Pay Toll Puerto Rico: Complete Payment Guide AutoExpreso & MóvilCash 2025
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Pay Toll Puerto Rico: Complete Payment Guide
Payment Methods: AutoExpreso (Electronic), MóvilCash (Card), Limited Cash
Recommended: AutoExpreso tag for all toll roads
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Support: 1-888-688-1010 (AutoExpreso Customer Service)
App: AutoExpreso Móvil (iOS/Android)
How to Pay Tolls in Puerto Rico: 2025 Methods
Puerto Rico operates three distinct toll payment systems in 2025. Most toll roads require electronic payment, making AutoExpreso essential for efficient travel across the island.
Critical Information: Major highways (PR-52, PR-53, PR-66, PR-20) accept ONLY AutoExpreso ("solo sello"). Cash is limited to select sections of PR-22 and PR-5 with significant wait times.
AutoExpreso Electronic Payment System
AutoExpreso is Puerto Rico's primary electronic toll collection system, required for most toll roads. The system uses RFID transponders for highway-speed toll collection.
How AutoExpreso Works
- RFID Transponder: Windshield-mounted tag automatically detected at toll plazas
- Prepaid System: Account must be loaded with funds before use
- Automatic Deduction: Tolls deducted instantly when passing through toll plazas
- Light Indicator: Green light confirms successful payment, red indicates insufficient funds
- Lane Designation: AutoExpreso lanes always on the LEFT side of toll plazas
Getting Your AutoExpreso Tag
Purchase Locations (150+ available):
- All Puma gas stations throughout Puerto Rico
- Select Total gas stations
- AutoExpreso Customer Service Centers
- In-Lane Replenishment (ILR) lanes at toll plazas (green "R" designation)
- Rental car companies (with daily fees)
Initial Setup Requirements:
- Tag purchase fee: $10-15 (varies by retailer)
- Initial balance: $20 minimum recommended
- Vehicle registration: Required for account activation
- Contact information: Phone number and address
AutoExpreso Account Registration
Registration Methods:
- Online Registration: Visit autoexpreso.com and create account
- AutoExpreso Móvil App: Download from iOS App Store or Google Play
- Phone Registration: Call 1-888-688-1010
- In-Person: Visit Customer Service Centers
Required Information for Registration:
- Vehicle license plate number
- Vehicle make, model, and year
- AutoExpreso tag number (printed on tag)
- Driver's license or identification number
- Contact information (phone, email, address)
Reloading Your AutoExpreso Account
Reload Options:
- Gas Stations: All Puma stations, select Total stations - swipe magnetic card, pay cashier
- In-Lane Replenishment: Green "R" lanes at toll plazas - accepts cash, credit, debit cards
- Online: autoexpreso.com with credit/debit card
- Mobile App: AutoExpreso Móvil app with stored payment methods
- Auto-Recharge: Automatic reload when balance drops below set amount
Minimum Balance Recommendation: Keep $10+ balance to avoid insufficient funds at toll plazas
MóvilCash Card Payment System
MóvilCash is a prepaid card alternative to AutoExpreso, popular with tourists and short-term visitors. The cards work only in designated "R" and "R+" lanes at toll plazas.
How MóvilCash Works
- Prepaid Card: Magnetic stripe card loaded with funds
- Lane-Specific: Only usable in "R" (replenishment) lanes on RIGHT side of toll plazas
- Instant Purchase: Available at In-Lane Replenishment stations
- Change System: Excess payment loaded onto card for future use
Getting MóvilCash Cards
Purchase Process:
- Enter green "R" or "R+" lane at toll plaza
- Tell toll attendant you need a MóvilCash card
- Pay with cash, credit, or debit card
- Receive card loaded with payment amount minus toll
- Keep card for future toll payments
Important Notes:
- No cash change given - excess amount loaded onto card
- Cards do not expire but have no cash value
- Cannot be used in AutoExpreso lanes
- Wait times typically longer than AutoExpreso lanes
Cash Payment Options (Limited)
Cash payment is extremely limited in Puerto Rico's toll system. Most highways converted to electronic-only collection, with cash available only at select locations.
Where Cash is Still Accepted
| Highway | Cash Availability | Lane Designation | Wait Times |
|---|---|---|---|
| PR-22 | Select toll plazas | "C" lanes | 15-20 minutes |
| PR-5 | Limited sections | "C" lanes | 10-15 minutes |
| PR-52 | AutoExpreso Only | N/A | N/A |
| PR-53 | AutoExpreso Only | N/A | N/A |
| PR-66 | AutoExpreso Only | N/A | N/A |
| PR-20 | AutoExpreso Only | N/A | N/A |
Cash Payment Requirements:
- Exact change preferred (quarters, dollars)
- Only available in designated "C" lanes
- Significantly longer wait times than electronic payment
- Not recommended for tourists or time-sensitive travel
Rental Car Toll Payment
Most rental car companies in Puerto Rico offer AutoExpreso services with their vehicles, but policies and fees vary significantly between companies.
