Uber in Puerto Rico – How to get Around in 2023

Uber in Puerto Rico – Can you use it in 2023?

Yes! You can use Uber in Puerto Rico. And better yet, you can use it at the airport now! You’ll notice a lot of articles on the subject of Uber in Puerto Rico have not been updated yet to reflect this change, but as of 2023, you can use Uber when arriving or departing from Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport. 

Keep reading for more information about using Uber in Puerto Rico, whether Uber is safe in Puerto Rico, and what other transportation options you have while visiting. 

 Is There Uber In Puerto Rico In 2023?

As mentioned, yes Uber is actively available and operating in Puerto Rico. This map below from Uber’s website shows you the Uber service area throughout Puerto Rico. Compared to previous years, this area has definitely grown.

Where can you use Uber in Puerto Rico?

Uber used to only be available in San Juan, and not even at the airport. But now, you can see the area has stretched as far west as Isabella and across to the east coast. Even though they are advertising this service area, I would not rely on Uber in Puerto Rico in areas west of San Juan.

I did some research because I’ve only used Uber in the San Juan and Carolina areas, and as you can see when I checked, only a handful of cars were available outside of San Juan. The same can be said on the East Coast, when I searched for rides near Fajardo, there were only a few Ubers available. 

I am certain that availability ebbs and flows like any location, but my guess is that Uber in Puerto Rico will continue to grow and you’ll see more available rides as time goes on.

Does San Juan have Uber?

It sure does! San Juan is by far the most reliable area for Uber in Puerto Rico. Here are a few tips though:

✅ Check the app to see how wait times are looking, especially if you need to be somewhere by a specific time, for a reservation, etc.

✅ Be careful around rush hour. Puerto Rico may be a Caribbean island, but the main highway, PR-26, still becomes quite congested around 5 p.m. I learned this the hard way and sat in some unexpected traffic. Luckily my driver took some back roads but it was still a longer ride than I planned originally.

✅ Don’t have an Uber pick you up in the middle of Old San Juan. It’s super congested and you’ll likely sit in traffic or wait longer. I recommend requesting pick up near Plaza Colon or someplace else on the west side, closer to the highway. 

Does Puerto Rico Have Lyft?

No, Lyft does not operate in Puerto Rico as of 2023. This could change, but for now, you do not have a choice when it comes to ride-hailing apps. 

Is Uber Safe In Puerto Rico?

Anytime you leave your house, whether you’re close to home, or miles away there’s a small chance that something can happen. I have been to Puerto Rico numerous times and have used Uber quite a bit, and I have never felt unsafe.

In my most recent experience, my flight to Puerto Rico was majorly delayed. I ended up arriving after 2 AM and I was a little nervous to be taking an Uber and traveling to my hotel at that hour, completely solo.

After ensuring that my driver was in fact the driver named in the app, I shared my ride with my partner so that someone else could see where I was. I had also mapped out the route ahead of time myself, so I knew the quickest route and could compare that with how we were going.

My driver was not only prompt and polite but incredibly sweet and protective. When we arrived at my hostel, he helped me with my bags and then watched to make sure I got into the building okay.

Just like anywhere else, you can cross paths with dangerous, ill-intentioned people. If you’re well-informed and observant though, you can substantially cut down on any risk. Keep reading below for more safety tips!

Is Uber Expensive in Puerto Rico?

Uber in Puerto Rico is like Uber in any other city or state in the United States. The rates vary greatly and so can your overall trip cost. Traffic, number of available cars, and demand can all drive your ride cost up. So in summary, Uber in Puerto Rico is not more expensive than anywhere else.

Is Uber Legal In Puerto Rico?

Yes, Uber is legal in Puerto Rico. Despite years of protesting and lobbying by taxi drivers, Uber is legal in Puerto Rico.

Should You Tip On Uber?

Like any other service, tipping is at your discretion. As a former waitress though, I know a tip is well appreciated as long as it is deserved. Naturally, if your driver is rude, unsafe, or creepy, a tip is unnecessary. Ultimately it is your call but an extra dollar or two may go a long way for your driver.

Taxis vs. Uber 

While you’re visiting Puerto Rico, you can take advantage of both taxis and Ubers, but there are definitely a few things you need to know when choosing between the two, or to best understand the differences between these two methods of transportation.

✅ Taxis cover more area than Ubers. As discussed above, Uber’s website shows that the service area for Uber in Puerto Rico stretches further west of San Juan, but in my experience, Uber is really only reliable in San Juan.

✅ Let’s talk fares! An Uber in Puerto Rico is usually cheaper than a taxi. Taxi pricing in San Juan is done by Zone. These prices are accurate as of 2023.

