Uber in Puerto Rico: The Ultimate Guide for Travelers
Are you wondering if there is Uber in Puerto Rico? Then, I have the answer for you and all the information you need regarding transportation options for your upcoming trip to the island!
Transportation is an essential part of planning a successful vacation or trip. And with good reason – getting around a new place can be difficult and expensive, especially if you visit an unfamiliar destination.
This article is a guide that details everything you need to know about Uber in Puerto Rico.
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Is There Uber in Puerto Rico?
Yes, there is most definitely Uber in Puerto Rico! And it is an easy, cheap, and convenient option for tourists in the San Juan area.
Since Puerto Rico is part of the United States, Uber is familiar to most Americans visiting the island. Therefore, there is no difference between using the app in the states vs. in Puerto Rico.
If you are in the early stages of planning your trip, you may want to check out my 4-Day Puerto Rico Itinerary. It will help make sure your trip is epic!
It is a great way to save money because you won’t need to rent a car. But, of course, this only applies if you stay in the San Juan area.
Uber is limited and practically non-existent in other parts of the island outside of San Juan, so you will want to consider this in advance. In addition, you will need a car rental if you explore different parts of the island.
Is Uber Safe in Puerto Rico (+ Safety Tips)?
Puerto Rico is a safe place to travel. I have never had an issue using Uber in Puerto Rico. But, of course, the same risks elsewhere in the world will exist in Puerto Rico. So, always be vigilant, but you will find that most drivers are pleasant.
As a precaution:
- I always recommend checking that the license plate on the car that arrives to pick you up matches the license plate listed in the app.
- I always use Uber’s safety features and send my location to my partner or a friend.
- I also try to be mindful of where I wait for my Uber to arrive and avoid standing around desolate areas.
Overall, you should not encounter any safety issues when traveling via Uber in Puerto Rico.
How to Use Uber in Puerto Rico
You can use Uber the same way you use your app at home. However, if you are a new user, you will want to download the app and make sure you enable your location services.
To request a ride:
- Open the app
- Type your Destination in the area that says “Where to?
- On the right-hand side, it will say “now.” If you want to schedule a ride in advance, click that and change the day or time.
- You will then select from a list of vehicles and prices.
- Tap “Choose” once you have selected a car.
Once your ride is accepted, the app will notify you of the driver’s estimated arrival time.
Keep your ringer on because your driver may call or text you if they have trouble finding you at the pick-up location.
Can I Use My Phone to Access the Uber App in Puerto Rico?
Yes, you can use your phone in Puerto Rico. Phone plans from the states usually have no issues operating on the island, especially if you are an AT&T or T-Mobile customer.
You should check before going, but typically, you will not run into any issues.
What Kind of Cars are Available?
- Uber X (Standard option)
- Uber Comfort (Usually higher-rated cars and drivers)
- Uber XL (Allows up to 6 passengers, roomier cars)
- Uber Black (Luxury vehicles)
- Taxi
Where Does Uber Work in Puerto Rico?
Uber operates mainly in the San Juan area. You may be able to find some rides further out, but this is only sometimes reliable.
I am part of a Facebook Puerto Rico Travelers group and frequently hear of tourists getting stranded. You will find a ride to take you to a far-out destination, but it will be much harder to find a ride back to San Juan.
It is not worth the stress, and I advise anyone leaving the San Juan metro area to avoid using Uber outside of the city.
Is there Uber at the Airport in Puerto Rico?
When you arrive on the island at the Luis Muñoz Marin Airport in Carolina, you can easily use the Uber app to request a ride, just like you do in the states.
In addition, you can use the app to request a taxi in Puerto Rico.
If you are staying in San Juan, this is a convenient way to get to your hotel when you arrive at the airport. Avoiding traffic and parking lot fees while exploring the city is also helpful.
Suppose you plan to leave the San Juan Area. You will need to arrange other transportation options to visit popular tourist attractions, like hiring a car service or using one of the many car rental companies on the island.
Using Uber in Old San Juan
When you stay in or visit Old San Juan, Uber is the preferable mode of transportation. Using Uber is your best bet to avoid paying for parking and traffic (especially on the weekends).
Uber drivers are always available in this part of the city. You can expect the car to arrive shortly after you request a ride through the app.
You can also find a cab this way. Uber and cabs are usually around the same price, and you can pay your driver on the app.
If you are arriving by ship, you can request a ride from the cruise ship piers/cruise port. But if you are not, you can access Uber from anywhere in this part of the city.
If you are a traveler on a budget, this mode of transport will save you both time and money.
Can I take an Uber to El Yunque Rainforest?
You will most likely be able to find a ride from San Juan to the rainforest via Uber, but finding an Uber to bring you back may be impossible, and you may get stranded.
To visit El Yunque Rainforest, you need to join a tour that provides transportation or have your own vehicle.
If you decide to take a rental car, the rainforest is very easy to navigate using your GPS. Once you arrive, there is one main road that is paved and safe to drive on. This road has all the stops for scenic outlooks, hiking, and waterfalls.
If an Uber dropped you off, it would be challenging to explore on foot. Therefore, you will need a car rental.
How Much Does Uber in Puerto Rico Cost?
Uber in Puerto Rico costs way less than what I pay for a typical ride in the New York City area. Granted, I live where Uber is an expensive way to get around.
