North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) is one of the most-used roads in the Philippines for Filipinos who want to travel from Metro Manila to the Central part of Luzon and vice-versa.

The NLEX is an 8-kilometer highway that’s a concession of the NLEX Corporation, a subsidiary of Manny V. Pangilinan’s Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation.

Being one of the most used and popular expressways in the country, there are tons of things you should know about this passageway. Especially if you’re planning to use it for the first time or if you’re a newbie driver.

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That said, here are a couple of important things you should know about the North Luzon Expressway or NLEX.

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NLEX Toll Fees 2022

Check out the updated toll fees for the North Luzon Expressway, which is now in effect as of May 12, 2022.

Open System
Balintawak to Marilao
End to End
Balintawak to Sta. Ines
Class 1
Cars, pick-ups, jeepneys, vans, motorcycles
Php62Php299
Class 2
Light trucks, buses
Php155php748
Class 3
Heavy and multi-axle trucks, trailers
Php187Php897

How long is NLEX?

The NLEX has a total length of 101.8 kilometers from end to end. That’s from the Balintawak Interchange in Quezon City to Sta. Ines Interchange in Bulacan.

It was signed as E1 of the Philippine Expressway Network, partially dubbed as N160 of the local expressway network, and R-8 of the Metro Manila arterial road network.

Where are the NLEX exits?

  • Balintawak Toll Plaza, Quezon City
  • Smart Connect Interchange, to Mindanao Avenue
  • Valenzuela
  • Meycauayan
  • Marilao
  • Bocaue
  • Tabang
  • Balagtas Interchange
  • Sta. Rita
  • Pulilan
  • San Simon
  • San Fernando
  • Mexico
  • Angeles
  • Dau
  • SCTEX
  • Sta. Ines

How many lanes does NLEX have?

In its major areas, NLEX has a total of 6 lanes with 3 lanes each per direction. It narrows into two lanes per direction after the San Fernando exit.

What is the speed limit in NLEX?

The NLEX Corporation is implementing the speed limits listed below. This is also applicable to motorists using SCTEX.

  • Minimum speed: 60kph
  • Maximum speed limit (for cars): 100kph
  • Maximum speed limit (for trucks and buses): 80kph

Does NLEX use RFID and cashless options?

Yes. And just like other expressways operated by the Metro Pacific Tollway Corporation, it uses EasyTrip service as the RFID and exclusive toll system service provider.

See here if you plan on getting an RFID, reloading, and more.

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Can you use Autosweep RFID on NLEX?

While MPTC primarily promotes the use of their own system, Easytrip, Autosweep users can also use their RFIDs by enrolling them in Easytrip. It can be done by going to or contacting your nearest Easytrip Customer Service Center.

Can you pay cash at NLEX toll gates?

Yes. But remember that cash lanes on NLEX and any expressways are known for their notoriously long lines. That said, it is best to get yourself an RFID, or try traveling early or during off-peak hours to avoid heavy traffic.

What motorcycles can use NLEX?

Motorcycles that have engine displacements below 400cc are not allowed to pass the North Luzon Expressway.

Can bikes and pedestrians pass through NLEX?

No. Due to the type of vehicles and the speed they’re traveling at, bicycle riders and pedestrians are not allowed in NLEX. However, some alternate roads near the expressway are available.

Does NLEX have emergency phones and parking bays?

The NLEX Corporation has installed emergency telephone boxes throughout the expressway.

Those who are also experiencing emergencies and other problems can also use the parking bays or lay-bys that are located at regular intervals within the expressway.

What is the NLEX emergency hotline?

Those who are experiencing road emergencies or have any concerns can call the NLEX-SCTEX hotline at (02) 1-35000.

That’s it. Those are the key things you should know about the North Luzon Expressway. If you have further questions, we’ll try to answer them in the comments below.

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