Zone 1 – Luis Munoz Marin (SJU) Airport
Zone 2 – Hotels in the Isla Verde Area ($12)
Zone 3 – Hotels in the Condado and Miramar Areas ($17)
Zone 4 – Hotels & Piers in Old San Juan, Puera de Tierra ($21)
Zone 5 – Convention Center, Isla Grande Airport ($17)

If you take a taxi from the airport, the taxi dispatcher should ask you where you are going, and inform you of the price before you get into the cab. When not at the airport, you’ll want to negotiate the fare ahead of time with the driver and confirm what payments they take. 

✅ Ahead of your ride…negotiate your taxi fare beforehand. Uber will show you an estimate in app. If you request an Uber in Puerto Rico from the airport or elsewhere, you’ll see how much the fare will be ahead of time. There should be no surprises here unless you get stuck in traffic.

✅ Taxis will require cash (most of the time) whereas Uber accepts credit. Bottom line, ensure you have cash for a taxi. By using Uber, you can use your credit card to pay. When you negotiate your taxi fare, you can inquire as to whether they take credit cards. Try asking, “¿Acepta tarjetas de crédito?”

✅ You can get scammed by a taxi driver in Puerto Rico. As a savvy traveler, it’s no surprise that taxi drivers anywhere will take advantage of tourists, and Puerto Rico is no different. There are a few common scams to be aware of when traveling.

Mis-Charging or Over-Charging Zone Rates – In San Juan, you should be charged a flat rate according to the zone you are traveling to and from. When leaving the airport, a dispatcher will tell you how much the fare is. If not coming from the airport, you should ask ahead of time and negotiate a fare. See the prices above for an idea of what you should be charged.

“No Change” – Often taxi drivers will claim that they don’t have change (or maybe they really don’t, but let’s be honest, they should). If you’re trying to pay your $17 fare with a $50 or $100 bill, they may claim that they can’t make change for you. As much as possible, try to carry a variety of smaller bills to avoid this.

Is There Uber Eats In Puerto Rico?

Yes! You can use Uber Eats in Puerto Rico and it works just like it does in the United States. This is a food delivery service that allows you to order food from local restaurants and track the order, which is transported by an Uber driver. If you’re traveling in Puerto Rico and need a quiet night in, Uber Eats is a great option.

If you’re looking for great food options in San Juan, you can keep reading here for my guide of where to eat and drink in San Juan.

Do I Need a Car to Get Around in Puerto Rico? 

I have traveled to Puerto Rico numerous times, and on the majority of those trips, we did rent a car. That being said, when I stay in the San Juan area, I do not usually rent a car. While exploring San Juan and Old San Juan, it is much easier to walk and take the occasional Uber, rather than deal with driving and parking myself.

If you decide to venture outside of San Juan (which I totally recommend), then a car is definitely the best way to see what you’d like with flexibility and space for spontaneity. With your own vehicle, you can make multiple stops, on your own timetable, and see so much more of the island!

Day Trips From San Juan – How To Get Around Without Uber

If San Juan is your home base for your trip, and the idea of renting a car and driving is way too overwhelming, that’s okay! In this case, you can take day trips from San Juan to explore places like El Yunque National Forest. If you’d like inspiration to plan your own day trips, check out these ideas:

 Additional Safety For Using Uber

These safety tips for using Uber in Puerto Rico are not just relevant to Puerto Rico. I would advise anyone, especially if you are traveling alone, to take this advice into account before using any ride-sharing app, or taxi for that matter.

I personally have never had an issue with using Uber in Puerto Rico, or any other place. Bad things can happen anywhere, at any time but we can keep ourselves as safe as possible by being vigilant and smart.

🚩 Before getting into the Uber, check the license plate and name of your driver. Confirm that it matches the information on the app.

🚩 Share your ride with someone back home. I usually text one of my parents and/or boyfriend to tell them who my driver is, our route, etc., and I let them know when we depart and arrive.

🚩 Ahead of time, map out what the route should look like, and follow the ride in the app to ensure the driver is taking you the right way.

🚩 Meet your driver in a well-lit area, preferably where there are other people nearby. Wait inside a business if necessary.

🚩 Check your driver’s rating. Ride with drivers that have prior experience and a positive rating.

Conclusion: Uber in Puerto Rico – Can you use it in 2023?

Yes, you can use Uber in Puerto Rico in 2023, and you can use it to get to or from the airport. You can also use it in and around San Juan and other popular coastal areas like Condado and Isla Verde. 

If you are spending time in San Juan, Uber is a very reliable way to get around. If you are traveling further out, to places like Rincon, Dorado, or Ponce, it is best that you rent a car to get around.

Keep Reading about Puerto Rico…
Puerto Rico Waterfalls – 21 Fantastic Falls to Discover
12 Stunning Vieques Beaches You Need to Experience

Featured Image by Ashley Satanosky