Among the roads in the Philippines that are used by the most Filipinos who travel from Metro Manila to the Central part of Luzon and vice versa is the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX).
NLEX, an 8-kilometer highway owned by the NLEX Corporation, is a subsidiary of Manny V. Pangilinan’s Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation.
Since the Interstate Highway is considered one of the country’s most heavily used and popular expressways, there are quite a few things you need to be aware of. You should consider this, especially if you will use it for the first time or if you are a new driver.
However, you need to know a few things about the North Luzon Expressway, or NLEX, before you travel.
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NLEX Toll Fees (in effect as of May 12, 2022)
Vehicle Class 1:
consists of cars, pick-ups, jeepneys, vans, motorcycles, etc
Balintawak to Marilao: ₱62.00
Balintawak to Sta. Ines: ₱299.00
Vehicle Class 2:Â
consists of light trucks and buses
Balintawak to Marilao: ₱155.00
Balintawak to Sta. Ines: ₱748.00
Vehicle Class 3:Â
heavy and multi-axle trucks, trailers
Balintawak to Marilao: ₱187.00
Balintawak to Sta. Ines: ₱897.00
Which RFID is best suited for NLEX?
NLEX uses EasyTrip as the RFID and exclusive toll system provider, just like the other expressways, to obtain the entire Metro Pacific Tollway Corporation system.Â
You should check the load balance of your Easytrip RFID device and ensure it is working well. To know more about EasyTrip RFID, you can read here for more information: Easytrip RFID: Requirements, Application, Reload, etc.
Before traveling via North Luzon Expressway, please load your RFID chip if there is insufficient data available.
RELATED: NLEX Spent P1.2 Billion for Faster RFID Scanning
How long does NLEX last?
There are 101.8 kilometers from end to end of the NLEX, making it the longest highway in the country. The distance between Balintawak Interchange in Quezon City and Sta. Maria is that far. That is the distance between Ines Interchange in Bulacan and Sta. Maria.
There is a contract signing for E1 of the Philippine Expressway Network, partially subclassed as N160 of the local expressway network, and R-8 of the arterial roads of Metro Manila.
Where are the NLEX exit locations?
- 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
NLEX Has a Total of How Many Lanes?
For its significant sections, the NLEX has a total of 6 lanes. There are three lanes for each direction in each area. After the San Fernando exit, the number of routes per direction narrows to just two.
How Fast Is the Speed Limit in NLEX?
The following information has been provided as part of the NLEX Corporation’s implementation of speed limits. Please note that this information applies equally to drivers using SCTEX.
- Minimum speed: 60 kilometers per hour
- Maximum speed (for cars): 100 kilometers per hour
- Maximum speed (for trucks and buses): 80 kilometers per hour
Is It Possible to Use Autosweep RFID on NLEX?
It should be noted that MPTC has primarily promoted using their system, Easytrip. However, Autosweep users can also enroll their RFIDs into Easytrip and use them for their purposes. If you wish to cancel your Easytrip reservation, you can contact any of the Easytrip Customer Service Centers in your area.
Is It Possible to Pay at the NLEX Toll Gates with Cash?
Yes, you can. However, you should be aware that the NLEX and any other expressway with cash lanes are notorious for their long queues. In addition, it is best to get yourself an RFID, so you can avoid heavy traffic, or if you do not have one, try to travel early or during off-peak hours.
NLEX Is Compatible with What Types of Motorcycles?
It is forbidden to pass the North Luzon Expressway with motorcycles whose engine displacement is below 400cc.
In addition to the safety concern, one of the main reasons why only 400cc motorcycles are allowed on expressways is the limited space available. It also has become increasingly common to see two-wheelers zooming past you.Â
Moreover, motorcycle-related accidents per day have been continuously increasing. While many of these accidents happened along arterial roads, more and more motorcycles have been traversing significant expressways.Â
Are Bikes and Pedestrians Allowed to Pass Through NLEX?
Definitely no. The NLEX does not allow bicycle riders or pedestrians because of the types of vehicles and the speed they are traveling at. But some alternative roads near the expressway are open to bicycle riders and pedestrians.
Is NLEX Equipped with Emergency Telephones and Parking Bays?
Throughout the entire length of the expressway, the NLEX Corporation has installed emergency telephone boxes.
Additionally, you can find parking bays and lay-bys that are located at regular intervals on the expressway for those who are experiencing an emergency and other problems as well.
What Is the Emergency Hotline for NLEX?
The NLEX-SCTEX hotline can be reached by calling (02) 1-35000 if you are experiencing road emergencies or have any concerns.
