Welcome to the San Juan cruise port guide. San Juan is the capital of Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States. It is also one of the busiest and most popular cruise ports in the Caribbean. San Juan is the largest city on the island of Puerto Rico and is home to about 400.000 inhabitants. About 2/3rd of the island lives in the direct area of San Juan. The city has a unique charm to it and might just be the best city to visit in the Caribbean. The city San Juan dates back to 1521. That makes it the oldest European settlement, after Santo Domingo, in the Caribbean. San Juan’s colonial fort and town houses, ancient churches and old city walls is what makes it unique! There are interesting historical sights combined with great shopping opportunities and restaurants.
Cruise Port Guide San Juan – Puerto Rico docked
With about 500 cruise calls a year this is one of the most popular ports in the Caribbean. In high season there can be up to 8 ships per day.
There are two docking options in San Juan: San Juan Cruise Pier and Pan American Pier.. The San Juan Cruise Pier is most likely where you will dock although, depending on your cruise line and itinerary, you could also dock at Pan American Pier.
If you would like to know where your ship will dock be sure to ask the front desk on board your ship or call 787-723-2260. You can verify arrival and departure pier location on this telephone number.
Pan American Pier
The Pan American Pier, right at the airport, can accommodate 2 cruise ships. It is usually only occupied by Celebrity Cruises and ships who use it as a turn around port (cruise that begins or ends in San Juan) with the exception of Carnival. There is really not much within walking distance of the ship here. You will need transportation to get to the historical city. If the cruise line does not provide a shuttle you will need to take a taxi which will cost you about 10 US dollar one way, per taxi.
San Juan Cruise Pier
The San Juan Cruise Pier (pier 1, 3, 4 and 6) has 4 cruise piers and 2 cruise terminals. This cruise port can accommodate up to 7 ships at the same time. From here it is about an 8 block walk to the historic city centre. You could either chose to walk, use the free trolley or take a taxi.
If you are planning on staying in the city centre you are best off to navigate yourself around town by foot. Going further afield to Condado, Ocean Park or Isla Verde means you can travel around by local bus or taxi.
Tourist information
You will find the tourist information at La Casita, near Pier 1. See map above for exact location.
Free Trolley
If your ship is docked at Old San Juan Cruise Piers you could use the free trolley to take you to the city centre. It departs from Plaza de la Marina and piers 2 and 4. You can hop on anywhere its route.
Taxis in San Juan
At the cruise terminal you will find the taxi touristic (tourist taxis).
The taxi rates are fixed. They charge $36 per hour. For smaller rides you will pay the following:
From Old San Juan Cruise Piers
• to historic San Juan – $7
• to San Juan Int’l Airport – $19
• to Isla Verde hotels – $19
• to Condado, Miramar, or Ocean Park hotels – $12
• to Pan American Cruise Pier – $10
• to PR Convention Center & Isla Grande Airport – $9
From Pan American Cruise Pier Terminals
• to historic San Juan – $10
• to San Juan Int’l Airport – $19
• to Isla Verde hotels – $19
• to Condado, Miramar, or Ocean Park hotels – $12
• to Old San Juan Cruise Piers – $10
• to Puerto Rico Convention Ctr. & Isla Grande Airport – $9
Rates above are up to 5 passengers and $1 surcharge per luggage piece.
Normal taxis (not the taxi turistic) are meters. Initial charge is $1,75 and $0,10 for 1/19 mile.
Bus
Bus company is the Metropolitan Bus Authority. It operates extensive bus service. Bus stops are marked by signs that say PARADA. Terminals are in front of pier 4. See the bus station marked in the map above.
Car Rental
There is a Hertz car rental inside the Sheraton hotel across the Old San Juan cruise piers.
