Car Rental in Puerto Rico

Why rent a car in Puerto Rico?

A typically idyllic Caribbean destination, Puerto Rico is famous for its scenic beaches, surfing, and nightlife. A territory belonging to the United States, the island also boasts a long and interesting history, delicious cuisine, and an underexplored, but beautiful, mountainous interior. Getting a rental car is the surest way to explore everything that this magnificent place has to offer.

Why you should rent a car in Puerto Rico - Renting a car in Puerto Rico is the best way to travel the island and see some of the best cities and natural landmarks. A car rental will provide maximum flexibility and freedom, as you can plan your trips however you like without relying on guided tours and public transportation. 

How to plan your trip around Puerto Rico - to plan your trip around Puerto Rico, drive clockwise around the island from San Juan. This way, you can hit the major tourist destinations on the island, like Ponce, Cabo Rojos, and the surfing capital Rincon before arriving in Arecibo and back in San Juan. 

Do I need a visa for Puerto Rico? - If you are arriving in Puerto Rico from the United States, you will not need a visa. However, if you are visiting Puerto Rico from another country, check the requirements for your country ahead of your trip. 

Additionally, US citizens and permanent residents don’t need a passport to visit Puerto Rico as it is a territory of the US. This makes it one of the most appealing destinations in the Caribbean, given a combination of proximity to the United States and lack of required documentation.

Top ways to enter Puerto Rico

• San Juan Airport (SJU): Also known as Luis Muñoz Marín Airport and Isle Verde Airport, it is the main port of entry for most visitors of Puerto Rico. The airport hosts tens of flights to destinations in the United States, the Caribbean, and the rest of the Americas. Located on the northeastern coast of the island, the airport is only about a ten-minute drive from San Juan. 
• Aguadilla Airport: Also known as Aguadilla-Rafael Hernandez (BQN), the other, much smaller international airport of Puerto Rico has flights to and from a number of destinations in the U.S., including New York City, Memphis, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando, as well as the neighboring island country of the Dominican Republic. 
• By boat: There is a commercial ferry service between Mayagüez on the western coast of Puerto Rico and Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic. Rental cars are not permitted on the boat, but you can pick one up after arriving in Puerto Rico. 

Top cities and places to visit

• San Juan. The largest and oldest city in Puerto Rico, San Juan is naturally one of the island’s main attractions. An old maritime hub, the city has well-preserved colonial architecture, as well as many of Puerto Rico’s most interesting museums and historic sites, including famous Spanish forts. Many of the island’s most popular beaches are also near the capital.
• Aguadilla. Puerto Rico is all about the beach and one of the best places to enjoy it is the western Porta del Sol region. Its main settlement, Aguadilla, is a surfing and diving paradise with opportunities for everyone from beginners to pros. The drive from San Juan along the island’s northern coast takes only two hours, so Aguadilla can even be visited on a day trip from the capital.
• Ponce. The second-largest city in Puerto Rico, Ponce is a really interesting place to visit. The city is known for its unique architecture, including the Parque de Bombas fire station, Guadeloupe Cathedral, and Wiechers-Villaronga mansion. The city is also not short on cultural attractions like the Museum of Puerto Rican Museum, the Ponce Art Museum, and the Indigenous Ceremonial Center. Located just a short trip away is the eerie, but fascinating Caja de Muertos (Deadman’s Chest or Coffin Island) with its abandoned lighthouse, snorkeling spots, and hiking trails (though you can't bring a rental car, you can drop it off at the port and pick it up after returning).
• Mayaguez. Located on the west side of the island, Mayaguez is the food capital of Puerto Rico, known for its sweet bread. Although it’s not a popular stop for tourists visiting Puerto Rico, Mayaguez is the third-largest city on the island that deserves a stop on your Puerto Rico itinerary. Mayaguez boasts the gorgeous Plaza Colon, Tropical Agricultural Research Station, and a historic colonial center where you can spend a leisurely afternoon.
• Rincon. Located to the north of Mayaguez, Rincon is the surfing capital of the Caribbean, known for colorful sunsets and gorgeous beaches. Another popular activity in Rincon is whale watching, and you can join one of the local tours in winter when the area sees migrating humpback whales.
• Fajardo. A hidden gem of Puerto Rico, Fajardo is home to more than five marinas, including Puerto del Rey, the largest marina in the Caribbean. Fajardo is also a perfect base for your trips to Isla Culebra and Vieques, the two popular islands to the east of Puerto Rico. The area is home to gorgeous beaches, natural reserves, and ma

Most popular rental car

The most popular rental car in Puerto Rico is the Nissan Sentra; many travelers also go for the Nissan Versa and the Hyundai Accent. The most popular rental car types are intermediate, compact, and economy. 

