NLEX Connector

NLEX-SLEX Connector Road

The NLEX-SLEX Connector is an 8-km elevated tollway above the PNR corridor linking NLEX at C-3 Road to PUP/España. It uses Easytrip RFID and a flat fare of ₱121 (Class 1) for the entire stretch.

Class 1 (cars)Cars, jeeps, vans, SUVs
Class 2 (buses)Buses, light trucks
Class 3 (trucks)Heavy trucks, trailers
NetworkC-3 Road, Caloocan (NLEX)PUP/España, Manila (toward SLEX via Magallanes route)Easytrip RFID

About NLEX Connector

The NLEX-SLEX Connector opened to traffic in 2023 as the eastern alternative to Skyway Stage 3 for the long-promised seamless north-south Metro Manila corridor. Built by NLEX Corporation and operated under MPTC, it lifts off from C-3 Road in Caloocan and lands at the España exit beside PUP — well-positioned for university belt and Manila south traffic.

Unlike most expressways, the Connector is a flat-fee road: one charge applies for the entire 8-km stretch regardless of where you entered or exited. The 2026 Class 1 fare is ₱121.

The Connector uses Easytrip RFID and is fully interoperable with Autosweep through the joint RFID agreement. The road is mostly elevated above the PNR (now PNR Clark Phase 1 ROW) and is restricted to Class 1, 2, and 3 vehicles — no motorcycles.

For drivers continuing south, exit at España and use Quezon Blvd. / Quirino Avenue / Skyway 1-2 to reach SLEX. The Connector itself does not yet directly tie into SLEX; that is the role of Skyway Stage 3 (the western alternative).

Expressway connections

NLEX Connector connects to the following expressways. Both Easytrip and Autosweep RFID work end-to-end thanks to the interoperability agreement.

  • NLEX · C-3 Road, Caloocan

Key exits & destinations

C-3 / NLEX
NLEX northbound, Karuhatan, R-10
España
PUP, UST, university belt, Quezon Blvd.

All 1 NLEX Connector toll plaza

  1. 1España

Travel tips for NLEX Connector

  • The Connector is faster than EDSA for any Manila-to-NLEX trip — usually 10 minutes vs 45+ in surface traffic.
  • No motorcycle access. The road is for 4-wheel vehicles only.
  • Easytrip required; one flat ₱121 charge per full transit (Class 1, 2026).
  • For continuing onto SLEX, exit at España and connect via surface routes — the direct elevated tie-in to SLEX is via Skyway Stage 3 at Balintawak instead.
Peak hours
Southbound 6–9 AM weekdays (workers heading into Manila); northbound 5–9 PM (returning to Bulacan/Pampanga).
Emergency hotline
1-35000 (DOTr unified hotline)
Customer service
(02) 8888-6359 (NLEX/MPTC)

Frequently asked questions

How much is the NLEX Connector toll fee in 2026?
Use the toll matrix above to find the exact fare between any two plazas on the NLEX Connector. All rates are TRB-published and already include the 12% VAT.
What RFID system does NLEX Connector use?
NLEX Connector uses Easytrip as the primary RFID system. Thanks to the joint Easytrip-Autosweep interoperability agreement, both tags are accepted at every plaza in the network.
How long is NLEX Connector?
NLEX-SLEX Connector Road (NLEX Connector) is approximately 8 km, 4 lanes, with a posted speed limit of 60 km/h for Class 1 vehicles. Operated by NLEX Corporation, it uses a flat fee, full stretch toll collection system.
Are NLEX Connector fares VAT-inclusive?
Yes. Every fare published by the Toll Regulatory Board already includes the 12% Value-Added Tax. The fee shown is what is debited from your RFID account or paid in cash at the plaza.
What expressways does NLEX Connector connect to?
NLEX Connector connects to NLEX. NLEX ties in at C-3 Road, Caloocan.
What is the emergency hotline for NLEX Connector?
For emergencies on NLEX Connector, call 1-35000 (DOTr unified hotline). Operator customer service: (02) 8888-6359 (NLEX/MPTC). Emergency call boxes are spaced along the expressway and patrol units are deployed 24/7.

Other expressways