The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) has approved a toll adjustment for NLEX, effective March 2, 2025. The new rates will see a ₱5.00 increase in the open system and ₱0.72 per kilometer in the closed system.
This adjustment combines the first tranche of the approved periodic toll hikes for NLEX, initially due in 2023, and the additional toll for the completion of the ₱7.7 billion Candaba 3rd Viaduct, which was finished in 2024. The originally scheduled 2023 increase was postponed and split into two phases to lessen the financial burden on motorists.
Since its partial opening in August 2024, and full completion in December 2024, the Candaba 3rd Viaduct has provided safer and more efficient travel, without any extra toll charges. This vital infrastructure, linking Metro Manila, Central, and Northern Luzon, is designed to address increasing traffic and support regional tourism, trade, and commerce.
With the new toll rates, motorists using the open system will see an additional ₱5 charge for Class 1 vehicles (regular cars and SUVs), ₱13 for Class 2 vehicles (buses and small trucks), and ₱15 for Class 3 vehicles.
The open system covers areas from Metro Manila (Navotas, Valenzuela, and Caloocan) to Marilao, Bulacan, while the closed system extends from Bocaue, Bulacan, to Sta. Ines, Mabalacat City, Pampanga, and Subic-Tipo.
Motorists traveling the full length of NLEX—from Metro Manila to Mabalacat City—will face toll increases of ₱57 for Class 1 vehicles, ₱142 for Class 2 vehicles, and ₱171 for Class 3 vehicles.
Between 2021 and 2024, NLEX has invested in several infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing safety and convenience for motorists. These improvements include raising the San Simon area, expanding the Meycauayan Northbound Exit, constructing the F. Raymundo Northbound Exit, revitalizing the Balintawak Cloverleaf, upgrading road lighting and furniture, and performing essential repairs on bridges and overpasses, including the old Candaba Viaduct. Toll plaza enhancements have also been made to improve the overall motorist experience.
In addition, two major projects aimed at alleviating congestion on the NLEX mainline will commence construction this year.
The first project involves a two-kilometer stretch of the NLEX-C5 Northlink, extending from the NLEX Mindanao toll plaza to Quirino Highway in Novaliches. This will provide relief to commuters who currently experience heavy traffic along Mindanao Avenue.
The second major development is the expansion of the NLEX San Fernando to SCTEX Spur in Mabalacat, Pampanga. This project will increase the expressway’s capacity from two to three lanes in each direction, improving traffic flow. It will also include new roadway lighting from NLEX San Fernando to Sta. Ines for enhanced safety. The Mexico interchange will be reconfigured into a full diamond interchange to better accommodate rising traffic volumes in the area.
