Yes, there’s a Route 66 Puerto Rico. and no, it’s not a mirage. This scenic toll road is your fastest, most convenient route to some of the island’s top eastern destinations.
Whether you’re bound for El Yunque Rainforest, heading to the Culebra or Vieques ferry, or checking into a luxury resort like St. Regis Bahía Beach or Wyndham Río Mar, Route 66 is the way to go.
Why Take Route 66 Puerto Rico?
Time is precious on vacation. And this road saves plenty of it.
Depending on traffic, Route 66 can shave 30 to 40 minutes off your drive compared to the older PR-3. It’s smooth, fast, and offers beautiful views of El Yunque’s peaks, especially on a clear day.
Use Route 66 for:
- El Yunque National Rainforest
- St Regis Bahia Resort
- Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve
- Wyndham Rio Mar Resort
- El Conquistador Resort or Las Casitas Village
- Canovanas Route 66 Outlet Mall
- Rio Grande
- Luquillo, Luquillo Beach, Luquillo Kiosks
- Fajardo
- Seven Seas Beach, Fajardo
- Culebra Ferry
- Vieques Ferry
- Laguna Grande Bio Bay
- Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve
Route 66 Puerto Rico: Brief History
Phase 1 of Route 66 opened in April 2006, connecting Carolina (near Plaza Carolina Mall) to Canóvanas and the outlet mall.
Phase 2, completed in October 2012, extended the highway to Río Grande, just minutes from El Yunque and luxury resorts.
Cost & Access
Route 66 is a cashless toll road. Here’s what you’ll pay:
- San Juan to Canóvanas: $1.50
- Canóvanas to Río Grande: $1.00
- Total: $2.50 (each way)
Important: The toll between Canóvanas and Río Grande only accepts the AutoExpreso tag, Puerto Rico’s electronic toll system.
Most car rentals come with the AutoExpreso tag installed. Just confirm at pickup, and review how your rental company charges for toll usage.
Insider Tips
- Hungry? Pull over at El Verde BBQ in Río Grande, right after Route 66 meets Route 3. This local favorite serves up mouthwatering pork, BBQ chicken, and Puerto Rican classics at great prices.
- Photo op alert: The road offers postcard-worthy views of El Yunque Peak and El Toro. Have your camera ready!
Need to Know
- What: Route 66 Toll Road
- Where: From Carolina (San Juan area) to Río Grande
- When: Open 24/7
- Cost: $2.50 total one-way
Fast, scenic, and stress-free Puerto Rico’s Route 66 is your best-kept secret to unlocking the island’s lush east. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls or ferrying to paradise, this is the road to take.
