autoexpreso-puerto-rico

Click on the map to open toll wiki for a country/state

AutoExpreso Puerto Rico Toll Complete Guide

System: AutoExpreso electronic toll collection + Limited cash payment
Coverage: 7 toll highways (PR-5, PR-17, PR-20, PR-22, PR-52, PR-53, PR-66)
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Technology: RFID transponders, In-lane replenishment, MóvilCash cards
Operator: Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority (PRHTA)

Do I Need AutoExpreso for Puerto Rico? 2025 Update

Yes, you absolutely need AutoExpreso for most Puerto Rico toll roads in 2025. Most highways converted to electronic-only tolling, with limited or no cash lanes available. Without AutoExpreso, you'll face hefty penalties and significant delays.

Key Reality: Major toll roads like PR-52, PR-53, PR-66, and sections of PR-22 operate "solo sello" (AutoExpreso only). Cash lanes exist only on select sections of PR-22 and PR-5, often with 15-20 minute wait times.

2025 Update: All major toll roads now feature electronic toll collection with in-lane replenishment (ILR) options. Rental car companies charge $10-25 daily fees for AutoExpreso usage, making it essential for tourists.

Puerto Rico Toll Costs: Current Rates

Puerto Rico operates 7 toll highways with costs ranging from $0.35 to $5.00 per toll plaza, calculated per vehicle axle. The island's toll network covers nearly 200 miles with 22 toll plazas.

Current Toll Rates by Highway (2025)

Highway	Route	Toll Plazas	Cost Range	Payment
PR-22	San Juan to Hatillo	6 plazas	$0.75-$1.00	AutoExpreso + Limited Cash
PR-52	Río Piedras to Ponce	7 plazas	$0.35-$5.00	AutoExpreso Only
PR-53	Fajardo to Salinas	5 plazas	$0.35-$3.00	AutoExpreso Only
PR-66	Carolina to Río Grande	3 plazas	$0.75-$2.00	AutoExpreso Only
PR-5	Caguas to Cayey	2 plazas	$0.50-$1.50	AutoExpreso + Cash
PR-20	Rafael Martínez Nadal Expressway	1 plaza	$0.75	AutoExpreso Only

Example Journey Costs (2025)

• San Juan to Ponce (PR-52): $12-15 for passenger car
• San Juan to Fajardo (PR-53): $8-12 for passenger car
• Airport to San Juan (PR-66): $3-5 for passenger car
• San Juan to Arecibo (PR-22): $4-6 for passenger car

How to Pay Puerto Rico Tolls

You can use the following toll payment methods to pay tolls in Puerto Rico:

1. AutoExpreso Electronic System (Recommended):

• RFID transponder tag mounted on windshield
• Prepaid account system - requires pre-loading with funds
• Works on all toll roads with highway-speed passage
• Available at 150+ gas stations (Puma, Total) and toll plazas

2. MóvilCash Card System:

• Magnetic stripe card alternative to transponder
• Available at In-Lane Replenishment (ILR) lanes marked with green "R"
• Accepts cash, credit/debit cards for instant loading
• Popular with tourists and short-term visitors

3. Cash Payment (Very Limited):

• Available only on select sections of PR-22 and PR-5
• Designated "C" lanes at specific toll plazas
• Extremely long wait times (15-20 minutes during peak hours)
• Not recommended for tourists or time-sensitive travel

To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types across Puerto Rico toll roads, use TollGuru Puerto Rico toll calculator

Puerto Rico Toll Calculator

Recent Changes (2025)

Electronic Toll Collection Expansion:

• PR-52 and PR-53 completed conversion to 100% electronic tolling
• Electronic transactions increased from 42% to over 70% system-wide
• Rush hour commute times reduced by up to 45 minutes on major routes

In-Lane Replenishment (ILR) System:

• 60% of tag sales and account replenishments now occur in ILR lanes
• Green "R" lanes allow instant tag purchase and account loading
• Credit/debit card acceptance at all major toll plazas

Rental Car Integration:

• All major rental agencies now offer AutoExpreso with daily fees
• Penalties for using toll roads without approved payment increased
• Automatic detection and billing systems enhanced

