Plan Your Next Trip: Toll Fees in the Philippines for 2023

Whether you're reading this during the holidays or a much-deserved vacation leave,  you're probably preparing your budget for restaurant reservations, hotel accommodations, and auto insurance, among others. If you’re a budget-conscious vacationer, then you should also add toll fees to that list.

Even if you’re not on vacation mode and just looking for a more convenient route to your home or office, you should know how much to spend on skyway and toll fees. Whether you’re going north or south, here’s an updated list of toll fees you should take note of. 

What is a Toll Fee?

A toll fee is simply the amount you pay to use a road or highway. As part of the government’s initiative to build major expressways for better transportation across different provinces, Presidential Decree No.1112 was issued, paving the way for the creation of the Toll Regulatory Board to “supervise, monitor, and regulate the construction, operation, and maintenance of toll facilities.”^[1]

Tollway Vehicle Classifications

As of this writing, motorists can reach various destinations in the Philippines through 10 major expressways. Most of these expressways connect to Metro Manila and require toll payments. The toll fees are determined based on vehicle classification.^[2]

👉 Class 1 Vehicles

Vehicles with two axles and an overall height of up to 7.5 feet are classified as Class 1. These include sedans, vans, pick-up trucks, and motorcycles. You most likely belong to this class, unless you're driving a large vehicle like a bus or RV.

👉 Class 2 Vehicles

Class 2 vehicles are those with two axles but with a height of more than 7.5 feet. Large vehicles like buses and trucks belong to this class. 

👉 Class 3 Vehicles

This class is reserved for large trucks with at least six wheels and a height greater than 7.5 feet. Unless you're in the courier or transport business, you probably don't belong to this class.

Expressway Toll Fees in the Philippines 2023

While we’re eons away from getting rid of traffic, the various highway projects in the Philippines give us a sliver of hope. In the near future, new expressways will also be built to cut travel time to various provinces.

Calculate toll fees by reviewing this extensive rundown of tollway fees for different expressways in the Philippines.

📌 Skyway-SLEX-MCX Toll Fees

The South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) consists of three expressways that connect Metro Manila to a list of South Luzon provinces. It stretches from Makati to Muntinlupa, then passes through Muntinlupa to Santo Tomas, Batangas. Traversing Skyway-SLEX can be tough at times, so make sure you’re updated on the latest skyway traffic advisory. 

Here are the approved SLEX toll fees for 2023:

Skyway-SLEX-MCX Toll Rates - Class 1 Vehicles

Skyway-SLEX-MCX Toll Rates - Class 2 Vehicles

Skyway-SLEX-MCX Toll Rates - Class 3 Vehicles

📌 Skyway 3 Toll Fees

The Skyway 3 connecting SLEX to NLEX was first opened to the public in December 2020, free of charge. The Skyway toll fees were first enforced on July 12, 2021.^[3] 

Here are the approved Skyway 3 toll fees for 2023 if you’re planning to travel to and from the South.

Skyway 3 Toll Rates - Class 1 Vehicles

Skyway 3 Toll Rates - Class 2 Vehicles

Skyway 3 Toll Rates - Class 3 Vehicles

📌 NLEX-SCTEX Toll Fees

The North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) is one of the main road arteries in the Philippines. It connects Metro Manila to Central Luzon provinces like Pampanga and Bulacan. NLEX has an average traffic of 200,000 motorists per day and is considered one of the busiest roads in the country.

NLEX is connected to the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), an expressway that extends the reach of NLEX to Subic, Clark, and Tarlac. With a length of 93.77 kilometers, SCTEX is considered the longest expressway in the Philippines. 

NLEX-SCTEX Toll Rates - Class 1 Vehicles

NLEX-SCTEX Toll Rates - Class 2 Vehicles

NLEX-SCTEX Toll Rates - Class 3 Vehicles

📌 TPLEX Toll Fees

Planning a road trip from Manila to La Union? You’ll be saving a lot of travel time if you use the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX). It’s an 89-kilometer expressway that starts from SCTEX and ends in Rosario, La Union, with exits to various cities and towns in Tarlac, Pangasinan, and La Union. 

It was first opened to the public in 2013, and the third phase of TPLEX that connects Pozorrubio and Rosario opened in 2020. 

Here are the TPLEX toll fees you have to pay if you’re on your way up north.

TPLEX Toll Rates - Class 1 Vehicles

TPLEX Toll Rates - Class 2 Vehicles

TPLEX Toll Rates - Class 3 Vehicles

📌 STAR Toll Fees

The Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR) is connected to SLEX, which shortens the travel time between Metro Manila and Batangas City. STAR passes through Malvar, Tanauan, Lipa, San Jose, and Ibaan. 

So if you’re looking for a quick detour to some of the top Batangas tourist spots, here are the STAR toll fees you need to pay.

STAR Toll Rates - Class 1 Vehicles

STAR Toll Rates - Class 2 Vehicles

STAR Toll Rates - Class 3 Vehicles

📌 CAVITEX Toll Fees

What is the quickest way from Manila to Cavite, you ask? The answer is the Manila-Cavite Expressway, also known as the Coastal Road. It starts from the end of Roxas Boulevard and splits into two terminals along the North Coast in Kawit, Cavite. The Coastal Road is a perfect route if you’re planning a road trip near Manila. 

Here are the toll fee rates for CAVITEX.

