Best Way to Get to Puerto Rico: Travel Tips and Advice

By Steve Dez •  Updated: 01/09/24 •  12 min read

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Wondering about the best way to get to Puerto Rico?

This post will guide you through your journey – from boarding your flight to landing in one of Puerto Rico’s convenient airports.

We will help you understand how to budget for your trip, including the cost of flights.

Discover alternative routes such as ferry services from the Dominican Republic and Virgin Islands.

Learn about local transportation options in Puerto Rico for tourists, and explore San Juan through its gateway of Caribbean explorations aboard cruise ships.

Don’t miss out on island hopping experiences around nearby Culebra and other islands. Finally, immerse yourself in rich history with a visit to historical sites and cultural experiences in Old San Juan.

best way to get to puerto rico
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Getting to Puerto Rico by Air: Discovering the Most Convenient Airports and Airlines

Modern travel is all about convenience, speed, and comfort. In my experience, flying is the most convenient way to get to our destination – Puerto Rico.

You see, Puerto Rico boasts a major transportation hub in its east region that can easily be accessed via a multitude of airlines. Specifically, flights to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), the island’s main airport, service both legacy carriers and budget-friendly alternatives such as Avelo Airlines.

Alternative Airport Options

All things considered, if you’re seeking other options aside from SJU, Mercedita International Airport might be another good choice.

Budgeting Your Trip: Understanding the Cost of Flights to Puerto Rico

Now that I think about it, it’s not just about finding the right airport or airline for your Puerto Rico travel guide but also understanding costs.

Depending on your flexibility with travel dates and airline preferences (be it legacy or low-cost carriers), you can find flights typically priced between $300-$600. On a lucky day though? You can snag deals as low as $233 from the United States! Remember that when booking a trip to Puerto Rico, planning plays an instrumental role.

Exploring Alternative Routes: Ferry Services from the Dominican Republic and Virgin Islands

In any case should you find yourself in neighboring territories like The Dominican Republic or Virgin Islands; there’s old school charm waiting for you – ferry services! Ferries take off from Santo Domingo in The Dominican Republic a few times per week bound for Mayguez on Puerto Rico’s west coast.

The trip takes roughly 11 hours – but hey! Who says you can’t enjoy the journey as much as the destination?

Once you’ve made landfall on the island, several local transportation options are available to navigate your Puerto Rico vacation packages.

Renting a car is one of the fastest and cheapest ways to get around. However, if you’re not keen on driving on the right-hand side (they drive on that side here), public minibuses known as ‘públicos’ run prescribed routes during daylight hours. Lest I forget, there’s always taxis, buses, and private limousines at your disposal.

Intercity travel in Puerto Rico

By the way, exploration beyond city limits might require renting a vehicle due to limited intercity public transport options.

Cruise Ships in San Juan: The Gateway to Caribbean Explorations

The port of San Juan is something of a gateway – welcoming many cruise ships as it’s included among Caribbean ports of call for most major U.S cruise lines.

Some travelers opt for this arrival method while simultaneously enjoying other Caribbean destinations.

Island Hopping around Puerto Rico: Planning Visits to Nearby Culebra and Other Islands

If you’ve got an itch for more adventure or simply have some extra time during your visit, island hopping could be just what you need!

Visit Culebra – a bewitchingly beautiful island situated off mainland Puerto Rico via either a brief flight from one of three airports or a short ferry trip from Fajardo.

Historical Sites and Cultural Experiences in Old San Juan: A Glimpse into Rich History

Lastly, don’t miss out on an immersive experience on foot – a traditional walking tour of Old San Juan. It’s the best way to taste the area’s rich history and culture. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself for it.


Hope these traveling to Puerto Rico tips help in your planning!

best way to get to puerto rico


Planning your trip to Puerto Rico but not sure what kind of transportation suits your needs best? Before figuring out the best way to get to Puerto Rico, it’s important to be aware of safety concerns. Visit our page on “Is Puerto Rico Safe To Travel Too?” for detailed insights into travel safety in this beautiful Caribbean destination.