Highway Information

Major Toll Highways:

PR-22 (José de Diego Expressway):

• Connects San Juan metropolitan area to Hatillo
• 6 toll plazas with limited cash lanes ("C" lanes)
• Primary route for western Puerto Rico access
• Speed limit: 65 mph with frequent traffic congestion near San Juan

PR-52 (Luis A. Ferré Expressway):

• Major north-south arterial linking San Juan with Ponce
• 7 toll plazas - 100% electronic tolling (solo sello)
• Most expensive toll route with highest volume
• Essential for travel to southern Puerto Rico

PR-53 (Ángel Ramos Expressway):

• Connects Fajardo (east) to Salinas (south)
• 5 toll plazas - 100% electronic tolling
• Key route for eastern Puerto Rico and El Yunque access
• Critical for airport to east coast travel

PR-66 (Roberto Sánchez Vilella Expressway):

• Connects Carolina (airport area) to Río Grande
• 3 toll plazas - 100% electronic tolling
• Primary airport access route
• Essential for hotel zone and resort areas

Planning Your Journey

Cost Considerations:

• Daily toll costs for tourists: $10-25 depending on destinations
• Rental car AutoExpreso fees: $10-25 per day plus actual tolls
• Airport to San Juan: $3-5 via PR-66
• Cross-island travel: $15-20 for major routes

Toll-Free Alternatives:

• Route 3: Coastal road from San Juan to Fajardo (adds 1-2 hours)
• Route 2: Western route alternative to PR-22 (significantly slower)
• Local roads: Available but add substantial travel time
• Mountain routes: Scenic but challenging for inexperienced drivers

Travel Tips:

• Always activate AutoExpreso with rental car to avoid penalties
• Keep $10+ minimum balance on AutoExpreso account
• AutoExpreso lanes are always on the LEFT side
• Allow extra time for San Juan area traffic congestion

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I avoid Puerto Rico tolls completely?

Yes, but it adds 1-3 hours to most trips. Route 3 (coastal) and Route 2 (western) are toll-free alternatives, but they're significantly slower and more congested than toll roads.

What happens if I use a toll road without AutoExpreso?

On electronic-only roads, you'll receive a hefty fine. Rental car companies typically charge $25+ penalty fee plus the actual toll cost for each violation.

Where can I buy or reload AutoExpreso?

At 150+ locations including all Puma gas stations, select Total stations, and green "R" lanes at toll plazas. You can also get it from rental car companies.

Does AutoExpreso work with E-ZPass or other US toll systems?

No, AutoExpreso is not interoperable with E-ZPass, SunPass, or other US toll systems. It only works in Puerto Rico.

Are toll rates different for motorcycles or trucks?

Yes, tolls are charged per axle. Motorcycles typically pay the same as cars (2 axles), while trucks pay based on their axle count - potentially 2-3 times more than passenger vehicles.

Puerto Rico vs. Caribbean Countries

Country	System Type	Typical Cost	Coverage
Puerto Rico	Electronic + Limited Cash	$0.35-$5.00/plaza	7 highways, 22 plazas
Dominican Republic	Manual + Electronic	$0.50-$3.00/plaza	Limited highway network
Jamaica	Manual toll collection	$1.00-$4.00/plaza	Highway 2000 network
Mexico	Mixed systems	$0.50-$10.00/plaza	Extensive network
Costa Rica	Manual + Electronic	$0.25-$2.00/plaza	Select highways

Useful Links & Resources

Payment & Account Management:

• Pay Toll Puerto Rico - Complete payment guide and methods
• AutoExpreso Customer Support: 1-888-688-1010
• In-lane replenishment at green "R" lanes
• Puma and Total gas stations for account loading

Official Agencies:

• Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority (PRHTA)
• TransCore - Technology provider and system maintenance
• AutoExpreso Customer Service Centers

Regional Toll Information:

• USA Toll - Mainland US toll systems and E-ZPass
• Dominican Republic - Caribbean toll comparison
• Jamaica - Regional toll system information
• Mexico - North American toll network

Found outdated content or toll information? Join us to keep toll information accurate.

Report Issue Join Contributors