Driver's license requirements

• Puerto Rico generally recognizes all foreign licenses printed in the Latin alphabet, provided that you are a tourist who stays for less than three months. If you are staying in Puerto Rico longer or reside there permanently, you need to acquire a local driver’s license.
• If your driver’s license is printed in a non-Latin alphabet (e.g., Cyrillic, Arabic, etc.), you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
• You must carry your driver’s license, not a copy, with you at all times. 
• You need to have had your driver’s license for at least two years.
• Some rental car providers charge a young driver fee for drivers under the age of 25 and a senior driver fee for drivers over the age of 65.
• There may be additional requirements depending on the car supplier and car category, so make sure to check the rental conditions before booking.

Crossing borders

Puerto Rico is an island and therefore has no land borders. The most convenient way to arrive on the island is by flying. You may also take the aforementioned ferry from the Dominican Republic, but it doesn’t permit bringing a vehicle along. If you plan to take the ferry, check to see if you need a visa to enter either the Dominican Republic or the US territory of Puerto Rico (the entrance requirements for  Puerto Rico are the same as that of the rest of the US).

Most popular types of rental car

• El Yunque National Forest. One of the finest natural attractions on the island, El Yunque is situated near the island’s northeastern coast. Much of the rainforest can be explored by car, making it one of the nicest drives in the country. The forest is home to a variety of flora and fauna, as well as a unique art gallery known for its organic paintings.
• Guánica State Forest. Another biosphere reserve, Guánica is at the other end Puerto Rico, located near the island’s southwestern point. A dry forest, it also looks and feels very different from the lushness of El Yunque and is home to many species of birds that cannot be found anywhere else on the island. The forest is roughly between the cities of Mayaguez and Ponce; the trip from San Juan takes two hours.
• Cabo Rojo. Home to some of the most popular beaches among Puerto Ricans, Cabo Rojo is a municipality in the southwestern part of the island. Here you will find the Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge, one of the most scenic natural areas on the island, that’s home to Playa Sucia, a crescent-shaped beach that’s a local favorite, the historic Los Morillos Lighthouse and Cabo Rojos Salt Flats, one of the most popular spots for taking pictures thanks to its bright pink waters.
• Cueva del Indio Nature Reserve. One of the highlights of northern Puerto Rico’s coast, this place will make you feel like you are in Hawaii, as you watch the rogue waves break against the dark cliffs. An important historic site that contains pre-Hispanic rock art, this area boasts petroglyphs created by the Taino people who populated the island before it was colonized. This popular place has been featured in numerous movies like The Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Treasure Island, and Perfect Getaway. 
• Cascada Gozalandia. A hidden gem of Puerto Rico, Gozalandia Waterfalls are located near the small town of San Sebastian. Locals and tourists come here to swim in the clear pools of water connected by the river at the foothill of the waterfalls. It’s an easy drive if you stay in Rincon, Aguadilla, or Isabella. The entrance is free.

Car rental prices in Puerto Rico

• Medium cars - from $21 per day
• Large cars - from $21 per day
• SUVs - from $24 per day
• Small cars - from $22 per day
• Vans - from $59 per day
• Convertibles - from $1,127 per day
• Premium cars - from $127 per day

Money-saving and other tips

There are several good methods to find a cheaper rental car:

• Compare the rates of different rental car providers
• Book your rental car well in advance
• Plan your route before you go
• Know your fuel and mileage requirements
• Visit during the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Puerto Rico is the cheapest in November when renting a car is about 73% cheaper than the yearly average and a whole 90% cheaper than renting a car in July.