How to Get to SM City Tarlac via Expressway
Find the nearest expressway exit, toll fees, and step-by-step driving directions to SM City Tarlac in Tarlac City, Tarlac.
Quick Facts
Nearest Exit
Tarlac
Expressway
SCTEX
Distance
120 km
Est. Drive Time
1h 44m
Est. Fuel Cost
₱486–658
RFID Needed
Easytrip
Toll Fees to SM City Tarlac
Toll fees from major Metro Manila entry points to Tarlac exit (Class 1 vehicles — cars, SUVs, vans):
₱670
—
₱934
via Skyway Stage 3 → NLEX
Rates based on TRB-approved toll matrix, VAT-inclusive. Class 2 and 3 rates are higher.
Step-by-Step Driving Directions
Enter the NLEX at Balintawak toll plaza.
Exit at Tarlac toll plaza.
From Tarlac exit, follow local roads to SM City Tarlac (10 min from exit).
RFID Requirements
Easytrip RFID Required
The SCTEX uses the Easytrip RFID system for cashless toll collection. Install your RFID sticker at any toll plaza or authorized service center before your trip.
About Tarlac City
Tarlac City is the capital of Tarlac province in Central Luzon. It sits at the junction of SCTEX and TPLEX, making it a key transit hub for travelers heading to Pangasinan, La Union, or Baguio.
Things to Do Nearby
Related Places
Calculate Your Exact Toll Fee
Use our free toll calculator to find the exact toll fee from your starting point to Tarlac.
Open Toll CalculatorFrequently Asked Questions
The nearest expressway exit to SM City Tarlac is Tarlac on the SCTEX. From this exit, SM City Tarlac is approximately 10 min from exit.
The toll fee from Balintawak (NLEX) to the nearest exit (Tarlac) is ₱670 for Class 1 vehicles. Toll fees vary depending on your starting point and vehicle class. All rates shown are VAT-inclusive and based on 2026 TRB-approved toll rates.
The SCTEX uses the Easytrip RFID system. Ensure your Easytrip RFID has sufficient balance before your trip.
Travel time to SM City Tarlac depends on your starting point and traffic conditions. Using expressways is typically the fastest option. From the Tarlac exit, SM City Tarlac is 10 min from exit. Peak hours (7-9 AM and 5-8 PM on weekdays) may add 30-60 minutes to your trip.
Yes, you can use Waze or Google Maps for turn-by-turn navigation to SM City Tarlac. We recommend selecting the "highways" or "expressway" option in your navigation app to ensure you take the toll road route via SCTEX. Check toll fees here before you go so you know how much RFID balance you'll need.
The estimated fuel cost to reach SM City Tarlac is ₱486–658 for a sedan/small SUV. The route covers approximately 120 km total (115 km expressway + 5 km local roads). Your total trip cost including toll fees is approximately ₱1,328. Based on gasoline at ₱62.5/L and 7.5 L/100km expressway consumption.
The estimated drive time to SM City Tarlac is approximately 1h 44m via expressway under normal traffic. During rush hour (7-9 AM, 5-8 PM weekdays), add 30-60 minutes. Weekend mornings are typically the best time to travel for minimal traffic on the expressways.
No. All Philippine expressways now require RFID for cashless toll collection. Cash lanes have been discontinued. Install an Autosweep or Easytrip RFID sticker (free at toll plazas) and load sufficient balance before your trip. Check which RFID system you need in the RFID Requirements section above.
Public transport options to SM City Tarlac vary. Provincial buses, UV Express vans, and jeepneys serve many destinations. However, driving via expressway is typically faster and more convenient. If you don't have a car, ride-hailing apps like Grab are available for expressway routes but cost more than self-driving.