Whether it’s planned or a surprise, a layover in San Juan gives you a genuine shot at exploring somewhere new. The trip from SJU to the city takes roughly 90 minutes by Public Bus (AMA), and we’ve put together this guide to help you spend your time wisely.
Important Details Before You Go
A few things to sort out before you leave SJU:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for Puerto Rico. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to San Juan takes about 90 minutes by Public Bus (AMA). Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is USD. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
How to Get Into San Juan
From SJU, the Public Bus (AMA) gets you to San Juan in around 90 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 110 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Public Bus (AMA) offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Layover Budget Breakdown
Quick budget math for your San Juan layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$10 |
| Meal | ~$20 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$40 |
Budget a little extra for the unexpected. It’s better to come back with spare change than to run short.
Top Picks for a Quick Visit
For a layover visit to San Juan, we’d suggest Historic Old San Juan Stroll and Relax at Isla Verde Beach. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
History buffs will appreciate this, and it doesn’t take long to explore the grounds. Perfect for a short walk when you need fresh air after a long flight.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside SJU, you can spend time at The Lounge San Juan or try Mercado Plaza. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Eating Well on a San Juan Layover
In San Juan
If you make it into town, Metropol Restaurant is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try RaÃces Restaurant.
Inside SJU
If you’re staying in the terminal, Margaritaville is your main option. El Mesón Sándwiches works too if you want something quick.
Luggage Storage Options
Specific locker facilities at SJU aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in San Juan itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at SJU, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in San Juan itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Puerto Rico that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Rest Areas & Lounges
Long overnight layover? Your options at SJU include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Puerto Rico also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in San Juan genuinely does. There’s enough to fill a few hours with good food, interesting sights, and the kind of experience that makes a journey feel like more than just getting from A to B.
Make the most of it. You’ve got this.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.