BACK - Type of transportation available - Mass transit bus / Public cars / Taxi / Rented car / Train /  Tour bus 

"Public cars" are actually 17-passenger vans. They have yellow license plates ending in "P" or "PD," and they scoot to towns throughout the island, stopping in each community's main plaza or at a destination specified by a passenger (s). They operate primarily during the day; the public service commission fixes routes and fares.

The municipalities that are an hour ride or more usually have only 2 vans available and have a specific departing schedule. The municipalities that are 30 minutes ride in a private car have many vans available without a set schedule; therefore, you must be willing to allow a long waiting time.

The route does not include tourist places unless there are hotels. Some routes have vehicles in good conditions and appearance, meaning with air-condition, workable speakers to listen to the radio and hole less seats. Is less expensive than renting a car, but it is time consuming.

I have used the "public cars" service to visit my mom in San Sebastián and stay for at least 2 days. The fare is USD10 one-way. A 2-hours one-way ride with a private car turns into a 4 hours trip when traveling in a “public car”.

San Juan-based público companies include Blue Line for trips to Aguadilla and the northwest coast, Choferes Unidos de Ponce for Ponce, Línea Caborrojeña for Cabo Rojo and the southwest coast, Línea Boricua for the interior and the southwest, Línea Sultana for Mayagüez and the west coast, and Terminal de Transportación Pública for Fajardo and the east.

The Puerto Rico Tourism Office in the airport (787-791-1014) can help you contact the público companies and coordinate a pickup time.  You can also contact the PRTC nearest you.

Type of traveler that would use this service – Students, low budget travelers, will be staying for at least a week outside the San Juan hotel area. The arrival and departure days will be exclusively assigned to travel aboard a “público”.

Type of residents that would use this service  – Senior citizens, students, none-career oriented workers and low-income families that does not own a car nor can drive.

BACK - Type of transportation available - Mass transit bus / Public cars / Taxi / Rented car / Train /  Tour bus 

We are licensed tour guides that offer narrative and entertaining walking tour in Old San Juan and forests in Puerto Rico.