Getting around is easy, Taxi cabs, which must be licensed by the Public Service Commission, are reasonably priced and plentiful. A new system of "tourist taxis" has been established, through which fixed rates are charged between the airport and ports and tourist areas, such as Isla Verde, Condado and Old San Juan. In other cases, taxis are required to use their meters, except on long-distance charter trips. Ask your driver to use the meter if it isn't immediately turned on. Additional charges are allowed for baggage and pick-up service. (Check under Taxi Cabs).

There's also more luxurious limousine service, between the airport and your hotel, and also throughout the Island.

There is also extensive bus service, supplied by the Metropolitan Bus Authority and the Metrobus system, which charge 25 cents and 50 cents respectively. Bus stops are usually marked by signs that read "Parada." Buses use special lanes against the flow of traffic, so they are quicker during rush hours.

For schedules and route information, ask drivers or at the tourist information centers in Old San Juan and at the Dos Hermanos Bridge in the Condado. The central bus station is in the Covadonga Parking Lot in Old San Juan, but most buses can also be picked up at Plaza Colón, at the entrance to the old city.

Metro Bus I runs between Old San Juan and Río Piedras, with stops along the Santurce down town shopping area, the Hato Rey financial district, and the University of Puerto Rico and nearby marketplace area. A popular line is the 21, which runs through the tourist district, connecting Old San Juan to the beach areas of Condado and beyond.

There is also ferry service between Old San Juan and Cataño, near the Bacardí rum plant. Free trolley service is provided throughout the historic zone. Trolleys leave regularly from the Covadonga and La Puntilla parking lots. They pass the two fortresses and other points of interest. Stops are marked by yellow signs.

If you plan on exploring the Island, renting a car is probably your best option, as scheduled bus service between cities is unavailable. The roads are modern and well-maintained, but get a good road map and chart your course before your trip. There are several car rental companies on the Island (check under Car Rentals).

Another alternative is to take an excursion tour, especially if you just want to see one or two sites outside the city. The more popular tours run to El Yunque, the Camuy Caves and Ponce (check under Sightseeing/Tours). Públicos and la línea, which are shared taxi vans, also provide service throughout the Island. Service is inexpensive, but trips tend to take a long time since públicos make several stops to pick up and drop off passengers.