The Complete Guide to Airports in Puerto Rico (2025)

Planning a trip to Puerto Rico? Choosing the right airport can save you hours and get your vacation off to a smoother start. This guide covers the most important airports in Puerto Rico — and helps you decide which is best for your trip.

Puerto Rico Airport Overview

Airport Location Airlines & Routes Ground Transport Best For
SJU
Luis Muñoz Marín Intl. 		Location:
Carolina (San Juan area) 		Airlines & Routes:
JetBlue, American, Delta, United, Southwest; US + international 		Ground Transport:
Uber, taxis, shuttles, rentals 		Best For:
First-time visitors, metro PR access
BQN
Rafael Hernández Intl. 		Location:
Aguadilla (West Coast) 		Airlines & Routes:
JetBlue, United, Frontier, Spirit (NYC/FL) 		Ground Transport:
Rental car needed, limited Uber 		Best For:
West-coast trips, surfing
PSE
Mercedita Intl. 		Location:
Ponce (South) 		Airlines & Routes:
JetBlue; seasonal FL/NY routes 		Ground Transport:
Rental car, limited taxis 		Best For:
Southern PR access
RVR
José Aponte Airport 		Location:
Ceiba (East Coast) 		Airlines & Routes:
Vieques Air Link, Cape Air 		Ground Transport:
Rental car, ferry nearby 		Best For:
Flights to Vieques & Culebra
VQS
Antonio R. Rodríguez 		Location:
Vieques 		Airlines & Routes:
VAL, Cape Air (via Ceiba/SJ) 		Ground Transport:
Local taxis, jeep rentals 		Best For:
Bio Bay, beach stays
CPX
Benjamín Noriega Airport 		Location:
Culebra 		Airlines & Routes:
VAL, Cape Air (via Ceiba/SJ) 		Ground Transport:
Taxis, golf-cart rentals 		Best For:
Flamenco Beach, quiet getaways

Quick Rundown on the Island’s Airports

  • Looking for the most flight options? Check out Luis Muñoz Marin International (SJU). It’s the most connected and convenient airport. Perfect for first-time visitors, beachgoers, and El Yunque adventurers.

  • Headed to the west coast? Try Aguadilla (BQN). Great for surfers, beach lovers, and anyone staying in Rincón or Isabela.

  • Island hopping to Vieques or Culebra? Look into Ceiba or regional flights from San Juan.

  • On a budget? Check all 3 major airports (SJU, BQN, PSE) — deals vary by departure city.

San Juan Airport (SJU): Your Main Gateway

Location: Carolina, ~10 minutes from Old San Juan
Why fly here: It’s the biggest airport with the most flight options.

Best For:

  • San Juan vacations

  • Tours near El Yunque, bio bay tours, and beach-goers

  • Easy Uber/taxi access

  • Most major U.S. cities offer nonstop flights here

Airlines That Fly to SJU:

  • JetBlue, American, Delta, United, Southwest, Spirit, Frontier, Avelo

  • Direct flights from: NYC, Miami, Atlanta, Orlando, Chicago, Boston, Dallas, L.A. — and even Madrid.

Good to Know:

  • Feels like a U.S. domestic flight — no passport needed

  • USDA baggage screening required when leaving

  • Rental cars, Uber, and taxis are all easy here

Need nearby activity ideas? Check out our Ultimate ATV Tour Guide or El Yunque Rainforest guide.

Rafael Hernández Airport (BQN)

Location: Aguadilla, about 2 hours from San Juan
Why fly here: Smaller crowds, closer to the west coast

Best For:

  • Surf trips (Rincón, Isabela)

  • Cheaper flights from NYC or Florida

  • Smaller, easier, and faster airport experience (get in and out quick)

Airlines That Fly to BQN:

  • JetBlue, United, Spirit, Frontier

  • Direct flights from: Newark, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa

Heads Up:

  • Uber/taxis are limited — you’ll want a rental car

  • Fewer amenities than San Juan (but much calmer)

Landing here? Don’t miss Crash Boat Beach or Rincón sunset spots.

