Renting a Car in Puerto Rico (A Local’s “How to” Guide)
Renting a car in Puerto Rico is your best option to save time and explore the island at your own pace.
I am a Puerto Rico local who has penned an entire ebook about Puerto Rico and my top recommendations. Over the years, I’ve rented many cars to explore Puerto Rico’s attractions. Just like you, I had many questions about fees, insurance, and the entire Puerto Rico car rental reservation process.
But worry not! After experiencing it myself, I’ve put together all the tips and tricks you need to know about how to rent a car in Puerto Rico.
Page Contents
- Best Car Rental Sites in Puerto Rico
- Do You Need a Rental Car in Puerto Rico?
- Car Rental Requirements for Puerto Rico
- How Much Do Rental Cars Cost in Puerto Rico?
- 21 Tips & Things to Know Before Renting in Puerto Rico
- Check Your Insurance
- Dig Deeper
- Ask About Autoexpreso
- Research the Rental Agency
- Make a Car Reservation Well in Advance
- Or Look for Your Favorite Rental Car Company
- Consider Local Companies Too
- Read the Fine Print
- Inspect Your Rental Car
- Park Wisely
- Don’t Leave Your Belongings in the Rental Vehicle
- Drive on the Right Side
- Look for Kilometers, Not Miles
- Watch the Road
- Plan Around Peak Hours
- Decide Your Return Location
- Don’t Take it Outside the Main Island
- Rent a 4×4 Vehicle
- Avoid the Mountainous Region
- FAQ About Puerto Rico Car Rentals
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Best Car Rental Sites in Puerto Rico
Making your vehicle reservation from home and using car rental websites can help you find the best deals among different rental car companies.
Here are some of the best Puerto Rico rental car websites to search for inventory:
Discover Cars
Discover Cars is a lesser know, but incredible, car rental search engine. It often finds cheaper fares than other websites. Plus, we love how easy it is to compare reviews of different rental agencies & that they don’t hide any fees.
Kayak
Kayak is a big name in the car rental space. Compare and organize the fares for car rental locations and providers from the lowest to the highest price, plus it allows you to book hotels, and flights too.
RentalCars.com
This is a very popular and well trusted car rental site. It’s owned by Booking.com (our favorite hotel search engine) and has one of the largest inventories of rentals on the planet.
Do You Need a Rental Car in Puerto Rico?
A rental car is the best way to get around Puerto Rico for visitors who want to explore on their own. Renting a car provides flexibility and it’s more cost-effective than paying for taxis or booking tours every day.
Rental cars also allow travelers to reach destinations that public transportation routes don’t cover.
As I wrote in my guide to how to drive in Puerto Rico, the island is overall pretty friendly for drivers.
There are multiple car rental companies in Puerto Rico, especially in the area of San Juan and Isla Verde. A car rental is the best method of transportation if you’re planning to leave Old San Juan frequently and you want to stay in other parts of the island.
Although there is public transportation in Puerto Rico, the routes are quite limited to the Metropolitan Region, and the language barrier makes it almost impossible for English speakers to communicate with drivers.
Car Rental Requirements for Puerto Rico
If you’re renting a car in Puerto Rico, these are some documents you should bring along in your luggage.
🚗 Driving License – If you’re from the United States, your common driving license will allow you to rent a car, as long as it’s older than one year.
🚘 International Driving License – If you’re coming from an international destination, car rentals will ask for an international driver’s permit too.
💳 Card – You’ll need a debit card with the logo of Mastercard or Visa or a credit card, but you’ll probably pay a cheaper deposit with the lather.
👨 Age – You have to be 25 years or older to rent a car in Puerto Rico. Some rental car companies might allow you to rent a car if you’re 21, but you’ll pay an extra fee.
📝 Collision Damage Insurance (CDW) – This insurance is optional, but it’s recommended since it covers theft and damage done to the car rental.
📋 Compulsory Liability Insurance – This insurance is obligatory in Puerto Rico and it covers the damages you cause to other cars in case of an accident.
