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autopista

ow-toh-PEES-tah/awtoˈpista/

“autopista” means “highway” in Spanish (US English for a major high-speed road).

highway, motorway

Also: freeway, turnpike
NounfA2
Puerto RicoMexico
A wide, multi-lane road stretching toward the horizon under a clear blue sky, surrounded by green grass.

📝 In Action

La autopista tiene tres carriles.

A1

The highway has three lanes.

Prefiero ir por la autopista porque es más rápido.

A2

I prefer to go on the highway because it is faster.

Hay mucho tráfico en la autopista hoy por la mañana.

B1

There is a lot of traffic on the motorway this morning.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • autovía (dual carriageway)
  • supercarretera (superhighway)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • peaje de autopista – highway toll
  • salida de la autopista – highway exit
  • incorporarse a la autopista – to merge onto the highway

Idioms & Expressions

  • autopista de la información – The internet or information superhighway

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "autopista" in Spanish:

freeway→highway→motorway→turnpike→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: autopista

Question 1 of 3

Which word is the most natural to use when you want to say you are traveling 'on' the highway?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
automóvil(car) — Noun
pista(track/lane) — Noun
automovilista(driver) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

A combination of 'auto' (from automóvil) and 'pista' (track/trail). 'Auto' comes from Greek 'autos' meaning 'self', and 'pista' comes from Italian meaning 'a beaten path'.

First recorded: 20th century

Cognates (Related words)

French: autorouteItalian: autostrada

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an autopista and a carretera?

An 'autopista' is specifically a high-speed, multi-lane highway with restricted access. A 'carretera' is a more general term for any road connecting two towns, which might be only two lanes.

Do I have to pay to use an autopista?

Often, yes. In Spain and Latin America, many 'autopistas' are toll roads, though some are free (called 'autovías' in Spain).

Is it 'la' or 'el' autopista?

It is always 'la autopista' (feminine).