Car Rental in Puerto Rico Airport: Your Gateway to Explore

Planning a trip to Puerto Rico? Arriving at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in San Juan places you at the gateway to an island paradise filled with stunning beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture.

To truly experience the freedom of exploring at your own pace, reliable transportation is essential. MEX Rent A Car stands out as a top choice among car rental companies, offering convenient car rental in Puerto Rico Airport services directly at SJU. With a remarkable 78% customer satisfaction rate based on over 10,000 reviews in 2024 alone (sourced from TripAdvisor), we ensure your journey starts smoothly and stress-free.

This in-depth guide explores every aspect of renting with MEX at SJU, from the pickup process to understanding age requirements, insurance coverage, and key terms and conditions. Whether you're looking for a car rental in San Juan, Puerto Rico, a spacious full-size vehicle for family trips, or budget-friendly options, MEX delivers. We'll incorporate real statistics, customer testimonials, and expert insights to help you make an informed decision. By the end, you'll see why MEX is the preferred rental company for thousands of travelers annually.

 

Why Choose MEX Rent A Car at San Juan Airport (SJU)?

MEX Rent A Car has expanded to more than 50 rental locations globally, with a strong presence in Mexico, the Caribbean, and select U.S. territories like Puerto Rico. Our dedicated counter at SJU is situated in the airport's centralized rental car facility, accessible via a quick 5-minute shuttle ride from any terminal. In 2024, MEX achieved an impressive average pickup time of just 15 minutes—that's 30% faster than the industry average of 22 minutes, according to the Auto Rental News 2024 report.

Choosing MEX means opting for convenience, reliability, and value. Our rates for economy cars start at $35 per day, including unlimited mileage, which saves customers an average of 15% compared to larger national chains (data from Kayak price comparisons as of October 2025). We prioritize a modern fleet with vehicles averaging less than 2 years old, ensuring comfort and safety on Puerto Rico's diverse roads.

One satisfied customer shared: "The team at MEX SJU made everything effortless. My car was spotless and ready in under 10 minutes, with clear explanations of all fees." – Maria G., verified renter via our feedback system, October 2025. This level of service reflects our commitment to excellence, making us a standout rental company in a competitive market.

 

Seamless Pickup Process at Our SJU Rental Location

Efficiency is key when you land after a flight. MEX's rental locations at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport are optimized for quick access. Start by following the signs to the Ground Transportation area after baggage claim. Our complimentary shuttle service operates departing every 10 minutes and takes just 3 to 5 minutes to reach our on-site facility.

At the counter, present your valid driver's license, reservation confirmation, and a major credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or American Express). We'll place a temporary hold on your card to cover potential property damage liability, which is released upon safe return of the rental vehicle. The time of rental officially begins at pickup, allowing you to hit the road immediately.

 

Meeting Age Requirements and Driver Qualifications

Renting a car in Puerto Rico requires meeting specific criteria to ensure safety and compliance. At MEX, the minimum age to rent a car is 21 years, aligning with industry standards and lower than some competitors who mandate 25 years. Drivers aged 21 to 25 might incur a young driver surcharge per day.

There's no maximum age limit. Your driver's license must be valid and from your country of residence; it's accepted for up to 90 days in Puerto Rico. International travelers should carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license isn't in English or Spanish.

Additional drivers are welcome: Add up to three, provided they meet the same qualifications and are present at pickup. This flexibility is ideal for group travels, where sharing driving duties can reduce fatigue on longer island explorations.

 

Exploring Our Diverse Fleet of Rental Vehicles

MEX maintains a versatile fleet tailored to every need, with all models featuring high safety standards. Economy options like the Nissan Versa offer excellent fuel efficiency at 32 miles per gallon in the city and 40 on highways, perfect for solo travelers or couples navigating San Juan's urban streets. Compact sedans such as the Toyota Corolla provide similar efficiency—31 city and 40 highway mpg— with ample trunk space for luggage.

For those needing more room, our full-size vehicles, including the Chevrolet Malibu, deliver comfort with 28 city and 36 highway mpg, seating five passengers easily. SUVs like the Jeep Wrangler are popular for adventurous drives, boasting 20 city and 25 highway mpg and robust 4x4 capabilities for routes like those to El Yunque. Families often choose minivans such as the Chrysler Pacifica, which seats seven and achieves 19 city and 28 highway mpg.

