How much to rent a car in puerto rico: Car Rentals in Puerto Rico from $29/day
Renting A Car In Puerto Rico (2023)
Renting a car is essential when visiting Puerto Rico.
If you’re looking to explore outside the San Juan metropolitan area, your best and most cost-effective option is to rent a car.
I’ve lived in Puerto Rico for 14 years, so I know that you need to rent a car to visit the best spots outside of San Juan.
In this article, I will cover everything that you need to know about renting a car in Puerto Rico:
– Is renting a car necessary in Puerto Rico?
– Is driving in Puerto Rico tricky?
– Is it safe to drive in Puerto Rico?
– Are car rentals expensive in Puerto Rico?
– How old do you have to be to rent a car in Puerto Rico?
– Where should you rent a car from?
– How do electronic tolls work?
– What is parking like in Puerto Rico?
– What are the requirements to rent a car in Puerto Rico?
– How are distance and speed measured while driving in Puerto Rico?
– What are some safety tips to remember while renting a car in Puerto Rico?
– Is it cost-beneficial to rely on Uber’s in Puerto Rico?
– Other Frequently Asked Questions
Is renting a car necessary in Puerto Rico?
Renting a car is the best way to move around the island.
Although it’s unnecessary, and you can Uber around San Juan, you’re mostly limited to the San Juan area. This all depends on what your plans are.
If you want to explore areas outside of San Juan, renting a car will be very important.
If you’re an adventurer and love to explore, rent a car when coming to Puerto Rico. You’ll have the flexibility to go wherever, whenever you want.
If you’re staying at a resort, or mainly in the San Juan metro area, you may not need a rental car to get around.
It’s also more cost-effective than always paying for a taxi when visiting long distances or even waiting for tours you booked to pick you up at their pick-up places.
There are also many places and things to do in Puerto Rico that public transportation cannot reach; therefore, renting a car allows you to break those barriers.
If you are wondering more about road tripping in Puerto Rico, read our article How Long Does It Take To Drive Around Puerto Rico?
Is driving in Puerto Rico tricky?
Driving rules in Puerto Rico are almost the same as those in the US.
But as a resident living in Puerto Rico, driving can be a bit challenging.
Turn signals are less common in Puerto Rico then other parts of the world.
Puerto Rican drivers are known for driving fast and cutting you off, so always be aware when going, especially on the highway.
You need to get insurance when renting a car in Puerto Rico.
Driving is the only way to get around in Puerto Rico. If you plan wisely, you can avoid the traffic jam and other peak hours of the days when you’ll encounter the most drivers.
Avoid driving to San Juan from 6AM – 9AM, and you want to avoid being on the road between 4PM – 7PM. Traffic jams can take up to an hour to only travel 12 miles!
Your best bet is to drive defensively and always be alert to the other drivers.
It’s common to find drivers that don’t use their turn signals, U-turns on red lights, people running the yellow light, etc.
Is it safe to drive in Puerto Rico?
Driving in Puerto Rico can be scary for foreigners.
Puerto Rico is a safe driving place if you take the necessary precautions and you’re driving by the rules.
Traffic signs are in Spanish in Puerto Rico.
However, make sure to rent a car, as driving yourself is the best way to explore the beautiful Island.
Something to remember is that Puerto Rican drivers are aggressive on the roads.
They’ll honk at you, cut in front of you, and change lanes in front of you without turn signals, you should always be on the defense.
Most of the roads in Puerto Rico are wide and paved, except for the streets in some neighborhoods up in the mountains.
But overall, It’s pretty easy and safe to drive in Puerto Rico. Most streets are in good condition; highway signs are the same as in most countries worldwide, and everyone goes on the right side of the road.
You’ll be safe if you take standard precautions and keep your eyes on the road.
Are car rentals expensive in Puerto Rico?
Car rentals can cost between $15 and $150 per day.
Although they seem affordable, prices for your rental car can increase with daily insurance fees.
Car rentals can be expensive if you don’t book far enough in advance.
