SCTEX Route Guide — Complete Expressway Guide

SCTEX runs from Subic Bay Freeport in Zambales through Clark in Pampanga to Tarlac City. The expressway has two main sections: the Clark-Tarlac segment (connecting to TPLEX at La Paz interchange) and the Subic-Clark segment (connecting to Subic Bay Freeport). SCTEX connects to NLEX at the Dau interchange in Mabalacat, Pampanga, giving drivers seamless access from Manila all the way to Subic, Clark, or Tarlac.

SCTEX has multiple exits serving key destinations in Central Luzon. Starting from the NLEX connection at Dau: Tipo Exit (for Clark Freeport and Angeles City), Clark South Exit, Clark North Exit, Dolores/Mabiga Exit, Porac Exit, Floridablanca Exit, Dinalupihan Exit, Hermosa Exit, and the Subic Bay Freeport exit at the western terminus. On the Clark-Tarlac segment: Bamban Exit, Capas Exit, and the Tarlac/La Paz interchange connecting to TPLEX.

From Manila, take NLEX northbound from Balintawak. Continue past San Fernando until you reach the Dau interchange in Mabalacat. At Dau, take the SCTEX exit (right lane before the NLEX end). Follow SCTEX signs to Clark — exit at Tipo, Clark South, or Clark North depending on your destination within the freeport zone. Total travel time: approximately 1.5–2 hours from Manila. Total toll: approximately ₱420–₱480 for Class 1 via NLEX + SCTEX.

From Manila, take NLEX northbound to Dau interchange, then enter SCTEX toward Subic. Pass through Clark and continue west through the Zambales mountains. The Subic segment has scenic mountain views. Exit at Subic Bay Freeport. Total travel time: approximately 2.5–3 hours from Manila. Total toll: approximately ₱550–₱620 for Class 1 via NLEX + SCTEX. Alternative: Some drivers take NLEX to Dau then take the old MacArthur Highway to save on tolls, but SCTEX is significantly faster.

From Manila, take NLEX northbound to Dau, enter SCTEX, and continue to the La Paz interchange where SCTEX connects to TPLEX. For Tarlac City, exit at the Tarlac exit or continue to La Paz. Total travel time: approximately 2–2.5 hours from Manila. Total toll: approximately ₱670 for Class 1 via NLEX + SCTEX. From Tarlac, you can continue north on TPLEX to Pangasinan, La Union, or Baguio.

SCTEX connects seamlessly to TPLEX at the La Paz interchange in Tarlac. If you're heading to Baguio, Pangasinan, or La Union from Manila, the route is: NLEX → SCTEX → TPLEX. No need to exit — the expressways connect directly. Both SCTEX and TPLEX use Easytrip RFID, so one RFID covers the entire journey.

SCTEX uses Easytrip RFID, the same system as NLEX and TPLEX. If you have an Easytrip RFID, you can travel seamlessly from Manila (NLEX) through SCTEX to TPLEX without stopping. SCTEX uses a closed toll system, meaning you pay based on the distance between your entry and exit points. Toll rates are regulated by the TRB.

SCTEX has a speed limit of 100 km/h for cars and 80 km/h for trucks. The Subic-Clark segment passes through mountainous terrain with curves — drive carefully, especially at night or during rain. Fuel up before entering SCTEX as gas stations are limited along the expressway. There are rest stops with food and convenience stores near the Clark and Dinalupihan areas.