Can I tap with a foreign bank card?

Most systems now support open-loop contactless. Keep a backup paper ticket when traveling with a group to avoid tapping each person manually.

Buses rarely charge extra, but airport expresses may require storing big bags in designated racks.

SJUPuerto RicoTPL: fare-hacker-playbook

Luis Munoz Marin International Airport

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Drop-off

Old San Juan (Covadonga bus terminal)

Pin before customs

Fastest

AMA T5

bus · 30m

Data

Nov 28

Audit

Quick verdict

Fastest into town

Service: AMA T5
Headway: 30
Backup: AMA D53 · 30m

Note

Trunk bus route between Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) and Old San Juan’s Covadonga terminal via Isla Verde on the main avenue; typical travel time is 30–60 minutes depending on traffic. Operates roughly 5:00–21:00 on weekdays and 6:00–20:00 on Saturdays, with no Sunday service from the airport; luggage is limited to small carry‑ons on board. cite

Budget focus

San Juan: Fare Hacker Playbook

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Cheapest viable route

Brief

Usually slower but dramatically cheaper than the flagship airport express.

Service: AMA D53
Mode: bus
Freq: 30m
Note: Trunk bus route from SJU to Old San Juan (Covadonga terminal) via Condado and the Convention Center, using secondary streets in Condado. Buses run about every 30 minutes with service generally 5:00–20:45 on weekdays and 6:00–20:00 on Saturdays from the airport, and do not operate from the airport on Sundays; only small hand luggage is allowed. cite

Passes and bundles

Brief

Look for day passes that include the airport zone plus metro, tram, or ferry transfers. Load value online to avoid kiosk surcharges.

When to splurge

Brief

Worth the premium when you have back-to-back meetings or tight onward connections downtown.

Service: Tren Urbano (via E40 bus connection)
Mode: rail
Freq: 8-16m
Note: Heavy metro line accessed from SJU by taking AMA E40 to Piñero station, then Tren Urbano toward Sagrado Corazón and other central-area stations. Trains typically run every 8–16 minutes from about 5:50 to 23:30, with reduced 16‑minute headways on weekends and holidays. cite

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FAQs

01Can I tap with a foreign bank card?: Most systems now support open-loop contactless. Keep a backup paper ticket when traveling with a group to avoid tapping each person manually.
02Any luggage fees?: Buses rarely charge extra, but airport expresses may require storing big bags in designated racks.