Transportation

1. Air

Puerto Rico has a well-developed air network and caters to a number of flights every day. Flights are available to many of the cities and towns within the island. You can also charter planes to cities such as Vieques and Culebra. Tourists can also catch the regularly scheduled commuter-type flights from the Ribas Dominicci Airport in Isla Grande, San Juan, or other domestic airports. If you are staying in or touring the western part of Puerto Rico, you can book your tickets on direct flights to and from the Aguadilla Airport.

Major Airlines:

American, PanAm, American Eagle, American Trans Air, Spirit Airlines, British Airways, Mexicana, Carnival, Continental, Copa, Delta, Sunaire Express, Vieques Air-link, Flamenco, jetBlue Airways, Hill Aviation, Iberia, TWA, KLM, LASCA, LIAT, Northwest, Towers Air, United, USAir.

2. Bus

The Metropolitan Bus Authority (or AMA, its Spanish acronym) operates buses meant for public transport in the San Juan Metropolitan area. Bus stops in Puerto Rico have orange, magenta, and white signs painted on them, which indicate Parada. Bus services in Puerto Rico run between certain specified hours, usually until 9 pm. If you intend to travel by bus you can call (787) 250-6064, or the new Metrobus system (San Juan to Río Piedras), (787) 763-4141 for bus routes, terminals, or schedule information. You can also travel on privately owned buses or mini-vans known as ‘guaguas'. These guaguas usually stop in each town's main plaza.

3. Car

Cars in Puerto Rico can be hired at the airport, in San Juan and in all major cities and towns. Roads in Puerto Rico are clearly marked and maps of the same are easily available everywhere. While traveling in cars you are advised to keep in mind the fact that the speed limits are specified in miles per hour. However, the distances are specified in kilometers. In case you wish to rent a car, you can call up rental agencies that have their offices present all over the island at prime locations. Information regarding the same can also be obtained from the hotel or resort you are residing in.

4. Ferry

On visiting the east end of the island you can avail of ferry services at the small port of Fajardo. Ferry services can also be availed from the port at Old San Juan. Tourists can also hire private boats, which can be chartered at a number of marinas on the eastern coast.

Ferries to Vieques and Culebra can be hailed from Fajardo.

Cataño to San Juan Ferries - Every half hour between 6 am to 9 pm.

Ponce to Caja de Muertos - Saturday, Sunday and holidays, the ferry leaves at 9 am and returns at 5 pm.

Vieques/Culebra Ferries - Weekdays 9:30 am, 4:30 pm; Weekends and Holidays 9 am, 3 pm, 6 pm.

5. Ship

San Juan is the main passenger port in Puerto Rico. The San Juan Harbor is the fourth busiest harbor in the entire Western Hemisphere, and enjoys the status of being among the top 17 among world ports with reference to container movement. Shipping proves to be important for transporting humans as well as goods. The Puerto Rico Maritime Shipping Authority, which has been privatized by the government, moderates all the port related activities. Records state that millions of passengers visit Puerto Rico annually on cruise ships.

6. Taxi

Taxis in Puerto Rico can be hired at airports, hotels and all major tourist points. In certain specified tourism zones, rates are fixed by the central authority and are posted to assist travelers. Outside the tourist zone, taxis charge by the meter. In case you plan to travel for long, you can also hire taxis that charge by the hour. While traveling, look for white taxis that have the official logo and the ‘Taxi Turistico' printed on the front doors. These taxis are sponsored by the Official Tourism Company and are clean, easily identifiable and reliable.