San Juan to Rincón (3 Best Ways to Go, By a Local)

If you’re visiting Puerto Rico and wondering how to get from San Juan to Rincón, then you’ve come to the right place!

Located on the west side of Puerto Rico, Rincón is the perfect Caribbean destination to enjoy breathtaking sunsets and catch waves at the beach.

But the logistics of getting to what’s considered one of the best places to visit in Puerto Rico often stop travelers from visiting.

I’m a Puerto Rico local who’s been to Rincón, and I’ve put together a guide to help you get from San Juan to Rincón.

Affiliate Disclosure: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. See our Advertising Policy for further explanation. Thank you!

3 Ways to Get From San Juan to Rincón (& Back)

Rincón is home to some of the best Puerto Rico attractions, and Rincón beaches attract beach buffs and surfers from around the world.

Visitors who want to get from San Juan to Rincon have 3 main ways to get to the town and back, including driving or taking a shuttle.

While Rincón doesn’t have a commercial airport, travelers who want to go to Rincón can fly to the nearest Puerto Rico airports in Mayagüez and Aguadilla and from there, take transport to Rincón by land. 

Let’s break these methods down into more detail.

From San Juan to Rincón By Car

🚍 Best for: Freedom to explore, saving money
💵 Cost: $$
👉 Where to Book: Discover Cars

Since public transportation in Puerto Rico is limited and doesn’t cover the entire main island, most visitors choose to rent a car at the San Juan Airport at the San Juan Airport to get to Rincón.

The drive from San Juan to Rincón takes close to three hours, depending on the route you take and what time of day you’re driving (rush hour can easily add an hour to your travel time!)

Still, driving is the most flexible and budget-friendly way to reach the West Coast. And while some travelers worry about driving in a foreign country, the route from San Juan to Rincón is mostly highway and surprisingly easy, even for beginner drivers.

Pros of a Car: 

• Flexibility to explore
• Cheapest transportation for long-term stays
• Not being limited by public transportation hours

Cons of a Car: 

• Pricey for one person
• Driving in a foreign place
• Long-distance driving
• Long travel time

From San Juan to Rincón by Plane

🚍 Best for: Saving time
💵 Cost: $$$$
👉 Where to Book: Expedia, Discover Cars, Cape Air, Linear Air Taxi

If you’re short on time, the quickest way to get from San Juan to Rincón is by taking a flight.

While Rincón doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly into nearby towns. Cape Air and Linear Air Taxi offer flights to Mayagüez and Aguadilla, both just a short drive from Rincón.

Flight time is usually under 45 minutes, and once you land, you can rent a car or book a shuttle to your final destination. 

Alternatively, you can skip San Juan altogether and fly directly to Aguadilla or Mayagüez from the United States, depending on the airline and the season you’re traveling.

Pros of a Plane: 

• Fastest way to transport 
• Flights options from San Juan and mainland USA
• Easy to book a flight ticket on the internet

Cons of a Plane: 

• Pricey flights and tickets
• Having to transfer by land
• Limited airlines and daily flights

From San Juan to Rincón by Shuttle

🚍 Best for: Comfort
💵 Cost: $$$
👉 Where to Book: Go Puerto Rico Shuttle, Linea Sultana

Another way to get from San Juan to Rincón is by shuttle. I recommend this option if you’d rather skip the stress of driving in a foreign place, even if it means spending a bit more.

Private shuttle companies like Go Puerto Rico Shuttle are flexible with pick-up and drop-off locations, but you’ll need to book in advance.

Línea Sultana is a more affordable alternative to a private shuttle. It works like a carro público, one of the main transportation methods in Puerto Rico.

They offer a fixed fare of around $35 from San Juan Airport to Mayagüez. From there, you can take another shuttle or taxi to Rincón, like Welas Transport. Fares can vary depending on where you’re picked up and dropped off, but if you call ahead, you can usually negotiate your drop-off directly with the driver. Just ask!

