Destination Puerto Rico. Time for some relaxation away from the stress of the normal 9-5. But once you’re there, how are you going to travel the island? If you are a frequent user of Uber, you may be wondering if that will be an option for you on the island. Does Puerto Rico have Uber?
Uber in Puerto Rico: Yes, Puerto Rico has Uber. The rideshare company is active on the island of Puerto Rico, so using your Uber app will be an option. But, there are issues. For example, Uber does not have an airport presence in San Juan. If you want to browse other airport shuttle options, you can do so at Viator.com, which is a TripAdvisor company. Click here to view airport transportation options for Puerto Rico at Viator.com (affiliate link takes you to Viator.com).
If you are looking for a way to get around the island during your stay, of course taxi and car rental are both options as well. But you can also consider other things like paid tours and shuttles. Click here to browse through all of your tour and transportation options available for Puerto Rico at Viator.com (affiliate link takes you to Viator.com).
Other issues with Uber in Puerto Rico include: Uber’s total footprint on the island is limited, and Uber is restricted at operating at some hotels on the island. Below is a list of other options you can consider besides Uber in Puerto Rico.
The links below take you to Viator.com. Viator is a TripAdvisor company that allows you to browse, plan, and book transportation, tours, and attractions for your vacation. This website has an affiliate partnership with ShareASale and its merchants, including Viator. We receive compensation for referring traffic to ShareASale and its merchants.
Other Options
- Airport Shuttle & Transfer – As mentioned above, Uber does not have an airport presence in San Juan. You can book airport shuttle services ahead of time. Here is a list of airport shuttles and transfers offered in Puerto Rico (link takes you to Viator.com – Viator is a TripAdvisor company). You also have the option to try and fight the crowd to hail a cab at the San Juan airport.
- Bicycle Rental and Walking Tours – Bicycle tours are another way to travel the area around your hotel, especially in the San Juan area. And even some guided walking tours allow you to enjoy the local culture up close and personal. Here is a list of bicycle and walking tours offered in Puerto Rico (link takes you to Viator.com). These tours include food tours, art tours, and sight-seeing tours. Be sure to read the details to make sure it fits your location and the needs of your travel party. Here is a guided segway tour offered in Old San Juan if you are interested in touring the city on a segway.
- ATV/UTV Off-road Rental Tours – Okay, this is more for the thrill-seekers. Another popular way for some to explore Puerto Rico is to take an ATV/UTV or other type of off-road tour. These tours can vary in length depending on which one you choose. Here is a full list of ATV/UTV and off-road tours offered in Puerto Rico (links take you to Viator.com). Read through user reviews to get a feel for if these types of tours will work for you.
- Food, Wine & Nightlife Tours – If you are interested in a food, wine, or nightlife tour, many of these are guided tours that walk you through parts of San Juan so that you can explore the area and culture. If you are interested in seeing the city, these guided tours are an awesome way to do it. Click here for a full list of Food, Wine & Nightlife tours offered in all of Puerto Rico (link takes you to Viator.com). Be sure to browse the details and make sure it meets the needs of your travel party.
- Snorkeling Tours – If you are wanting to explore the area’s marine life, then you have several types of snorkeling tours you can book. Mini-boat snorkel safaris, paddle-board tours, sea trekking (ocean floor walk), and turtle-spotting are among the water adventures offered in Puerto Rico. Click here for a full list of snorkel tours in Puerto Rico (link takes you to Viator.com).
- Sunset and Day Cruises – If you are hoping to get out on the water and enjoy a day, sunset, or other type of cruise, then you have several options. Click here to see a full list of day and sunset cruises, and also other water tours (like kayaking) that are offered in Puerto Rico (link takes you to Viator.com). Read user reviews to determine which would work best for you.
- Horseback Tours – There are several horseback tours offered in the Puerto Rico, and this gives you an alternate way to explore the surrounding area (including beach horseback tours). Click here to see a list of horseback tours in Puerto Rico to get an idea if they will work for your travel party (link takes you to Viator.com).
- Uber – As we discussed earlier, Uber in Puerto Rico is an option. You can get an Uber fare estimate and explore your transportation options for Uber in Puerto Rico by clicking on this link that will take you to Uber’s site.
As we discussed earlier, you can expect several possible issues to arise if you are hoping to rely solely on Uber in Puerto Rico. In this article we will detail some of the specific issues you will encounter with Uber in Puerto Rico, and also highlight 6 possible alternatives so that you know your options.
The 4 main issues that you will encounter with Uber in Puerto Rico are:
- Uber is not allowed to pickup at the San Juan airport (yikes, sort of a big deal).
- Uber’s total footprint on the island is limited mainly to the San Juan area.
