The Philippines has a growing network of 13 expressways spanning over 493 kilometers across Luzon. From the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) connecting Metro Manila to Central Luzon, to the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) providing the fastest route to Baguio, each expressway serves a vital role in the country's transportation infrastructure. Browse all expressways below to view toll rates, operators, and plaza information.
Expressways
13
Total Kilometers
493 km
RFID Systems
2
Operators
2
NLEX
Easytrip
North Luzon Expressway
Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation84 km
The North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) is the primary expressway connecting Metro Manila to Central Luzon provinces. Running from Balintawak, Quezon City to Tarlac City, NLEX provides the fastest route to Bulacan, Pampanga, and Tarlac. It connects to SCTEX at the Dau/Mabalacat interchange for access to Clark, Subic, and northern Tarlac.
The Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) connects the Subic Bay Freeport Zone to Clark Freeport Zone and extends to Tarlac City. It branches off from NLEX at the Dau interchange and provides direct access to Clark International Airport, Subic Bay, and the TPLEX connection at Tarlac.
The Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) extends the expressway network from Tarlac all the way to Rosario, La Union. It provides the fastest route from Manila to Baguio and the northern provinces. TPLEX connects to SCTEX/NLEX at the La Paz interchange in Tarlac.
The South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) is the primary expressway connecting Metro Manila to the southern provinces of Laguna, Batangas, and Quezon. Running from Magallanes to Calamba, SLEX provides access to industrial zones, residential developments, and connects to STAR Tollway and CALAX.
The Skyway System is an elevated expressway that provides an alternative route through Metro Manila. Skyway Stage 1 runs parallel to SLEX from Alabang to Magallanes. Skyway Stage 3 extends from Buendia to NLEX Balintawak, connecting the southern and northern expressway networks.
Skyway Stage 3 is the 18.83-kilometer elevated expressway that connects SLEX to NLEX through Metro Manila. It features interchanges at Buendia, Quirino, Plaza Dilao, Nagtahan, E. Rodriguez, and Quezon Ave., providing a seamless connection between the north and south expressway systems.
The Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) provides a direct link between Cavite and Laguna provinces, connecting to SLEX via the Mamplasan interchange. It serves commuters heading to Tagaytay and the southern Cavite-Laguna corridor.
The Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) connects Manila to Cavite province, running from Parañaque through Bacoor to Kawit. It connects to NAIAX for airport access and to the C-5 extension.
The Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway (MCX) connects SLEX at the Susana Heights/Sucat area to Daang Hari in Muntinlupa/Cavite. It provides an alternative route for motorists traveling between the southern SLEX corridor and Cavite.
The Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR Tollway) extends from Calamba, Laguna to Batangas City. It connects to SLEX at Calamba and serves as the primary expressway for travelers heading to Batangas port (for boats to Mindoro) and the CALABARZON industrial corridor.
The NAIA Expressway (NAIAX) provides fast access to all NAIA terminals, connecting Skyway/SLEX to CAVITEX and the Entertainment City area. It serves airport-bound travelers and connects the Skyway system to the coastal road network.
The NLEX Connector Road links NLEX to the Manila port area via C-3 Road. It provides a direct connection between the northern expressway network and the Port of Manila, reducing travel time for cargo and commuters.
The NLEX Harbor Link connects NLEX Valenzuela to the C-3 Road and R-10 (Port of Manila). It provides an alternative route for trucks and vehicles heading to the Manila port area from northern Metro Manila.
Frequently Asked Questions About Philippine Expressways
There are currently 13 toll expressways operating in the Philippines, all located in Luzon. These include major routes like NLEX, SLEX, Skyway Stage 3, TPLEX, SCTEX, CALAX, CAVITEX, STAR Tollway, NAIAX, MCX, Skyway Stages 1 & 2, C5 Link, and the Manila-Cavite Expressway.
TPLEX (Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway) is one of the longest, stretching approximately 89.21 km from La Paz, Tarlac to Rosario, La Union. NLEX (North Luzon Expressway) runs about 84 km from Balintawak to Mabalacat.
Philippine expressways use two RFID systems: Autosweep (operated by SMC Tollways for SLEX, Skyway, STAR, NAIAX, MCX) and Easytrip (operated by MPTC for NLEX, SCTEX, TPLEX, CAVITEX, CALAX, C5 Link). Both are required for different expressways.
Yes. All 13 expressways in the Philippines charge toll fees. Rates are regulated by the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) and vary by vehicle class (Class 1 for cars/SUVs, Class 2 for buses, Class 3 for trucks). All tolls are collected via RFID — no cash lanes.
Almost. Take NLEX from Balintawak to Dau, SCTEX from Dau to La Paz, then TPLEX from La Paz to Rosario. From the TPLEX Rosario exit, you still need to drive approximately 60-90 minutes on regular roads (Kennon Road or Marcos Highway) to reach Baguio City.
Cross-expressway trips have the highest total tolls. A Balintawak to Rosario trip (NLEX + SCTEX + TPLEX) costs approximately ₱980 for Class 1. For a single expressway, Skyway Stage 3 end-to-end (Buendia to NLEX Balintawak) is one of the priciest at over ₱200.