Other Puerto Rico Airports

Beyond SJU and BQN, Puerto Rico has a few other airports that might factor into your travel plans:

  • Mercedita International Airport (PSE) – Ponce, PR: Located on the south coast in the city of Ponce, PSE is the island’s third major airport. It offers limited commercial service – currently, a handful of flights from the U.S. mainland (often to Orlando or New York) operated by carriers like JetBlue or Frontier. This small airport is convenient if you’re exploring southern Puerto Rico (Ponce’s historic city center, nearby mountains, or Gilligan’s Island in Guánica). Facilities here are basic (small terminal with a cafe, car rentals, and taxis). If your plans center around Ponce or the southern region, PSE can save you the 1.5-hour drive from San Juan.

  • Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport (SIG) – Isla Grande, San Juan, PR: Often called Isla Grande Airport, this is a small regional airport in downtown San Juan, next to the Puerto Rico Convention Center. It does not handle mainland U.S. flights, but it’s the hub for many regional flights and charters. From SIG, you can catch puddle-jumper planes to the Virgin Islands or the smaller Puerto Rican islands of Vieques and Culebra. Travelers sometimes transfer here from SJU (a 15-minute taxi ride) if taking a domestic flight onward. Isla Grande is also home to some private aviation and sightseeing tours.

  • José Aponte de la Torre Airport (RVR) – Ceiba, PR: Located on the east coast (at the former Roosevelt Roads naval base), Ceiba’s airport is primarily used for short flights to Vieques (VQS) and Culebra (CPX). If you plan to visit Vieques or Culebra, you can either fly from San Juan (SJU or SIG) or drive to Ceiba and take a quick flight from there. The Ceiba airport is very small but convenient for island-hopping. Plus, it’s right near the Ceiba Ferry Terminal – giving travelers the option to take a ferry to Vieques or Culebra as an alternative.

  • Vieques (VQS) & Culebra (CPX) Airports: Vieques and Culebra are popular offshore islands with their own tiny airports. You can fly to Vieques or Culebra on small planes (8-10 seaters) from San Juan or Ceiba in as little as 30 minutes. These island airports have very limited services – basically just an airstrip, a waiting room, and car rental kiosks – but they put you right at the doorstep of amazing beaches and natural sights. For example, Vieques’s airport is a gateway to the famous Bioluminescent Bay, and Culebra’s airport is minutes from Flamenco Beach. If you’re headed to these islands, flying is the fastest way to go (versus a 1.5-hour ferry), albeit at a higher cost.

Travel Tips for Flying into Puerto Rico

  • No Passport Needed (for U.S. Citizens): Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, so if you’re an American citizen or permanent resident, you do not need a passport or visa when flying from the U.S. mainland – your trip is considered domestic travel. You’ll go through no customs or immigration on arrival. Just carry a valid ID (note: as of May 2025, a REAL ID-compliant license is required for domestic flights). International visitors will clear U.S. immigration in Puerto Rico as their port of entry.

  • Leave Extra Time for Departures: When flying home from Puerto Rico, plan to arrive at the airport a bit earlier than usual. All luggage departing PR for the mainland must pass through a USDA agricultural inspection before check-in (to prevent fruits or plants from spreading pests). This is a quick screening (just an x-ray of your bags), but lines can back up during peak hours. After that, normal TSA security applies. At SJU, it’s wise to get to the airport 2 hours early for domestic flights (even though it’s “domestic,” it’s a busy airport). Smaller airports like BQN and PSE are easier, but still aim for at least 90 minutes early since their schedules often cluster departures.

  • Rental Cars & Driving: Renting a car is often the best way to explore Puerto Rico beyond the San Juan metro. If you’re comfortable driving, it gives you the freedom to visit beaches, forests, and towns on your own schedule. Book your rental car in advance for the best rates and availability – especially if flying into BQN or PSE where options are fewer. Note that Puerto Rico drives on the right side, same as the mainland U.S., and major highways are in good condition (though some mountain or rural roads can be narrow and winding). Gas stations take U.S. dollars, and your U.S. driver’s license is valid here.

