Holly Riddle
If you’re traveling to Puerto Rico and planning to explore beyond San Juan, then you’ll need a rental car. However, while driving in Puerto Rico may be a little different than what you’re used to, the car rental experience will be much the same.
San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) has plenty of rental options. Not only does this airport offer rental cars from an impressive 17 different rental car companies (far above what you’ll find at even some of the busiest airports in the mainland United States), but it also offers its own booking tool.
Just go to the airport’s website and the “car rental” page. You’ll see a search box that will allow you to start shopping for a rental car right there. There’s no jumping around to various car rental websites required.
But, even though the shopping process is easy, that doesn’t mean that choosing the best rental car provider will be. That’s where we can help. Before you book that great rental car deal, here’s everything you need to know about the three best San Juan Puerto Rico Airport car rental companies.
The Vacationer Tip
Check out RentalCars.com before booking your San Juan, Puerto Rico car rental.
Table of Contents
Which Car Rental Companies are Best at the San Juan Puerto Rico Airport?
As mentioned, the car rental company options at San Juan Puerto Rico airport are extensive. Your options include:
- Alamo
- Allied
- Avis
- Budget
- Dollar
- Enterprise
- Europcar
- EZ
- Hertz
- National
- Next Car
- NU
- Payless
- Priceless
- Sixt
- Thrifty
- U Save
So who’s the best? These are our three favorites.
1. Alamo
Alamo is a favorite and top-rated rental car provider on the mainland, and the same is true in Puerto Rico. This is one of the best-ranked rental car companies for many reasons.
For one, renters appreciate that Alamo’s rental counter is open 24 hours a day. That’s not the case for all rental providers at the airport.
They also report that wait times are minimal and the staff are friendly. Renters likewise note that they find that the charges and fees are more straightforward when you book with Alamo, compared to when you book with some of your other options.
(Pro tip — past renters recommend springing for the extra rental insurance. This is particularly the case if you’re unfamiliar with driving on Puerto Rico’s roads.)
Pros: Friendly service, straightforward fees, and service available 24/7.
Cons: Some report that the cars aren’t in the best condition and leave a little to be desired as far as cleanliness.
Phone: (833) 763-1735
Hours: 24 hours
Google Rating: 4.6 stars
Kayak Rating: 9.0 (Wonderful)
Click Here to See the Best Car Rental Deals at Alamo
2. National Car Rental
With 24-hour service and National-classic amenities like Emerald Aisle service, it’s easy to see why National ranks highly among vacationers renting cars at SJU.
Happy customers say the rental outpost offers friendly service. Possibly more importantly, they offer efficient service, quickly and easily remedying any issues travelers might have with their vehicles.
Some renters recommend joining National’s loyalty program, the Emerald Club, before booking, as that will make your process even easier. In some cases, it will even help you avoid lengthy waits at the airport and other hassles.
Complaints are limited to National’s roadside assistance product and the vehicles available. Some customers also point out that, even if the staff is accommodating in the event of car issues, those issues still should not happen in the first place. They can significantly impact your trip.
Pros: Efficient, friendly staff that addresses problems with ease.
Cons: Occasional issues with vehicles related to both cleanliness and performance.
Phone: (833) 763-1736
Hours: 24 hours
Google Rating: 4.4 stars
Kayak Rating: 8.8 (Very Good)
Click Here to See the Best Car Rental Deals at National
3. Enterprise Rent a Car
Renters love this Enterprise location for many of the same reasons that they praise Enterprise outposts in other areas of the country. The prices are reasonable, and there’s little up-selling. The staff is friendly. The check-in and drop-off processes are easy.
However, while this Enterprise location ranks highly among other rental car companies at SJU, it still has its flaws. Some renters report dirty vehicles. Others report a shortage of vehicles. Some renters show up and find that the car they book just isn’t there — and no other options are available. That said, these instances seem few and far between.
Pros: Quick and easy pick-up and drop-off, agreeable pricing, and friendly staff.
Cons: Occasional (not frequent) instances of dirty or unavailable vehicles, even with reservations.
Phone: (787) 253-3722
Hours: 24 hours
Google Rating: 4.4 stars
Kayak Rating: 8.6 (Very Good)
Click Here to See the Best Car Rental Deals at Enterprise
The Vacationer Tip
Before booking your San Juan rental car, browse our Best Websites to Book Cheap Car Rentals guide and our How to Find and Book Cheap Car Rentals tutorial. And, if you’re flying to San Juan, see our Best Websites to Book Cheap Flights guide.
