Subic to Manila Toll Fee — SCTEX → NLEX
On the way back from Subic to Manila, you enter SCTEX at Tipo, link onto NLEX at Dau, and pay at Balintawak when you exit. The southbound run is the same fare as the trip up, but the late-Sunday queue at Marilao is the real cost.
Per-expressway breakdown (Class 1)
- NLEXTipo/Subic → Balintawak₱857.00
When to drive this route
Sunday returns peak between 3 PM and 8 PM at the NLEX southbound stretch from Bocaue to Marilao. Leave Subic before 1 PM or after 8 PM to skip it. The Skyway via the NLEX–SLEX Connector adds an extra fee but bypasses EDSA congestion if you’re heading to Makati or BGC.
Where to exit
Common Manila exits: Mindanao Avenue, Karuhatan, Balintawak. If you’re continuing south, take the NLEX–SLEX Connector at C5 North (entry: NLEX, exit: España or Buendia) — flat ₱90 fee for cars, predictable trip time.
Plan your fuel cost too
Tolls are only one part of the trip budget. Combine this calculator with our live national fuel-price tracker or check diesel prices in Manila. For more drive-cost guides, see the TipidGas blog.
Frequently asked questions
- How much is the Subic to Manila toll fee?
- The total toll for a private car (Class 1) is shown above. Class 2 (buses, light trucks) is roughly 2× the Class 1 rate. Class 3 (heavy trucks) is roughly 3×. All fares already include the 12% VAT.
- What expressways are used on the Subic to Manila route?
- SCTEX → NLEX. Plazas: Tipo/Subic (entry) → Balintawak (exit). Cross-expressway transitions are charged automatically — you only stop at the entry and exit plazas.
- Which RFID system do I need?
- Both Easytrip (NLEX, SCTEX, TPLEX, CAVITEX, CALAX, Skyway) and Autosweep (SLEX, STAR, Skyway Stages 1–2) work end-to-end at all plazas. Top up before the trip — running out at a closed-system entry plaza is the most common pain point.
- How long does the drive take?
- Approximately 2–2.5 hours for the 130 km drive, in clear traffic. Allow extra time for weekday morning rush hour at NLEX or SLEX, and for Sunday-afternoon return queues.
- Are these toll fees up to date?
- Yes. Fares come from the official Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) toll-rate matrices via the public expressway.ph API. The data is re-synced weekly.