Pros of a Shuttle: 

• Flexibility with pick up and drop off
• Adapts to your itinerary
• Cheap if paid between multiple persons

Cons of a Shuttle: 

• Lack of flexibility to explore
• Needing to coordinate/make a reservation in advance
• Having to wait for pick-up/drop-off

5 Tips For Getting Between San Juan and Rincón

Rent a Vehicle

There isn’t a bus or train system that runs all around Puerto Rico like in some other Latin American countries.

So, if you want to explore the island at your own pace without stressing over pick-up times or trying to book a flight, renting a car in Puerto Rico is your best bet.

I recommend using Discover Cars to book ahead of time, compare prices, and make sure you get the model you’re looking for.

Explore Other Nearby Puerto Rican Cities

If you’re heading to the west coast during your trip to Puerto Rico, then make sure to plan a stop in nearby Puerto Rican cities like Aguada.

The Rincón Beach Resort has a prime location between Añasco and Rincón, making it possible to visit two cities comfortably. 

Other cities worth adding to your Puerto Rico road trip if you’re staying in Rincón include Isabela, Aguadilla, and Cabo Rojo.

If you’re heading south from Rincón, don’t miss a stop in La Parguera, Guánica, or Ponce. 

These destinations offer fun activities to do in Puerto Rico and can make your trip even better.

Check out our Puerto Rico travel guides to find out what to do in each city.

Spend a Few Days

Beach lovers visiting Rincón, then you’ll definitely need to stay in Rincón for more than a day. 

The beaches in Rincón are great for snorkeling, swimming, surfing, fishing, or simply relaxing.

The town also features weekly cultural activities in its town square and is one of the best spots in Puerto Rico to go whale watching during the winter. 

Use the Bus

Not renting a car but still want to explore some of Rincón’s best highlights? Then hop on the WELAS Transport Rincón Shuttle Tour Bus.

They run routes all over town, with fares starting at just $10. Or, for a full day of sightseeing, you can book a day pass for $44 and use it as a hop-on, hop-off service.

Just make sure to book and check the itinerary on the website!

Stay in Downtown

Staying anywhere in Rincón promises a memorable trip. But if you’re not planning to rent a car or spend on taxis, I recommend staying downtown. You’ll be within walking distance of the beach and surrounded by great restaurants and bars.

On top of that, some of the most budget-friendly hotels in Rincón are located downtown, like Villa Cofresí.

FAQs About Going From San Juan to Rincón

Is it safe to drive from San Juan to Rincón?

Driving from San Juan to Rincón is safe. Visitors traveling from Old San Juan to Rincón will take the José de Diego Highway/PR 22 and then the PR-2, the route with the shortest driving distance making the trip quick and direct without any curvy roads.

📚Related Reading: Is Puerto Rico Safe for Travel?

Is Rincón worth visiting?

Rincón offers many interesting things to do and a lot of beaches for swimming, surfing, fishing, and hiking. Rincón also offers some of the best sunsets on the west coast of Puerto Rico and is worth the time of all visitors.

What airport do you fly into for Rincón?

Flights depart from the San Juan Airport towards the Mayaguez and Aguadilla Airports, from where visitors can reach Rincón by land. Rincón doesn’t have a commercial airport for direct flights from San Juan.

How do you get to Rincón from SJU?

To get to Rincón, Puerto Rico ,from the San Juan Airport, travelers need to book a flight with Cape Air Airlines and arrive at the Mayaguez Airport. From there, they can get to Rincón by land. Visitors with a higher budget can also book a flight with Linear Air Airlines from Isla Grande Airport in San Juan to Rafael Hernández Airport in Aguadilla.

Map of How to Get Between San Juan and Rincón

***

Thanks for reading about the best ways to get from San Juan to Rincón! For some amazing activities in the area, check out my picks for the top things to do in Rincon. Enjoy Rincón!