Is There Uber in Puerto Rico? How to Get Around in 2024

Planning a trip to Puerto Rico and wondering if there’s Uber to help you get around?

Luckily, there is Uber in Puerto Rico, making it easy and hassle-free to travel to your destination.

In this article I’ll tell you everything you need to know about using Uber in Puerto Rico, including alternative methods of transport you might prefer.

Is there Uber in Puerto Rico?

Yes, there is Uber in Puerto Rico. 

What’s the best way to get from Puerto Rico airport to San Juan?

You’ve got a few options for getting from San Juan Luis Muñoz Marín Airport to the centre of San Juan.

UBER | You can order an Uber from the airport to take you to your destination in Puerto Rico. Just order on the app when you arrive, select the type of car you want, and it’ll pick you up from arrivals.

PRIVATE TRANSFER | You can book a private transfer ahead of time and it’s really affordable (less than £12). This option means you’ll be taken straight from the airport to your accommodation with no stress.

CAR RENTAL | If you prefer the flexibility of having your own car whilst in Puerto Rico, you can pick one up at the airport terminal.

BUS | You can take the bus from the airport to San Juan. It’s the cheapest method of transport but it also takes the longest. The biggest problem with the bus, and the reason I wouldn’t recommend it, is that large suitcases aren’t allowed on board.

How long will you have to wait for an Uber in Puerto Rico?

There’s over 4,000 Uber drivers on the island, so generally you shouldn’t have to wait longer than 10 minutes.

Is Uber safe in Puerto Rico?

Yes, generally it’s safe to use Uber in Puerto Rico. I’m a bit of an over thinker, so I’m always extra cautious, especially if I’m travelling alone.

Here are a few things I’d recommend doing to help you feel safer:

1. Check the number plate matches the one on the app. I once ordered an Uber in Barcelona and the car showed up with different number plates. He said he’d “just got new plates” but I felt really uncomfortable and ordered a new Uber.
   
   
2. Send your location to a friend. I always send my live location to a friend whenever I’m in an Uber. That way, I know someone else can track where I’m going.
   
   
3. Follow the journey on your Google Maps. If I’m travelling alone, I always follow the route to make sure we’re going the right way. You can report anything that feels suspicious to Uber within the app.
   
   
4. Check the Uber drivers rating. You’ll only see this after the Uber has been confirmed, but I never like to travel with a driver who has a low rating. The app doesn’t tell you the reason which is frustrating, but I don’t like to take the risk. You might get charged a small amount if you cancel, but it’s better to be safe.

Don’t feel bad about refusing to get in the car if you feel uncomfortable. Even if you do have to pay a cancellation fee, your safety is more important.

Types of Uber you can take in Puerto Rico

There’s plenty of options when it comes to taking Uber in Puerto Rico, depending on your group size.

Uber X – The standard car and usually most affordable 

Uber XL – Bigger cars for up to 6 people

Uber Comfort – Nicer cars with higher rated drivers

Black – The most luxurious cars on offer

Uber Pet – If you’re travelling with a pet, make sure you choose this

Flash – For sending or receiving parcels

Taxi – You can order local cabs through the Uber app

Uber alternatives in Puerto Rico

Uber is the only ride-sharing app in Puerto Rico. Other popular competitors like Bolt and Lyft don’t operate on the island.

But there are plenty of traditional taxi services to help you get around. You can either hail a taxi on the street or use a taxi company to pick you up.

Cost of taxis in Puerto Rico

If you’re ordering an Uber, you’ll be quoted a price which you accept before your ride is dispatched.

If you’re using a traditional taxi firm, it works differently depending on where you are on the island.

Around San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, taxi’s are metered, and within “tourist zones” the rates are fixed.

Paying for a taxi in Puerto Rico

Ubers accept credit card within the app, but most taxi services will be cash only, it’s best to check the payment methods when you’re ordering the taxi.

Do you need a car in Puerto Rico?

If you want to explore the island beyond just San Juan (which I strongly recommend you do), renting a car will give you the most flexibility.

Driving is the most popular way tourists and locals get around the island, and having a car means you don’t have to rely on public transport. You can visit anywhere on the island, and stop off at places along the way that you might miss otherwise.

In peak season, hire car companies are extremely busy, so I’d recommend booking a car in advance so you don’t miss out, and to secure the cheapest prices.

Is there Uber in Puerto Rico? FAQs

Is Uber expensive in Puerto Rico?

Uber in Puerto Rico are usually cheaper than taking a local taxi, and the price is comparable to other US cities. When you request a ride, you’ll be given a quote upfront which you can accept before your taxi arrives.

Does Puerto Rico have Uber from the airport?

Yes, you can get an Uber from the airport in Puerto Rico. Just order one on the app when you arrive, choose the type of car you’d like, and the driver will pick you up from arrivals.

Are cabs or Uber cheaper in Puerto Rico?

Uber is cheaper than local cabs in Puerto Rico, so if you’re looking to save money, ordering with Uber is the best option. However, Uber’s only available in the capital of San Juan, so you’ll need to use local cabs or tours if you want to explore the island.

How do you get around Puerto Rico without a car?

If you don’t want to rent a car in Puerto Rico, there’s plenty of other options for getting around the island. You can take an organised tour, order a taxi, take a bus, train, ferry or a flight. If you aren’t travelling far, you can rent a scooter or walk.