San Juan

When planning a trip to San Juan, you are choosing a journey into the heart of the Caribbean, where colonial history meets the dynamics of a modern resort. This lively city, which is the capital of Puerto Rico, attracts tourists with its picturesque beaches and ancient forts. Knowing how to get to San Juan will be useful for every traveler: it is easy to fly here via a direct flight, as well as reach it by car from other corners of the island.

The fastest and most popular way to arrive in the city is via air travel. The capital's main air gateway is Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), which receives many international flights and features developed infrastructure. The airport is located very conveniently and is well connected to the city, allowing tourists to quickly reach their hotel or the beach immediately after arrival.

Alternatively, if you are planning a complex route around the island, you can consider flying to neighboring cities. For example, airports are located in Ceiba (NRR) or Ponce (PSE), from where you can reach the capital by ground transport. However, for a direct visit to San Juan, the main airport remains the most comfortable and logical choice.

It is important to consider that the city of San Juan does not have a railway station, and trains are not a common method of movement across Puerto Rico. The railway network on the island is practically not used for passenger transport between cities.

Even if you are in neighboring settlements, such as Ceiba or Ponce, it will not be possible to reach the capital by rail. Tourists are recommended to choose rental cars or buses as a more reliable and accessible alternative to the train.

Bus transport on the island has its own specifics, and regular intercity liners familiar to international travelers are rarely found here. The main method of movement for locals and budget-conscious tourists is the system of públicos (shared taxis), which ply between cities but often do not have a strict schedule.

When planning a trip to San Juan, it is worth being prepared for the fact that travel time may vary. Direct routes from distant points may require transfers, so for a comfortable journey with luggage, this option requires thorough preliminary preparation.

Traveling by car is one of the most convenient ways to reach the capital, allowing you to enjoy views of the island. A trip from the city of Ceiba (about 67 km) will take you just over an hour — approximately 1.1 h. If you are driving from the southern coast, from Ponce, count on covering 115 km in 1.3 hours via express highways.

A more complex but interesting journey awaits those heading from the direction of the island of Vieques. This route, with a length of about 96 km, will take around 2.5 hours and includes a ferry crossing. A taxi or rented car in Puerto Rico offers freedom of movement, making the road to San Juan comfortable and fast.

Before a trip to San Juan, it is useful to familiarize yourself with local features so that your holiday passes as comfortably and carefreely as possible.

1. Clothing and Climate: A tropical summer reigns here all year round. Bring light clothing made of natural fabrics, comfortable shoes for walking on the cobblestones of the Old City, and definitely a raincoat or umbrella — tropical showers can be sudden but short.
2. Transport: In the old part of the city, it is better to walk. For trips over long distances, it is most convenient to use Uber or rent a car, as public transport can be unpredictable.
3. Currency: The official currency is the US Dollar (USD). Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, but having some cash with you for small purchases and tips is always useful.
4. Safety: Tourist areas, such as Old San Juan and Condado, are safe for walking. However, as in any large city, one should not leave belongings unattended or enter unfamiliar remote neighborhoods at night.
5. Language: The main language is Spanish, but English is widely spoken, especially in the service sector. Knowledge of a few basic phrases in Spanish will be received by locals with great warmth.
6. Sun Protection: The sun here is very active. The use of sunscreen with high SPF and wearing a head covering are mandatory even in cloudy weather.

Following these simple recommendations will help you focus on the main thing — enjoying the unique atmosphere and beauty of this Caribbean city.