If you have a credit card, they will most likely offer rental car insurance without having to pay extra. Always check with your credit card company before booking a rental car.
Other factors like auto production shortage and limited supplies can contribute to an expensive renting rate, taxes, annual inflation, and the model of the car you’re going to rent.
Make sure to bring a copy of your insurance information that contains the company name, phone number, and policy number and that you’re covered for accidents in Puerto Rico.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in Puerto Rico?
Some car rental companies like Avis, Routes, and Sixt let you rent a car at 21!
But don’t be surprised when you have to pay additional insurance fees and costs to rent a car.
Like most places in the world, your rental rates decrease with age.
On average, the minimum age to rent a car in Puerto Rico is 25.
This is because drivers under 25 are statistically more likely to be involved in auto accidents than drivers over 25, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Where should you rent a car from?
Before renting a car, you should always check with your credit card company first.
You’ll be surprised at the amount of money you’ll save with the benefits and features your credit card company provides for travelers.
There are many options for car rentals at San Juan airport, but be sure to check in advance with your credit card company for any deals they may have.
You might find a great deal, excellent insurance coverage, or even both!
Checking places like Kayak, Enterprise, Charlie Car Rental, Rentalcars.com, and other sites are fantastic car rental choices.
Remember to book your reservation from home before traveling for the best deals and ease of mind when landing in Puerto Rico.
How do electronic tolls work?
In Puerto Rico, the electronic tolling system is called “AutoExpreso.” This is familiar to the E-Z Pass if you’re from the states.
You’ll find this electronic toll system regularly on the main highways. I recommend getting it if you can pay an additional transponder fee.
AutoExpreso works similar to EZ Pass in the states.
If no option arises, then ask to add it. This will save you time and money if you’re planning on driving around the island.
Some companies include the daily rate for AutoExpreso or charge an extra fixed rate for using it.
The average prices for our AutoExpreso tolls are usually $0.75-$3.45.
You’ll benefit from getting the AutoExpreso tag as you avoid waiting in the cash lane lines. Many of the tolls need a cash lane.
What is parking like in Puerto Rico?
Parking can be a little tricky in Puerto Rico.
You can safely park your car in many parking lots when going out, but it’s not so easy in Old San Juan.
Parking in Old San Juan can be challenging.
Because the roads in Old San Juan are narrow and congested, you’re better off parking in a private parking lot than on the side of the streets, which could potentially land you a hefty ticket.
Not to mention that some on-street parking requires a permit.
Same for Condado, you’re better off parking in a private parking area and exploring on foot than driving in circles waiting for a side road parking spot to become available.
It’s best to rent the smallest car you’re comfortable in to avoid tight parking spaces.
Parking situations get more manageable when you drive outside the San Juan area. For example, you’re more likely to find more accessible parking visiting El Yunque than visiting El Morro.
Parking garages often charge by the hour and have a lot of spaces available. Plan to your destination an hour ahead if you’re looking for free parking on the street.
What are the requirements to rent a car in Puerto Rico?
There are several requirements to rent a car in Puerto Rico.
These requirements are similar to renting a car in the mainland United States.
Make sure to have your documents prepared before you arrive at the airport to avoid delays.
For one, you have to be 25 years or older. Second, you must have a valid driver’s license, and third, a credit card.
Something to consider is that your driver’s license must be older than a year. If you’re coming from an international country (outside of the US), you’ll need an international driver’s permit and driver’s license.
Some rental companies allow you to rent if you’re 21, but you’ll face extra fees.
Collision Damage insurance is optional but consider it a requirement as it covers you from damage or theft done to your rental car.
Compulsory liability insurance is obligatory to add to your rental; it helps you cover any damages you cause to other cars in case you get into an accident.
How are distance and speed measured while driving in Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico uses a mixture of imperial and metric systems simultaneously.
Distance is measured in kilometers, and car speeds are measured in miles per hour.
Speed limits are measured in miles, while distance is measured in kilometers.