Comparing the 3 Best Car Rental Companies at San Juan Puerto Rico Airport
Get a quick glimpse of these three best car rental companies, so you know which is best for you.
| Brand/Rental Provider | Google/Kayak Rating | Types of available vehicles | Budget or Luxury? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alamo | 4.6/9 | Cars, SUVs, luxury vehicles, trucks, vans | Mid-Range |
| Enterprise | 4.4/8.6 | Cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, luxury vehicles | Luxury |
| National | 4.4/8.8 | Cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, luxury vehicles | Mid-Range |
Further Reading: Best Credit Cards for Rental Car Insurance Coverage
Tips for Renting a Car in San Juan, Puerto Rico
Decided which of the above three best rental car companies at the San Juan airport you want to rent with? Here’s everything you need to know after you book your vehicle, fly to San Juan, and step off the plane.
How to get to the rental car center at the San Juan Puerto Rico airport
After your flight lands and you gather your luggage from the baggage claim area, making your way to the rental car counters will be easy. Just head across the street to the multi-story parking garage directly across from baggage claim. The rental car counters are all on the parking garage’s first floor.
Other transportation options from the San Juan airport
If you end up not renting a car at the San Juan airport, you do have a few other options for traveling between the airport and the city center and Old San Juan.
- AMA buses
Public bus service provided by AMA (Autoridad Metropolitana de Autobuses) will take you to various spots around the area. You can easily get to Old San Juan, nearby hotels and beaches, Ocean Park, Condado, Isla Verde, the Pan American Cruise Pier, Puerto Rico Convention Center, and Isla Grande Airport.
Buses depart the airport between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m., Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 8 p .m. on Saturdays and holidays. There is no service on Sundays. Buses depart the airport every 5 to 30 minutes. All buses stop at the airport’s Main Terminal, on the second level, outside Terminals A, D, and E. You buy your tickets when you board, and tickets are extremely cheap (under a dollar).
That said, while the affordability and convenience of the public bus system attract some travelers, there are downsides. The bus service is very slow, and the bus also does not allow large luggage.
- Taxis
For quick, private transportation into downtown, grab a taxi. The ride takes about 20 minutes, and taxes pick up passengers outside the baggage claim areas of both Terminals A and B. Depending on where exactly you’re going in San Juan, you can expect the taxi fare to range from $12 to $21.
You can call several taxi services before your arrival to arrange transportation in advance.
- Rideshares
Uber is the only ride-share service that operates at the San Juan airport.
- Airport transfers
You can also book transfer services directly with the San Juan airport by going to the San Juan airport website and visiting the Transfers page. After the service is booked, a driver will wait for you in the airport arrivals hall, after your flight arrives, and then drive you to your destination.
FAQ
Where are the car rental companies located at SJU?
The SJU car rental facility is located on the first floor of the parking garage, directly across from the baggage claim.
Do I have to rent a car at the airport in San Juan?
No. You can rent a car elsewhere, but you’ll still need some form of transportation to get to either your hotel or the rental car facility of your choice. If you plan on renting a vehicle for most of your trip, doing so at the airport is your most convenient option.
Do I need to pay tolls when I rent a car in Puerto Rico?
Yes, there are several toll roads in Puerto Rico. Tolls must be paid with cash or AutoExpreso (the Puerto Rican version of EZ-Pass). Your rental car will not automatically include the AutoExpreso device. However, consider asking for it when you reserve or pick up your car, as it only costs a few dollars daily. Otherwise, you could pay fines if you go through a cashless toll without the device. If you choose to not pay for the AutoExpreso device, you’ll want to keep cash handy to pay most tolls and avoid all cashless tolls.
Editorial Disclosure:Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
By Holly Riddle
Holly Riddle is a freelance travel, food, and lifestyle journalist who also dabbles in ghostwriting and fiction. Her work appears in publications ranging from Global Traveler to Golf Magazine, Mashed to Forbes, and Bloomberg. When she’s not writing, you can find her exploring the mountains near her home in the Adirondacks. Her favorite travel destinations include Chicago and New Orleans.
