Ceiba (J. Aponte de la Torre)

Imagine a giant runway capable of receiving a space shuttle, which now serves as a cosy gateway to a tropical paradise. José Aponte de la Torre Airport (NRR) in Ceiba is a unique example of transforming military power into tourist comfort: a former US Navy base now sends travellers to the idyllic beaches of Vieques and Culebra. There is no hustle of huge hubs here, and the flight to neighbouring islands often takes less time than waiting for a cup of coffee in a regular terminal.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

The main "highlight" of Ceiba Airport is its runway, which is over 3 kilometres long. Inherited from the "Roosevelt Roads" military station, it is one of the longest in the Caribbean, ensuring an exceptional level of safety even for small aviation. Thanks to the compact terminal, check-in and security procedures take place lightning fast — experienced tourists know that this is the quickest and most stress-free way to get to the "Spanish Virgin Islands", bypassing traffic jams and queues at the capital's San Juan airport.

For your convenience, we have collected the main contact information for José Aponte de la Torre Airport (NRR) in the city of Ceiba.

• Official Website: The airport is managed by the Puerto Rico Ports Authority (Autoridad de los Puertos de Puerto Rico) and does not have its own separate website. Official information is available on the authority's portal: www.prpa.pr.gov.
• Information Desk Phone: +1 (787) 534-4101.
• Airport Address: 350 Ave General McArthur, Ceiba, 00735, Puerto Rico.
• Email: A separate email address for general passenger inquiries is not provided. It is recommended to use the telephone for communication.
• Social Media: The airport does not have official pages on social networks.
• Lost Luggage Information: For all questions related to lost or damaged luggage, please contact your airline directly, as the carrier is responsible for it.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general information and support, you can use the main airport phone number: +1 (787) 534-4101.

José Aponte de la Torre Airport (NRR), located in the city of Ceiba, is a key transport hub for travellers heading to the islands of Vieques and Culebra. You can reach it from various points in Puerto Rico in several ways, each with its own features.

Car Rental is the most popular and convenient option for tourists. Having a car gives you the freedom to move around the entire island. The drive from the capital, San Juan, to Ceiba Airport will take approximately 1-1.5 hours depending on traffic. The route involves well-maintained toll highways. The airport offers both short-term and long-term parking. The cost of parking is moderate, making this a convenient option if you plan to leave the car for a few days while visiting the islands. There are also several private car parks near the airport.

Taxis and Private Transfers are a comfortable but more expensive method. A taxi ride or a pre-booked shuttle from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in San Juan will cost approximately $80–$120. This is a good choice for those who do not plan to rent a car. If you are already in the centre of Ceiba, a short taxi ride to the airport will cost about $10–$20 and take just 10-15 minutes. It is recommended to agree on the price with the driver in advance.

Public Transport in this part of Puerto Rico is represented mainly by shared taxis known as "públicos". This is the most budget-friendly way to travel, but it requires flexibility and time. There is no direct route to the airport, so you will likely have to travel to the town of Ceiba and take a local taxi from there. This option is suitable for experienced travellers with little luggage who are ready for an adventure. It is important to note that there is no metro or rail service in Ceiba.

Overall, for maximum convenience and independence, car rental is recommended. For those who value comfort and are travelling without a car from San Juan, the best choice would be a pre-booked transfer. For short trips from the city of Ceiba itself, a local taxi is ideal. The airport primarily serves flights to nearby islands, where Antonio Rivera Rodríguez Airport on Vieques and Benjamin Rivera Noriega Airport on Culebra are located.

José Aponte de la Torre Airport (NRR) in the city of Ceiba is a compact and convenient airport that mainly serves domestic flights connecting the main part of Puerto Rico with the islands of Vieques and Culebra. Its structure is extremely simple and intuitive, even for first-time visitors.

The airport consists of one small terminal that serves both departing and arriving passengers. Thanks to this, you do not have to worry about transfers between terminals or long navigation. All key zones — check-in counters, security checkpoints, the departure waiting area, and the baggage claim belt — are located in one building a short distance from each other. The airport layout is very simple: upon entering the building, you will immediately see the airline counters, and signs will easily guide you to the required zone.

The departure zone and arrival zone are effectively parts of the same hall. After check-in and security screening, passengers enter a small but comfortable waiting lounge with a boarding gate. Upon arrival, passengers just as quickly reach the baggage claim area, which is located near the entrance/exit of the terminal. The entire infrastructure is designed for maximally fast and convenient logistics.

Completing all formalities at Ceiba Airport usually takes significantly less time than in large international hubs. Flight check-in and security screening rarely take more than 20-30 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 60-90 minutes before departure to check in luggage and pass all procedures without rushing. Getting lost in the airport is practically impossible, making it an ideal choice for travellers who value their time and comfort.

The history of José Aponte de la Torre Airport (NRR) is unique and closely linked to the region's military past. Initially, it was not a civilian facility, but part of one of the largest US naval bases outside the continental United States — Roosevelt Roads Naval Station. The base was founded in the 1940s and played a strategic role in the Caribbean for over half a century. After its closure in 2004, the transformation of this massive facility into civilian infrastructure began.