Rental Car AutoExpreso Options
Option 1: Activate Rental Car AutoExpreso
- Daily fees: $10-25 per day plus actual tolls
- Automatic toll payment through rental car
- No setup required - activated at pickup
- Billed to rental car contract
Option 2: Decline Rental Car AutoExpreso
- Purchase your own AutoExpreso tag
- Register tag to rental car license plate
- Remove vehicle from account when returning car
- Risk of double-charging if rental car tag active
⚠️ Important Warning: If you use toll roads without activated AutoExpreso, rental car companies typically charge $25+ penalty fees plus actual toll costs for each violation.
Rental Car Best Practices
- Ask about AutoExpreso at pickup: Clarify fees and activation policies
- Activate if using toll roads: Saves time and avoids penalties
- Check for existing tags: Look for AutoExpreso sticker on windshield
- Use MóvilCash alternative: If you decline rental car AutoExpreso
- Plan toll-free routes: If avoiding rental car fees
Payment Method Comparison
| Payment Method | Speed | Convenience | Coverage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AutoExpreso | Excellent | Excellent | All highways | Residents & Regular users |
| MóvilCash | Good | Good | All highways | Tourists & Visitors |
| Rental Car AutoExpreso | Excellent | Excellent | All highways | Short-term rentals |
| Cash | Poor | Poor | PR-22, PR-5 only | Emergency only |
Step-by-Step Payment Guide
For First-Time AutoExpreso Users
- Purchase AutoExpreso tag at Puma gas station or toll plaza ILR lane
- Load initial funds ($20+ recommended) at point of purchase
- Mount tag on windshield behind rearview mirror (follow included instructions)
- Register account online at autoexpreso.com or via mobile app
- Add vehicle information (license plate, make, model, year)
- Test tag by driving through AutoExpreso lane (LEFT side)
- Monitor balance and reload as needed
For Tourists Using MóvilCash
- Approach toll plaza and look for green "R" or "R+" lanes on RIGHT side
- Enter designated lane and tell attendant you need MóvilCash
- Pay with cash, credit, or debit for toll amount plus extra for future use
- Receive MóvilCash card loaded with excess payment amount
- Use card for future tolls in "R" lanes only
- Reload card as needed at ILR lanes
Common Payment Issues & Solutions
AutoExpreso Tag Not Reading
- Check mounting: Ensure tag is properly positioned on windshield
- Verify balance: Insufficient funds prevent toll payment
- Clean windshield: Dirt or tinting may interfere with reading
- Contact support: Call 1-888-688-1010 for tag replacement
Insufficient Funds
- Immediate solution: Use MóvilCash at "R" lane or pay cash if available
- Reload account: Visit nearest Puma station or ILR lane
- Set up auto-reload: Prevent future insufficient fund issues
- Pay violations: Unpaid tolls result in penalty fees
Double Charging (Rental Cars)
- Cause: Using MóvilCash while rental car has active AutoExpreso tag
- Prevention: Choose one payment method - either activate rental car AutoExpreso or use MóvilCash exclusively
- Resolution: Contact rental car company and AutoExpreso customer service
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use E-ZPass or other US toll transponders in Puerto Rico?
No, AutoExpreso is not interoperable with E-ZPass, SunPass, or other US toll collection systems. You must use AutoExpreso, MóvilCash, or cash for Puerto Rico tolls.
What happens if I go through a toll without paying?
You'll receive a violation notice with penalties. For rental cars, companies typically charge $25+ plus the actual toll for each violation. Multiple violations can result in significant fees.
How do I know my AutoExpreso balance?
Check your balance via the AutoExpreso Móvil app, autoexpreso.com website, or by calling 1-888-688-1010. You can also check at any Puma gas station or ILR lane.
Can I get a refund for unused AutoExpreso funds?
AutoExpreso funds are generally non-refundable. However, you can contact customer service at 1-888-688-1010 to discuss account closure options if you're permanently leaving Puerto Rico.
Which payment method is best for tourists?
For short visits (1-3 days), MóvilCash or rental car AutoExpreso is most convenient. For longer stays or multiple visits, purchasing your own AutoExpreso tag is more cost-effective.
To calculate toll costs for all payment methods across Puerto Rico toll roads, use TollGuru Puerto Rico toll calculator
Contact Information & Support
AutoExpreso Customer Service:
- Phone: 1-888-688-1010
- Website: autoexpreso.com
- Mobile App: AutoExpreso Móvil (iOS/Android)
- Email: Available through website contact form
Related Puerto Rico Toll Information:
- AutoExpreso Puerto Rico - Complete toll system overview
- Puerto Rico Toll Roads - Highway details and rates
- [Rico Highway and Transportation Authority (PRHTA) - System operator]