If you’re from an international country, Puerto Rico uses the same traffic system as the United States.
Drivers drive on the right side of the streets, and the road signs are the same internationally but translated in Spanish.
What are some safety tips to remember while renting a car in Puerto Rico?
Some safety tips to remember while renting and driving and rental car in Puerto Rico is that the highways are in good condition.
You’ll find potholes driving through residential and town roads and especially if you’re going through the countryside.
Be sure to honk your horn when you travel around a deep curve on country roads.
Always be careful with potholes as they can cause your tires to explode or severe damage to the car (I know this happened to me a few times).
Rural streets are narrow and have steep inclines. Be sure to honk the horn to alert drivers ahead as you drive around the curves.
Always lock your car and be aware of your surroundings. Carjacking is a street crime that happens in Puerto Rico. Make sure to leave your valuables in your vehicle, especially at the beach.
The transportation department allows drivers to use red lights as stop signs between 12:00AM – 5:00AM.
Refrain from smoking in your rental car, this will cost you extra money and headaches you did not anticipate.
Is it cost-beneficial to rely on Uber’s in Puerto Rico?
If you skip renting a car and rely on Uber or taxis to get around, you may spend twice as much as renting a car.
San Juan is a tourist hot spot; there are a lot of surges during peak hours which could be close to $80 for a single ride.
Uber is not your best option in Puerto Rico.
There are also limitations to explore. Uber only works in the metro area of the Island; if you’re looking to explore the south or east coast of the island, you’re better off renting a car.
Uber is also the only ride-sharing app Puerto Rico has to offer. Other ride-sharing apps like Lyft or Juno are not in operation.
You can use Uber to move around the metro area in Bayamón, Vega Baja, San Juan, Carolina, Caguas, Cataño, Trujillo Alto, and Dorado.
FAQ section
Should you rent a car in Puerto Rico?
If you’re visiting Puerto Rico, renting a car is far more beneficial than taking taxis or Uber.
Does renting a car give you more freedom?
Renting a car in Puerto Rico allows you to explore at your own pace and time. There are a lot of limitations if you rely on public transportation or taxis.
Final thoughts
I recommend that you rent a car when visiting Puerto Rico.
Unless you’re visiting a family member that can drive you around, renting a car is your best bet.
Uber is still an option in San Juan, but keep in mind that if you want to explore the rest of the island, you can’t with Uber.
Also, you could spend twice as much using Uber due to surge fees during peak hours.
If you’re under 25, there are still some car rental companies that allow you to rent a car if you’re over 21 years old. If you’re under 21, then your best bet is to travel to Puerto Rico with someone who is over 21 that can rent a car with you.
If you’re budgeting for your trip, check out our article How Much Does A Vacation To Puerto Rico Cost.
I also recommend that you read our article How To Get Around Puerto Rico – All You Need To Know.
Finally, if you’re looking for fun activities, then check out our article 45 Best Things To Do In Puerto Rico.
Article by
Miguel Concepcion
Writer at PuertoRico.com. I’ve lived in Puerto Rico for 14 years and have experienced every inch of this stunning island. Growing up in Puerto Rico has helped me truly learn about the rich culture and extensive history this island has to offer. I share my local knowledge in all of the articles that I write.
About the author
Should I Rent a Car for Puerto Rico Travel? Here’s Why.
Gorgeous Luquillo Beach is easiest to get to by car.
Car Rental in Puerto Rico is Worth it!
All my life I’ve been a public transportation lover, but as I researched our Puerto Rico trip in the weeks before we went, a theme kept recurring: “Get a rental car!” everyone “in the know” advised.
But why? Why is having a car so essential in Puerto Rico when we’ve traveled just fine to other locations without our own vehicle?
This is how happy we felt about having a rental car in Puerto Rico.
Once Colin, traveling baby, and I arrived on the island and picked up our car rental, however, it became clear why we needed it. Here are the nine reasons you should rent a car in Puerto Rico.
