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SAN JUAN FAQ'S

How do I get from the airport to my hotel?

The Luis Munoz Marin International Airport is the largest and most accessible airport in Puerto Rico. Located in Isla Verde district the airport is also known as the San Juan Airport SJU, situated 7.5 miles away from downtown San Juan. There are taxis, buses and rental cars available at the airport. The other major airport in San Juan is the Fernando Ribas Dominicci Airport, located across from the San Antonio Creek in the Isla Grande district. This airport only services a few domestic flights along with general aviation aircraft and charter flights.

What types of transportation can I find at the airport?

If you have not booked a private transfer through us then your options are taxi, bus, or rental car to reach your destination. The AMA bus is available to connect you to the several destinations in the city, buses operate from 5:00 am until 9:00 pm Monday through Friday and 6:00 am until 8:00 pm on Saturday and holidays. There are three bus stops at the airport found on the second level of the Main Terminal Building in Terminal A, D, and E. Bus fares cost around $0.75, making it the cheapest option, but also the slowest. There are several routes available.

A taxi from the airport to downtown San Juan takes around 20 minutes. Taxi stands are located at different areas outside of the Main Terminal Building; Terminal A - outside the baggage claim area, Terminal B - outside the baggage claim area of Terminal B and C. The price varies depending on your final destination, Isla Verde is zone 2 and costs approximately $12, Condado, Santurce, Miramar, and Ocean Park is zone 3 is around $17, Old San Juan and OSJ Cruise Pier is zone 3 costs about $21, and zone 5 makes several stops with the cost ranging from $15-$20.

There are several international named rental car companies found at the airport including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and many more. The rental car companies are located on the first level of the multi-story parking garage.

How do I get around the city using public transportation?

The Metropolitan Bus Authority is the main bus operator in the greater San Juan area with bus stops located all over the city, marked by yellow signposts that say `parada`. The bus services in San Juan are cheap, comfortable, and reliable with fares costing around $1.50. Public buses are known as `guaguas` in Puerto Rico. There are extensive routes throughout the city out to the beaches with consistent schedules. Routes that originate in San Juan (5, 9,21, and 53) depart near the cruise ship terminal.

Tren Urbano is San Juan`s Urban Train, a metro system featuring 16 stops spread across 10.7 miles and can be caught in the city center and travels to outlying towns such as Corazon, Sagrado, Santurce, and Bayamon.

The Old San Juan neighborhood offers a free trolley service Monday through Friday from 7:00 am until 6:00 pm and 9:00 am until 7:00 pm on the weekends with trolleys departing every 15 minutes. The trolley allows travelers to get to popular attractions in the Old City. There are marked/numbered trolley stands found throughout the city with three different routes offered and two trolley options to choose from; an open-air or two-car trolley, or enclosed, bus type trolley with a/c.

How do I get around by ferry in San Juan?

A daily ferry service named the Catano Ferry (La Lancha de Catano) operates daily services between Old San Juan and the town of Catano. Ferries are inexpensive and pretty reliable. San Juan is a massive cruise ship port and the country is served by several international cruise companies like Carnival, Celebrity, Disney, and Royal Caribbean. There is a passenger ferry from Fajardo on the east coast out to the islands of Culebra and Vieques, the journey takes an hour and 15 minutes. Sailing tours in San Juan are a very popular pastime and a great way to see the beautiful waters and the sights of the city from the coast. There are private charters available as well as public cruises.

Should I rent a car in San Juan?

If you wish to explore more of Puerto Rico, renting a car is a must to be able to travel around and see major cities and attractions. There are no intercity trains available in the country and the intercity buses are slow and uncomfortable. However, you will not need a car if you are just staying in San Juan as there are plenty of options for getting around the city with public transportation. A car can be more of a nuisance in the city with heavy traffic and expensive and sometimes impossible parking.

How do I call/hail a taxi?

Taxis are convenient in the city of San Juan and can be found almost everywhere including outside the airport, cruise ship port, outside hotels, and popular attractions. Taxis operate on a flare rate system in the city, which can benefit passengers if there are long traffic jams. There are set fees from the cruise ship ports to set destinations with prices ranging from $7-$20 to reach Old San Juan, Condado, and Isla Verde.

Is San Juan a walking city?

Yes walking around certain parts of San Juan such as Old San Juan is best explored on foot. There are several walking tours offered in the city. Walking around Old San Juan is a treat with the authentic cobblestone streets and ancient architecture along with dining and shopping options around every corner. Walking around the beautiful beach areas such as Condado, Isla Verde, and Ocean Park makes for a great experience and makes it easy to connect to the resort areas with beaches, restaurants, and shops found on foot.

Can I ride a bike in San Juan?

