Lois Larson
San Juan Airport (SJU) is the busiest airport in the Caribbean, serving as the primary gateway to Puerto Rico and nearby areas. If you have time to kill at the airport, you can enjoy shopping at duty-free shops, apparel stores, and souvenir shops, as well as dining at a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars. There are also fee-based lounges available for added comfort. If you want to explore beyond the airport, the historic Old San Juan, the vibrant Mall of San Juan, and the beautiful Isla Verde beach are all just a short distance away.
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What You'll Learn
Explore Old San Juan
If you're looking to explore Old San Juan, you're in luck! This historic district, known locally as San Juan Viejo, is easily accessible from SJU Airport. With nearly five centuries of history, it's a must-visit when in Puerto Rico's capital.
You can reach Old San Juan by car, taxi, or bus from the airport. It's just a 15-minute taxi ride away, and buses are located on the Departures Level (2nd Level) of Terminals A and D. Old San Juan is the oldest settlement in Puerto Rico, so you'll find cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and historic sites throughout. By day, explore the area's rich history, and by night, enjoy its vibrant party scene with drinks and dancing.
Old San Juan is also known for its culinary delights, with some of San Juan's most popular restaurants and street vendors. You can satisfy your hunger and try local specialties or international fare. The area has grown to become the centre of activity and nightlife in the capital, so there's always something new to discover.
If you have time before your flight, you can also visit the Mall of San Juan, which is just a few minutes from the airport. This upscale shopping mall offers a mix of international and independent stores, as well as restaurants and bars. And, of course, there's always the option to relax and enjoy the Caribbean sun at the nearby Isla Verde beach.
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Visit the Mall of San Juan
If you're looking for a place to pass the time near San Juan Airport, the Mall of San Juan is a great option. Located just a few minutes away from the airport, the mall offers a mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
The Mall of San Juan is an upscale shopping destination, featuring a variety of international and luxury brands. When it first opened in 2015, it was anchored by Nordstrom, which was the first store of its kind in Puerto Rico and the entire Caribbean. While Nordstrom has since closed, you can still find a range of high-end retailers at the mall, including Armani Exchange, Versace, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, and Louis Vuitton. The mall also offers a selection of more affordable options, such as H&M and Zara.
In addition to its retail offerings, the Mall of San Juan is also known for its dining and entertainment options. The food court on the third floor is highly recommended by visitors, offering a variety of cuisine options to suit different tastes and budgets. The mall also has a children's entertainment center called Brincoteo, located on the second floor of the former Nordstrom store.
Getting to the mall is easy, as it is situated near the airport and accessible by car, taxi, or public transportation. The mall is open daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with extended hours on Fridays and reduced hours on weekends.
Whether you're looking to indulge in some retail therapy, sample local cuisine, or simply explore the area, a visit to the Mall of San Juan is a great way to spend your time near the San Juan Airport. With its convenient location, diverse offerings, and vibrant atmosphere, the mall has something for everyone.
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Check out Isla Verde Beach
If you're looking for a tropical beach experience near SJU Airport, Isla Verde Beach is the place to go. Located just 2.3 miles from the airport, with a travel time of around 4 minutes, it's a convenient and popular destination for visitors.
Isla Verde Beach, situated in the heart of Carolina, Puerto Rico, is renowned for its golden sands, tall palm trees, and sparkling Atlantic Ocean waters. The beach is divided into three main sections, each offering a unique atmosphere: Pine Grove, Alambique, and Balneario de Carolina. Pine Grove is the go-to spot for locals who enjoy surfing, while Alambique provides a more relaxed and tranquil atmosphere. Balneario de Carolina, with its lifeguards and parking, is ideal for those seeking a carefree beach experience.
For those seeking a luxurious beachfront experience, the Courtyard Isla Verde Beach Resort offers an exhilarating getaway. The resort provides modern indoor and outdoor spaces, a casino, a fitness centre, and an outdoor pool. Guests can indulge in delectable seafood, Puerto Rican cuisine, and breathtaking ocean views from their Oceanfront balconies.
Additionally, Isla Verde Beach offers a variety of activities for thrill-seekers and explorers. You can strap on snorkelling gear to discover the vibrant underwater world or explore the natural wonders of the coastline. The nearby Old San Juan, with its timeless charm and vibrant atmosphere, is also worth exploring.