1. Car Rental Gives Freedom.
There is little public transport in Puerto Rico, so if you don’t rent a car, your options are to stay in one small area, to purchase package day tours, or to muddle through the public transport that exists.
All of these are possible, but we felt so much more free and empowered in Puerto Rico with our own car.
Our trusty vehicle took us through the shockingly narrow cobblestone streets and famous Puerto Rico forts of Old San Juan to the far west coast, deep into the island’s interior, to the far east coast with zero problems.
Gazing at palm trees through the windshield as we drove through the west coast.
2. Puerto Rico Beach Access!
Puerto Rico has phenomenal beaches, and the famous ones as well as the lovely hidden ones are easily accessible by car… and a big pain to get to without one.
3. Renting a Car Enables Adventure.
Many of the most thrilling parts of our Puerto Rico trip came when we decided on a whim to pull off the road into a small town, grabbing a yummy bite to eat or sipping the milk from a freshly chopped coconut by a random beach off the tourist trail.
This was far easier since we had our own wheels. Do not underestimate the quantity of charming hidden spots all around Puerto Rico.
Touring the Bacardi House is much easier with a car!
4. A Rental Car Provides Comfort.
Puerto Rico is hot, constantly. How delicious it is to be in control of your own air conditioning in your own car! How nice not to have to load your stuff on and off of a bus, or share your space with a dozen other sweaty folks! Further, the main roads are in good condition, and even the twisty mountain ones in the interior are doable by taking it slow.
The rainforest in Puerto Rico is a must-see attraction, but did you know you can drive right into and through it, popping out of the car at various outlooks?
We took full advantage of this, since our baby is small, and we were advised that many of the hiking trails would be too slippery to take him on. Thanks to our car, we were still able to get a ton of fun out of El Yunque.
(Click this affiliate link for info on our nice hotel near El Yunque.)
El Yunque rainforest is super accessible by car.
6. Puerto Rico is the Perfect Size for Driving.
Puerto Rico is a delicious driving size. It took us just three hours to drive across the whole island the long way, so in the two weeks we had there, we were really able to explore a bunch of nooks and crannies, giving us a satisfying feeling that we were not missing out.
7. Nature is More Accessible by Car.
We adored how lush and natural Puerto Rico was, and most of the best nature is spotted on narrow side roads. Our favorite sights were the shockingly red “Flamboyant Trees,” and the lazy cows (both pictured below).
Two sights common in Puerto Rico: The red “Flamboyant” tree and cows.
8. Arecibo Observatory is a Puerto Rico Gem.
2020 update: The Arecibo Observatory has tragically collapsed! I will keep this section in this article in the hopes that it will be rebuilt.
The largest radio telescope in the world is located in Puerto Rico’s interior, down a winding series of country roads, and it is not to be missed.
It was even featured in the movies “Contact” and James Bond’s “Goldeneye!” Nearby are the famous Camuy Caves, but we didn’t get a chance to stop because of a certain baby diaper situation paired with exhaustion.
The famous Arecibo Observatory is easily accessible by car.
9. Smartphone GPS Works in Puerto Rico.
Did you know that U.S. smartphones work perfectly in Puerto Rico, with no extra fees? (At least in our experience — Double check with YOUR phone company.)
This means that Americans like us can roam around the island with no maps except for our little electronics, exploring and enjoying hither and yon. It made planning the trip and navigating a joy.
Important Note: Though we loved our Puerto Rico renal car, it’s important to remember that driving in a new place can be tricky, and PR can pose some different challenges than you’re used to.
Please use caution while navigating on the island.
We loved zipping through this tunnel of trees in our rental car.
Logistics of Puerto Rico Car Rental
Now you’re convinced to get your own wheels, right? Lovely. So what else do you need to know about car rental in Puerto Rico? First, there are a number of rental companies to choose from, all located conveniently in the airport. See the affiliate links below for resources, knowing they provide a small commission at no extra cost to you.
KAYAK has quality car deals, as does Travelocity, and Expedia.
We ended up using CarRentals.co.uk and had a good experience, though Colin was mightily disappointed that I wouldn’t allow him to blow our vacation budget on a red Mustang sports car. Our snazzy silver non-Mustang served us just fine, though, thank you very much.
So many great beaches to explore in Puerto Rico by car! This one is on the east coast.
Vieques and Culebra with a Rental Car
Second, remember that you CANNOT take a rental car from the main island on the ferry to Vieques or Culebra — you have to either rent another car on those islands or just use taxis and other forms of transport. (Click for Vieques car rental deals.) This fact totally changed our plans when we realized it at the last minute, so heed it well!
On our way to the airport, we stopped for a fresh coconut by a random beach, thanks to our car.
In Short: DO Rent a Car for Puerto Rico!
In the end, all those people who told us to rent a car in Puerto Rico were right. I can’t imagine how much tougher our trip would have been without a car, schlepping the baby and all our stuff on various buses, but I do know that I would have missed out on a whole lot of chilled coconuts that we sipped along oceanfronts the whole island long, not to mention all the other goodies listed above!
Cute country roads of Puerto Rico beckon you.
Where to Stay in Puerto Rico:
- We liked (affiliates here) this lovely San Juan hotel (click for info)
- We also enjoyed the Luquillo Sunrise Inn, just 15 minutes from El Yunque rainforest.
- For a ranking of the best hotels in Puerto Rico, click here.
- Another great option is to get a vacation rental in Puerto Rico (click for my favorite site for this).
Puerto Rico Tours and Guidebooks:
- Check out this awesome search engine for Puerto Rico tours of all kinds!
- Browse Puerto Rico travel guidebooks on Amazon.
Want more travel advice? Here are all the rest of my Puerto Rico articles. Buen viaje!
We were provided with our car by CarRentals.co.uk, but all opinions and cow rump photos are my own. Some links here are affiliates, providing a commission at no extra cost to you.
Gracias!
Lillie Marshall
The author, Lillie Marshall, is a 6-foot-tall National Board Certified Teacher of English, fitness fan, and mother of two who has been a public school educator since 2003. She launched Around the World “L” Travel and Life Blog in 2009, and over 4.2 million readers have now visited this site. Lillie also runs TeachingTraveling.com and DrawingsOf.com. Subscribe to her monthly newsletter, and follow @WorldLillie on social media!
Car rental in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico
Cheap prices from over 900 car rental suppliers
Home / Puerto Rico / Mayaguez, Puerto Rico
Car rental prices – Mayaguez
Compare car rental prices of various rental classes from the most reliable suppliers in Mayaguez.
Most
cheap car rental offer for all car rental classes available in Mayaguez,
allocated
red.
from€25. 54 | from€24.13 | from€28.35 | from€53.78 |
Best car rental companies – Mayaguez
Car rental agencies in Mayaguez can vary greatly not only in terms of variety
provided
vehicles and the terms of their rental, but also according to the average ratings of our previous customers.
Mayaguez has a huge selection of car rentals. Car classes that can be rented
in Mayaguez, range from
Standard, Minibuses, SUVs, 7-seater up to
.
Car rental locations near Mayaguez
To find the best car rental deals in Mayaguez, you need to check the offers not only
In one place
receipt and return.
Check out car rental deals in other nearby locations: airports,
at railway stations, ports and city centres.
Mayaguez – fleet overview
With a large number of car rental suppliers in Mayaguez, the fleet is represented
huge
variety of different vehicles. Please use the table below to better understand
which vehicle suits you best based on your specific requirements.
