Heads Up, Motorists: NLEX Toll Fees Are Going Up in January

(SPOT.ph) For motorists, toll hikes have started to feel routine over the past few years—and yes, there’s another one coming for the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX). The upside is that this marks the final adjustment under the existing approval.

Starting January 20, 2026, toll rates on the NLEX will increase following the Toll Regulatory Board's (TRB) approval of the latest adjustment, affecting both the open and closed systems. The hike closes out a set of increases that were originally scheduled in 2023 but rolled out in two phases to cushion the impact for motorists.

If you’re using the open system, the increase applies no matter how short or long your trip is. Class 1 vehicles will pay P6 more, Class 2 vehicles P12 more, and Class 3 vehicles P16 more. This covers trips between Metro Manila—specifically Navotas, Valenzuela, and Caloocan—and Marilao, Bulacan.

The closed system from Bocaue, Bulacan to Sta. Ines, Mabalacat City, Pampanga, including the Subic–Tipo stretch, will see tolls increase based on distance traveled. For those driving the full length between Metro Manila and Mabalacat City, that means paying an additional P24 for Class 1 vehicles, P60 for Class 2, and P72 for Class 3.

Also read: NLEX Facebook Live Cam Tells You Real-Time Traffic Situation

Open system (Balintawak to Marilao)

Class 1: P85 (from P79)
Class 2: P211 (from P199)
Class 3: P254 (from P238)

End to end (Balintawak to Sta. Ines)

Class 1: P440 (from P416)
Class 2: P1,099 (from P1,039)
Class 3: P1,319 (from P1,247)

According to NLEX Corporation, the periodic toll adjustments are needed to "ensure the continued delivery of safe, efficient, and quality expressway service, while maintaining the long-term viability of the privately-funded infrastructure investments."

The increase also comes after several years of construction and upgrades along the expressway. Between 2022 and 2025, NLEX completed projects such as the SFEX Capacity Expansion, the Candaba 3rd Viaduct, road-raising works in San Simon, expanded exits in Meycauayan and F. Raymundo, and various improvements to lighting, bridges, overpasses, and toll plaza systems.

There’s more on the way. Later this year, the first two-kilometer section of the NLEX–C5 Northlink—connecting the Mindanao Avenue toll plaza to Quirino Highway in Novaliches—is expected to open. Once completed, it could offer some relief to drivers who regularly get stuck in traffic along Mindanao Avenue.

Also read: What the Heck Is NLEX Air?