Hotlanta

My husband and I are going to Puerto Rico for 10 days in Aug. We would prefer not to rent a car, but we can if we need to. We don't mind taking taxi's between major towns, but does anyone know how expensive that would be? We are planning on visitng Old San Juan, Fajardo, El Yunque, Vieques and maybe Ponce.

Ramjet

Hotlanta (we are here too): Wife and I stayed in San Juan and rented car while we were there. It was a good idea as far as getting around was concerned (we drove to Old San Juan, El Yunque and to a couple of beaches). But let me tell you driving in Puerto Rico is far different than in the states! The roads are not as wide or as good a condition as they are here. Now don't get me wrong, we had a great time while we were there; but the drivers, Oh My! I will give drivers there some credit, they are some of the best drivers I have ever seen, but they drive FAST and CLOSE! We even encoutered traffic jams and MANY motorcycles were driving in between cars at a high rate of speed. Like I said, I give them credit, I didn't witness any accidents but that was some of the craziest driving I have ever witnessed and I'm from Atlanta city and have been her all my life (49 years).

rqf

There isn't any town to town bus or train service in Puerto Rico. The Publico (public car) is how you travel from town to town. I don't know current costs but it is not expensive. The publico is usually a van and traveling with luggage can be a nuisance If you are staying in the San Juan area a car is not needed to get to Old San Juan. You could get there by bus or taxi. For El YUnque you could take a tour. A publico would get you to Fajardo and Ponce. You would take a ferry to get from Fajardo to Vieques. A rental car would be a major convenience in getting around the island. In 10 days you could travel most of the island..

ramjet

Hotlanta; rqf is right it would have been an inconvenience if we had'nt rented a car. The rates are comparable to states. WE were never in any danger (maybe the locals can "sense" tourists), and highly suggest renting a car, especially if you plan on going to all the places you have listed.

Hotlanta

Thanks for all your help. It sounds like we better rent a car. Does anyone know if we can take our car on the ferry from Fajardo to Vieques? I read that it's good to have a car on Vieques to explore the island.

Mariarosa

I suggest contacting the Puerto Rico tourism office (www.gotopuertorico.com may have a phone number). I believe there is a car ferry, but it leaves Fajardo late in the afternoon (so you definitely have to spend the evening in Vieques). Also, I belive ethat you may need to make reservations for this ferry. Contact the PR Tourism office, and please let me know what they tell you.