Puerto Rico Toll Roads 2025: AutoExpreso System Complete Guide
Click on the map to open toll wiki for a country/state
Puerto Rico Toll Roads Complete Guide
System: AutoExpreso electronic toll collection + Limited cash lanes
Coverage: 7 toll highways totaling 200 miles with 22 toll plazas
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Technology: RFID transponders, license plate recognition, cashless gantries
Operators: PRHTA (Government) + Metropistas (Abertis concessions)
Do I Need AutoExpreso for Puerto Rico? 2025 Update
Yes, you absolutely need AutoExpreso to efficiently use Puerto Rico toll roads - most highways are now cashless with only limited cash lanes that have extremely long wait times. Without AutoExpreso, you'll face significant delays and higher penalty fees.
Key Reality: Most toll roads including PR-52, PR-66, parts of PR-22, PR-5, PR-20, and PR-53 only accept AutoExpreso. Rush hour wait times without AutoExpreso can exceed 20 minutes per toll plaza.
2025 Update: Abertis (Metropistas) now operates most toll roads under 40-year concessions, implementing free-flow tolling and managed lanes on PR-52. Electronic toll transactions now exceed 70% of all payments.
Puerto Rico Toll Costs: Current Rates
Puerto Rico operates a comprehensive toll network covering nearly 200 miles, with costs varying by highway, distance, and payment method.
Current Toll Rates by Highway (2025)
| Highway | Route Description | Toll Plazas | Example Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| PR-52 (Luis A. Ferré) | San Juan to Ponce | 7 plazas | $0.75-$5.00 per plaza |
| PR-22 (José de Diego) | San Juan to Hatillo | 6 plazas | $0.35-$4.00 per plaza |
| PR-53 (Eastern Coastal) | Fajardo to Salinas | 5 plazas | $0.75-$3.50 per plaza |
| PR-66 (Roberto Sánchez Vilella) | Carolina to Río Grande | 3 plazas | $1.00-$2.50 per plaza |
| PR-20 (Rafael Martínez Nadal) | PR-1 to PR-2 (Guaynabo) | 1 plaza | $1.50-$2.00 |
Popular Route Examples (2025)
San Juan to Ponce (PR-52): Approximately $4.50 total tolls
San Juan to Aguadilla (PR-22): Approximately $2.60 total tolls
Aguadilla to San Juan (PR-22): Approximately $4.20 total tolls
How to Pay Puerto Rico Tolls
You can use the following toll payment methods to pay tolls in Puerto Rico:
1. AutoExpreso Electronic System:
- RFID windshield transponder: Automatic payment at highway speeds
- MóvilCash card: Card-based electronic payment option
- Account replenishment: Over 150 gas stations and retailers island-wide
- In-lane replenishment: Special "R" lanes at toll plazas for quick account top-up
2. Limited Cash Payment:
- Available on some sections of PR-22 and PR-5 only
- Extremely long wait times (15-20+ minutes during rush hour)
- Single cash lanes with limited operating hours
3. Rental Car Arrangements:
- AutoExpreso tag rental from car rental agencies
- Daily fees plus actual toll costs
- Penalty charges if using cashless roads without tag
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types across Puerto Rico toll roads, use TollGuru Puerto Rico toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Abertis Concession Expansion:
- October 2023: $2.85 billion, 40-year concession awarded for PR-52, PR-66, PR-20, PR-53
- Metropistas now manages all major toll roads except government-operated facilities
- $2.37 billion private investment planned for infrastructure modernization
Technology Upgrades:
- Free-flow tolling implementation across major highways
- Dynamic toll lanes on PR-52 with real-time rate adjustments
- Enhanced license plate recognition and video toll systems
Operational Improvements:
- Electronic transactions increased from 42% to over 70%
- Reduced commute times by up to 45 minutes during peak hours
- Annual operational cost savings of $2-3 million through automation
Regional Toll Information
San Juan Metropolitan Area - Primary Toll Network:
- PR-52 Luis A. Ferré Expressway - Main north-south arterial to Ponce with 7 toll plazas
- PR-22 José de Diego Expressway - Northern coastal route to Aguadilla with 6 toll plazas
- PR-66 Roberto Sánchez Vilella Expressway - Eastern access to Fajardo with 3 toll plazas
- PR-20 Rafael Martínez Nadal Expressway - Guaynabo connector with 1 toll plaza
- Teodoro Moscoso Bridge - San Juan harbor crossing
Eastern and Southern Corridors:
- PR-53 Eastern Coastal Highway - Fajardo to Salinas with 5 toll plazas
- PR-5 Expressway - Bayamón connector with 1 toll plaza
- PR-17 Expressway - PR-26 to PR-20 connector with 1 toll plaza
Toll-Free Alternatives:
- PR-2: Longest highway connecting north and west coasts (toll-free)
- PR-1: Major north-south route through central areas (toll-free)
- Ruta Panorámica: Scenic mountain route across central region (toll-free)
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations:
- Daily island travel: $5-15 in tolls for typical cross-island trips
- San Juan area commuting: $2-8 per day depending on routes used
- AutoExpreso account minimum: $20 initial deposit recommended
Time Savings:
- Toll roads: 55-65 mph speed limits with controlled access
- Toll-free alternatives: Add 30-90 minutes to cross-island travel
- Rush hour avoidance: Use AutoExpreso to bypass traffic congestion
Rental Car Considerations:
- Always opt for AutoExpreso tag with rental cars
- Penalty fees can be $50+ if using cashless roads without tag
- Some toll roads have no cash payment option available
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid Puerto Rico tolls completely?
Yes, but it will significantly increase travel time. Alternative routes like PR-2 and PR-1 are toll-free but can add 30-90 minutes to cross-island journeys and lack the safety features of modern expressways.
What happens if I don't pay Puerto Rico tolls?
Driving through cashless toll areas without AutoExpreso results in violation notices and penalty fees. Rental car companies may charge $50+ in administrative fees plus the actual toll costs.
Do motorcycles pay tolls in Puerto Rico?
Yes, motorcycles pay the same toll rates as passenger cars on all Puerto Rico toll roads and can use AutoExpreso transponders for electronic payment.
Is AutoExpreso compatible with E-ZPass?
No, AutoExpreso is not interoperable with E-ZPass, SunPass, or other mainland US electronic toll systems. You need a separate AutoExpreso account for Puerto Rico.
Do tourists get different toll rates?
No, tourists pay the same toll rates as residents. However, rental car companies often charge daily administrative fees ($5-15/day) for AutoExpreso tag usage on top of actual toll costs.
Puerto Rico vs. Regional Areas
| Area | System Type | Typical Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puerto Rico | AutoExpreso electronic | $0.35-5.00 per plaza | 7 toll highways |
| Florida | SunPass + cash | $0.25-7.00 per plaza | 29 toll roads |
| Dominican Republic | RD VIAL + cash | RD$60-412 per plaza | 5 major highways |
| US Virgin Islands | No tolls | $0.00 | Free roads |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- PR-52 Luis A. Ferré Expressway - Main San Juan to Ponce arterial
- PR-22 José de Diego Expressway - Northern coastal toll highway
- PR-53 Eastern Coastal Highway - Fajardo to Salinas route
- AutoExpreso System - Electronic toll payment guide
- Pay Toll Puerto Rico - Complete payment methods guide
Official Resources:
- Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority (PRHTA): Government toll oversight
- Metropistas (Abertis): Private toll road operator for most highways
- AutoExpreso Customer Service: 1-888-688-1010 - Account support and questions
