Renting A Car In Puerto Rico (2024) – All You Need To Know

Should you rent a car in Puerto Rico?

Yes! It’s essential to rent a car when you visit Puerto Rico.

It’s the best way to explode beyond the city center so you can explore the rainforest and the caves nearby. It’s also the most cost effective way to get around since you’d otherwise need paid tours.

I’ve visited over 30 countries and rented cars constantly. I know how to find the best deals on rental cars so you can save money for your activities!

One of the best ways to get transportation in Puerto Rico is by renting a car. This is because it allows you to travel in Puerto Rico at your own pace and create your own schedule. 

In this guide, I’ll give you a rundown of the laws and regulations that govern car rentals in Puerto Rico to find the best deals and stay safe while driving across the island. 

Here is everything you need to know about renting a car in Puerto Rico.

Looking to save on car rentals in Puerto Rico? Find the cheapest car rentals here!

13 Tips For Renting a Car in Puerto Rico

1. Book in Advance

When booking a rental car in Puerto Rico, It’s a good idea to do this well in advance, especially if you’re staying away from the San Juan area.

If you book ahead of time, you’ll have a better choice of cars. You’ll also have a better chance of finding a good deal since rental car prices increase as you get closer to the rental date.  

Reserving a rental car ahead of time relieves the stress of finding a last-minute vehicle or looking for a rental car on arrival. 

2. Choose the Rental Agency Wisely

There are plenty of car rental companies available in Puerto Rico. But you should look for one with cars at the airport and excellent customer ratings.

Some companies have cars available at the airport, while others (usually local rental agencies) do not. If you book with an agency that doesn’t offer airport rentals, you must take a short Uber to their San Juan city office.

And comparison tools, like DiscoverCars, offer real ratings and reviews of each agency so that you know you are using a reliable car rental company. 

Using a trustworthy company is crucial for an enjoyable rental experience in Puerto Rico. 

3. Check For Pre-Existing Damage

Be sure to note any existing damage to the car’s interior and take photos or videos of any scratches or dings in the exterior before driving off with your vehicle. 

Identifying these issues before you leave ensures you won’t be liable for any pre-existing damages when you return the vehicle.

4. Read the Fine Print

Before signing any paperwork in Puerto Rico, always read the fine print to understand the contract. 

Some online agencies have no hidden fees, which is why I personally use Discover Cars. 

But this is not the norm. Shady agencies will hide mileage fees, mandatory insurance, admin fees, and other liabilities in the fine print, so double-check before booking the car. 

Also, if any documents are in Spanish, ask if they have an English copy available.

5. Follow Traffic Laws

Traffic laws in Puerto Rico are very similar to mainland USA and other developed countries.

People drive on the right-hand side of the road, signs are usually in English, and the streets are generally in good condition in Puerto Rico. 

The important things to note are that driving through San Juan can be very hectic, especially during rush hour. Also, if you visit between August and October, that’s hurricane season, so you might encounter some flooding and debris that affects the road conditions.

6. Arrive with the Proper Documents 

To pick up your rental vehicle, you must arrive with a valid U.S. Driver’s license or an International Driver’s Permit (for non-U.S. citizens) 

You’ll also need a credit card in your name. Likely, this needs to be with either Visa or Mastercard. 

7. Book a Jeep Wrangler

If you have the budget, renting a jeep in Puerto Rico is a fun way to get around, and it will help you navigate any rough terrain or bumpy backroads on the island.  

Jeeps also have four-wheel drive, which is great for driving into the El Yunque Rainforest and if the weather is exceptionally wet during your visit. 

8. Fill the Tank Before Returning the Vehicle

Most car rental companies in Puerto Rico have a Full-to-Full policy. This means you will receive the car with a full gas tank and return the car the same way. 

They will charge you a fee if you return the car without filling it up. 

This fee can be much higher than what you would pay if you were to fill up the tank yourself (up to $6/gallon).

9. You Cannot Take A Rental Car on the Ferries

One of the most popular things to do in Puerto Rico is visiting Culebra Island and Vieques Island. 

Both islands have daily cargo ferries, which are only for local citizens. Nearly all car rental agencies forbid you from taking your rental car on the ferry. And if you try to book a ticket anyways, they will deny boarding at the port once they see a foreign I.D.

10. Understanding Toll Roads. 

Puerto Rico has toll roads on the highway. You can set your GPS to avoid these, but using them will get around much quicker. 

Tolls range from USD $0.35 – $5.00. 

Most rental agencies have Auto Expresso which is their version of the EZ-pass, so you don’t have to top and pay at each toll, then the total price of all the tolls is added to your rental car fee at the end of your trip.  

Ask the agency upfront to ensure you don’t get unexpected charges for these toll roads in Puerto Rico.

11. Parking Options in Puerto Rico

Street parking is generally legal in Puerto Rico unless road signs strictly prohibit it or your car is blocking traffic. Illegal parking will result in parking tickets or even impounding. 

