PR-22 José de Diego Expressway: Complete Guide Toll Rates & Dynamic Lanes 2025
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PR-22 José de Diego Expressway Complete Guide
Official Name: José de Diego Expressway (Expreso José de Diego)
Length: 84.3 km (52.4 miles)
Route: San Juan (PR-26) to Hatillo (PR-2)
Toll Plazas: 7 plazas (6 regular + 1 dynamic toll lane)
Operator: Metropistas (Abertis/Goldman Sachs consortium)
Payment: AutoExpreso required (limited cash lanes available)
About PR-22 José de Diego Expressway
PR-22 is Puerto Rico's most traveled highway, serving as the primary north coast corridor connecting San Juan with western Puerto Rico. The expressway runs parallel to the older PR-2 highway, providing a high-speed alternative with controlled access.
Key Features:
- Part of unsigned Interstate PR-2 system
- Expands from 4 lanes to 12 lanes in San Juan metropolitan area
- Includes innovative Dynamic Toll Lanes (DTL) for congestion management
- Operated under 40-year public-private partnership concession
- Heavily congested during rush hours due to commuter traffic
2025 Status: The expressway continues to be modernized with electronic toll collection and dynamic pricing systems. Extension to Aguadilla is planned as part of the ongoing public-private partnership.
PR-22 Toll Rates & Payment Methods
PR-22 operates with a comprehensive toll collection system featuring both fixed-rate plazas and dynamic pricing lanes. All tolls are bidirectional as of June 2017, with rates varying by location and time of day.
Current Toll Plaza Locations & Rates (2025)
| Toll Plaza | Location | Direction | Rate Range | Payment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Buchanan | Guaynabo | Eastbound | $0.75-$1.25 | AutoExpreso + Cash |
| Toa Baja | Toa Baja | Bidirectional | $0.75-$1.00 | AutoExpreso + Cash |
| Vega Alta | Vega Alta | Eastbound | $0.75-$1.25 | AutoExpreso + Cash |
| Manatí | Manatí | Westbound | $0.75-$1.00 | AutoExpreso + Cash |
| Arecibo | Arecibo | Bidirectional | $0.75-$1.25 | AutoExpreso + Cash |
| Hatillo | Hatillo | Eastbound | $0.75-$1.00 | AutoExpreso + Cash |
| Factor Ramp | San Juan | Ramp Only | $0.50-$0.75 | AutoExpreso + Cash |
Dynamic Toll Lanes (DTL) - Express Service
PR-22 features Puerto Rico's first Dynamic Toll Lane system, operational since 2013. These express lanes use congestion pricing to manage traffic flow during peak hours.
DTL Specifications:
- Length: 10.4 km (6.4 miles)
- Route: Río Hondo (Bayamón) to Toa Baja Toll Plaza
- Configuration: 2 reversible lanes in highway median
- Speed Limit: 50-55 mph (80-90 km/h)
- Shared Use: Private vehicles + Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system
Dynamic Pricing Structure:
- Rate Range: $0.50 - $6.00 per trip
- Peak Hours: Variable pricing based on traffic volume
- Real-Time Adjustment: Prices updated based on congestion levels
- Payment: AutoExpreso required (no cash option)
Operating Hours:
- Weekdays Toa Baja to San Juan: 5:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Weekdays San Juan to Toa Baja: 1:30 PM - 8:00 PM
- Weekend Operations: Limited or suspended
Payment Methods & Requirements
PR-22 operates with a mixed payment system, though AutoExpreso is strongly recommended for efficiency and cost savings.
AutoExpreso Electronic Payment
Requirements:
- AutoExpreso transponder mounted on windshield
- Registered account with vehicle information
- Sufficient balance for toll payments
- Required for Dynamic Toll Lanes access
Benefits:
- Highway-speed toll collection
- Access to all lanes and express facilities
- Potential discounts during off-peak hours
- No waiting in toll booth lines
Cash Payment (Limited Availability)
Available At:
- Select toll plazas in designated "C" lanes
- Fort Buchanan, Toa Baja, Vega Alta, and Arecibo plazas
- Not available at Dynamic Toll Lanes
- Subject to availability and longer wait times
Limitations:
- Wait times of 15-20 minutes during peak hours
- No access to express lanes or DTL
- Exact change preferred (quarters, dollars)
- Not recommended for time-sensitive travel
To calculate toll costs for all payment methods on PR-22, use TollGuru Puerto Rico toll calculator
Route Information & Major Destinations
PR-22 serves as the primary access route for northwestern Puerto Rico, connecting major urban centers and providing access to beaches, airports, and commercial districts.