Whether you're looking for thrilling water activities, sunbathing on the beach, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Isla Verde Beach and its surrounding area have something for everyone.
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Take a bus or taxi to the city
If you want to get from San Juan Airport (SJU) to Old San Juan, you can either take a bus or a taxi. Old San Juan is about 12 km from the airport.
By bus
The AMA (Autoridad Metropolitana de Autobuses) operates buses T5 and D53 from SJU to Terminal Covadonga in Old San Juan. Only small carry-on items are allowed on the bus, so if you have regular luggage, you will need to make alternative arrangements. The T5 bus operates every 30 minutes from 5:00 to 21:00 Monday to Friday and from 6:00 to 20:00 on Saturday. The D53 bus operates about every 30 minutes from 5:00 to 8:45 Monday to Friday and 6:00 to 20:00 on Saturday. Buses do not operate from the airport on Sundays. The journey takes around 50 minutes, and a regular ticket costs $0.75. The bus is free for those aged 75 and above and children aged 6 and under. There are also discounted rates of $0.60 for students and $0.35 for Medicare beneficiaries, people aged 60 to 74, and people with disabilities.
By taxi
Taking a taxi is the fastest and easiest option to get from San Juan Airport to Old San Juan, and it is the only option if you are travelling with larger luggage items, late at night, or on a Sunday. Taxis are available 24/7 from the airport taxi queue, or you can pre-book an airport transfer with one of Puerto Rico’s taxi companies or with one of Welcome Pickups’ English-speaking drivers. The ride to Old San Juan takes around 15 minutes and the fare is set at a base rate of $24 including the airport surcharge. In Puerto Rico, taxi fares are regulated and approved by the government-owned Puerto Rico Tourism Company. Fares to five defined tourist zones are set at a flat base rate, and if you are headed outside of the tourist zones, the fare is calculated using a taximeter. Old San Juan is in Zone 4, with the fare set at a base rate of $21. There is also a surcharge of $1 for each luggage item, $1 for travel between 22:00 and 6:00, and $2 for groups with 6-7 passengers.
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Make use of the airport facilities
SJU Airport, also known as San Juan Airport or Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, has plenty of facilities to keep you entertained and comfortable during your time there. The airport is made up of four interconnected, modern concourses (A, B, C and D) within one terminal building.
If you're feeling hungry, there are plenty of eateries to choose from, located on the airside of Terminals A, B and C. You'll also find a variety of shops, including duty-free shops, apparel and souvenir shops. If you're looking for a place to relax, there are fee-based lounges available, as well as charging stations and outlets throughout the terminals.
For those spending the night, you'll likely have to stick to the landside areas, and your best option for sleeping may be the floor. It's recommended to bring a sleep mat, blanket or sleeping bag to stay warm and comfortable. Bright lights, noise and cold temperatures have been cited as issues, so consider bringing an eye mask, earplugs and warm layers.
If you need to store your luggage, the San Juan Airport Hotel offers luggage storage for $10 a day, and you don't need to be a guest at the hotel. The airport also has a parking garage located across from Terminals B and C, with hourly and daily rates.
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Frequently asked questions
If you have time to spare before your flight, you can visit Old San Juan, which is a 15-minute taxi ride from the airport. Old San Juan offers plenty of activities, sightseeing opportunities, restaurants, and street vendors. You can also visit the Mall of San Juan, which is just a few minutes away from the airport. The mall features a variety of international chain stores, independent boutiques, restaurants, and bars.
The SJU airport isn't the most comfortable place to sleep, with travellers reporting a lack of benches. If you're spending the night, you'll likely have to sleep on the floor in the landside areas. It's recommended to bring a sleep mat, blanket, or sleeping bag for comfort and warmth. You can also consider staying at the airport hotel or other nearby hotels.
The SJU airport has four interconnected concourses (A, B, C, and D) within one terminal building. There are shops, restaurants, and duty-free stores available in Terminals A, B, and C, but options are limited in Terminal D. Most eateries and shops close down for the night, so plan accordingly. The airport provides WiFi, charging stations, and outlets throughout the terminals. Luggage storage is available at the airport hotel for $10 per day.