The official opening of the civilian airport in Ceiba took place in November 2008. It was named José Aponte de la Torre in honour of the respected mayor of the city, who dedicated many years to the development of this region of Puerto Rico. Converting the former military airbase into a modern passenger terminal became a key project aimed at stimulating the local economy after the departure of the military.

A major stage in the airport's development was the transfer of all commercial flights to Vieques and Culebra islands here, which were previously operated from a small airport in the neighbouring city of Fajardo. This instantly made Ceiba Airport the main air gateway for thousands of tourists heading to these popular island resorts. As part of the modernisation, a comfortable passenger terminal and convenient parking were created, and logistics were improved, making the journey more pleasant.

One of the most interesting facts inherited from the military past is the airport's runway. Its length is over 3.3 km, making it one of the longest in the Caribbean region. Theoretically, it is capable of receiving even the largest aircraft in the world. Although today the airport mainly serves small propeller planes of local airlines, this impressive "margin of safety" remains its unique feature and a reminder of its grand past.

José Aponte de la Torre Airport in the city of Ceiba is a small regional airport primarily serving flights to the islands of Vieques and Culebra. Due to its size and specific nature, the range of services here is basic and focused on meeting the essential needs of passengers before short flights.

Dining and Shops: Inside the terminal, the selection is extremely limited. Typically, there is a small cafe or snack bar where you can buy drinks, coffee, and light snacks. There are no full-service restaurants or duty-free shops at the airport. Passengers wishing to have a substantial meal are advised to do so before arriving at the airport.

Lounges and Amenities: There are no VIP halls or business lounges at the airport. A general waiting hall is available for all passengers. You can find sockets for charging electronic devices here, although their number may be limited. Wi-Fi access may be provided, but its stability is not always guaranteed. Banking services or currency exchange points are not provided, although an ATM may be available.

Special Services: The airport is equipped to serve passengers with reduced mobility, but to receive assistance, for example, when boarding the plane, you must contact your airline in advance. There are no specialised mother and child rooms or play areas for children in the terminal. Medical assistance is limited to basic first aid supplies.

Accommodation and Business Services: There are no hotels within the airport territory itself, but various accommodation options can be found in the nearby areas of the city of Ceiba and neighbouring Fajardo. Conference rooms or business centres are also absent at the airport, which corresponds to its status as a small air harbour for local connections in Puerto Rico.

Ceiba Airport (J. Aponte de la Torre) is a small regional airport primarily serving short flights to the islands of Vieques and Culebra. Consequently, dining options here are very limited and not comparable to large international hubs. Passengers should plan their lunch or dinner in advance.

Typically, in the main and only terminal of the airport, in the public access area (before security control), a small snack bar or kiosk operates. Here you can purchase basic items for a quick bite: pre-packaged sandwiches, crisps, pastries, chocolate, as well as soft drinks, water, and coffee. The opening hours of such an establishment are usually tied to the flight schedule: it opens shortly before the first departure and closes after the last one leaves.

It is practically impossible to find specialised local dishes of Puerto Rico here. Also, do not count on a wide selection of Halal, vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options — the assortment is limited to standard snacks. Prices, as in most airports, may be slightly higher than in city cafes.

Recommendation: If you are planning a full meal, it is best to do so before arriving at the airport. You can visit one of the restaurants in the city of Ceiba or neighbouring Fajardo to enjoy authentic Puerto Rican cuisine. The kiosk at the airport is only suitable for quickly drinking a coffee or buying a bottle of water before boarding.

Travelling through José Aponte de la Torre Airport (JAT) in Ceiba is generally a quick and simple process, as it serves mainly regional flights. However, a few tips will help make your experience even more comfortable.

Arrival Time and Check-in. For domestic flights (for example, to Vieques and Culebra islands), it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1-1.5 hours before departure. This time is usually sufficient, as the airport is small and queues are rare. If possible, complete online check-in for your flight to save time.

Seat Selection on the Plane. Flights from Ceiba are often operated on small aircraft, offering stunning views from the windows. To enjoy the panorama of the Puerto Rico coastline and the Caribbean Sea, try to secure a window seat.

Hand Luggage and Baggage. Please note that stricter restrictions on the weight and size of hand luggage may apply on small regional aircraft compared to large international flights. Always check your airline's rules in advance. Otherwise, standard security rules apply: liquids in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag, and no sharp objects.

Transfers and Customs. Ceiba Airport is not a major transfer hub. Most passengers begin or end their journey here. Since the airport serves domestic flights within US territory (including all of Puerto Rico), there is no customs control here. You will not have to pass through it when flying to other islands or to the US mainland.

Saving Time and Money:

• Book tickets in advance, especially during the high season, to get the best price.
• Compare prices across different local airlines flying from Ceiba.
• Travel light with only hand luggage to avoid paying for checked baggage and waiting to collect it.
• Consider the ferry as a more budget-friendly, albeit slower, alternative to flying to the islands.

In Case of Flight Delay. Ceiba Airport has a limited range of services. In the event of a long delay, it may be more comfortable to spend time in the city itself. Be sure to have your airline's contact details to hand and monitor flight status updates online. Having a portable charger for your phone will also be very useful.