3 Best San Juan Airport Car Rental Companies — Browse Tips on Renting a Car in San Juan, Puerto Rico in 2024

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. 

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

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. 

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.