Puerto Rico is an island of tropical beauty with a surprisingly diverse road network. Imagine cruising along a palm-lined coast with the ocean breeze on your face, or winding up a misty mountain road to a scenic overlook. Renting a car gives you the freedom to discover hidden beaches, waterfalls in the rainforest, and charming villages independently. To enjoy these road trip adventures, you’ll need to choose the right vehicle. Many travellers wonder whether to go for a manual or an automatic car when driving here. This guide will help you pick the best car for Puerto Rico roads.
Public transportation in Puerto Rico is limited outside the capital. There’s no extensive train network, and buses between towns are infrequent. With a rental, you aren’t tied to tour schedules or hotel shuttles. Drive out to the emerald hills of El Yunque Rainforest, where cascading waterfalls and hiking trails await. Cruise down to the historic city of Ponce in the south, or head west to explore the caves of Arecibo. You could even venture to the remote beaches of Cabo Rojo at the island’s tip, which are places tour buses might skip.
Beyond sightseeing, travelling everyday is easier. You can pop into roadside eateries for authentic Puerto Rican food or detour to a random beach cove. While driving in Puerto Rico might sound intimidating at first, most visitors find it easy with a bit of caution. The main roads are well-marked, and people drive on the right side.
Puerto Rico’s terrain ranges from flat coastal plains to rugged mountains in the interior. The island’s highest point, Cerro de Punta, reaches 1,338 metres above sea level, and many roads wind through hilly areas. This varied geography means you’ll encounter everything from smooth expressways to narrow switchbacks. Climate plays a role, too. Sudden tropical downpours can make roads slippery, and they may flood in low-lying areas during the rainy season.
In and around San Juan and other major towns, you’ll find modern highways and expressways. These connect the island’s cities, with speed limits of around 55 to 65 mph. Once you leave the highways, the roads can change quickly. Rural and mountain roads are often narrow and winding, sometimes with only one lane in each direction.
Don’t be surprised if you encounter hairpin bends as you climb or descend hills, especially on routes through the central mountains. Some local roads have steep grades, so drive cautiously. Road signs for distances are in kilometres, while speed limits are posted in miles per hour. On these smaller roads, you’ll also need to watch out for potholes or uneven pavement.
Here are the pros and cons of renting a manual or automatic car in Puerto Rico:
Choosing between manual and automatic depends on your plans for a road trip in Puerto Rico. Your driving skills, comfort, and route matter too.
It’s one thing to choose the type of car, but you should also be prepared for the logistics of renting and driving in Puerto Rico.
One important tip is to book your rental car in advance, especially if you want a manual transmission. The majority of rental cars in Puerto Rico are automatic, since that’s what most visitors and locals drive. Manual vehicles are in limited supply, so if you want one, reserve early and be prepared to call around. On the flip side, if you need an automatic car rental in Puerto Rico, you’ll find plenty of options at all the major agencies.
Before you drive off, make sure you understand the basics. You’ll need a valid driver’s licence. U.S. licences are accepted, and international visitors should carry an International Driving Permit if your licence isn’t in English. The minimum rental age is typically 21 as drivers under 25 may pay a surcharge.
Fuel in Puerto Rico is sold by the litre, not by the gallon, so be aware of that difference when you see fuel prices. It’s a good idea to fill up before heading into rural areas. Petrol stations can be far apart in the countryside. Parking can be tricky in San Juan where street spots are scarce. It’s best to use a public car park or garage rather than circling for on-street parking. Outside the city, parking is easier, but still use designated areas and avoid blocking traffic.
For navigation, use a GPS device or a smartphone map app. Download offline maps because cell signal can drop in the mountains. Also, be cautious if your GPS suggests an unfamiliar unpaved road as a shortcut. When in doubt, stick to the main routes.
Picking between manual and automatic cars depends on how you want to travel. But either way, you’ll enjoy the freedom of exploring on your own. Take your time on the road, stop where you please, and enjoy the island’s charm beyond the main tourist spots.
Rent a car with Final Rentals to make your Puerto Rico trip smooth and flexible. You can pick up your vehicle at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport or Rafael Hernández Airport. Choose from compact cars, SUVs, or family vans with instant booking confirmation, no hidden fees, and free cancellation. For extra convenience, you can also download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
