San Juan Luis Munoz Marin Layover Guide (SJU)

What are you looking for in SJU?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

San Juan Airport (SJU) is an international airport located in Carolina, Puerto Rico. It’s situated about 5 km (3 miles) from downtown San Juan. The airport officially opened in 1955. San Juan is the capital and largest city of Puerto Rico, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and colonial architecture. It’s also famous for its beautiful beaches, lively music scene, and wide array of outdoor and cultural activities.

Can you leave San Juan Airport (SJU) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
During a layover at San Juan Airport (SJU), you may exit the terminal to explore Puerto Rico, but you must first pass US immigration and customs. Nationals under the Visa Waiver Program require an approved ESTA; all others must obtain a valid US visa beforehand. (more info )

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Explore Old San Juan Wander through vibrant streets lined with colorful colonial buildings, discover hidden plazas, browse boutiques and cafes, immersing yourself in rich history, culture, and local heritage of Puerto Rico’s charming capital. (Time required: 1–2 hours / Airport to here: Taxi 15 min; AMA bus T5, ~25 min.)
• Visit Castillo San Felipe del Morro Explore this 16th-century fortress overlooking the Atlantic, wander through ramparts and dungeons, enjoy panoramic ocean views, learn about colonial defenses, maritime history at one of Puerto Rico’s most famous landmarks. (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: Taxi 20 min; AMA bus T5 + 10 min walk.)
• Walk Paseo de la Princesa Stroll along this picturesque promenade lined with sculptures, fountains, and lush gardens, leading to a historic sea gate, offering stunning waterfront views, local artisans’ kiosks, and glimpses of colonial architecture. (Time required: 45 min / Airport to here: Taxi 15 min; AMA bus T5 to Fortaleza.)
• Tour Casa Bacardi Enjoy a guided tour of the world’s largest premium rum distillery in Cataño, learn about rum-making processes, sample signature cocktails, and explore interactive exhibits celebrating Puerto Rican spirits and heritage. (Time required: 2–3 hours / Airport to here: Taxi to ferry 10 min + ferry 10 min; taxi direct 20 min.)
• Relax at Condado Beach Unwind on sun-drenched golden sands at this beach, swim in calm turquoise waters, rent a lounge chair, sip tropical drinks from nearby vendors, and watch locals enjoy paddleboarding and surfing. (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: Taxi 10 min; AMA bus T21.)
• Sample local cuisine at La Placita de Santurce Dive into authentic Puerto Rican flavors at this vibrant market square, sample mofongo, empanadillas, and fresh seafood at popular stalls, mingle with locals, and experience lively street music and dance. (Time required: 1–2 hours / Airport to here: Taxi 15 min; AMA bus T2.)
• Discover street art in Santurce Explore colorful murals and graffiti art covering buildings along Calle Cerra and Calle Loíza, admire works by renowned local artists, learn about the city’s urban art movement on a tour. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi 20 min; AMA bus T5 to Ponce de León + 5 min walk.)
• Visit Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico Browse an extensive collection of Puerto Rican and Caribbean art spanning centuries, admire contemporary installations, explore rotating exhibitions, and relax in the sculpture garden featuring local flora and art pieces. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours / Airport to here: Taxi 15 min; AMA bus T2.)

Things to Do in San Juan Airport (SJU)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
San Juan Luis Muñoz Marín Airport offers three lounges: the AA Admirals Club in Concourse B, Delta Sky Club in Concourse D, and the MAP Lounge near baggage claim. Each features comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and beverages, charging stations, shower facilities, and panoramic runway views for a tranquil pre-flight experience. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Directly connected via a pedestrian bridge, the on-airport Courtyard by Marriott Puerto Rico offers 132 modern rooms, 24-hour fitness center, business facilities, and a restaurant. Nearby hotels include the Caribe Hilton, Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino, and Hyatt Place, all providing airport shuttles, day-use rates, and comfortable overnight accommodations. view all or book an airport hotel online

.

Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
San Juan Airport lacks designated sleep pods but provides quiet zones with padded benches near Concourses A and D. Floor-level seating and limited recliner chairs are available after security. Ambient lighting and reduced foot traffic in off-peak hours make these areas suitable for short rest periods between flights during layovers.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free 24/7 Wi-Fi is available throughout all terminals at SJU. Simply connect to “SJU Free Wi-Fi,” register with an email address, and enjoy unlimited free bandwidth. Coverage extends to lounges, gates, and baggage claim areas. Speeds are generally sufficient for streaming, video calls, and browsing on mobile devices or laptops.

SIM/eSIM Card: Passengers can purchase local no-contract prepaid SIM cards from vendors for Claro and T-Mobile immediately after customs in the Arrivals hall. eSIM packages from Airalo and Holafly are easily activated via QR code. Plans include data-only or voice-and-data bundles, valid across Puerto Rico’s 4G/LTE network with competitive short-term tourist rates. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official taxi stands are located curbside outside both terminals. Flat rates to San Juan and Condado range from $16-$25, while trips to Old San Juan cost about $17. All vehicles are air-conditioned, licensed, insured, and metered for extras. Payment options include cash (USD) and major credit cards accepted on board.

Train: SJU has no on-site rail link. The nearest Tren Urbano station is Isla Verde, approximately 3 km away on Roosevelt Avenue. Passengers can take a taxi or AMA bus route 5 to Bayamón station, offering east-west service across the metro area. Service runs daily, weekdays 5 AM–10 PM. more info

Bus: Multiple AMA bus routes serve SJU, including C1 to Condado and T5 to Old San Juan, with stops at both terminals’ ground levels. Economical fares are $0.75 per single-ride, payable by cash or ATH Móvil app. ADA-accessible bus service runs every 15–30 minutes from 5 AM to midnight nightly. more info

Shuttle: Licensed shared and private shuttles operate scheduled 24/7 between SJU and San Juan hotels. Advance reservations are recommended; economical rates start at $8 per person one-way. Hotel-run shuttles often run complimentary, but schedules vary. SuperShuttle and private carriers offer door-to-door service with curbside pickup outside baggage claim for convenient transfers.

Car rentals: Major car rental companies—Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz—maintain counters in the Arrivals Hall on Level 1. The on-site rental center is accessible via covered walkway open 24/7. Requirements include a valid driver’s license, major credit card, and minimum age of 21. Vehicles range from economy to SUVs, with unlimited mileage. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Parking at SJU includes Valet, Hourly, Daily, and Short-Term lots adjacent to both terminals. Rates begin at $1.50 per 30 minutes and $16 per day. Covered monthly and secure economy long-term parking is available with shuttle service to terminals. EV charging stations and disability-accessible spots are provided in all garages.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

SJU does not offer official luggage storage or lockers. Travelers may use SmarteCarte baggage carts and a left-luggage service located in the Terminal B baggage claim area (fee applies). Some nearby hotels and private operators provide secure luggage storage options a short distance off-airport for a convenient, affordable daily rate. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- San Juan Airport (SJU) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks