San Juan to Ceiba: Private Transfer with Local Driver

Summary

Private ride from San Juan to Ceiba ferry or airport with local tips

You’ll be met right at San Juan airport or your hotel by a local driver who’ll help with your bags and share real-life tips as you travel east toward Ceiba ferry or airport. Along the way, you’ll catch glimpses of daily life and get advice only locals know. Arriving relaxed and ready feels different when someone’s looking out for you.

What’s the experience like?

We landed in San Juan just after noon, and I was honestly relieved to spot my name on a sign right outside baggage claim. Our driver, Luis, waved us over — he had this easy smile and asked if we’d slept at all on the plane (we hadn’t). The van smelled faintly of coconut air freshener, which made me laugh because it felt so on-the-nose for Puerto Rico. We tossed our bags in the back and set off toward Ceiba. I remember the first few minutes were mostly quiet, just watching palm trees flick past the window while Luis fiddled with the radio.

About halfway through the drive, he started pointing out little things — like where to get pastelillos if we ever came back through Fajardo, or how locals pronounce “Vieques” (I tried and he grinned, “Almost!”). The road got twistier as we left San Juan behind. It was humid but not sticky, and every so often you’d catch a whiff of fried plantains from roadside stands. I kept thinking how much easier this was than wrangling a taxi line or figuring out buses with luggage in tow. The whole private transfer thing just made sense for us — especially since we had an early ferry to Culebra.

I didn’t expect how fast the time would go; maybe it was the stories Luis told about growing up nearby or just that feeling of being looked after by someone who actually lives here. He even helped us sort out our bags at the Ceiba ferry terminal and gave us one last tip about where to sit for the best ocean breeze. There’s something about arriving somewhere new and having someone local guide you through those first steps — I still think about that moment when we stepped out into the salty air, feeling like we’d already gotten a head start on understanding Puerto Rico.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private transfer from San Juan to Ceiba ferry

• Meet at San Juan airport baggage claim
• Load luggage into vehicle
• Drive to Ceiba ferry port
• Receive travel advice during drive

Top questions

How long is the drive from San Juan to Ceiba ferry?

The drive typically takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes depending on traffic.

Is pickup available from hotels in San Juan?

Yes, pickup is included from hotels in San Juan’s metro area as well as SJU airport.

Does this private transfer allow pets?

Pets are allowed if they are in their carrier box during transport.

Can infants or small children ride on this transfer?

Yes, infants and small children can ride; specialized infant seats are available upon request.

Where does the transfer drop off in Ceiba?

The transfer drops off at either the Ceiba ferry terminal or Ceiba airport based on your booking.

What’s included

Your trip includes private transportation with a local chauffeur from San Juan airport or your hotel directly to either Ceiba ferry port or airport. Luggage assistance is part of it too, plus you’ll get real-time advice about Puerto Rico along the way before being dropped off right where you need to be.