Getting Around By Car, Plane or Bus in Puerto Rico
Public transportation in Puerto Rico is not always reliable. Buses and trains do not run on scheduled routes so planning ahead isn’t always possible. Most visitors use rental cars as a form of transportation in Puerto Rico as this is an easier way to get around. However this form of transport can be harrowing at times due to traffic congestion. Puerto Rico also has a number of harbors, ports and airports throughout the island and this makes more forms of transportation available.
Rental Car
If you are planning to travel in Puerto Rico by rental car, there are some things you should remember. Firstly, rush hour in all the cities is slow moving and at times very frustrating, so it is important to factor this in when making traveling plans. While road signs are clearly marked, the distances between or to destinations are marked in kilometers. Speed limits, one the other hand, are indicated in miles per hour. Puerto Rico has eight major freeways or highways that are used by locals and tourists, such as the PR1 between Ponce and San Juan used mostly by tourists, the PR2 connecting Ponce, Arecibo, Aguadilla and Mayagues and the PR 3 or 65th Infantry Avenue that is now mostly used as a scenic route. The PR 22 is the main route between Hatillo and San Juan and the PR52 is one of the worlds’ busiest freeways. Taxis are also available but tend to be somewhat expensive.
Publicos
Another very popular form of transport that is used while traveling in Puerto Rico are the Publico. This is essentially a shared taxi and it can be booked a day in advance. Publicos do take a little longer to reach their destination, as they are constantly stopping to collect or drop off passengers, but it is one of the cheaper options.
By Air
Puerto Rico also has a few airports scattered across the island and there are many charter flights available from the smaller airlines. In total there are thirty airports in Puerto Rico. Twenty-one of them have paved runways and the other nine are unpaved.
By Sea
There are also quite a few harbors and ports in Puerto Rico but they focus largely on commercial sea traffic for cargo imports and exports. Visitors will be able to board ferries when traveling between destinations such as Catano and San Juan or between Coffin Island and Ponce. Private marinas, which can accommodate yachts and boats, are found in certain locations. The two largest marinas are situated in Ponce and in Fajardo.
Traveling in Puerto Rico can be a fascinating and enjoyable experience if travelers research their options according to their needs. It is recommended that travelers take a moment to consider the different forms of transport available between destinations on arrival before deciding on a particular mode of transport.
