Driving in Puerto Rico: A 2026 Guide!
Planning on driving in Puerto Rico on your vacation?
A rental car is the most convenient way to explore Puerto Rico beyond San Juan, although you can alternatively rely on Ubers or taxis in the city and book guided tours to explore beyond on day trips from San Juan.
Puerto Rico is one of the larger Caribbean islands (fourth largest in area), and public transport is not optimal, making a rental car a smart way to maximize activities on your Puerto Rico itinerary.
With the flexibility of a rental car, you can drive south to second city Ponce, relax at the pristine beaches of Cabo Rojo, witness spectacular sunsets in Rincon on the west coast, or explore the caves near Arecibo on the north shore.
In this article, we tell you what to expect when driving in Puerto Rico, and helpful tips.
First time in Puerto Rico? Our round-up of the top 10 things to do in Puerto Rico is a great place to start fleshing out your itinerary! From exploring offshore islands and El Yunque to wandering Old San Juan, these experiences are a must. 🇵🇷 🌴 🌊
Looking to rent a car in Puerto Rico? Consider a rental car from DiscoverCars.com!
They search across a variety of rental car companies, both budget and brand, to offer you the best deals, AND they offer free cancellations. Plus, there are no hidden fees.
>> Check availability and prices on Puerto Rico car rentals now!
Follow Puerto Rico Driving Rules
Similar to the rest of the USA, you will drive on the right side of the road in Puerto Rico, and use the left lane to pass.
Do not drink and drive. The legal limit for driving while under the influence of alcohol is .08% in Puerto Rico, as is the case in the rest of the US. If you are 18-20 years old, you are allowed to operate a motor vehicle in Puerto Rico with a .02% BAC (or less).
Do not speed: there are cameras all over Puerto Rico that monitor your speed.
Wear a seat belt. Drivers and all passengers are required to wear seat belts. Kids under 4 need a car seat, and kids under 12 must sit in the back and wear seat belts.
To rent a car in Puerto Rico, you have to be 25 years old, and have a valid driver’s license. Travelers from outside the USA may need an International Driving Permit as well.
What to Expect when Driving in Puerto Rico
Road signs in Puerto Rico are in Spanish
Spanish is the primary language in Puerto Rico, and street signs are all in Spanish. But imagery on the signs can pretty much help you figure out what the signs say even if you do not understand the actual words.
For example, a stop sign says “pare” in Puerto Rico, but the sign is red and octagonal, just like a stop sign in the US.
Most roads are paved
You’ll find that most of the roads you will be driving in Puerto Rico are paved.
But many of the roads are not optimally maintained, so you’ll have to keep a constant watch for potholes, some of which are deep. Driving at night may be rough because you may not be able to see potholes in time to avoid them.
Also watch out for speed bumps.
Some roads in the more rural areas can be narrow, so drive carefully and pay heed to oncoming traffic.
Practice defensive driving
Driving in Puerto Rico is like driving in a major US city. Expect the unexpected and always practice defensive driving.
Distances in Puerto Rico are stated in kilometers
Distances on road signs are displayed in kilometers, not miles. If you like to know the distance you’ll be traveling in miles, convert on your own, or know that 10 kilometers is a little over six miles.
Gasoline prices are shown in liters
If you are visiting from mainland USA, you will be used to seeing gas prices in gallons.
Here in Puerto Rico, gas prices are displayed in liters.
A gallon is a little less than 4 liters, if you are trying to gauge how expensive gas is in Puerto Rico relative to what you pay back home on the mainland.
Some roads are toll roads
Several roads in Puerto Rico are toll roads. Although some toll roads may allow payment in cash, there may be just one or two cash lanes, with long waits.
If you are planning a road trip through Puerto Rico, an AutoExpreso tag is very convenient. It is the Puerto Rican equivalent of the E-ZPass in the eastern US.
You can add credit to your AutoExpreso tag at a Puma or Total gas station.
Expect traffic congestion in the San Juan metro area
While a car is very convenient for a road trip around Puerto Rico, it can be a hassle in San Juan.
Traffic is usually dense, and street parking very difficult to find. Old San Juan, in particular, with its narrow cobbled alleys, is difficult to traverse in a car.
Best Puerto Rico Tours
Visiting the magical island of Culebra is one of the top things to do in Puerto Rico, and this popular catamaran tour from Fajardo is a convenient way to visit and snorkel!
The deserted island of Icacos is another super popular destination. Consider this catamaran tour from Fajardo that includes lunch and snorkeling gear!
Enjoy the El Yunque tropical rainforest on this highly-rated tour from San Juan. Chase waterfalls, go down a natural waterslide, and stop at pretty Luquillo Beach on the way back!
A walking food tour is the best way to explore colorful Old San Juan while eating your way through local cuisine and sampling local cocktails.
Puerto Rico is famous for its bioluminescent bays. On this popular tour, you will visit El Yunque National Forest, followed by a kayaking excursion on a bioluminescent bay.
Renting a Car in Puerto Rico
If you want to explore Puerto Rico beyond San Juan, you’ll have the maximum flexibility if you rent a car.
We always use Discover Cars to book Puerto Rico car rentals. They offer rentals a cross a variety of rental car companies, so you can pick the best deal. They also offer free cancellations, and there are no hidden fees.
>> Check availability and prices on Puerto Rico car rentals now!