Metro Manila
NLEX Harbor Link (Harbor Link) Guide 2026
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.
By Aditya AmanPublished Feb 7, 2026Editorial PolicyLives in the Philippines and has driven nearly every Luzon expressway with his family.Harbor Link toll fee 2026 from Karuhatan/Valenzuela
| Exit | Class 1 | Class 2 | Class 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| C-3 Road/5th Ave. | ₱79 | ₱199 | ₱238 |
| R-10/Port of Manila | ₱79 | ₱199 | ₱238 |
| Malabon/Dagat-Dagatan | ₱79 | ₱199 | ₱238 |
Toll Regulatory Board rate matrix as of February 2026, VAT included. Class 1 is cars, SUVs and vans; Class 2 buses and light trucks; Class 3 large trucks.
Entering somewhere else? Find your pair in the full Harbor Link toll matrix. Crossing onto another expressway? The toll calculator adds each road's fee.
Quick Facts
- Operator
- Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation
- MPTC
- Length
- 5.65 km
- Lanes
- 2x2 lanes (4 lanes total)
- Speed Limit
- 60 km/h
- RFID System
- Easytrip
- Toll System
- Closed Toll System
- Year Opened
- 2019
- Status
- Operational
Major Exits & Destinations
Key exits along Harbor Link and the areas they serve, with the car fare from Karuhatan/Valenzuela in the TRB matrix as of February 2026.
| Exit | Destinations | Class 1 from Karuhatan/Valenzuela |
|---|---|---|
| Karuhatan/Valenzuela | NLEX, Valenzuela City | Start |
| Malabon/Dagat-Dagatan | Malabon City, Navotas | ₱79 |
| R-10/Port of Manila | Manila North Harbor, Port Area, Tondo | ₱79 |
Harbor Link Toll Rates 2026
View the complete toll fee matrix for Class 1, 2, and 3 vehicles on the NLEX Harbor Link.
View Toll MatrixExpressways are exempt from number coding
The Harbor Link mainline is not covered by MMDA UVVRP. However, entry and exit points in Metro Manila follow local coding rules during rush hours. Check today's number coding
About Harbor Link
The NLEX Harbor Link serves as a vital alternative logistics corridor connecting NLEX's northern reaches to Manila's port facilities via R-10 (Radial Road 10). Opened in 2022, this 5.58-kilometer expressway complements the NLEX Connector by providing a second grade-separated route from NLEX to the Port of Manila, effectively providing redundancy and load-balancing for the critical port access function. Harbor Link branches off from NLEX at the Karuhatan/Valenzuela area, proceeding southwest through northern Metro Manila's industrial zones before connecting to R-10, which leads directly to Manila North Harbor. The expressway was designed primarily with cargo logistics in mind, featuring heavy-duty pavement suitable for fully-loaded container trucks and multiple connections to industrial areas in Valenzuela and Malabon. Beyond cargo, Harbor Link serves residential and commercial traffic to the densely populated northern Manila Bay communities of Malabon and Navotas, including access to Dagat-Dagatan (Malabon's wholesale fish port, one of the country's largest). The expressway's four-lane configuration includes truck-friendly features like gentler grades and strategic placement of weigh stations. Harbor Link's opening significantly reduced the burden on surface streets like MacArthur Highway and Rizal Avenue Extension, which were chronically congested with container trucks headed to port. Together with the NLEX Connector, Harbor Link forms a dual-corridor system ensuring reliable port access even during traffic incidents or maintenance closures on one route. The expressway operates 24/7 matching Manila North Harbor's round-the-clock container operations and uses MPTC's Easytrip RFID system for efficient toll collection of the high-volume truck traffic.
Expressway Connections
Harbor Link connects to the following expressways and major roads.
- NLEX at Karuhatan/Valenzuela
- R-10 (Radial Road 10) to Port Area
- C-3 Road
Harbor Link Toll Plazas
The NLEX Harbor Link has 5 toll plazas serving as entry and exit points along the expressway.
