Driving through Philippine highways lets you reach your destination with a captivating journey featuring diverse landscapes, rich histories, and vibrant cultures. From the bustling energy of Manila to the serene beauty of the countryside, every highway unveils a unique story about how the country developed over time.
If you’re fond of road trips, this infographic is for you. It will guide you through the national highways in the Philippines and provide essential travel hacks to ensure a smooth and unforgettable adventure. Buckle up, and let’s hit the road!
13 Major Highways in the Philippines
The Philippines’ extensive network of highways connects its vibrant cities, serene countryside locations, and scenic coastal areas. Here’s a closer look at the most important highways in the country.
1. Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA)
This road system is at the heart of Metro Manila, connecting various cities from Caloocan to Pasay. It’s a vital access point to further explore Luzon via the North Luzon and South Luzon expressways. EDSA is more than just a major highway; it’s also a significant historical landmark.
Initially built in the 1930s and originally named North-South Circumferential Road, it was later called Avenida 19 de Junio and then Highway 54. Eventually, it was renamed Epifanio de los Santos Avenue in honor of the first Filipino academician.
In 1986, EDSA became the venue of the first People Power Revolution. Millions of Filipinos marched to collectively call for the end of then-President Ferdinand E. Marcos’ decades-long reign.
Since EDSA is a major road in Metro Manila, over 400,000 vehicles use it daily, exceeding its capacity of 300,000, which leads to heavy traffic. If you plan to travel on this highway, leave early or prepare for delays.
2. North Luzon Expressway (NLEX)
If you’re heading north from Metro Manila, NLEX is your fast track. It stretches 84 km from Quezon City to Mabalacat, Pampanga, and connects to the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) via Clark Spur Road. Constructed in the 1960s, NLEX is a major economic lifeline for the northern Luzon region.
You can detour to Clark Air Base Heritage Park for some historical exploration or set your sights on the Hundred Islands National Park while cruising NLEX.
3. South Luzon Expressway (SLEX)
Travels to the south are easy thanks to SLEX, a 50-kilometer expressway that connects Makati City to Santo Tomas, Batangas. It passes through the southern cities of Metro Manila and succeeding provinces such as Laguna, Cavite, and Batangas.
4. Manila Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX)
Also known as Coastal Road, this 14-kilometer highway slices through Metro Manila to Cavite and offers a vital link that decongests traffic on other routes. It can lead you to different cities in the south, such as Pasay, Paranaque, Las Piñas, Kawit, Bacoor, Imus, General Trias, Noveleta, and Tanza.
Aside from being an important highway, CAVITEX is a significant utility channel. It carries water pipelines and power lines, distributing energy and water to nearby cities.
5. Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR Tollway)
Just after the Santo Tomas exit of SLEX is the STAR Tollway, which leads farther down to Batangas and Quezon. Alternatively known as the CALABARZON Expressway, the tollway spans 42 km and traverses Malvar, Lipa, and Ibaan.
6. Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX)
Speed through the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Clark Freeport Zone, and Tarlac with ease using SCTEX, the longest continuous highway in the Philippines. It spans 100 km and connects Zambales, Pampanga, and Tarlac.
It fosters economic activity in freeport zones, including the Clark International Airport, which hosts local and international flights.
7. NAIA Expressway (NAIAX)
If there’s one thing you do not want to miss, it’s a domestic or international flight. Good thing the NAIA Expressway exists. It’s a 13-kilometer highway that passes through Pasay and Parañaque, offering a traffic-free express route to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
It connects to Entertainment City in Pasay City, Macapagal Boulevard in Parañaque, and CAVITEX.
NAIAX is the Philippines’ first airport highway, reducing travel time from SLEX to NAIA from 60 minutes to 20 minutes. Plans for NAIAX include creating a ramp leading directly to NAIA Terminal 3 and expanding the lanes to decongest traffic.
8. Metro Manila Skyway
You can avoid the busy streets of Metro Manila by using Skyway. Spanning nearly 43 km, it’s the first fully grade-separated and elevated highway in the Philippines and part of the Asian Highway Network (AHN).
