How to find a cheap car hire deal in San Juan
Need a cheap rental car in San Juan? With an average price of $134 a day, you're headed for some big savings. Whether you're wanting a small ride, a road trip-ready SUV, or anything in between, we round up all the best deals to make booking easy.
$26 is the cheapest daily price for a home in San Juan.
For longer trips, book a weekly home from $178 and make room for more adventures.
Timing is everything when it comes to finding the best price on a San Juan car hire. Try booking around two weeks before you go.
Find your perfect ride with Sixt, U-Save or Routes Car Rentals. They're some of the most reliable providers in the city.
Whether you choose Sixt or a different supplier, make sure you understand the coverage on your San Juan car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others charge extra for it.
Choosing a one-way car hire can be the key to cheaper deals. Click 'Return car to a different location.' Providers sometimes have to move vehicles between locations, which means you can bag some awesome one-way prices on a car for rent in San Juan.
Spend less on fuel by choosing a vehicle that offers a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect your ride with a full tank and bring it back full, so you're only paying for what you use.
Pack more into your journey by choosing a home with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can drive as far as you need without paying more.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll get the best value with this company. Prices average $122 a day.
Next in line is this provider, offering daily rates of around $161.
The third option also keeps costs manageable. Expect to pay roughly $111 a day for one of their homes.
Want a car that handles just about any journey? The Premium home category ranks as the top pick for travellers visiting San Juan.
Flying to San Juan? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're jetting into San Juan, get moving sooner by booking a car hire at San Juan Luis Munoz Marin Airport. The drive time from this airport to the city centre is around 11 kilometres and takes about 20 minutes.
Compare car hire types in San Juan
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in San Juan makes getting around affordable and hassle-free. These compact, fuel-efficient cars are ideal for city driving and short trips.
Medium: Not too small, not too big, this just-right ride is calling your name. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of interior space and fuel efficiency and are great for couples and small families.
Large: You've got the kids, the suitcases, the snacks, the everything. Large vehicles have got the capacity to pack it all in without breaking a sweat. Ideal for long-distance journeys, this San Juan car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and a wide-angle view of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're winding through tough terrain or gliding down stretches of highway, many come with all-wheel drive to help you take on any road.
Van: Choose this vehicle category when you want a car for rent in San Juan that makes light work of heavy loads. Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're built to carry more, whether that's supplies, suitcases or large groups.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers your out-of-pocket costs if your San Juan car hire is stolen or damaged. While not compulsory, it's worth considering for extra protection. Just remember that not all insurance policies are the same, so make sure you understand exactly what's included.
Make life easier when you rent a car in San Juan by adding a few nifty extras. Think things like a navigation system to be your go-everywhere guide, or reverse cameras to park like you're pulling off a choreographed routine.
Good to know
Check each supplier's age requirements before booking your home in Puerto Rico. Rules can vary, and added costs or restrictions may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' filter and enter your age to browse your options.
If you've got the kids in tow, check if you need to add a child car seat to your San Juan car hire booking. Whether local laws require them or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to travel.
Come prepared to avoid delays at pick-up. You'll generally need your physical driver's license (no copies) and another form of photo ID. Bring a credit card with enough balance for the deposit too. If there's anything extra, it'll be listed in your booking.
If you're unfamiliar with driving in Puerto Rico, don't forget that traffic here sticks to the right side of the road.
Local speed limits may vary, but it's typically around 30kph in urban areas and 100kph or so on highways. Always check the posted signs.
In Puerto Rico, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.02%. If you're planning to drink, get someone else to do the driving or take another form of transport.
Try to travel outside high-traffic periods for a faster run. 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
Best hotels in San Juan for drivers
Pull in and enjoy your stay at O:Live Boutique Hotel, A Small Luxury Hotel of the World. Offering parking as well as a ticket office and air conditioning, this hotel is about 5 kilometres from central San Juan.
Borinquen Beach Inn also works well for a trip built around driving. It features parking, along with tour services and air conditioning. Check in here and you'll be roughly 5 kilometres from the city centre.
Browse the full range of hotels in San Juan for even more choice. Use the 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' and 'Valet parking' filters to find the perfect fit. You can also use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to bring up places with on-site charging.
Once you've found a car hire deal in San Juan and your hotel, the only thing left is to decide where to go first. Begin your sightseeing at must-see attractions like Balneario El Escambron, Esperanza Beach and Escambron Green.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from San Juan
Around 72 kilometres southwest of central San Juan, Ponce belongs on your itinerary. Make your way to can't-miss sights like Playa de Ponce and Plaza of Delights (Plaza de las Delicias).
Reliable accommodation options with parking in Ponce include Meliá Century Hotel Ponce and Ponce Plaza Hotel & Casino.
Alternatively, pick up your cheap car hire in San Juan and then take off to Caguas. Roughly 21 kilometres south of San Juan, Cathedral Dulce Nombre de Jesus and Monumento a la Herencia Taína are among the highlights that are worth going out of your way for.
Not done driving yet? San Germán is a popular road trip destination that's around 113 kilometres west of San Juan. Make a few pit stops at Museo de Arte and Iglesia Sagrada Familia.
