Metro Manila
Metro Manila Skyway (Skyway) Guide 2026
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.
By Aditya AmanPublished Feb 7, 2026Editorial PolicyLives in the Philippines and has driven nearly every Luzon expressway with his family.
Quick Facts
- Operator
- SMC Tollways
- Length
- 38.6 km
- Lanes
- 2x3+1 lanes (7 lanes total)
- Speed Limit
- 80 km/h
- RFID System
- Autosweep
- Toll System
- Closed Toll System
- Year Opened
- 1999
- Status
- Operational
Major Exits & Destinations
Key exits along Skyway and the areas they serve.
| Exit | Destinations |
|---|---|
| Buendia | Makati CBD, Skyway Stage 3 to north |
| Amorsolo | Makati, Pasay, Rockwell |
| Magallanes | Makati, BGC, SLEX |
| NAIAX | NAIA Airport terminals, Entertainment City, CAVITEX |
Skyway Toll Rates 2026
View the complete toll fee matrix for Class 1, 2, and 3 vehicles on the Metro Manila Skyway.
View Toll MatrixExpressways are exempt from number coding
The Skyway 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 Skyway
The Skyway System pioneered elevated expressway design in the Philippines when Stage 1 opened in 1999, offering Metro Manila motorists a way to bypass the chronically congested ground-level SLEX corridor. The original 18-kilometer segment runs from Alabang to Buendia, elevated 15-20 meters above existing roads on massive concrete pillars. In 2015, the system expanded with at-grade sections connecting to NAIAX and Entertainment City. The Skyway was designed primarily to serve Makati CBD workers commuting from southern suburbs, cutting travel time from Alabang to Makati from 90+ minutes to under 30 minutes during peak hours. The elevated design means no intersections, no traffic lights, and no pedestrian crossings, though it also means limited exit options and no U-turns. The Skyway's 80 km/h speed limit (lower than other expressways due to tighter curves and shorter acceleration lanes) is enforced by automated speed cameras. Key exits serve Makati's business districts (Buendia, Amorsolo, Magallanes), airport access (NAIAX), and connections to SLEX. The Skyway elevated structure has become an iconic part of Metro Manila's skyline, though its pillars created some traffic management challenges on the ground-level roads beneath. When Skyway Stage 3 opened in 2021, it completed the vision of a grade-separated route connecting north and south expressway networks. The Skyway System handles approximately 200,000 vehicles daily and operates 24/7 with regular patrols and CCTV monitoring throughout its length.
Expressway Connections
Skyway connects to the following expressways and major roads.
- SLEX at Magallanes and Alabang
- NAIAX at NAIA/Entertainment City
- Skyway Stage 3 at Buendia
Skyway Toll Plazas
The Metro Manila Skyway has 5 toll plazas serving as entry and exit points along the expressway.
- Buendia
- Amorsolo
- C-5
- Magallanes (Skyway)
- NAIAX
Travel Tips for Skyway
- 80 km/h speed limit strictly enforced with speed cameras; slower than SLEX but avoids ground-level traffic
- Elevated design means no U-turns; plan your exit carefully or you'll need to go to the next toll plaza
- Consider Skyway over SLEX during rush hours; the grade-separated design eliminates traffic lights
- The Amorsolo exit is ideal for Makati CBD destinations near Ayala Avenue
Peak Hours
Weekdays 6-9 AM (northbound to Makati), 5-8 PM (southbound); less affected by peak hours than ground roads
Emergency & Contact
Skyway Infrastructure by the Numbers
- 283,106
- vehicles daily on main Skyway lineSource: Manila Times
- 459,271
- combined daily volume (Skyway + Stage 3)Source: Manila Times
- 99%
- RFID adoption rateSource: Bilyonaryo
Skyway Live Traffic Update
See real-time traffic conditions, segment status, speed data, peak hours & route planner for Skyway
EV charging near Skyway
60 chargers nearby · 14 DC fast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Skyway?
Skyway stands for Metro Manila Skyway, a 39 km tolled expressway operated by SMC Tollways, running from Buendia to NAIAX. It takes Autosweep and opened in 1999.
Where is Skyway?
Skyway runs through Metro Manila, from Buendia to NAIAX, with 5 toll plazas along its 39 km. It connects to SLEX at Magallanes and Alabang, NAIAX at NAIA/Entertainment City, Skyway Stage 3 at Buendia.
How long is Skyway in km?
Skyway is 38.6 km long end to end, Buendia to NAIAX. At the 80 km/h limit the mainline takes about 29 minutes without stops.
How much is the Skyway toll fee in 2026?
Skyway toll fees depend on your entry and exit points. Use the toll calculator for the exact fare.
What RFID system does Skyway use?
Skyway uses the Autosweep RFID system. Make sure your Autosweep account is loaded with sufficient balance before entering the expressway. RFID stickers can be installed at Skyway toll plazas or authorized installation sites.
What are the toll plazas on Skyway?
Skyway has 5 toll plazas: Buendia, Amorsolo, C-5, Magallanes (Skyway), NAIAX. Each plaza serves as an entry and/or exit point along the Metro Manila Skyway.
Can I use cash to pay on Skyway?
Plan to pay by Autosweep RFID. Load at least the fare to your exit before you enter. Check your Autosweep balance before the trip.
What is the speed limit on Skyway?
The speed limit on Skyway is 80 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 Skyway?
Weekdays 6-9 AM (northbound to Makati), 5-8 PM (southbound); less affected by peak hours than ground roads. 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 Skyway?
For emergencies on Skyway, call 911. For toll or account questions, contact (02) 5-318-8655 (Autosweep RFID).
Similar Expressways
Related Pages
Road Rules
Traffic Violations
Expressways
Toll Rates
EV Charging
Locations
Related Expressways
- SLEX
South Luzon Expressway
- Skyway Stage 3
Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3
- STAR Tollway
Southern Tagalog Arterial Road
- NAIAX
Ninoy Aquino International Airport Expressway