If you stay in Old San Juan, parking garages are available for just USD $10-20 per day. 

12. Theft and Safety

Theft is not a significant problem in Puerto Rico, but it is still something to be aware of. 

Always lock your car, and don’t leave any valuables in plain sight (especially cash, laptops, and jewelry). You can stick your belongings in the trunk, center console, or glove box to discourage break-ins.

13. Download Google Maps for Offline Use

Navigating a new place can be daunting, but using GPS and mapping tools in Puerto Rico can make sure you don’t lose your way on the island. 

If you are using Google maps, you can download the map of Puerto Rico for offline use. This way, if you lose service, you can still search from restaurants, find tourist attractions, or navigate your way back to your hotel.

Requirements for Renting a Car in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico has some requirements for renting a car on the island. Here are the most important things to consider: 

• A valid driver’s license from the U.S. or an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) along with your home country’s driver’s license. 
• A credit card in the renter’s name for a fully-refundable security deposit ($100-500) 
• Minimum age of 21 (may vary by the rental company).
• Proof of insurance coverage 
• Passport (for non-U.S. citizens) 

Where to Book a Car Rental in Puerto Rico

A variety of options are available when renting a car in Puerto Rico. 

You can choose from a few local car rental agencies (such as Bella Rent a Car) or use a major multi-national company. 

I recommend using a third-party booking website to compare the prices of both local and international agencies and ensure you are getting the best deal. 

My favorite booking company to use is Discover Cars. They have great prices, no hidden fees, and offer complete insurance coverage for less than USD $7 per day. 

You can also check other comparison sites like Expedia.com, RentalCars.com, or Kayak.com. But these companies don’t have as many perks, and there are sometimes additional fees to pay when you pick up the car. 

Best Types of Cars to Rent in Puerto Rico

The best car to rent in Puerto Rico depends on your travel itinerary and your group size.

Compact Cars: If you will spend a lot of time in San Juan with you rental car or traveling as a couple, a small compact car has plenty of space, makes parking easy, and is excellent on gas mileage.

SUV: Families often rent an SUV, so there is enough space for everyone’s luggage.

Jeep Wrangler: If you are up for an adventure and plan to go off the beaten path in Puerto Rico, a popular vehicle choice is a Jeep Wrangler. 

If you want a specific kind of vehicle, it’s best to reserve your car at least one month in advance. Otherwise, some of the vehicles could sell out for your travel dates. 

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Car in Puerto Rico?

Renting a small compact car in Puerto Rico costs about USD $40 per day, and this is the most affordable option. If you plan to book a larger SUV or luxury vehicle, expect to pay about USD $60-90 per day.

Prices also fluctuate with the season. Renting a car in the summer months or during the December holidays is much more expensive than in the off-season. 

FAQs

Is it Worth It To Rent a Car in Puerto Rico?

Renting a car in Puerto Rico is worth it if you want ultimate flexibility and freedom while traveling the island. You can visit secluded beaches and parts of the mountains that tours rarely see. You can also travel at your own pace, staying as long as you’d like at each destination in Puerto Rico.  

Is Driving in Puerto Rico Difficult?

Driving in Puerto Rico is generally easy, especially on major highways, but the traffic in San Juan can be overwhelming for people not used to city driving. It is also important to check the weather as tropical storms can come suddenly and make driving more difficult. 

Can a US citizen Rent a Car in Puerto Rico?

Yes, as long as you are at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license, you can rent a car in Puerto Rico if you’re a US citizen. Puerto Rico is a US territory, and the same rules and regulations in the mainland United States also apply to Puerto Rico.

How Old Do You Have to Be to Rent a Car in Puerto Rico?

The age restrictions to rent a car in Puerto Rico depend on the rental agency. If you are 25 years or older, you will have no issues renting a car in Puerto Rico. But if you are 18-25 years old, only some companies will rent a vehicle to you, and you will most likely pay more for extra liability insurance. 

Is It Safe to Rent a Car in Puerto Rico?

Yes, it is safe to rent a car in Puerto Rico. The process is very straightforward, and your car rental will be seamless as long as you meet the Driver Requirements. Just make sure to read the fine print, drive carefully, and be a defensive driver while in the city. 

Is It Easy to Rent a Car in Puerto Rico?

It is easy to rent a car in Puerto Rico, primarily because of the high demand for rental cars in Puerto Ricoand the sheer number of car rental agencies available. It’s the easiest way to get around the island, and picking up your vehicle is usually quick and painless.  

Wrap-up

Renting a car is easily the best way to get around Puerto Rico. So, if you decide to book a rental car for your trip to the island, I guarantee you won’t regret it! 

Just make sure to compare prices on a third-party site like Discover Cars in order to make sure you are getting the best deal for your travel dates. 

You can check prices for your rental car in Puerto Rico Here! 

I hope you enjoy traveling through Puerto Rico!

If you enjoy it, check out my guide to living in Puerto Rico! And find the best hotels in San Juan here.