📌 C-5 Southlink Expressway Toll Fees

Driving to and from Metro Manila isn’t always pleasant, especially on the south side of the metro. The C-5 Southlink Expressway aims to solve traffic woes by connecting CAVITEX to C-5 in Taguig. The 2.2-kilometer section was opened to help ease the traffic on SLEX East and West Service Roads as well as on EDSA.

It starts at Carlos P. Garcia Avenue (C-5) in Taguig and then ascends to the flyover, crossing the Skyway, PNR tracks, and SLEX before descending to the terminus at C-5 Road Extension in Pasay, near Merville, Parañaque. 

Here are the toll fees:^[4] 

• Class 1 - ₱35
• Class 2 - ₱69
• Class 3 - ₱104

📌 NAIAX Toll Fees

Roads going to airports can get crowded. Make it in time for your flight by using the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Expressway (NAIAX). This road links to the Skyway and is the quickest route to Entertainment City in Parañaque City. 

So if you’re looking to go out of the country or enjoy a quick gamble, prepare to pay for these NAIAX toll fees.

📌 CALAX Toll Fees

While the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) is not yet fully completed, it was partially opened in 2019 due to the influx of traffic during that year’s All Saints' and All Souls’ Days.^[5] Currently, the open portion of CALAX links the Mamplasan Interchange in Biñan, Laguna and Santa Rosa–Tagaytay Road to the Silang East interchange in Silang, Cavite. 

CALAX is set to connect CAVITEX to SLEX, effectively easing the traffic between Cavite and Laguna. The last section of CALAX, which will lead to the Silang West (Aguinaldo) interchange, is expected to be completed in 2023. 

For now, here are the updated CALAX toll fees if you’re planning your next road trip to Laguna.

CALAX Toll Rates - Class 1 Vehicles

CALAX Toll Rates - Class 2 Vehicles

CALAX Toll Rates - Class 3 Vehicles

Expressway Toll Fees FAQs

1. Why should I pay toll fees in the Philippines?

Similar to when you use any other public utility or service, you’re also required to pay fees when using tollways to help facilitate and maintain the operation of expressways. 

Sometimes, the collection of toll fees is halted in the event of a national crisis or to commemorate special holidays. Newly built expressways are also opened to the public for free within the first few months before toll facilities are assembled and toll rates are enforced.

2. Are there vehicles exempt from paying toll fees?

Yes, some vehicles are exempt from paying toll fees when passing through expressways. Government vehicles on official business are exempt as long as they present their official trip ticket at toll booths. Emergency vehicles are also exempt from paying toll fees, especially if they’re actively responding to a crisis. 

Other types of vehicles that are exempted from toll payments include the following:

• Public firetrucks and ambulances
• Marked vehicles of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology
• Marked impounding vehicles from Land Transportation Office (LTO) and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)

Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) spokesperson Julius Corpuz has reiterated the toll fee exemption of emergency vehicles after an incident in which a private firetruck responding to a fire alarm was halted at an NLEX toll booth and was asked to pay the fee.^[6] 

While private-owned firetrucks and ambulances are not exempt, Corpuz asked toll booth operators to give exemption to responding emergency vehicles, regardless if they’re publicly or privately owned.

3. How much are the toll fees for popular destinations?

Planning a weekend trip from Manila to Tagaytay? Or maybe you’re just curious about the NLEX to TPLEX toll fee? We got you! Here are some quick toll fee computations to help you out. 

If you’re coming from Metro Manila and driving a Class 1 vehicle, expect to pay these fees:

👉 Northern Destinations

• Manila to Angeles, Pampanga toll fee (NLEX-Balintawak to NLEX-Angeles): ₱272
• Manila to Lingayen, Alaminos toll fee (NLEX-Balintawak to TPLEX-Paniqui): ₱533
• Manila to Subic toll fee (NLEX-Balintawak to SCTEX-TIPO): ₱579
• Manila to Baguio via TPLEX toll fee: (NLEX-Balintawak to TPLEX-Sison): ₱744
• Manila to La Union, Laoag toll fee: (NLEX-Balintawak to TPLEX-Rosario): ₱765

👉 Southern Destinations

• Manila to Tagaytay toll fee (SLEX-Magallanes to SLEX-Sta. Rosa): ₱175
• Manila to Batangas toll fee (SLEX-Magallanes to SLEX-Calamba): ₱214

4. Can I still pay cash in SLEX or NLEX?

Yes, SLEX and NLEX cash lanes in 2023 are still open since car owners have yet to fully adapt to the RFID system. Note that cash lanes can get congested, so expect a few delays if you prefer using cash on tollways. 

Paying your RFID toll fee is still the most convenient way to drive through tollways, whether you’re using Autosweep RFID or Easytrip RFID. Take time to get RFID stickers for your vehicle if you’re looking for a hassle-free driving experience.

5. Do I need to reload my RFID regularly?

Load your RFID account at your discretion. But note that tollways will enforce a three-strike policy against RFID users who constantly pass through without enough load. Starting May 15, 2021, anyone who passes through toll gates with insufficient load for the third time will pay a ₱1,000 fine.^[7]

6. What happens if I don't have sufficient load on my RFID wallet?

If you happen to pass through a tollway with insufficient load, you're still allowed to pass through the expressway. You'll be asked to reload at the next ticket booth or stop and reload your RFID account near the toll gate.

Final Thoughts

You might think toll fees are unnecessary, but they are essential in keeping our major expressways functional and safe. When you’re looking to escape the concrete jungle, take note of the necessary toll fees and add them to your vacation budget.

Also, before you embark on a long drive, make sure your vehicle is insured! Check out your top choices below: