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This is a travel guide for North Luzon Expressway (NLEX).



About North Luzon Expressway

The North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) is a controlled-access toll expressway in the Philippines that connects Metro Manila to Central Luzon. Officially designated as E1 of the Philippine expressway network and N160 of the Philippine highway network, the expressway begins in Quezon City and terminates in Mabalacat, Pampanga. NLEX serves as a vital transport corridor for commercial and passenger vehicles traveling to and from the northern provinces of Luzon.

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WHAT TO BRING: Travel Essentials

Here are some things you might consider bringing with you for your day tour / adventure:

Shopee is my go-to app for things I needed like the ones above. If you'd like discounts and vouchers, you may get the best offers here:

History

The origins of NLEX date back to the late 1960s, when the Philippine National Construction Corporation (PNCC), then known as CDCP, built the initial 83-kilometer route from Balintawak, Quezon City to Dau, Pampanga. Initially known as the Manila North Diversion Road, the road was designed to decongest the older MacArthur Highway.

Manila North Diversion Road in 1970s

Major rehabilitation and expansion began in 2003 and was completed in 2005. The modernization included the construction of wider lanes, toll plazas, improved signage, and enhanced safety features.

NLEX Toll Plaza

In February 2005, operations and maintenance of NLEX were transferred from PNCC to NLEX Corporation, a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC).




Route Description


Mainline

The main NLEX route spans approximately 101.8 kilometers, starting at the Balintawak Interchange in Quezon City and ending at the Santa Ines Interchange in Mabalacat, Pampanga. It passes through several key cities and municipalities in Metro Manila, Bulacan, and Pampanga.

Major cities and municipalities along the route include:

  • Quezon City
  • Caloocan
  • Valenzuela
  • Meycauayan
  • Marilao
  • Bocaue
  • Balagtas
  • Guiguinto
  • Malolos
  • Pulilan
  • San Simon
  • San Fernando
  • Mexico
  • Angeles
  • Mabalacat


NLEX Interchanges, Exits and Toll Plazas

Between Balintawak and Bocaue, travel is governed by an open toll system, with flat-rate toll plazas such as Balintawak, Karuhatan, Valenzuela, Meycauayan, Marilao, Bocaue, and Tambubong.


North of Bocaue, the expressway operates under a closed toll system, where tolls are calculated based on entry and exit points including Balagtas, Pulilan, San Simon, San Fernando, Mexico, Angeles, Dau, and Santa Ines.


Spur Roads and Interchanges

NLEX has several interchanges and spur roads, including:

  • Balintawak Interchange – Connects to EDSA and the Skyway system.

  • Harbor Link Interchange – Connects to the Port Area via the NLEX Harbor Link segments.

  • Mindanao Avenue Link (Segment 8.1) – Connects to Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City.

  • NLEX-SLEX Connector (under construction) – Will connect NLEX with South Luzon Expressway (SLEX).

NLEX Connector

Toll System

NLEX uses both open and closed toll systems:

  • The open system applies a flat toll rate to vehicles traveling between Balintawak and Bocaue.

  • The closed system calculates toll based on distance traveled for vehicles entering and exiting between Bocaue and Santa Ines.

  • Tolls are collected using Easytrip RFID tags. Cashless toll collection has been mandated since 2021, although some booths still accept cash payments for limited use or troubleshooting.

NLEX Toll Plaza



Major Structures


Candaba Viaduct

One of the most iconic parts of NLEX is the Candaba Viaduct, a 5-kilometer-long elevated roadway that traverses the Candaba Swamp between Pulilan, Bulacan, and San Simon, Pampanga. Originally constructed in the 1970s, the viaduct is currently undergoing expansion and rehabilitation, including the construction of a third viaduct to enhance capacity and safety.


NLEX Harbor Link

The Harbor Link Project includes Segments 8.1, 9, and 10, providing a direct connection between NLEX and the Port of Manila, bypassing congested areas in Metro Manila such as EDSA and C5. The extension supports cargo movement and logistics by offering an alternative route for trucks.

NLEX Harbor Link
NLEX Harbor Link

ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN MANILA 

Klook.com

Ongoing and Future Projects


NLEX Connector Road

The NLEX Connector is an 8-kilometer elevated expressway currently under construction. It will connect NLEX (at Caloocan Interchange) to SLEX (at Sta. Mesa via the Skyway Stage 3), offering a seamless north-south route across Metro Manila. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time and ease traffic congestion in the capital.


NLEX East (Proposed)

The NLEX East Expressway is a proposed toll road project under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program. It aims to connect Quezon City to the eastern provinces, particularly Nueva Ecija, via the eastern corridor of Luzon. This will provide an alternate northbound route to complement the existing NLEX mainline.


OTHER TOLLWAY / EXPRESSWAY IN PH



Travel Facilities and Services

NLEX provides several services and amenities for motorists, including:

  • Rest and Service Areas (RSA) – Equipped with fuel stations, convenience stores, restaurants, and restrooms.

  • Drive & Dine Complex – Located in Valenzuela, offering shopping, food, and leisure amenities.

  • Motorist Assistance – NLEX Corporation operates 24/7 patrol, towing, and emergency response services.

  • Traffic Monitoring – CCTV surveillance and real-time updates via electronic message signs and the NLEX traffic hotline.


ACTIVITIES AND TOURS IN MANILA


Toll Classification and Toll Fare Matrix

NLEX classifies vehicles into three categories for toll collection:



Economic and Regional Significance

NLEX plays a crucial role in the economic development of Central and Northern Luzon by:

  • Facilitating the movement of goods from agricultural and industrial areas.

  • Supporting tourism to destinations like Subic, Baguio, Clark, and Ilocos.

  • Connecting business hubs such as Clark Freeport Zone and New Clark City to Metro Manila.


OTHER TRANSPORTATION INFO IN PH

NLEX: Guide to North Luzon Expressway (Exits, Map and Toll Fee Rates)


This is a travel guide for North Luzon Expressway (NLEX).



About North Luzon Expressway

The North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) is a controlled-access toll expressway in the Philippines that connects Metro Manila to Central Luzon. Officially designated as E1 of the Philippine expressway network and N160 of the Philippine highway network, the expressway begins in Quezon City and terminates in Mabalacat, Pampanga. NLEX serves as a vital transport corridor for commercial and passenger vehicles traveling to and from the northern provinces of Luzon.

Loading...

WHAT TO BRING: Travel Essentials

Here are some things you might consider bringing with you for your day tour / adventure:

Shopee is my go-to app for things I needed like the ones above. If you'd like discounts and vouchers, you may get the best offers here:

History

The origins of NLEX date back to the late 1960s, when the Philippine National Construction Corporation (PNCC), then known as CDCP, built the initial 83-kilometer route from Balintawak, Quezon City to Dau, Pampanga. Initially known as the Manila North Diversion Road, the road was designed to decongest the older MacArthur Highway.

Manila North Diversion Road in 1970s

Major rehabilitation and expansion began in 2003 and was completed in 2005. The modernization included the construction of wider lanes, toll plazas, improved signage, and enhanced safety features.

NLEX Toll Plaza

In February 2005, operations and maintenance of NLEX were transferred from PNCC to NLEX Corporation, a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC).




Route Description


Mainline

The main NLEX route spans approximately 101.8 kilometers, starting at the Balintawak Interchange in Quezon City and ending at the Santa Ines Interchange in Mabalacat, Pampanga. It passes through several key cities and municipalities in Metro Manila, Bulacan, and Pampanga.

Major cities and municipalities along the route include:

  • Quezon City
  • Caloocan
  • Valenzuela
  • Meycauayan
  • Marilao
  • Bocaue
  • Balagtas
  • Guiguinto
  • Malolos
  • Pulilan
  • San Simon
  • San Fernando
  • Mexico
  • Angeles
  • Mabalacat


NLEX Interchanges, Exits and Toll Plazas

Between Balintawak and Bocaue, travel is governed by an open toll system, with flat-rate toll plazas such as Balintawak, Karuhatan, Valenzuela, Meycauayan, Marilao, Bocaue, and Tambubong.