Major Cities & Destinations Served
Eastern Section (San Juan Metro Area):
- San Juan - Capital city, Old San Juan, cruise ports
- Santurce - Financial district, cultural centers
- Guaynabo - Upscale residential and commercial area
- Bayamón - Major industrial and commercial hub
- Toa Baja - Suburban communities, retail centers
Western Section (North Coast):
- Vega Alta - Beach communities, agricultural areas
- Manatí - Coastal resort areas, beaches
- Arecibo - Historic city, Arecibo Observatory
- Hatillo - Mountain communities, agricultural region
- Future extension to Aguadilla - Airport, beaches, tourism
Key Interchanges & Connections
- PR-26: Connection to San Juan, Minillas Tunnel
- PR-5: Link to Bayamón business district
- PR-20: Access to Guaynabo residential areas
- PR-2: Connection to western PR-2 corridor at Hatillo
- PR-10: Access to Arecibo and north coast beaches
Travel Tips & Traffic Information
Peak Traffic Hours
Morning Rush (Westbound to San Juan):
- Peak congestion: 6:00 AM - 9:00 AM
- Heavy traffic from Bayamón to San Juan
- Dynamic Toll Lanes operational 5:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Alternative: Use DTL for faster travel ($0.50-$6.00)
Evening Rush (Eastbound from San Juan):
- Peak congestion: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- Heavy traffic from San Juan to suburban areas
- Dynamic Toll Lanes operational 1:30 PM - 8:00 PM
- Consider alternate routes via PR-2 if time permits
Travel Recommendations
For Commuters:
- AutoExpreso essential for daily travel
- Consider DTL for time-sensitive trips
- Avoid peak hours when possible
- Keep sufficient AutoExpreso balance
For Tourists:
- Activate rental car AutoExpreso for convenience
- Allow extra time during rush hours
- Consider toll-free PR-2 for scenic coastal route
- Use MóvilCash as AutoExpreso alternative
Construction & Future Plans
PR-22 continues to evolve under the public-private partnership model, with ongoing improvements and expansion plans.
Current Projects (2025)
- Open Road Tolling: Continued expansion of electronic-only collection
- Infrastructure Maintenance: Ongoing rehabilitation under Metropistas concession
- Safety Improvements: Enhanced lighting, signage, and barrier systems
- Technology Upgrades: Advanced traffic management systems
Planned Extensions
Hatillo to Aguadilla Extension:
- Planned extension to complete north coast corridor
- Will connect to Aguadilla Airport and western beaches
- Expected to include 4 additional toll plazas
- Part of ongoing public-private partnership
- Timeline and construction details under development
Dynamic Toll Lane Expansion:
- Potential extension of DTL system toward Vega Alta
- Enhanced congestion management capabilities
- Integration with Bus Rapid Transit expansion
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use PR-22 without AutoExpreso?
Yes, but with significant limitations. Cash is accepted at select toll plazas in "C" lanes, but wait times can be 15-20 minutes. You cannot access Dynamic Toll Lanes without AutoExpreso.
How much does it cost to travel the full length of PR-22?
A complete trip from San Juan to Hatillo typically costs $4-6 for a passenger car using AutoExpreso, depending on the exact route and any Dynamic Toll Lane usage.
Are the Dynamic Toll Lanes worth the extra cost?
During peak hours, DTL can save 15-30 minutes compared to regular lanes. The cost ($0.50-$6.00) depends on traffic volume, making it cost-effective for time-sensitive travel.
What's the difference between PR-22 and PR-2?
PR-22 is a controlled-access toll expressway with higher speeds and limited exits. PR-2 is a free highway with traffic signals and more access points, but significantly slower travel times.
When will the extension to Aguadilla be completed?
The Hatillo to Aguadilla extension is planned as part of the public-private partnership, but specific completion dates have not been announced. Check with PRHTA for current project status.
Related Puerto Rico Toll Roads
Connected Toll Roads:
- PR-5 - Connects PR-22 to Bayamón business district
- PR-20 - Rafael Martínez Nadal Expressway through Guaynabo
- PR-52 - Luis A. Ferré Expressway to southern Puerto Rico
- PR-66 - Roberto Sánchez Vilella Expressway to eastern coast
Payment & Information Resources:
- AutoExpreso Puerto Rico - Complete electronic toll system guide
- Pay Toll Puerto Rico - Payment methods and procedures
- Puerto Rico Toll Roads - System overview and rates
Contact Information:
- AutoExpreso Customer Service: 1-888-688-1010
- Metropistas Operations: Highway operator and maintainer
- PRHTA (Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority): System oversight