  • Public Transportation & Rideshares: Outside of San Juan, public transit is limited. In the capital, you can use buses or the Tren Urbano metro for some routes, but they don’t serve the airports directly except a couple of bus lines for SJU. Uber and Lyft operate mainly in San Juan and nearby areas. If you plan to rely on Uber, it works well in the metro area (including to get from SJU to Old San Juan, for example), but it’s not a sure bet in far west or rural towns. In those areas, taxis or local car services (or your rental car) are the way to go.

  • Island Hopping: If your Puerto Rico trip includes Vieques or Culebra, consider logistics. You can fly to those islands on small planes from SJU or Isla Grande Airport (SIG) – which is quick but costs more – or take the ferry from Ceiba on the east coast. Flying into SJU and then connecting via a regional flight is the fastest (you could be on Vieques’s beach a couple hours after landing in PR). On the other hand, some travelers rent a car and drive to Ceiba to catch the ferry, which can be more economical and an adventure of its own (just plan for ferry tickets in advance).

  • COVID-19 and Entry Requirements: As of 2025, Puerto Rico follows U.S. entry rules. Domestic travelers face no COVID-19 restrictions, and there are no currency exchanges needed (the U.S. dollar is the currency). Mask mandates and travel advisories have phased out, but always check the latest guidelines from official sources before your trip in case of any new updates.

Nearby Attractions & What to Do After You Land

One great thing about Puerto Rico’s airports is that you’re never far from something fun to do:

  • Arriving at SJU (San Juan): You’re right next to the Isla Verde resort strip – head to Isla Verde Beach for a quick dip or Piñones for local beachfront food shacks. A short ride brings you to Old San Juan, where you can explore the colorful colonial streets and impressive forts like Castillo San Felipe del Morro (a UNESCO site). If you have time before hotel check-in, you might store your bags and enjoy a walking tour of Old San Juan’s historic sites – check out our guide here for must-see spots. For nature lovers, the El Yunque Rainforest is about 45 minutes east – you could even head there straight from the airport for a hike or waterfall swim (see our El Yunque guide for tips). And don’t forget, bioluminescent bay tours in Fajardo are a popular evening adventure accessible from the San Juan area – you can find everything you need to know in our Bio Bay guide.

  • Arriving at BQN (Aguadilla): The west region has its own charms. Within 15 minutes of the airport you can be at Crash Boat Beach – known for its clear water, snorkeling, and that iconic pier perfect for jumping into the sea. It’s a great first stop if you arrive during the day. Surfing enthusiasts can reach Rincón’s beaches (like Domes or Sandy Beach) in about 40 minutes. The town of Aguadilla also has the Aguadilla Ice Skating Arena (yes, an ice rink in the tropics!) and some famous roadside eats (try a piragua – Puerto Rican shaved ice – or local bakery pastries). A bit further south, the city of Mayagüez offers a charming plaza and zoo. With a rental car, you can explore off-the-beaten-path spots along PR-2. If you need ideas, our Best Beaches in Puerto Rico guide includes a couple of gems on the west coast.

  • Arriving at PSE (Ponce): Ponce is known as "La Perla del Sur" (Pearl of the South) and has a rich cultural scene. After landing, you’re just a few miles from downtown Ponce – don’t miss the iconic red-and-black Parque de Bombas firehouse museum and the beautiful architecture around the Plaza Las Delicias. The Ponce Art Museum is one of the top art museums in the Caribbean (though check ahead, as it was under renovation after earthquake damage). If you’re up for a short drive after your flight, the nearby Caja de Muertos island (for secluded beaches) and the mangrove boardwalks of La Parguera are potential excursions from Ponce. PSE’s limited flights often arrive late, so you might save big sightseeing for the next day.