It is fair to expect to pay comparable or even less than what you may pay in your home city.
I have used Uber all over San Juan, and the only time it seemed a bit expensive (around $30) was going from the far end of Isla Verde (close to Ocean Lab Brewing) to Old San Juan late at night.
Usually, most rides have cost me no more than $10 per ride to get around! Even rides from the airport to Condado were about $12-15!
Remember that Uber prices in all cities throughout the world; fluctuate depending on demand and other factors.
Access the Uber price estimator here to help plan your travel costs!
Tipping Your Uber Driver
You can tip an Uber driver with cash or through the app. If you choose to use the app, you will get a prompt to rate the ride once the ride has ended. Then, you can submit a tip using your selected payment method.
Tipping is optional, and 100% of your tip goes to the driver when you use the app to tip. You have up to 30 days after the ride to tip your driver.
How Long Does Uber Take in Puerto Rico?
When you request a ride/Uber in Puerto Rico, it usually takes a short time to arrive. Uber drivers are always around the area of the Luis Muñoz Marin Airport and throughout the metropolitan area.
When in San Juan, I requested Ubers in the morning, during the day, and at night, and it only took 8-10 minutes for my driver to arrive.
Even when I requested an Uber to the airport at 2 am for an early morning flight, I was impressed by how quickly the driver arrived. We were at the airport quickly and without issue, despite requesting an Uber in the middle of the night.
There are some areas on the outskirts of the city where it may take a bit longer. It depends on the time of day and where you request a ride from or to, but if you stay in San Juan, you will find it super easy to get an Uber.
Just keep in mind how long you need to go and if you are requesting an Uber super late or early. You may have to wait longer for your driver than usual hours under these circumstances.
Alternatives to Using Uber in Puerto Rico
Is there Lyft in Puerto Rico?
There is only Uber in Puerto Rico. Though there is no Lyft currently, many Uber drivers and taxi drivers are available to give you a ride in the metro area of Puerto Rico.
Taxis
Are there Taxis in Puerto Rico?
Yes, there are taxis. Taxis are available at most hotels and any airport. You can also request one on the Uber app.
Are Taxis Cheaper than Uber in Puerto Rico?
Taxi prices in Puerto Rico are competitive with Uber and are often similarly priced to an UberX.
I love that Uber has taxis available on the app. Riders can request cabs on the app and find the cheapest transportation option since taxi drivers can compete with Uber.
Renting a Car through an Agency or Car-Sharing Service
Car Rental
You will find most national car rental companies at the airport in San Juan. There are also local car rental companies.
Most hotels have parking lots, so you can rent a car for day trips and use Uber while sightseeing in San Juan. Renting a car will give you the freedom to explore the whole island.
Renting a car in Puerto Rico is easy, but it is not always the cheapest way to get around.
Car-Sharing
Another option that will typically cost less than a rental car is to use a car-sharing service.
These companies allow people from Puerto Rico living on the island to rent their cars. Check out Turo or Aqui Coqui (local and veteran-owned) for more about this option.
I chose this option and used Aqui Coqui on my last trip, it was fantastic!
What is it Like to Drive in Puerto Rico?
I love taking road trips in Puerto Rico, and I know you will. Roadtrips and day trips are the only way to see the whole island since Uber is hard to rely on outside the metro areas.
It is safe to drive in Puerto Rico. The best part is that your phone will work, and you can use navigation apps like Google Maps!
The only thing to be aware of is that road conditions may vary in rural mountain areas of the island. Many narrow roads can seem intimidating, but they are worth the ride.
If you can stomach it, there is nothing like a ride through the countryside. The views are beautiful, and there is much to do outside San Juan!
You will also find some of the best roadside foods. For example, I recently ate some of the best pineapples I have ever had from the side of the road in Arecibo!
Is renting a car better than using Uber in Puerto Rico?
The better option depends on what you plan to do while in Puerto Rico. As I have mentioned, Uber is your absolute best option if you stay in San Juan.
Using Uber in San Juan will help you avoid the traffic in the city and the price of parking at your hotel or lots throughout the city.
If you plan to leave San Juan, you must consider other options. Many tourists have gotten an Uber or taxi to take them to places outside the city and end up stranded with no Uber to pick them up and bring them back.
When planning your trip, consider the cost of uber v. rental cars (including hidden fees and rental insurance) and where you plan to be during your trip.
The total cost of a rental car may be more than Uber throughout your trip. If you want to explore Puerto Rico outside of the San Juan area, you need a vehicle.
Can I use Uber Eats in Puerto Rico?
There is Uber Eats in Puerto Rico, which is available to deliver to hotels or your Airbnb. Another local company similar to Uber Eats is Dame Un Bite.
Both companies will allow you to order food from local restaurants, and a driver will deliver it to you. No need to leave the comfort of your vacation accommodation!
Wrap-Up: Uber in Puerto Rico
I hope this article has helped you understand more about getting around Puerto Rico. I know how stressful it can be for tourists to arrive at an airport and have to figure out transportation options.
Uber in Puerto Rico is easy, safe, cheap, and a great alternative to a rental vehicle when staying in San Juan. Make sure to download the app, and you will be ready to request a ride once you arrive at the airport.
Whether you use Uber, rent a car, or request a taxi, you will have a great time visiting Puerto Rico. So enjoy your trip to Puerto Rico!