Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
San Juan
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
San Juan
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
San Juan
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
San Juan
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
San Juan is a vibrant city with a rich history and stunning coastal scenery. While public transportation is available, renting a car offers the freedom to explore the island at your own pace. Discover hidden gems, secluded beaches, and historical landmarks with ease.
Explore Beyond the City. San Juan is a great starting point, but Puerto Rico has so much more to offer. A rental car allows you to visit destinations like El Yunque National Forest, the bioluminescent bays, and the charming towns along the coast.
Flexibility and Convenience. Public transport schedules can be limiting. With a rental car, you can create your own itinerary and visit attractions when it suits you best. This is especially helpful for families with children or travellers with specific interests.
Access to Remote Beaches. Some of the most beautiful beaches in Puerto Rico are not easily accessible by public transport. A rental car gives you the freedom to discover these hidden paradises and enjoy a more secluded beach experience.
Before booking a rental car in San Juan, it's crucial to understand the local regulations and requirements. This ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience during your trip.
Area
199.4 square kilometres (77 square miles)
Population
Approximately 342,000 residents
Time Zone
Atlantic Standard Time (AST), UTC-4
Ideal for
Island exploration
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in San Juan require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license from your country of residence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English or Spanish. A passport is also typically required.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included in the rental price, but additional coverage options like collision damage waiver (CDW) are available. A security deposit is typically held on the renter’s credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary. Some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies also vary, but many require returning the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional extras like GPS and child seats.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42
Electric:
from £16 / $20 / €19
Classic:
from £8 / $10 / €9
Executive:
from £25 / $31 / €30
7 Seater:
from £29 / $36 / €35
Automatic:
from £16 / $20 / €19
SUV:
from £8.50 / $11 / €10
Peak season (December to April): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (May to November): Often come with discounts
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Finding the right car rental in San Juan involves a few simple steps. Following these tips can help you secure the best deal and ensure a smooth rental experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering the number of passengers and luggage.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements carefully.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and passport when collecting your rental.
San Juan is a captivating blend of history, culture, and modern life. Exploring the city and the island is best done with an understanding of local traffic rules and parking regulations.
As the capital of Puerto Rico, San Juan is a vibrant city with a rich colonial history and stunning beaches. While the city offers various attractions, renting a car allows you to explore the entire island. Venture beyond San Juan to discover El Yunque National Forest, the bioluminescent bays, and the charming coastal towns. However, driving in San Juan requires awareness of traffic conditions and parking availability. Before you start your journey, understanding local traffic laws, fuel station locations, and parking regulations ensures a smooth and stress-free experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Old San Juan
Explore the historic district with its colourful buildings, cobblestone streets, and historic forts.
El Yunque National Forest
Hike through the lush rainforest and discover waterfalls and diverse flora and fauna.
Bioluminescent Bays
Experience the magical glow of microorganisms in Mosquito Bay, Laguna Grande, or Fajardo.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use parking garages in Old San Juan and Condado for secure parking options.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available but may be limited, especially in popular areas.
Park & Ride
Consider parking outside the city centre and using public transport for easier access.
Gas Stations in San Juan
Major Brands Available
Find gas stations from major brands like Puma, Gulf, and Shell throughout the city and on highways.
Refuelling Tips
Refuel before heading to remote areas to ensure you have enough fuel for your journey.
Use Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby gas stations in real time.
Useful Tips for Visiting San Juan
Watch for Pedestrians
Stay alert for pedestrians, especially in Old San Juan and Condado.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours (7:00 AM–9:00 AM / 4:00 PM–6:00 PM) when roads are often congested.
Carry Local Currency
Have some US dollars in cash for tolls, parking, and small purchases.
Respect Local Traffic Laws
Adhere to speed limits and traffic regulations to avoid fines.
Major Bus Stations
Terminal de Carros Públicos de Río Piedras
Serves various destinations throughout the island.
Railway Stations
Tren Urbano Stations
Connects various points within the metropolitan area.
Airports
Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU)
Located approximately 5 kilometres (3 miles) from downtown San Juan, it is the main airport in Puerto Rico.
Renting a car in Puerto Rico is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road. Here’s what you’ll need
If you're a US resident, your standard license is sufficient. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though some may charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
A valid card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies only accept credit cards for deposits.
A passport or another form of identification may be required for international renters
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.
Learn more about our Content Quality Standards
This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as San Juan as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Perfect spontaneous weekend! Getting around San Juan with a car was a breeze; exploring Old San Juan and the beaches was effortless.
David Lee
Reviewed: 06.06.2025
Pretty chill, easy going.
Maria Garcia
Reviewed: 21.08.2024
Back in San Juan after ages, and it was even better than I remembered! Having a car made exploring so much easier, from the beaches to Old San Juan. Highly recommend!
Evelyn Reed
Reviewed: 05.10.2024
Pretty chill vibe.
Kevin Wilson
Reviewed: 28.06.2025
Pretty relaxed vibe.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 03.01.2025
Such a fun, quick getaway! Having a car made exploring Old San Juan and the beaches so easy. Highly recommend a weekend trip.
Amelia Hernandez
Reviewed: 21.12.2024
© 2025 RentyCars. All rights reserved.
San Juan was amazing! Exploring the forts and beaches with our rental car was so convenient. The food was incredible, although the souvenir shops felt a little tourist-trap-y.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 30.05.2025