- Uber is also restricted from operating at some hotels in the San Juan area.
- The Taxi Drivers’ Union in Puerto Rico does not like Uber and fights to keep Uber’s overall footprint limited.
Issues With Uber in Puerto Rico
There are a few important issues to know about if you plan to use Uber in Puerto Rico.
San Juan Airport
Unfortunately, Uber cannot pick you up at the San Juan airport. Uber is allowed to take you to the airport, but not pick you up. The Taxi Drivers’ Union in Puerto Rico has caused rideshare companies like Uber to be prohibited from picking up passengers at the San Juan airport.
Some tourists find shuttles that will transport them to a location off-site where Uber can then be accessed. Yes, a total pain – taking a shuttle to get to a spot where you then take a rideshare.
Of course you also have the option of renting a car at the airport, but if you were looking to use Uber once you step off the plane, unfortunately that is not an option.
Uber’s Puerto Rico Footprint
Uber’s footprint in Puerto Rico is very limited. It mainly only operates in and around the San Juan area. If you are looking to venture to other parts of the island, you will need to choose between some of the options listed at the bottom of the article.
Uber is attempting to increase its footprint on the island, but due to certain laws enacted to protect the Taxi Drivers’ Union, Uber’s presence in Puerto Rico will likely always be a struggle.
In addition to being limited at the San Juan Airport, Uber is also restricted from several hotels in and around San Juan. If you will be relying on Uber, it would be best to contact your hotel in advance to see what the policy is regarding Uber at their hotel.
Uber in Puerto Rico: Alternatives
With all the issues surrounding Uber in Puerto Rico, you might be left searching for other means of transportation. Here are the other available options:
Taxis
Taxis are generally safe but they also have other issues, including the most prevalent, which is the high cost of the rides. The condition of the taxi itself also may not be ideal. Many of the taxis cars are beaten down from years of use.
It is important that you have the exact amount when you pay since some drivers may not provide change. Also, some tourists complain that the taxi drivers are not as pleasant as most Uber drivers.
If you will take the taxi from the airport, you should search for Taxi Turistico. These taxis are also commonly found around cruise ship piers, popular tourist locations, and hotels.
Car Rental
If it is your first time in Puerto Rico, you will be happy to know that almost all car rental companies have a presence on the island. There are local companies too, especially in San Juan.
Most of these organizations have their offices near or at the airport and Condado District or other tourist-popular neighborhoods. Pro Tip: Most of the time, local car rental companies offer less expensive rates than the bigger brands.
If you plan to stay in San Juan for the rest of your trip, you do not truly require a car to get around. The same goes for those who want a quiet beach vacation in Culebra or Vieques. However, if you want to explore a few cities, you will certainly need a car, which will make the travel more convenient.
Before booking the car rental, you should be aware of some of the issues:
- The drivers in PR are known for their reckless maneuvering, which may be due to the narrow roads and poor road conditions. So driving around the island will not be as easy as you think.
- Parking will often require you to be creative. Often, drivers simply take random parking spots along the side of the road.
Nevertheless, since Uber primarily operates in the Metropolitan area and the main cities, renting a car is considered the second best option for transportation on the island.
Walking
You can also get around Puerto Rico by foot, which is ideal if you love walking while enjoying the popular destinations in the area, particularly San Juan.
Pro Tip: If you want to do a lot of walking, it helps if you book at a hotel in Old San Juan since most of the attractions are within walking distance, including shops and restaurants.
Bus
Buses in Puerto Rico offer lower rates in comparison to taxis. If you do not mind waiting for a long time, buses may be a way to save on vacation costs. Buses will work just fine for traveling in the Old and New San Juan areas, cruise piers, and even the international airport.
To find the buses, all you need to do is to look for the green and white bus stop sign saying “PARADA.” Alternatively, you can just go to the airport or the main bus terminal.
Bicycle
Biking on the island is also a quality option for many tourists. The Paseo de Puerta de Tierra is a route for cyclists (and those on foot).
You can find it sandwiched between the Third Millennium Park and Dos Hermanos Bridge. You can visit sanjuanpuertorico.com by clicking here to get bike routes and maps for San Juan.
Water Transportation
You also have occasional water transportation options while on the island. You can choose from ferries, sailboats, or cruise ships to travel around the PR coastline. These options offer a scenic method of getting around Puerto Rico, especially San Juan, which many cruise ship companies serve.
Note on Safety
Although Puerto Rico is generally considered safe, it is best to always check with your hotel to let them advise you on which transportation methods are best for their location, and what parts of the city you might want to avoid.
Uber in Puerto Rico
You can get an Uber fare estimate and explore your transportation options for Uber in Puerto Rico by clicking on this link that will take you to Uber’s site.