Renting a bike in Old San Juan is a popular activity with several places available and a bike costing around $27 a day. There are designated cycling lanes in San Juan placed along scenic routes that are a breeze to ride along allowing access to different attractions, neighborhoods, and beaches.

Is San Juan a dangerous city, is there anything I should be aware of?

The city of San Juan is a safe destination to travel to, the neighborhoods of Old San Juan, Santurce, Parque de las Palomas, Condado, Miramar, Isla Verde, Santa Teresita, Ocean Park, Hato Rey, Pinones, and Rio Piedras are safe during the day and night. Puerto Rico has a lower violent crime rate than most US states including California, New York, Washington, and Texas. San Juan`s crime rate is well below the national average. Petty crime can be the main problem, so it's recommended that you stay aware when out exploring and sightseeing as pickpockets are common.

What are some popular areas for shopping?

The city of San Juan is a shopper's dream destination and home to Plaza Las Americas, the largest shopping mall found in the Caribbean. The city boasts tons of different shopping opportunities including department stores, outlets, small local shops, chain retailers, unique boutiques, malls, and more.

The Plaza Las Americas is the mega mall situated in the financial district of the Hato Rey district boasting over 300 stores selling anything and everything along with a plethora of dining options, a full Cineplex, bowling, and art galleries. This glitzy modern complex is quite beautiful decorated by fountains and sculptures, and architecture.

Condado`s Ashford Avenue is the equivalent of Rodeo Drive, with beautiful boutiques and interesting shops lining the upscale avenue. There are also fine dining options, luxury hotels, art galleries, local designers, and more. Stores featured here include Mademoiselle, Nono Maldonado, 1054 Ashford Avenue along some of the most luxurious brand names in the world.

The authentic cobblestone streets of Old San Juan lead to some of Puerto Rico`s best shopping. There are high-quality jewelers, excellent art, great quality clothing boutiques such as Custo Barcelona by Lisa Cappalli and Guayabera shirts for men found at Clubman. The streets of Calle Fortaleza, Calle San Francisco, and Calle del Cristo are the major venues for shopping in Old San Juan, shops are now free to be open except between 6:00 am and 11:00 am on Sunday mornings.

What is the language spoken in San Juan?

The official language spoken in San Juan is Spanish and English, many people speak English especially in the service industry at hotels and restaurants. We recommend you get a good English-Spanish guidebook and learn common phrases such as hello, goodbye, please, thank you, and numbers 1-10.

What is the best time to visit San Juan?

San Juan boasts a tropical monsoon climate with year-round warm daily average annual temperatures of 79.9 degrees. The temperatures do soar into the 90s during the wetter summer months and the temperatures can drop to 60 during the winter months. The driest time of year is January - March, November is the wettest month, June is the warmest month and February is the coldest month.

What is the currency? Can I pay/tip in US dollars?

The unit of currency in San Juan is the United States Dollar. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand upon arrival. Currency exchange desks and ATM's can be found at the airport and many locations throughout the city.

What is the food like?

The food in San Juan is out of this world!! So many restaurants and eateries to check out and so much food to try! Famous Mofongo is said to be the best Puerto Rican food and there are so many different options to try, the mashed up dish made of fried green plantains seasoned with garlic and stuffed with vegetables, chicken, shrimp, steak and pork, it is so good!! The food scene in San Juan is vibrant and varied with Spanish, African, and French influences blended, the city is a food lover's dream. There are local authentic traditional restaurants, colorful eclectic restaurants, upscale dining experiences, high-class dining, beachside dining, trucks, and shacks where delicious food and tasty drinks can be enjoyed in the city.

What is the nightlife like?

San Juan has a very lively and colorful nightlife to offer, home to the Pina Colada, and a city filled with so many different options for where to spend an evening out on the town. There are beachside bars, restaurants, and other venues boasting sunset views and exotic tropical cocktails where visitors can sit back with their feet in the sand and soak up the atmosphere. There are cosmopolitan lounges, sophisticated piano and jazz bars, rooftop terraces, alfresco dining, and more elegant spaces found all over San Juan. There is an exceptional selection of things to do on an evening in San Juan including dancing, drinks with stunning backdrops, live music, and sundowners. Plaza del Mercado in Santurce is a lovely place to be after dark with alfresco bars and cafes set in a beautiful square, this can be a popular place to gather at night. Numero Uno Beach Bar is found in Ocean Park, one of the beach resort areas offering a classy cocktail menu and set right on the soft sands. The opportunities are endless for a great night out in San Juan.

What should I do if I need medical assistance or need to go to the hospital?

In case of an emergency dial 919 for an ambulance or fire, 911 for the police.

Hospital:

Doctors` Center Hospital tel. 787-999-7620

San Juan City Hospital tel. 787-480-2700