Puerto Rico is a beautiful place that has a lot to offer vacationers. Since it is a commonwealth of the United States, there is no need to have a passport to visit, which can make vacationing easier. All you need to have with you is your driver’s license and a sense of adventure. You can take a hike through the El Yunque Rainforest, take a walk through Old San Juan, and visit the San Juan National Historic Site. The beaches, snorkeling, and more await.
See the entire island
When you visit, it may be a good idea to rent a vehicle so you can explore as much of the island as possible. Since the Puerto Rico is only 100 miles long and 35 miles wide, you can see a large amount of it even in just a single day trip if you have a rental car.
Having your own rental car is far more reliable and convenient than using public transportation, and is also more affordable than taking taxis all of the time. of course, it is important to understand what to expect when you arrive. After all, there will be some differences when it comes to driving in Puerto Rico compared with other countries.
The road conditions and safety
The road conditions in Puerto Rico can vary greatly. When you are in the city and the well-traveled parts of the country, the roads tend to be in good condition. They are paved, and they have smoother surfaces with fewer potholes and ruts. In the smaller towns and in the country, not all of the roads are paved. These roads tend to get fewer travelers, and they can be much rougher with divots, ruts, and potholes. Even though you should not have trouble with the roads, it is still a good idea to know how to contact the rental company for assistance in the event of a broken down vehicle or a flat tire. Most of the rental companies will have a contact number and an emergency number for afterhours support.
The drivers in Puerto Rico have a reputation for being aggressive, and this can make the roads dangerous. You need to pay attention to the actions of other drivers who are going faster than they should. They tend to be discourteous, and will cut off other cars, pull out in front of you, and stop without warning. Once you get out of the city, the roads are easier to navigate simply because there is less traffic.
Understanding the signage
Many of the signs in Puerto Rico are in Spanish, which can make it difficult for drivers not familiar with the language to understand. In addition, the names of towns on the signs can change from one sign to the next, sometimes making it difficult to find your destination.
Tolls
Across Puerto Rico, you will find a number of tolls. The following are some of the most common highway tolls.
- Hatillo - $1.20
- Arecibo - $0.90
- Manati - $1.70
- Vega Alta - $1.20
- Toa Baja - $1.20
- Guaynabo/Fort Buchanan - $1.20
- Bridge to the airport - $2.00
Keep in mind that the costs change, so always check the latest information before you leave for vacation.
Traffic
Traffic tends to be worse in the cities and it is thickest as certain parts of the day. the busiest times for the roads are as follows.
- 6:45AM to 8:45AM
- 12PM to 1:30PM
- 4:30PM to 6PM
When outside of the large cities, you do not have to worry about traffic as much. On the weekends, the roads can be busy though.
If you love the idea of going to Puerto Rico for your next vacation, it is time you turned it into a reality! Just make sure to get a rental car once you arrive.
