas for the bio bay tours. There’s secure parking at the kayak tour meeting points. If doing as a day trip, you can return to San Juan after your bio bay tour, but it will be late (~9-10pm), the highway is safe, just watch for fatigue and maybe grab a coffee for the road. Alternatively, stay in a Luquillo or Fajardo hotel and enjoy a more relaxed next day. Keep some small change for parking or entry fees (El Yunque now has a modest entry fee per vehicle). Overall, this route is short but filled with memorable experiences, combining mountain and marine wonders.
(Note: Vieques and Culebra, Puerto Rico’s beautiful offshore islands, also make great trips but you can’t take a mainland rental car on the ferry. It’s recommended to visit them by passenger ferry or short flight and rent locally on those islands if needed.)
Quick Puerto Rico Car Rental Info Box:
Frequently Asked Questions
Driving straight through the circumference of Puerto Rico, without long stops, takes around 7-8 hours (it’s roughly 300 miles to loop). But of course, you’ll want to stop and explore! For a comfortable island loop hitting major points, 5 to 7 days is great. For example: Day 1 to west (Rincón), Day 2 west sites, Day 3 to south (Ponce), Day 4 south/east, Day 5 back to San Juan, etc. If you only have a couple of days, you can still see a lot by focusing on one direction (e.g., two-day trip to west coast and back). Here are some driving time specifics: San Juan to Rincón ~2.5 hours, Rincón to Ponce ~2.5 hours, Ponce back to San Juan ~1.5 hours via highway. San Juan to Fajardo (east) is about 1 hour. Driving across the island north-south (San Juan to Ponce) is just 1.5 hours on PR-52. The longest single drive might be NW corner to SE corner (~4 hours). So, you can base yourself in one place and do day trips, but relocating as you go works well to avoid backtracking. If you truly only have one day with a car, you could (with an early start) drive from San Juan to Ponce (check it out), then west to a beach for sunset, then back up, but that’s a lot. Better to focus on fewer stops. Remember, it’s an island but with a dense road network, so you won’t be in the car endlessly unless you plan it that way. And every hour driving, you typically find something cool to see or do along the route!
By and large, the entire main island of Puerto Rico is accessible and safe for drivers. There are no outright “no-go zones” like you might find warnings for in some countries. That said, a few pointers: • Louisiana, not Puerto Rico, There are sometimes internet rumors confusing P.R. with dangerous places; ignore those. Puerto Rico has some high-crime neighborhoods (like parts of San Juan such as La Perla or some public housing areas), but you wouldn’t be driving there as a tourist normally. Stick to main roads and tourist-friendly areas and you’re fine. • Mountain Roads: If you venture into the deep central mountains (the Cordillera Central) on smaller roads, they can get extremely narrow, steep, and winding. Routes like PR-143 (La Ruta Panorámica) are stunning but demand careful driving. They’re not unsafe due to crime, but require caution to avoid accidents. Drive slow, honk on blind curves, and be prepared for random stray animals. If that kind of driving stresses you, stick to highways and primary roads between towns. • Off-Roading: Off-roading is not permitted with rentals. Avoid the temptation to drive onto remote beaches or dirt trails. Apart from violating rental agreements, you could get stuck. For example, don’t try to drive on the sand at beaches, it’s easy to sink a car in unexpected soft sand. Use designated parking and paths. • Flood Zones: In heavy rain, some low-lying roads can flood. If you encounter water over the road, do not attempt to drive through deep puddles or flooded areas. It’s rare outside of storm events, but worth noting especially during hurricane season. • Vieques/Culebra: As covered, you cannot take the car there. Also, you can’t drive to them (ferry or plane only). So no concern of accidentally ending up there in your car. • Night in Isolated Areas: Driving at night on the highways or major routes is generally fine. On very isolated backroads, as a visitor, you might prefer to avoid unless necessary. Not because something will necessarily happen, but if you were to break down, it’s a bit more complicated. Also, signage can be missed in the dark. So plan your adventurous drives for daylight.
No, standard rental car contracts in Puerto Rico prohibit taking cars on the ferry to Vieques or Culebra. The ferries to those islands are mainly passenger ferries, with limited cargo spots that locals use for essential vehicles. Tourists are generally not allowed to bring rental vehicles over (and the rental companies will penalize it). If you plan to visit Vieques or Culebra (highly recommended for their beauty!), the best approach is to go as a foot passenger on the ferry (or fly there) and then use taxis or rent a jeep/golf cart once on the island. Both Vieques and Culebra have local rental operators. For example, in Vieques you can rent a 4x4 Jeep or a scooter for a day or two to get to the beaches (just reserve ahead). In Culebra, golf carts are popular for getting around. So, organize those separately, park your main rental car at the ferry terminal’s parking in Ceiba if needed (secure overnight parking is available for a fee). Enjoy the islands car-free, then return to Ceiba and continue with your rental car on the main island of PR.