It’s also essential to know about the local customs and traditions before setting foot in Puerto Rico. Our post on “What Kind Of Music Do Puerto Ricans Listen To?” will give you a glimpse into the vibrant culture of this island. Experiencing local music is indeed one of the key highlights of any trip.

While you’re planning, you might wonder why many are choosing this tropical paradise as their new home. Check out our post on “Why Is Everyone Moving To Puerto Rico?” for more information. It could be its scenic beauty, friendly locals or perhaps something completely different!

Finally, make sure you read our guide on “How To Drive In Puerto Rico“. Knowing how to navigate around the island will greatly enhance your experience here, particularly if you plan on exploring beyond San Juan and want an authentic experience exploring all that this tropical paradise offers.

My Personal Take about Best way to get to Puerto Rico

Well, hello there, my fellow traveler!

You’re in luck because figuring out the best way to get to Puerto Rico is my specialty.

Now that I think about it, bypassing traditional flight booking and opting for all-inclusive cruise lines adds distinct charm and eases travel tension. Savor the sight of sparkling azure waters or sneak a nap as you float your way straight into El Morro’s timeless grandeur!

You see, ensuring an early arrival at your port of departure helps whittle down those vacation jitters plus envision dipping a toe into Rosado Beach’s warm sand or exploring Arecibo Observatory’s staggering depths while kicking back by the ship’s balcony. Conjures up quite an image, doesn’t it?

In any case, trust me when I say that choosing this hassle-free alternative breathes incredible ease into your adventure-making escapades; treating yourself to splendorous views en route beats airport lounges any day!

By embarking on this splendid journey via sea, you don’t just visit Puerto Rico; you soak up every delight from start to finish with flourishing anticipation pumping through your veins.

 
 
 
 
 
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Frequently Asked Questions about Best way to get to Puerto Rico

Before you go…

Takeaway 1: Flying is the most convenient way to travel to Puerto Rico

If you’re thinking of heading to Puerto Rico, flying is definitely the way to go! The convenience factor is off the charts. With Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) located in the east region of Puerto Rico, you’ll have plenty of options when it comes to flights. Over 20 airlines operate here, so you can choose between legacy carriers and low-cost airlines like Avelo Airlines. And if SJU doesn’t suit your fancy, Mercedita International Airport is another great choice.

Takeaway 2: Look out for deals and embrace flexibility with travel dates

Now, I know we all love a good deal. When it comes to flights to Puerto Rico, you can typically find prices ranging from $300 to $600. But here’s the kicker – deals are available! Both legacy and budget carriers offer them, so keep your eyes peeled for those sweet bargains. You might even snag a flight for as low as $233 from the United States! Of course, pricing also depends on how flexible you are with your travel dates.

Takeaway 3: Explore transportation options within Puerto Rico

Once you’ve landed in Puerto Rico (yay!), it’s time to figure out how you’re going to get around this beautiful island. Renting a car is not only one of the fastest ways but also one of the cheapest ways to get from point A to point B. Public minibuses known as “públicos” run specific routes during daylight hours and offer another low-cost transportation option – just look for license plates with “P” or “PD”. Taxis, buses, and private limousines are also available if that’s more your style. But here’s the thing – if you want to venture beyond the city limits and explore more remote areas, having your own vehicle might be necessary. Public transport options between cities are limited, so keep that in mind. Oh, and don’t forget that driving in Puerto Rico is on the right-hand side of the road!

In addition, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to visit islands like Culebra (which is just off the main island), there are short ferry trips from Fajardo or brief flights from various airports in San Juan, Isla Grande,

To learn more about transportation in Puerto Rico, check out this informative article on whether you need a car in Puerto Rico.

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Steve Dez

Also known as Richport, is a Puerto Rican creator and writer. He grew up in the island and always had a passion for writing, he wrote his first play at the age of 12 and has been creating content ever since. He's now a well-known blogger and creative who writes posts, songs and poetry that showcase his love for his roots, blending traditional stories with modern themes always with some adobo and boricua flavors in the mix.