Between breathtaking mountain views, heritage sites, and outdoor adventures, North Luzon offers an abundance of experiences perfect for your next family getaway or solo excursion. However, before embarking on your northern sojourn, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the toll fees you’ll encounter on a major transportation artery to the region – the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX).
The NLEX provides a direct link from Metro Manila to key destinations in Pampanga, Tarlac, and beyond. It sees heavy traffic daily from workers commuting to Clark, workers headed to industrial hubs in Pampanga, as well as tourists looking to discover the natural and cultural treasures of the North. To maintain and further improve this important infrastructure, toll fees are collected from motorists utilizing the expressway.
Thankfully, NLEX has announced its 2023 toll fee rates well in advance, giving travelers time to budget accordingly for their trips. Here are the key details:
- For Class 1 vehicles like cars, fees range from P65 to P185 depending on distance traveled. Stretches like Balintawak to San Fernando see a P10 increase to P65 for 2023.
- Class 2 vehicles like light trucks face tolls of P130 to P370 per passage.
- Larger Class 3 vehicles like heavy trucks and buses will pay between P260 to P740.
In addition to up-to-date toll rates, NLEX offers a convenient electronic payment option called Easytrip RFID. By registering your vehicle and reloading your RFID stickers, you can breeze through the contactless NLEX toll lanes without having to stop. The Easytrip system is also compatible with other major Philippine expressways like SCTEX and CAVITEX.
So whether you’re exploring the heritage town of Vigan, basking in Baguio’s cool climate, or conquering the peaks of Mt. Pulag, refer to the 2023 NLEX toll fees in your travel planning. Combining these rates with an Easytrip account ensures smooth sailing down the roads to your North Luzon adventures.
Breakdown of some key toll roads and their significance
North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX)
- NLEX: Extending from Quezon City to Pampanga, this 84 km expressway is part of the E1 network
- SCTEX: Spanning 93.8 km from Olongapo to Tarlac, it is the longest expressway in the Philippines, reducing travel time significantly
Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX)
- TPLEX: Covering 88.85 km, this expressway offers a faster route to Baguio City, cutting travel time by up to 40 minutes
Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR) Toll
- STAR Toll: A 42-km expressway connecting Pan-Philippine Highway to SLEX, reducing travel time between Manila and Batangas by at least two hours
South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway (MCX), and Manila-Cavite Expressway (Cavitex)
- SLEX: Links Metro Manila to Calabarzon, enhancing connectivity to Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon
- MCX: Provides a route from Muntinlupa to Cavite for smoother travel experiences
- Cavitex: A 14-km expressway connecting Cavite and Parañaque with electronic toll collection via Easydrive