Tren Urbano — Map, Lines, Route, Hours, Tickets

Tren Urbano Information

Tren Urbano is a rapid transit system that serves the city of San Juan in Puerto Rico. The system is relatively new, having begun operations on 17 December 2004, and currently has 1 line serving 16 stations. The system has a total track length of 17.2 km (10.7 miles). The metro system is fully automated and has an estimated average daily ridership of 43,800 passengers. It is owned by the Puerto Rico Department of Transportation and Public Works and operated by Alternativa de Transporte Integrado (ATI) Siemens AG.

The San Juan Metro, also known as the Tren Urbano, serves approximately 40,000 passengers per day. However, it does not provide 24-hour service, operating from 5:30am to 11:30am (M-D).

The Tren Urbano has no air conditioning and does not allow passengers to walk between platforms. It does not have driverless trains or screen doors on the platforms. The trains run at an average speed of 33km/h and can reach a maximum speed of 100km/h.

The fare for a trip on the Tren Urbano is $1.5. The entire operation is managed by Alternativa de Transporte Integrado (ATI) and Siemens AG.

Tren Urbano San Juan Map

Map of San Juan Tren Urbano showing different stations. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Tren Urbano map in PDF format.

Lines and Stations

The Tren Urbano, San Juan’s metro system, has stations with no doors between the platforms and the tunnels. Many stations are equipped with lifts and wheelchair access, as well as regular Wi-Fi connectivity. It takes about 30 minutes to travel the entire distance from Bayamón to Sagrado Corazón by train.

The system consists of 16 stations, distributed as follows: in the municipality of Bayamón, the stations are Bayamón (elevated), Deportivo (elevated) and Jardines (ground level). Torrimar station (at ground level) is in the 0municipality of Guaynabo. The line continues to the municipality of San Juan, where the stations are Martínez Nadal (ground level), Las Lomas (elevated), San Francisco (elevated), Centro Médico (ground level), Cupey (elevated), Río Piedras (underground), Universidad (underground), Piñero (elevated), Domenech (elevated), Roosevelt (elevated), Hato Rey (elevated) and Sagrado Corazón (elevated).

Connections with Other Systems

Maritime transport has always been a vital part of San Juan, due to its extensive coastline. Similarly, buses are considered the most efficient means of transport to reach every corner of the city.

The most important link in San Juan’s Tren Urbano is the Metro Urbano, a rapid transit bus system that connects the terminal of Bayamón Station to the city of Toa Baja, covering a distance of 16.5 kilometres. This system was inaugurated on 16 September 2012, and the articulated buses were replaced by a dedicated lane on the José de Diego Highway (PR-22).

In addition, the Integrated Transport Authority (ATI) oversees the two other transport systems beyond San Juan’s Tren Urbano. One is the Cataño ferry, which connects the municipality of Cataño with the island of Old San Juan. The ferry operates non-stop, leaving every half hour.

The other transport system is managed by the Metropolitan Bus Authority (AMA). This service connects the inhabitants of San Juan via 30 routes, including three express routes. Buses run from 5am to 9pm on most routes Monday to Friday and from 6am to 8pm on Saturdays and public holidays.

Connections with the Airport

While the Tren Urbano doesn’t directly serve Luis Muños Marín International Airport (the airport serving the Puerto Rican capital), there is a fast bus service. The E40 express bus leaves from Piñero station and goes directly to Muñoz Marín Airport via the Mall of San Juan. This means that both arriving and departing passengers can use the Tren Urbano service.

Timetable and Frequency

San Juan’s Tren Urbano operates six days a week, 365 days a year. The system starts at 5.50am and runs non-stop until 23.30pm. According to the Integrated Transport Authority (ATI), trains run every 8 minutes during rush hour and every 16 minutes during off-peak hours.

Specifically, the train frequency is as follows:

From 6:20am to 8:20am: every 8 minutes
From 8:20 to 16:20: every 12 minutes
From 16:20 to 18:00: every 10 minutes
From 18:00 to 23:30: every 16 minutes

On Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays the frequency is reduced to every 16 minutes.

Fares, Tickets, and Passes

San Juan’s Tren Urbano fares are clearly defined, with discounts for certain social groups. The San Juan Integrated Transit Authority (ATI) offers several ways to purchase a ticket.

The most common way to travel on the Tren Urbano is with a regular rate ticket, which costs US$1.50. This ticket gives passengers a two-hour window from the time they enter the system, during which time they can transfer to an AMA (Metropolitan Bus Authority) bus. If the chosen bus route is the E20, there is an additional charge of US$0.50.

However, four key social groups benefit from using the system at half price. Students, people aged between 60 and 74, Medicare beneficiaries and people with disabilities can travel on the Tren Urbano for a fare of US$0.75.

The Tren Urbano is free for people over 75 and children under six.

There are also different fares depending on the validity of the ticket. These fares, with a specific time period indicated on the ticket, allow unlimited use of the Tren Urbano and AMA buses. There are four types of ticket in this category: a 1-day ticket for US$5.00, a weekly ticket for US$15.00, a 30-day ticket for US$50.00 and the most extensive, a 90-day ticket for US$90.00. These can be purchased from ticket machines located throughout the system and can be paid for with cash, debit cards or Visa and MasterCard.