 

Understanding Insurance Coverage and Protection Plans

Protection is non-negotiable on Puerto Rico's roads, where traffic can be bustling in San Juan. MEX requires basic insurance coverage per local laws: liability up to $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident, plus $50,000 for property damage.

Many renters rely on personal auto policies or credit card benefits for secondary coverage; always confirm with your provider. Approximately 65% of MEX customers at SJU select full protection for ultimate peace of mind. 

 

Booking, Payment, and Potential Additional Fees

Securing your rental car in Puerto Rico is straightforward. Reserve via mexrentacar.com for the best rates and discounts.

Common additional fee includes a 10% airport concession recovery charge, standard across car rental companies. Late pickups? We hold your vehicle for 2 hours post-scheduled time. Extensions require a 24-hour notice call, with a daily admin fee.

 

Easy Vehicle Return at SJU

Return the vehicle to our designated SJU lot for a hassle-free end to your rental. An agent will conduct a quick walk-around inspection for any property damage, typically taking 8 minutes on average. Return with a full tank to avoid our refueling charge—gas stations are plentiful within 2 miles.

 

Exploring Puerto Rico with Your MEX Rental Car

With your reliable MEX rental vehicle, you gain the freedom to craft your own itinerary, moving beyond the areas served by public transportation.

• Old San Juan: Spend a day wandering the blue cobblestone streets, admiring the colorful colonial architecture, and visiting historic forts like Castillo San Felipe del Morro. Parking can be challenging, but having a car is essential for getting there easily.
• El Yunque National Forest: Drive the short distance to the lush tropical rainforest, where you can hike to waterfalls and enjoy panoramic views. This experience is virtually impossible without a car.
• Bioluminescent Bays: Plan a trip to one of the island's three bioluminescent bays (like Fajardo or Mosquito Bay). The drive often requires a car, especially for evening trips, allowing you to move at your preferred time of rental.
• Coastal Drives: Explore the southern and western coasts to discover pristine beaches like Flamenco Beach in Culebra (accessible by ferry from Fajardo) or the surfing haven of Rincón.

A full-size car or SUV from our fleet can offer the space and comfort needed for these long-distance explorations, especially if you are traveling with family and luggage.

 

Maximizing Your Adventure in San Juan and Puerto Rico

With a MEX car rental in San Juan, the island unfolds endlessly. Drive 15 minutes to Old San Juan for cobblestone streets and historic forts—parking at La Puntilla costs just $2 per hour. Head 45 minutes east to El Yunque National Forest, where our SUVs' 8-inch ground clearance handles winding paths effortlessly.

Beaches like Luquillo are a 30-minute jaunt, or ferry from Ceiba (1-hour drive) to Culebra's Flamenco Beach. Puerto Rico boasts 16,000 miles of roads, with highway speeds up to 55 mph and tolls averaging $5 to $10 round-trip via AutoExpreso. "Thanks to MEX, we ditched expensive tours and saved $200 on taxis while seeing hidden gems." – John D., Google Review, 2025.

 

Key Highlights from Terms and Conditions

Our terms and conditions promote safe, enjoyable rentals. Prohibited activities include off-roading or smoking, with a cleaning fee for violations. Standard plans offer unlimited mileage.

Extensions and modifications are simple—contact us early. Full terms are available at mexrentacar.com, fully aligned with Puerto Rico's rental regulations under Law 22-2000.

 

Common Questions About Car Rental in San Juan, Puerto Rico

• How about late returns? Enjoy a 29-minute grace; then, a full day charge applies.
• What's the shortest rental? 24 hours minimum.
• Can I take the car to the U.S. mainland? No—Puerto Rico only.

 

What Sets MEX Apart from Other Car Rental Companies

At SJU, over 15 providers compete, but MEX leads with bilingual (English/Spanish) staff, earning 4.8 out of 5 stars. Our rates are 20% lower on average than brands like Hertz or Avis (Expedia data, 2025).

Puerto Rico welcomes 4.5 million air visitors yearly, with 60% opting to rent a car for flexibility (Puerto Rico Tourism Company, 2024). MEX captures this demand with superior service.

 

Book Your Rental Car in Puerto Rico Today

Peak seasons (December to April) see high demand, especially for full-size models—book now at mexrentacar.com. Embark on your Puerto Rico journey with confidence—MEX Rent A Car turns travel dreams into reality.