How Much Do Rental Cars Cost in Puerto Rico?
On average, renting a midsize car in Puerto Rico costs between $65 and $140 per day. Prices vary based on the time of the year, and with how much time visitors are getting their car rental.
Factors like the type of car chosen, and add ons like insurance also affect the fares for a car rental.
Overall, car rental locations in Puerto Rico are more expensive than in other Latin American countries, due to the taxes and the high demand for vehicles.
To keep your budget, you should compare the prices of different car companies before deciding on a specific car rental.
👉 Compare Puerto Rico rental car prices for your dates by searching 3 sites:
- Discover Cars (Our Top Choice)
- Kayak.com
- RentalCars.com
21 Tips & Things to Know Before Renting in Puerto Rico
Check Your Insurance
For renting a car in Puerto Rico, you will need insurance. Prices for your rental can rise significantly with the daily insurance fee.
Most credit cards offer rental car insurance (usually collision insurance, not liability) among their benefits and services. Check with your bank if you have car rental coverage and bring proof with you when you rent your car.
Dig Deeper
If a deal seems too good, it’s probably because it is. When you’re interested in the prices of a car rental, ask the company if the advertised price includes the insurance fees. You’ll have to buy the insurance if you don’t have any and it will add to your car rental daily rate.
Ask About Autoexpreso
Puerto Rico’s main highways are home to an electronic toll system. Drivers pay toll roads with an electronic stamp called Autoexpreso.
Before you sign your car rental contract, ask if there is an additional fee for the Autoexpreso.
Some car rental locations will include the usage of the stamp on your daily rate and others will charge an extra fixed rate for using it.
Research the Rental Agency
While there are many car rentals in San Juan and Puerto Rico, not all of them are honest about their policies and fine print.
A quick internet search will let you know the general reviews for the company and the common problems that might arise if you rent a car with it.
Make a Car Reservation Well in Advance
In Puerto Rico, car rental rates can increase significantly as the date of your trip approaches.
Use online car rental websites to search and compare daily fares for car rentals in Puerto Rico and get a better deal. Car rental websites also offer more information that can help with your visit to the country.
Discover Cars
Discover Cars is a lesser know, but incredible, car rental search engine. It often finds cheaper fares than other websites. Plus, we love how easy it is to compare reviews of different rental agencies & that they don’t hide any fees.
Or Look for Your Favorite Rental Car Company
You’ll find renowned car rental companies like Enterprise, and Alamo in San Juan and other Puerto Rico popular cities for tourism.
Some of them even have rental kiosks in the San Juan Airport, which facilitates the process of renting and picking up your vehicle if you’ve just arrived in the country.
Consider Local Companies Too
While car rental locations in the airport are convenient and feature trustable rentals like Enterprise, Avis, and Alamo, some car rental locations in less popular cities might offer cheaper rates.
There are local car rental locations that offer more budget-friendly rates and you could easily find about either by searching Discover Cars or just with a quick Google search.
Read the Fine Print
As excited as you might be to start your vacation, I recommend that you don’t skip reading your car rental contract.
Many tourists lose their deposit or pay extra fees because they violate the car rental contract without knowing so.
Simple things like returning your rental car full of sand or with damp seats can violate the company’s terms. Read and take note of everything before leaving the location.
Inspect Your Rental Car
Before driving away from your car rental location, inspect your car for scratches, bumps, and other imperfections.
Take pictures of how you received your vehicle, and how you returned it, so you can use them as evidence in case of any claim.
Park Wisely
Old San Juan and many town centers’ in Puerto Rico offer free on-street parking that can end up in unwanted bumps and scratches to your rental car. Opt to park in a safer location like a private parking lot, even if you have to pay a small fee.
Don’t Leave Your Belongings in the Rental Vehicle
As basic as it may seem, many tourists leave behind bags, or valuables in their car while exploring, only to return to a broken window and stolen belongings.
If you’re taking a day trip, leave the valuables of your Puerto Rico packing list at a hotel safe and only bring with you the things you’ll be carrying. That is one of the best tips to stay safe in Puerto Rico.
Drive on the Right Side
If you’re coming from an international country, you should know that driving in Puerto Rico is very similar to driving in the United States. People drive on the right side of the streets and road signs are mostly the same used internationally but in Spanish.
Look for Kilometers, Not Miles
A fun Puerto Rico fact is that, contrary to the United States, the distances in Puerto Rico get measured in kilometers and not miles. You will see road signs with the kilometer numbers on them, but speed limits get measured in miles per hour.
Watch the Road
Depending on the cities and neighborhoods you go to, you will notice that streets are full of potholes.
Potholes are common even in San Juan, so you should drive with precaution and pay attention to the road. Some potholes are deep enough to ruin your vacation with a flat tire.
Plan Around Peak Hours
Although having your own vehicle will save you a lot of time, getting stuck in peak-hour traffic will ruin your schedule.
Going from San Juan to a nearby city can take you over an hour if you’re transiting main highways around 8:00 am or 6:00 pm.
That’s also when you’ll experience the negative side of Puerto Rican drivers. As a general Puerto Rico tip, it’s best to either leave for your destination early or wait for the rush hour to end.
Decide Your Return Location
Some car rental locations have a different return location than where you rented your vehicle.
While you sign the contract, investigate where you’ll be returning the car. For example, some car rental companies have locations in a city and different airport locations for returns.
Don’t Take it Outside the Main Island
Up to this date, the ferries to Vieques and Culebra only transport cars from the residents of the small islands.
Although there isn’t a fixed date as to when they’ll be restarting the service for non-locals, most companies don’t allow car rentals outside the main island.
Rent a 4×4 Vehicle
If you’re a true adventurer looking forward to exploring the remotest regions of Puerto Rico, then renting a 4×4 vehicle might be your best option.
While it’s easy to explore most of Puerto Rico in a common car, you’ll need a 4×4 SUV to explore some steep streets in the mountainous regions, remote camping sites, and nature reserves.
Avoid the Mountainous Region
On the contrary, if you’ve never driven on narrow, curvy, steep roads, avoid driving in Puerto Rico’s mountainous region completely.
The roads in the mountainous towns can be narrow enough to fit only one car or steep enough that you’d need a 4×4 to get through them. They aren’t for the faint-hearted.
Don’t Smoke on Your Car
Smoking inside your car is one of the things that will cost you extra money, as car rentals have to deep shampoo the cars to get rid of the odor. Do yourself a favor and smoke far from your car.
👉 Read Next: How to Rent a Car in Mexico
Fill Up Your Tank
Most car rentals will ask you to return your vehicle with a full tank. Gas gets sold in liters and you will find plenty of gas stations to refill your vehicle.
Don’t forget to ask the car rental company how to open the gas door, or you’ll spend 5 minutes figuring it out at the gas station.
Discover Cars
Discover Cars is a lesser know, but incredible, car rental search engine. It often finds cheaper fares than other websites. Plus, we love how easy it is to compare reviews of different rental agencies & that they don’t hide any fees.
FAQ About Puerto Rico Car Rentals
What are the requirements to rent a car in Puerto Rico?
To drive in Puerto Rico, visitors need to be over 25 years old, have a driver’s license, and a credit card, or a debit card with a logo. Visitors also need Liability Insurance and Collision Damage Insurance, they can buy at car rental locations if they don’t have any.
Can a US citizen rent a car in Puerto Rico?
Since Puerto Rico is a non-incorporated territory of the United States, US citizens visiting the island can rent a car in Puerto Rico using their driving license and their insurance if they already have car rental insurance.
Why is it so expensive to rent a car in Puerto Rico?
Renting a car in Puerto Rico is expensive because of the limited supply and shortage of auto production. Other factors like the annual inflation, taxes, and the model can also influence the rental car price.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in Puerto Rico?
The minimum age to rent a car in Puerto Rico is 25. Some car rental locations rent cars to people over 21, but they have to pay additional fees to get them.
Can you Uber in Puerto Rico?
Uber is the main ridesharing app in Puerto Rico. Travelers can use Uber to move around the metropolitan area in cities like San Juan, Carolina, Trujillo Alto, Caguas, Cataño, Bayamón, Vega Baja, and Dorado.
Is it scary to drive in Puerto Rico?
Driving in Puerto Rico can be scary for foreigners, since Puerto Ricans often surpass speed limits, honk, and change lanes. Driving in the mountainous center can also get dangerous because of the narrow and curvy streets. Check the complete guide to driving in Puerto Rico to learn more.
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Now you’re ready to rent your car in Puerto Rico! All that’s left to do is figure out where you’ll be driving!
Read my local guide to the top attractions in Puerto Rico, so you don’t miss any of the fun.
Discover Cars
Discover Cars is a lesser know, but incredible, car rental search engine. It often finds cheaper fares than other websites. Plus, we love how easy it is to compare reviews of different rental agencies & that they don’t hide any fees.
Thanks for the great information! I’ve been looking to rent a car for my Puerto Rico adventures. Would you recommend a SUV/Jeep or could you get away with renting a car?
Puerto Rico has well paved roads so for most purposes a car works just fine. Of course, if you want to do any off-roading, or more adventurous exploring, a Jeep may have benefits, but when I visited a rental car worked just fine for getting around the island.
We are renting a car in San Juan, but staying on the western part of the island. The last day we’d like to go to Vieques & stay the night taking the passenger ferry both ways. Is there somewhere we can leave our rental on the main island & pick it up the next day to get to the airport?
Thank you!
Yes, there is parking available at the Vieques ferry for a little over $5/day.
I would not rent a car until you’re ready to leave Old San Juan to explore. Parking in Old San Juan is limited and can be several blocks away from your hotel or b&b. Use Uber or taxi back to airport to pick up car when ready and return there at end of your stay.
My family and I are headed staying in Old San Juan for a week. We want spend a few days around old San Juan, but also want to spend a few days checking out different parts of the island. Should I rent a car from the airport for the entire week? Will I have a tough time parking as we are staying near Castillo San Cristobal? Thanks,
Jori
Hi Jori! If you’re planning to stay in Old San Juan for a few days, you can ditch the car rental, as Old San Juan is a walkable neighborhood and then rent a car for the days you’ll be exploring the island. That way you’ll save money and avoid the hectic traffic/parking of Old San Juan. Finding on-street parking near San Cristobal is difficult, so you’ll probably have to leave your rental car a few times on paying parking lots.
Vanessa
Thank you for all your great rental car tips. We land in San Juan airport on a Saturday but fly out of the International airport closer to Rincon on the following Saturday. Can we do a one way car rental in Puerto Rico? Picking up at one airport and dropping off at another?
Hi Tom! Yes, you can rent a car at SJU airport in San Juan and drop it at BQN airport in Aguadilla as long as the same company is present in both airports and you rent the car specifying you will drop it at at a different location. Avis, Alamos, and Enterprise, for example, are present in both airports and provide the “drop off at a different location” option on their websites.
Staying at the Margaritaville Resort, it seems like it is a pretty good distance to everything so we will probably need a car rental. Do you recommend getting it at the airport?
Hi Lori! Getting your rental car at the airport is the most convenient, so you can start moving around with flexibility as soon as you leave the airport. But, the waiting time for car rentals at the airport is sometimes long. Another option is to look for a car rental location outside but close to the airport and take a taxi from the airport to the location and from there you can drive to your resort.
Can I rent a car from enterprise away from the airport then return it to the airport?
Hi-I am traveling to Puerto Rico next week and have reserved a car w Avis. On my last trip 6/21 there was a 2-3 hour wait to get your car at SJU. Is there any way to avoid this?