Full Ride!

Enjoy the full journey on the Tren Urbano in the video below. This allows you to experience the journey from your comfort zone, giving you a glimpse of the system’s infrastructure, stations and the scenic views of the surrounding areas.

Park and Ride

An attractive feature of the Tren Urbano is the provision of car parks at stations, allowing passengers to leave their cars and travel by train. Eight stations along the line have car parks with a total of 3,106 spaces. These are located at Bayamón, Torrimar, Jardines, Martínez Nadal, San Francisco, Sagrado Corazón, Cupey and the Toa Baja Park & Ride (connected to the Metro Urbano, which departs from Bayamón station).

In addition, the system caters for cyclists by providing bicycle parking at six stations, some near the Tren Urbano stations and others closer to the bus stations. Cycle parks are located at Sagrado Corazón, Capetillo, Bayamón, Piñero, Iturregui, Covadonga (Old San Juan) and Martínez Nadal.

Bici-Tren (Bicycle-Train)

Recognising the vital role of bicycles in modern, eco-friendly cities, San Juan’s Tren Urbano offers its users the Bici-Tren pass.

This service allows passengers to take their bicycles on the train. To obtain a Bici-Pass, you must apply at the Río Piedras station between 10:00 and 18:00. The requirements include attending a course on the rules for taking a bicycle on the train, being at least 18 years old (or having the permission of a parent, guardian or legal representative) and providing a passport-sized photograph. Users are required to sign the rules as a commitment to abide by them.

During peak hours (7:00 to 9:00 am and 3:00 to 6:00 pm), up to two bicycles can be carried in one carriage. At off-peak times and on weekends and public holidays, up to four bicycles may be carried. Folding bicycles are permitted at all times.

Future Expansion

There are numerous expansion plans for Tren Urbano, ranging from simple projects such as creating new stations within the system, to more complex undertakings such as creating links with new transport systems covering other parts of Puerto Rico, also known as the Island of Enchantment.

The Puerto Rico Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTOP) is responsible for planning these expansions. Phase 1A, the first stage, includes the extension of two stations from the current Sagrado Corazón station and the construction of two new stations: San Mateo and Minillas.

Other proposed extensions include a new line from the Río Piedras station to the Carolina community and a plan for a northern urban line linking the new Minillas station to the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport and Old San Juan. There’s also the Tren Liviano de San Juan (San Juan Light Train), a project that will connect the whole of Old San Juan to the Tren Urbano station at Sagrado Corazón and the rest of the city by tram.

Finally, a railway system is being built in the municipality of Caguas to connect with the Tren Urbano at Cupey station. This would facilitate rail links between the city of San Juan and the southern part of the island. There are also plans for trains to connect the island’s main population centres to the Tren Urbano.

Advice

Although the Tren Urbano is fairly user-friendly, it’s important to be aware of the system’s operating hours, especially the 23:30 closing time. If you find yourself out after this time, you may have to rely on taxis, which can be more expensive than expected.

If you’re planning to connect to the AMA bus system with a previously purchased regular fare ticket, be aware of the two-hour transfer limit. Once this time has elapsed, you’ll need to purchase a new ticket to re-enter the system.

Interesting facts

San Juan’s Tren Urbano is the only system of its kind in Puerto Rico and the first in the Caribbean.
Many of the stations are decorated with artwork by local Puerto Rican artists.
As many of the stations are elevated, it is easier to appreciate the architecture of the system.
Passenger numbers and traffic are generally low, so trains run less frequently.

What to see from the Tren Urbano

San Juan’s Tren Urbano is often considered a tourist attraction in its own right. It’s not just because of the architectural beauty of its stations or the works of art that adorn its walls. The main attraction is the sweeping views of the city that passengers can enjoy, thanks to the elevated or ground level location of most of the stations. That’s why many tourists recommend a trip on the Tren Urbano, even without a specific destination in mind.

Here are some of the most notable sights you can see from the Tren Urbano:

San Juan’s financial district: Get off at Hato Rey station and you’ll be close to the Milla de Oro de San Juan, a central part of San Juan’s financial district. This area is home to many of the island’s major banks and financial groups, housed in towering buildings that create a striking urban landscape.
José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum: This popular venue for concerts and performances is conveniently located next to the Hato Rey train station.
University of Puerto Rico: Near Universidad Station, you’ll find the largest campus of the University of Puerto Rico, which has many educational centres throughout the island. A notable attraction here is the clock tower, designed by architect Rafael Carmoega. Known simply as “La Torre”, this landmark has become an icon of the student movements that have emerged from this university.
Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium: Located near the Deportivo train station, this stadium is an important venue for football, a sport that is becoming increasingly popular on the island, although baseball is the most traditional sport. The local team, Bayamón F.C., plays here.
Francisco Oller Museum: A short four-metre walk from Bayamón station takes you to the political centre of this municipality. Among its squares and historical monuments you’ll find the Francisco Oller Museum, next to the Plaza de Recreo. Originally built in 1907 as the mayor’s office, the museum is now an important local landmark.