# Mercedita International Airport (PSE) > Ponce, US · 6 km (3 nmi) east of central Ponce Web: https://airport.flights/airport/pse JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/pse.json ## Facts - **IATA**: PSE - **ICAO**: TJPS - **Timezone**: America/Puerto_Rico - **Runways**: 1 - **Terminals**: 1 - **Official site**: https://www.aeropuertolmm.com/ponce-airport ## Overview ## Welcome Mercedita International Airport (PSE) in Ponce surprises travelers with its intimate scale, more akin to a regional field than an "international" hub. Located just 6 km east of Ponce, this airport offers one of the most stress-free experiences on Puerto Rico’s south coast. With the terminal so compact, you can go from the curb to your gate in no time, and checked luggage often arrives swiftly — a welcome change if you're used to larger, busier airports. ## At a glance This single-terminal airport primarily serves JetBlue and Frontier Airlines, making it straightforward and easy to navigate. Situated close to the city center, it’s a gateway to the serene beaches and rich culture of Puerto Rico's southern region. Despite its unassuming nature, it plays a significant role for military personnel movements and is undergoing a $15.6 million taxiway rehabilitation, a sign of its strategic importance. ## Terminals & layout Mercedita International operates with just one terminal, T1, where you can see everything from the moment you deplane: baggage claim, car rentals, and exits all lie within arm's reach of each other. There's a communal feel to this setup; no need for elaborate meeting points—simply congregate around the baggage belt or exit. ## Getting to and from the city The airport's proximity to Ponce offers several transportation options, although public transport is not as robust as in larger cities. On-airport car rentals from Budget and Enterprise are your primary mode, with lots directly outside the terminal. Budget offers a split schedule (8:00–16:00 and 23:00–04:00), while Enterprise keeps regular hours (07:00–16:00). If your schedule doesn't match, plan to pick up in town or drive yourself using a taxi or rideshare service, which is best coordinated once you're at the curb to avoid poor reception inside. ## Traveller essentials Due to Mercedita’s limited amenities, prepare to fulfill your essentials either in Ponce or before reaching the airport. With sparse shopping or dining options on-site, anything from ATM withdrawals to snacks should be addressed well before your time at the terminal. The security process is efficient but won't offer any surprise conveniences once you're airside. ## Dining & shopping highlights There are no designated restaurants or shops within T1, which means all gastronomical and retail needs must be attended to in Ponce itself. Whether grabbing a meal or doing some last-minute shopping, plan accordingly to avoid finding yourself with few options pre-flight. ## Lounges Mercedita offers no formal lounges at present. Instead, the car-rental area by baggage claim has become an informal meeting point, where staff may help with local travel tips as you await your luggage. ## Insider tips - **Insider** - The rental car lots are a step away from the terminal, saving you time if you’re heading to the south coast's beaches—quicker than larger airports like San Juan. - **Time** - Budget's car rental hours have a 16:00–23:00 gap where pick-ups aren't possible. Plan your arrival around this, or consider Enterprise, which closes promptly at 16:00 and doesn’t offer after-hours returns. - **Avoid** - Dining options are non-existent post-security. Fill up in Ponce or pack snacks, especially if you're on a late flight without in-town dining options. - **Quiet** - Expect efficient baggage delivery with limited distractions. Your bag will often be waiting before you've finished walking over to the carousel. - **Local** - Engage with the rental staff for tips about road conditions and local traffic as they often act as informal guides directly by the baggage claim. - **Money** - If flights are disrupted, your only alternate may be in San Juan. Consider a rental car swap to ensure more reliable rebooking options at SJU. ## Terminals (1) - **Main Terminal** — JetBlue, Frontier Airlines ## Parking (1) - **Main Parking Lot** — Surface lot · Adjacent to terminal ## Ground transport (7) - **App-based Rideshare Pickup** — Rideshare · 15-25 min to central Ponce · $20-40 · On demand Rideshare services such as Uber operate in parts of Puerto Rico and may pick up at or just outside the airport; pickup points can change based on local regulations. - **Budget** — On-airport car rental - **Enterprise** — On-airport car rental - **Hotel and Resort Courtesy Vans** — Shuttle · 15-30 min to nearby hotels · Often included with stay · Coordinated with reservations Some Ponce-area hotels and resorts may offer pre-arranged airport shuttles; advance booking is typically required and pickup is at the arrivals curb. - **Local Bus to Ponce** — Bus · 15-25 min to central Ponce · Low fare · Infrequent Limited local public buses or públicos may connect the airport area with Ponce and nearby communities; schedules and stops can vary and may not be well-marked. - **Rental Car Shuttle/Walk-up** — Shuttle · 5-15 min to rental car locations · Included in rental · Coordinated with rentals Rental car agencies serving Ponce may provide courtesy shuttles or be located a short drive from the airport; arrangements are typically made as part of the reservation. - **Taxi from Terminal Curb** — Taxi · 15-25 min to central Ponce · $20-40 · On demand Metered or fixed-fare taxis typically wait outside the terminal during flight times; fares depend on destination within Ponce and surrounding areas. ## Insider tips - _Insider_: The rental car lots are a step away from the terminal, saving you time if you’re heading to the south coast's beaches—quicker than larger airports like San Juan. - _Time_: Budget's car rental hours have a 16:00–23:00 gap where pick-ups aren't possible. Plan your arrival around this, or consider Enterprise, which closes promptly at 16:00 and doesn’t offer after-hours returns. - _Avoid_: Dining options are non-existent post-security. Fill up in Ponce or pack snacks, especially if you're on a late flight without in-town dining options. - _Quiet_: Expect efficient baggage delivery with limited distractions. Your bag will often be waiting before you've finished walking over to the carousel. - _Local_: Engage with the rental staff for tips about road conditions and local traffic as they often act as informal guides directly by the baggage claim. - _Money_: If flights are disrupted, your only alternate may be in San Juan. Consider a rental car swap to ensure more reliable rebooking options at SJU.