North of Bocaue, the expressway operates under a closed toll system, where tolls are calculated based on entry and exit points including Balagtas, Pulilan, San Simon, San Fernando, Mexico, Angeles, Dau, and Santa Ines.


Spur Roads and Interchanges

NLEX has several interchanges and spur roads, including:

  • Balintawak Interchange – Connects to EDSA and the Skyway system.

  • Harbor Link Interchange – Connects to the Port Area via the NLEX Harbor Link segments.

  • Mindanao Avenue Link (Segment 8.1) – Connects to Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City.

  • NLEX-SLEX Connector (under construction) – Will connect NLEX with South Luzon Expressway (SLEX).

NLEX Connector

Toll System

NLEX uses both open and closed toll systems:

  • The open system applies a flat toll rate to vehicles traveling between Balintawak and Bocaue.

  • The closed system calculates toll based on distance traveled for vehicles entering and exiting between Bocaue and Santa Ines.

  • Tolls are collected using Easytrip RFID tags. Cashless toll collection has been mandated since 2021, although some booths still accept cash payments for limited use or troubleshooting.

NLEX Toll Plaza



Major Structures


Candaba Viaduct

One of the most iconic parts of NLEX is the Candaba Viaduct, a 5-kilometer-long elevated roadway that traverses the Candaba Swamp between Pulilan, Bulacan, and San Simon, Pampanga. Originally constructed in the 1970s, the viaduct is currently undergoing expansion and rehabilitation, including the construction of a third viaduct to enhance capacity and safety.


NLEX Harbor Link

The Harbor Link Project includes Segments 8.1, 9, and 10, providing a direct connection between NLEX and the Port of Manila, bypassing congested areas in Metro Manila such as EDSA and C5. The extension supports cargo movement and logistics by offering an alternative route for trucks.

NLEX Harbor Link
NLEX Harbor Link

ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN MANILA 

Klook.com

Ongoing and Future Projects


NLEX Connector Road

The NLEX Connector is an 8-kilometer elevated expressway currently under construction. It will connect NLEX (at Caloocan Interchange) to SLEX (at Sta. Mesa via the Skyway Stage 3), offering a seamless north-south route across Metro Manila. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time and ease traffic congestion in the capital.


NLEX East (Proposed)

The NLEX East Expressway is a proposed toll road project under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program. It aims to connect Quezon City to the eastern provinces, particularly Nueva Ecija, via the eastern corridor of Luzon. This will provide an alternate northbound route to complement the existing NLEX mainline.


OTHER TOLLWAY / EXPRESSWAY IN PH



Travel Facilities and Services

NLEX provides several services and amenities for motorists, including:

  • Rest and Service Areas (RSA) – Equipped with fuel stations, convenience stores, restaurants, and restrooms.

  • Drive & Dine Complex – Located in Valenzuela, offering shopping, food, and leisure amenities.

  • Motorist Assistance – NLEX Corporation operates 24/7 patrol, towing, and emergency response services.

  • Traffic Monitoring – CCTV surveillance and real-time updates via electronic message signs and the NLEX traffic hotline.


ACTIVITIES AND TOURS IN MANILA


Toll Classification and Toll Fare Matrix

NLEX classifies vehicles into three categories for toll collection:



Economic and Regional Significance

NLEX plays a crucial role in the economic development of Central and Northern Luzon by:

  • Facilitating the movement of goods from agricultural and industrial areas.

  • Supporting tourism to destinations like Subic, Baguio, Clark, and Ilocos.

  • Connecting business hubs such as Clark Freeport Zone and New Clark City to Metro Manila.


OTHER TRANSPORTATION INFO IN PH

Bulacan Caloocan Commuting Driving Expressway Metro Manila NLEX Pampanga Philippines Road Toll

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