Much thanks,
beth
Hi Beth! So the thing about car airport rentals is that they have a lot of demand, so the wait time can be a little long. You could look for rental car locations outside the airport and in nearby areas (San Juan, Condado, Bayamón, Cataño) and take a taxi/uber to that location. You end up paying a bit more, but you’ll wait for less time. But you could also look for some car rental companies that offer a shuttle from the airport to their location, so you can save both time and the taxi fee.
Hi Vanessa, I just read Beth’s comment. Is waiting 2 to 3 hours at the airport the norm to pick up a rental car? I just booked today with Enterprise at SJ airport. I’m wondering if I should change my booking. We are staying near Old San Juan (not far from the airport) the first couple of days without a car, and planned to go back to get the car when we plan too leave SJ.
Hi Kate how was the wait? I’m going to San Juan 3/30 and also rented a car with with enterprise.
fav car rentals in Vieques?
Also, do they rent scooters in Vieques?
I have a two month work assignment in San Juan and will need a car. Any suggestions for a two month rental? It doesn’t need to be anything fancy, just basic and reliable transportation.
Hi Vanessa, Thanks for your helpful, informative article on renting a car in Puerto Rico. This is my first visit – three weeks mid December through first week in January. I wanted to mention that there was a wide price differentiation between the three sites that you mention – Discover cars, Kayak and Rentalcar.com – of hundred of dollars actually. Kayak had the best prices for a two week rental. Discover cars had the highest prices – more than double Kayak . I ended up booking a full size 5 seater with Enterprise today ($539 a week plus tax.) I called Enterprise directly and Kayak’s deal was much lower that booking direct. So thanks for the tip re: Kayak! I now plan to read your other information to plan our itinerary. Many thanks
We are going Dec21-Dec 27 How hard would it be to just get a car for a day or two at the last minute? I am thinking we would not use it everyday but not sure what days I would want it. Should we just rent one for the week and park in a garage til we use it?? Is the airport the only plac to get a car rental?
Hi Donna! December is considered high season so getting a car last minute might be difficult, but not impossible. You will, however, get fewer options for higher prices. Group activities in your itinerary that don’t require a car (e.g. exploring Old San Juan), and later rent a car for the days that you will be moving around. If you aren’t entirely sure about what you’re doing and wouldn’t like any limitations, then do rent a car for the entire time of your stay. You’ll find car rentals outside the airport. Carolina, San Juan, Bayamon, Cataño, and Guaynabo have a few.
Hi Vanessa:
It seems that a car rental for a week can range from $100 up to around $1100 when doing research. I’m curious why there is such a big range? Have you found that the lower end of the range tends to have hidden fees or restrictions that you unfortunately find out about when you arrive?
Hi Don! A few factors affect the prices online, including the car model, the demand, add-ons, and so on. Some of the online prices include these add-ons and insurance fees. It’s possible that when prices are too low ($100 a week is indeed low), you’ll find out about extra fees when arriving at the rental facilities. You can save the insurance fee if you already have rental car insurance, but you’ll need to show proof of it. On average, renting a small car in Puerto Rico for a week normally ranges between $500 and $900 with the extra fees.
Hi,
Seeing numerous cockroach infested car reviews across the board on cars rented/stored right at the airport. Maybe they thrive in the shaded garage vs hot sun/open parking. For this reason, do you recommend getting a car that requires a taxi or shuttle from the airport?
If you’re arriving during the day and you have time and energy, renting a car outside from airport premises is a great option. Aside from the problem you mentioned and the long waiting lines in the airport, you are likely to find a better deal on rental car companies outside.
Hello, do you think you need a rental car if mostly in San Juan. We are a few days in San Juan and only touring for 2 days. We can maybe just rent a car for 2 days but maybe it is cheaper to just rent for the four days given Uber rates.
Hi Donna! I guess it depends on what you’re doing and how much you’re willing to walk. Moving in and between Old San Juan and Condado on foot is possible. The public bus system (AMA) also covers all of San Juan. I’d recommend a rental car only if you’re looking for full flexibility and you expect to explore outside San Juan in those two days.