Getting around San Juan, PR

[ewh]

Need advice regarding travel in San Juan. There will be 8 of us arriving around midnight on a Thursday and will need to transportation to our hotels. I've considered renting a van, however, I'm somewhat leery of driving, based on some of what I've read about traffic. We will be in San Juan for the two days prior to boarding our ship (Adventure) on Saturday afternoon and hope to do some wandering around the city before we sail. Our cruise is Dec 5 - 12.

My question is two part: 1; should we use a rental or get a taxi for our trip from the airport to our hotels (we will be staying at three different places)?

2; getting around the city during the day and then to the pier - rental or taxi?

There are 22 of us in our travel group, arriving at various times and staying in several different hotels, so we all need to get to the pier around the same time. Any advice, suggestions, warnings, etc will be very welcome.

Thanks bunches. Ed

[Clarea]

We've always used taxis in San Juan and found them reasonably priced. They use a zone system there, so most of the trips were a fixed price, plus $1 for each bag.

 

If your hotels are in Old San Juan, then you will find much within walking distance. However, you will need transportation from the airport and to the cruise terminal.

Edited October 19, 2015 by clarea

[GeorgesGal]

As for getting around during the day, there is a free jitney that circles the Old San Juan area, including a stop at Morro fortress.

 

Enjoy yourselves, San Juan is a wonderful city. It' also great for walking. You will come across some lovely squares which you would probably miss if riding in a vehicle.

[racerxspeedy]

We have done it both ways (taxis and car rental). Either option can work. Make sure you are clear on the total fee before taking the taxi and try to have exact change. Keep track of your cab receipt and van# in case anything gets left in the cab. The cabbies can be less than honest. You can drop luggage at Barrachina restaurant if needed.

 

The roads in old Sju are narrow hilly and rough. Bring comforfable shoes.

[Havingfun2010]

Need advice regarding travel in San Juan. There will be 8 of us arriving around midnight on a Thursday and will need to transportation to our hotels. I've considered renting a van, however, I'm somewhat leery of driving, based on some of what I've read about traffic. We will be in San Juan for the two days prior to boarding our ship (Adventure) on Saturday afternoon and hope to do some wandering around the city before we sail. Our cruise is Dec 5 - 12.

My question is two part: 1; should we use a rental or get a taxi for our trip from the airport to our hotels (we will be staying at three different places)?

2; getting around the city during the day and then to the pier - rental or taxi?

There are 22 of us in our travel group, arriving at various times and staying in several different hotels, so we all need to get to the pier around the same time. Any advice, suggestions, warnings, etc will be very welcome.

Thanks bunches. Ed

 

Since you said you were staying two days, I would rent a van. I'm not sure what you mean about traffic unless you are from a rural town, traffic is as normal as any other city. Using a Navigator will help of course since many signs are in Spanish but easy to figure out.

 

There are also many interesting areas to visit away from Old San Juan.

 

The only main issue is that you should rent the van from the airport and return it to the airport. The person driving would drop everyone off at the ship, and than drive to the airport and drop the van, and take a short taxi back. It seems like a lot, but taxi's do add up, and having the luxury of being able to drive when you want etc, is much better.

[lv2bcruzin]

We usually stay for a few days prior to our cruise and we always get a taxi. It really depends on how far out from OSJ you plan on venturing. We stay in OSJ as there is a ton to do and can easily eat up a couple days.

 

I'm sure a rental vehicle would work and perhaps be more convenient if you want to always pick the entire group up at different hotel locations and do the same thing. But, if you plan doing your own thing occasionally then it will only be convenient for the renters and in the end perhaps more expensive than it's worth.

 

So, unless you plan on driving all over San Juan and not stay in one location for very long it probably doesn't make much sense to rent a vehicle IMO.

Edited October 19, 2015 by lv2bcruzin

[bigque]

I was just in San Juan pre and post cruise on Adventure 8-10 and 17/18 October staying at the Condado Plaza Hilton. My 1st question would first be what are the three hotels you all are staying in????

[Sat1]

Some of the main streets are laid with blue stones. These were used as ballast on sailing ships many, many years ago.

[Doralice]

I was just in San Juan pre and post cruise on Adventure 8-10 and 17/18 October staying at the Condado Plaza Hilton. My 1st question would first be what are the three hotels you all are staying in????

 

 

Is the Condado Plaza Hilton nice? We've booked it for our June 2016 cruise on AOS.

[bouhunter]

Is the Condado Plaza Hilton nice? We've booked it for our June 2016 cruise on AOS.

 

We've always stayed at the Caribe Hilton until last time when we were at the Condado. It's a little older and less sprawling. Location better (a little closer to the shopping and dining in Condado). I wouldn't hesitate to recommend both Hiltons.

[Doralice]

We've always stayed at the Caribe Hilton until last time when we were at the Condado. It's a little older and less sprawling. Location better (a little closer to the shopping and dining in Condado). I wouldn't hesitate to recommend both Hiltons.

 

 

Is it near restaurants? Is the neighborhood safe to venture out and walk around?

I liked that it had several restaurants there in case of inclement weather. June is the start of the rainy season.

[bouhunter]

Yes there are LOTS of restaurants near the Condado Hilton. The Caribe isn't far away, just across a bridge (walking distance). We've always felt safe in the Condado area, lots of foot traffic and tourists. Condado has a casino, Caribe doesn't.

Edited October 19, 2015 by bouhunter

[Doralice]

Thanks for your help. [emoji3] Now I just need to wait till June. [emoji52]

[DawnC28]

Most of the hotels in San Juan charge for parking, and it may be an "in and out" charge. Verify with your hotel & make sure you factor that in to the cost of renting a van.

[Guest maddycat]

If you plan on driving in Old San Juan, be aware that the streets are very narrow and the on street parking is very tight. I drive in NYC frequently with out a problem but wouldn't want to drive in Old San Juan.

[riclop]

A couple of taxi's will do.