Driving in San Juan – Good to know about car hire
Driving in Puerto Rico is similar in many ways to driving in the mainland United States. Vehicles travel on the right-hand side, speed limits are posted in miles per hour, and road signs are in Spanish, but mostly follow international symbols. Rental cars from SJU are almost always automatic, and U.S. citizens do not need any special documentation to drive — your home license is valid as Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory.
Upon leaving SJU, you’ll immediately enter well-developed highways such as PR-26 and PR-22, which lead you into the heart of San Juan or toward destinations like Dorado or Arecibo. Roads in the capital and along the coast are typically well-maintained and easy to navigate, though traffic congestion during rush hours (7–9 AM and 4–6 PM) can be significant, especially on main routes and in the Old San Juan area where streets are narrow and parking is limited.
Outside the metro area, driving becomes a breeze. The island's size makes day trips feasible, and major roads like PR-52, PR-2, and PR-3 connect coastal towns and natural landmarks. However, in more rural or mountainous areas — like in Utuado or adjacent to El Yunque — roads may be narrow, winding, or affected by weather-related damage. Potholes, sharp turns, and occasional flooding are common during the rainy season, and GPS estimates may be unreliable due to slower speeds on scenic roads.
Speed limits are 25–35 mph in urban areas, 45 mph on rural roads, and 55–65 mph on highways, though actual speeds vary as drivers often go faster than posted limits. Police enforcement exists, particularly on major highways, and you should always carry your driver’s license and rental agreement.
One quirk to note: While road signage is in Spanish, fuel is priced in U.S. dollars and sold by the liter, not the gallon. Gas stations are frequent, especially in metro areas, and are mostly self-service. Payment via credit/debit cards is common, but carrying small cash can be helpful for rural stations or tipping attendants.