- Karuhatan/Valenzuela
- C-3 Road/5th Ave.
- Malabon/Dagat-Dagatan
- R-10/Port of Manila
- Harbor Link Interchange
Travel Tips for Harbor Link
- Primarily designed for cargo logistics; provides alternative to NLEX Connector for port access
- Also serves northern Manila Bay communities (Malabon, Navotas fishing port)
- Less congested than the main NLEX-Connector route during peak cargo hours
- The Dagat-Dagatan exit provides access to Malabon's commercial fish port and seafood markets
Peak Hours
Heavy cargo traffic 10 PM-6 AM (port operations); moderate throughout day
Emergency & Contact
Harbor Link Infrastructure by the Numbers
- 5.65 km
- NLEX to R-10/Manila PortSource: DPWH Infrastructure Database
- 2019
- year openedSource: MPTC Project Records
- 60 km/h
- speed limit (lowest of any PH expressway)Source: MMDA Traffic Standards
Harbor Link Live Traffic Update
See real-time traffic conditions, segment status, speed data, peak hours & route planner for Harbor Link
EV charging near Harbor Link
60 chargers nearby · 60 DC fast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Harbor Link?
Harbor Link stands for NLEX Harbor Link, a 6 km tolled expressway operated by Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation, running from Karuhatan/Valenzuela to Harbor Link Interchange. It takes Easytrip and opened in 2019.
Where is Harbor Link?
Harbor Link runs through Metro Manila, from Karuhatan/Valenzuela to Harbor Link Interchange, with 5 toll plazas along its 6 km. It connects to NLEX at Karuhatan/Valenzuela, R-10 (Radial Road 10) to Port Area, C-3 Road.
How long is Harbor Link in km?
Harbor Link is 5.65 km long end to end, Karuhatan/Valenzuela to Harbor Link Interchange. At the 60 km/h limit the mainline takes about 6 minutes without stops.
How much is the Harbor Link toll fee in 2026?
Karuhatan/Valenzuela to Malabon/Dagat-Dagatan is ₱79 for a car, ₱199 in Class 2 and ₱238 in Class 3, per the TRB matrix as of February 2026, VAT included. Every other pair is on the Harbor Link toll matrix.
What RFID system does Harbor Link use?
Harbor Link uses the Easytrip RFID system. Make sure your Easytrip account is loaded with sufficient balance before entering the expressway. RFID stickers can be installed at Harbor Link toll plazas or authorized installation sites.
What are the toll plazas on Harbor Link?
Harbor Link has 5 toll plazas: Karuhatan/Valenzuela, C-3 Road/5th Ave., Malabon/Dagat-Dagatan, R-10/Port of Manila, Harbor Link Interchange. Each plaza serves as an entry and/or exit point along the NLEX Harbor Link.
Can I use cash to pay on Harbor Link?
Plan to pay by Easytrip RFID. Load at least the fare to your exit before you enter: Karuhatan/Valenzuela to Malabon/Dagat-Dagatan deducts ₱79 for a car. Check your Easytrip balance before the trip.
What is the speed limit on Harbor Link?
The speed limit on Harbor Link is 60 km/h for Class 1 vehicles (cars, SUVs, vans). Class 2 and Class 3 vehicles have lower speed limits. Always observe posted signs as speed limits may vary at certain sections, especially near toll plazas, interchanges, and construction zones.
What are the peak hours on Harbor Link?
Heavy cargo traffic 10 PM-6 AM (port operations); moderate throughout day. Consider traveling outside these hours to avoid congestion. Weekends and holidays may have different traffic patterns, especially during long weekends and the Holy Week travel season.
What is the emergency hotline for Harbor Link?
For emergencies on Harbor Link, call 911 or the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation hotline at 1-35000. For toll or account questions, contact (02) 8888-6359.
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