| Car rental class | Best for | Possible car rental models |
|---|---|---|
| Mini | Relatively short trips without much luggage | Smart, Fiat 500, Hyundai i10, Citroen DS3, Opel Adam or similar. |
| Economy | People who are looking for cars with less fuel consumption | Chevrolet Spark, Mitsubishi Mirage or similar. |
| Compact | Travelers who prefer cheap car rentals | Hyundai Accent, Nissan Versa or similar. |
| Medium | For those who need a great combination of price and comfort when renting a car | Nissan Sentra or similar |
| Standard | Comfortable travel with a group of up to 5 passengers at an affordable price | Audi A4 or similar. |
| Full size | Those who are looking for powerful cars with lots of space | Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Camaro or similar. |
| 7-seat | Groups of people who need more space than is available in the usual 5-seater. | Dodge Caravan, Toyota Sienna or similar. |
| Minibuses / 9-12 seats | Family trips or trips with a large number of passengers and cargo | Mercedes Viano, Mercedes Sprinter or similar. |
| Premium | Business travel and car rental for important occasions | Buick Lacrosse, Lincoln MKS or similar. |
| SUVs | Travelers who like to feel like a boss both on and off the road | Toyota Rav4, Audi Q5 or similar. |
| Luxury / Exotic | People looking for a first-class driving experience despite the price | Bentley, Rolls Royce, Ferrari or similar. |
| Convertibles | Traveling in warm sunny weather and feeling free | Ford Mustang Convertible, Chrysler 200 Convertible or similar. |
Frequently Asked Questions – Rent a Car in Mayaguez
How to rent a car in Mayaguez?
Enter the required place of collection and place of return in the search form and select the required date
and rental time. Once you receive your search results, you can filter them by
preferred criteria.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Mayaguez?
Car rental prices in Mayaguez vary
from €24.
13 per day
up to €103.21 per day depending
from the desired model, location and rental options.
Where is the cheapest car rental in
Mayaguez?
The cheapest car rental in Mayaguez can be found in Mayaguez. Prices
on
car rentals start from €24.13 at this location.
What is the most popular car you can rent
to Mayaguez
?
The most frequently rented car in Mayaguez by our customers is
This is the Ford Escape. Price
starts at €53.78 in Mayaguez.
What is the most popular car rental class
in Mayagüez?
is the rental class
the most frequently chosen car among our customers in Mayaguez.
The cheapest in Mayaguez
is a Ford Focus.
Its price starts
from €24.13 to
day.
Can I pay for my car booking with a debit card at
Mayaguez?
Yes, you can use a debit card to pay for your online booking. However, upon receiving
car you will need a credit card in the name of the main driver to pay the deposit
for car rental.
Can someone else besides me drive my rented
automobile?
This will be possible if you select the additional driver option during
online booking. In most cases, this is a paid option, payment for which is charged on
car rental desk.
Can I book a specific car model during
booking?
Yes, offers that include specific car models are marked with
“Guaranteed Vehicle Model” on the search results page.
Do I have to buy additional insurance for car rental in
Mayaguez?
If you are not going to buy full coverage insurance, it is advisable to purchase
insurance that can cover your deposit. You will need to provide rental companies
a credit card with sufficient funds needed for the car deposit. But,
if a withdrawal occurs, the insurance company will cover the costs.
You can purchase this type of insurance when you book your car rental online on our
site.
prices from 9 euros per day, without deposit and franchise
Use the search form to rent a car in Carolina.
No hidden fees and the final price is immediately on the site.
You can also find the contact details of the rental points and get acquainted with the working hours,
car prices and current promotions.
Our aggregator allows you to rent a car in Carolina for any purpose. Compare the current cost of car rental in the Carolinas, select the nearest pick-up point and apply online or dial the phone number.
Standard vehicle rental includes insurance premiums and tax payments for Puerto Rico. But besides this, you can take out a full package of insurance for a rented car, connect free cancellation, roadside assistance, install additional equipment, and so on.
You can rent a car near the airport, railway stations, directly in the city and other locations – they are marked on the map, at the bottom of the page. The companies below have all the necessary licenses and are located in almost every country, so do not worry about being scammed. You can rent a small car, minivan or crossover, up to a truck. By renting a car in advance, you do not have to wait for paperwork on the spot, the whole process will take no more than a couple of minutes. Do not break the rules of the road in the Carolinas, do not drive fast, park where it is allowed – then a trip to Puerto Rico will bring you only positive emotions.