If you’re planning a trip to Puerto Rico, you’re probably wondering if you need to rent a car to get around. It’s one of the first things we think of when looking at potential destinations.
Renting a car abroad comes with its challenges, and having spent over a year driving on pot-hole-filled single-lane roads and dirt tracks around the Caribbean, we expected much of the same in Puerto Rico. What we found was an island interconnected by major highways, smooth roads, and a country that was incredibly easy to get around – a pleasant and welcome surprise!
From this blog, you’ll be able to decide if you need to rent a car in Puerto Rico and some handy tips to get you the best deal and keep you safe on the road.
Do You Need To Rent A Car In Puerto Rico?
So, should you rent a car in Puerto Rico? Well, that completely depends on your itinerary. If you’re on a city break in San Juan, then you can easily get by without a car. There are many taxis, and we used Uber for our few days in the city.
Alternatively, if you want to explore this vast island, then renting a car would be incredibly beneficial. It takes around 3.5 hours from East to West of Puerto Rico, and there are sights to see and places to visit around the entire island.
Without a car, you’ll be restricted in what you can do and taxi prices, particularly long distance, can get very expensive.
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Top Tips for Renting a Car in Puerto Rico
Shop Around to Find the Best Prices and Companies
There are a lot of car rental companies in Puerto Rico, so it’s important to shop around for the best deal and to ensure you’re using a reputable company – you can easily do this through DiscoverCars.
Also, try to book early if you can. We left it to the last minute and were surprised at the prices we were quoted.
Luckily, we found Bella Rent-A-Car – a well-established Puerto Rican company with multiple branches. Their prices were reasonable, service perfect, and our car was brand new (less than 1,000 miles on the clock).
There’s a fantastic app for renting cars in Puerto Rico, Acqui Coqi. Think Airbnb but for car rental. The prices on here are usually the most competitive, with some bargains up for grabs.
We haven’t used it ourselves but would have done if there was availability as we’d heard many positive reviews from others who had used it.
Check Everything is Included in the Quoted Price
As with most US-based car rental companies, there can be a big sting when you arrive to collect your booked vehicle, only to find out they have 101 add-ons to drive the price up.
Things to look out for include:
- Collision damage waiver
- Tire and alloy protection
- Unlimited tolls
- Supplemental liability insurance
Check if Your Car Insurance Covers Rentals
All companies want to upsell and get you as many insurances as you don’t need. That’s just the way it is. However, you should check your own car insurance. Often, it covers you for car rental.
Get a Quote From Car Rental Insurance Companies – They’re Usually Cheaper
Alternatively, as we don’t have car insurance, we used RentalCover.com, which worked out around half the price and covered more than needed.
Are Unlimited Tolls Worth it in Puerto Rico?
One of the good things to have when renting a car in Puerto Rico is unlimited tolls. With Bella Rent A Car, we paid a small fee. If we went over that amount, we would have to pay the balance at the end of our rental.
If you’re moving around the island, especially around San Juan, or doing long journeys, you’re going to want to use toll roads to avoid traffic and cut journey times down drastically.
You Do Not Need a 4×4 in Puerto Rico
On many Caribbean islands, a 4×4 is a must. Puerto Rico is the opposite. The roads here are as you’d expect in the U.K. or U.S. Perhaps there are a few more potholes, but nothing a regular hatchback or compact car can’t handle.
Unless you’ve got some off-roading in your schedule or know you definitely want to visit a secluded area that 100% requires 4×4, you can save some cash and opt for something smaller and cheaper.
Top Tips for Driving in Puerto Rico
What Side of the Road Do They Drive on in Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, so they follow the same driving laws as the rest of the states. You drive on the right-hand side of the road on the left side of the vehicle.
Beware of People Cutting Corners on Single-lane Roads
This is a general rule of thumb everywhere in the world, but as safe as you’re being, you’re reliant on other road users to do the same.
Take extra care on blind corners, particularly on single-lane roads. We found that many people prefer to drive in the middle of the road and hope nothing is coming the other way.
It seems they’d rather hit you than the leaves overhanging the side of the road.
It’s not a major problem, and most people don’t do it, but it’s something to be wary of.
Multi-lane Highways Are Free for All
If you’re from the U.K, you’ll be used to undertaking on any dual carriageway or motorway being frowned upon. From our experience, it seems like Puerto Rico follows the same rules as the U.S. – there aren’t any.
Everyone overtakes wherever possible. You have four or five lanes of traffic, with drivers overtaking in any lane. Always check your mirrors and blind spots before switching lanes.
Another thing to be wary of is other drivers joining the highway. Slip roads are small or non-existent, so cars can’t get up to speed before joining the traffic. We found it easiest to avoid the first lane wherever possible.
Driving at Night in Puerto Rico
It’s important to stay alert when driving at night. Keep your eyes on the road, stay alert and keep your doors locked at all times.
Top Tip: after midnight, it’s allowed to drive through red lights, so you aren’t sitting waiting alone and leaving yourself vulnerable.
You’ll hear mixed reviews about driving at night in Puerto Rico. Thankfully, we didn’t encounter any issues, but you should still take caution.
Try to Avoid Peak Hours
The streets of Puerto Rico can get very busy. During peak hours, many major roads come to a standstill or, at best, are incredibly slow-moving.
Plan your journeys to avoid these peak hours. Instead, spend these relaxing on the beach or enjoying some of the best hidden gems in Puerto Rico.
Overall, Renting A Car is the Best Way to See Puerto Rico
The decision to rent a car in Puerto Rico ultimately boils down to the type of adventure you’re after. If the bustling city vibes of San Juan is your main jam, you can comfortably skip the rental. But if you’re itching to dive into the heart of this vibrant island, then a set of wheels is your golden ticket.
A rental car is your passport to an immersive Puerto Rican adventure. It’s more than just a ride; it’s your companion on a journey of exploration, discovery, and unforgettable memories. We hope this blog has been helpful and inspires you to get out and explore this incredible island.
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