Generally, yes, but with precautions. Popular beaches like Luquillo, Flamenco (Culebra), Crash Boat (Aguadilla), etc., have parking lots where lots of people park, these are fairly safe, with sometimes security or at least attendants around. However, petty theft can happen if temptations are visible. Always hide valuables (or better, don’t leave them in the car at all). If you have to leave luggage in the car on the way to catch a flight after a beach stop, for example, make sure it’s in the trunk and park where there’s activity. El Yunque rainforest has designated parking areas at the trailheads/visitor center; break-ins are rare but again, remove valuables (also, troops of ranger staff and volunteers are often around). In remote spots where you might park on a shoulder or dead-end road to access a secluded beach, it’s at your own risk. Most times it’s fine but ideally use official parking if available. Car break-ins aren’t rampant but do occur occasionally, as in any tourist destination. Basic rule: Don’t leave anything visible like phones, wallets, cameras on seats. Use common sense, and you’ll likely have no issues.
In most cases, yes, the major rental companies equip their cars with AutoExpreso tags or have them plate-registered for tolls. However, how you get charged varies: some agencies charge a daily fee (like $3-5/day) for unlimited toll use, good if you’ll drive through many tolls. Others have no daily fee but will charge you the accumulated tolls plus a service fee per toll or per day (e.g., $0.75 to $2 each day you use a toll). A few might offer to disable it if you insist and let you pay tolls in cash but note that most toll plazas no longer take cash at all, so that’s usually not an option. It’s important to ask at pick-up: “How do you handle tolls?” They’ll explain their policy and you can decide. The fees are usually reasonable for convenience. Example: if you’re just buzzing around San Juan, maybe you won’t hit a toll except going to Arecibo or Ponce, etc. If you plan to cross the island or go to Fajardo, you will encounter tolls. Our booking process will typically mention the toll policy in the terms but definitely clarify in person so you know what to expect on your credit card statement.
Puerto Rico follows U.S. traffic law basics, but there are a few notable things: • Right Turn on Red: Allowed, after a full stop, unless a sign says otherwise (same as in the States). • After Midnight Law: Uniquely, in Puerto Rico it’s legal to cautiously go through red lights after midnight for safety reasons. The idea is to not leave cars sitting as potential targets in low-traffic hours. If you do this, come to a complete stop, flash your lights, then proceed if clear. If you’re uncomfortable, you can also just wait for green. • Headlights: You must have headlights on when using windshield wipers in rain (common-sense law but mentioning it). Also, some drivers flash headlights to signal you to go ahead or to warn of speed traps. • Seatbelts & DUI: Seatbelt use is mandatory, and DUI laws are strict. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.08% (0.02% for under 21), like most U.S. states. There are sometimes sobriety checkpoints, especially around holidays. Penalties for DUI can include hefty fines and even jail for high BAC. So, play it safe, designate a driver if you’ll enjoy the piña coladas. • Speed Cameras: These aren’t widespread, but a few exist (e.g., some school zones or highway areas). Obey speed limits to avoid a ticket by mail. • Jaywalking and Pedestrians: In San Juan, people sometimes jaywalk. Legally, pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks (and cars should yield) but be alert as pedestrians might cross where they shouldn’t. • Motorcycles: Helmets are required for motorcyclists. As a driver, note that motorbikes and scooters may lane-split or appear from between cars in traffic, keep an eye out, especially when changing lanes. • Use of Hazard Lights: Local custom is to put on hazard lights when slowing significantly (like approaching an accident or a sudden traffic jam), this is to alert drivers behind of an upcoming slowdown. You might adopt this practice in those scenarios.
Possibly. Many U.S. mainland auto insurance policies do extend coverage to Puerto Rico since it’s a U.S. territory, but you should verify with your insurer. Even if yours does, note that rental companies will still offer their insurance options. If you’re covered, you might decline collision damage waiver (CDW) and rely on your own insurance or credit card coverage. However, be aware of deductibles and that dealing with claims from afar might be a hassle. Puerto Rico car rentals, like those in the mainland, include the minimum liability coverage in the price by law. We recommend confirming two things before your trip: 1) call your auto insurer to ask if your policy covers rental cars in Puerto Rico (and to what extent), 2) check if your credit card has rental car insurance benefits (most cover collision damage, but not liability). Even with coverage, some renters opt for the rental company’s full coverage for peace of mind on vacation. Importantly, unlike foreign countries, there’s no special local insurance mandate beyond normal U.S. practice, so it’s more familiar territory.
No passport needed for U.S. citizens. Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, so if you’re an American citizen or permanent resident, traveling there is like a domestic trip, no passport or visa required. Just bring a government-issued photo ID (like a driver’s license), which you’ll also use to rent the car. If you are an international visitor (not from the US), Puerto Rico is treated like entering the U.S., you will need whatever visa/entry documents are required for the U.S. mainland. As for car rental, the documents are the same as anywhere: a valid driver’s license, a credit card in the driver’s name for the deposit, and you must meet the age requirements. International drivers (from non-US jurisdictions) do not need an International Driving Permit as long as your license is in English or Spanish, but having one can help as an ID supplement. Always check your specific rental company’s terms, but generally it’s straightforward.