San Miguel Corporation (SMC) constructed Skyway’s first stage over Buendia to Bicutan and the second stage over Bicutan to Alabang. The third stage, which opened in late 2020, connects Balintawak in NLEX and the Susana Heights zone in SLEX.
SMC’s expansion plans include building a three-lane Skyway bypass from Magallanes to NAIA Terminal 3 and another two-way lane to Pasay City.
9. Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway (MCX)
If you want to avoid the Alabang and Muntinlupa areas, the MCX offers a welcome alternative route. It’s the shortest highway in the Philippines, spanning only 4 km. It starts at the T-interchange with SLEX near Susana Heights and ends in Daang Hari and Daang Reyna in Cavite.
MCX cuts travel time from Daang Hari to the Alabang junction by 45 minutes. It also leads to the following key locations in the south:
- Southville 3 area – This residential and educational area near the MCX exit is home to Southville High School, which is about 750 meters from the exit.
- Bureau of Corrections (BUCOR) Firing Range – A sports complex on Insular Prison Road in Muntinlupa City, the site is approximately 650 meters from the nearest MCX exit.
- Evia Lifestyle Center – This shopping and lifestyle mall on Daang Hari is a few kilometers from the expressway’s roundabout exit.
- Palazzo Verde – This prestigious wedding and party venue is on Daang Reyna, near the Evia Football field.
10. Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX)
For adventures up north, take TPLEX! Stretching from Tarlac to La Union, this 89-kilometer expressway is the extension of NLEX and SCTEX, streamlining travel to popular destinations like Baguio, the Hundred Islands National Park, and the stunning beaches of Pangasinan and La Union.
TPLEX will have a 59.4-kilometer extension to connect its last exit, Rosario, La Union, to San Juan, La Union. There are also plans to expand the highway to Laoag.
11. Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX)
Despite opening only in 2022, CCLEX has already achieved many milestones. It’s the first expressway in Southern Philippines and the country’s longest sea-crossing and cable-stayed bridge.
It connects Cebu City to Mactan Island, which are major tourist and business hubs for locals and foreigners alike.
Due to the highway’s usefulness, Mayor Michael Rama recently proposed a ramp connecting three interior villages in Cebu City to Cordova via CCLEX. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) plans to complement the project by widening Tres de Abril Street to connect to V. Rama Avenue.
12. Subic-Tipo Expressway
When heading to the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, consider the Subic-Tipo Expressway for a more relaxed journey. Also known as STipEx or Subic Freeport Expressway (SFEX), this 8.8-kilometer route traverses Bataan and Zambales. It begins at the intersection of Rizal and Maritan Highways and ends at SCTEX.
13. Pan-Philippine Highway
The Pan-Philippine Highway, also known as AH26 or Maharlika Highway, stretches 3,380 km from Laoag in Northern Luzon to Zamboanga City in Mindanao. This extensive route connects major islands via ferries and bridges, providing access to landmarks such as Paoay Church, Mayon Volcano, and San Juanico Bridge.
Because of its convenience and length, many consider it the Philippines’ principal transport backbone.
The DPWH plans to fully rehab the highway under the “Build Better More” program to ensure unimpeded travel and reduce transportation costs. The agency will also address deteriorated sections, particularly in Samar, and bottlenecks in Luzon.
7 Helpful Tips When Driving on Philippine Highways
Long road trips can be a thrilling experience. However, before hitting the road, remember to take the following precautions.
1. Avoid driving during rush hour
Rush hour in the Philippines, particularly Metro Manila, can be incredibly congested. Peak times typically occur from 6 AM to 9 AM and 5 PM to 9 PM.
Plan your trips outside these hours whenever possible to avoid the stress and delays caused by heavy traffic. It saves time and reduces the risk of accidents due to dense traffic conditions.
2. Refrain from impaired driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and highly dangerous. Impaired driving significantly increases the risk of accidents, endangering other drivers, passengers, and other road users.
Always ensure you are sober and fully alert before getting behind the wheel. If you’ve consumed alcohol, consider getting a taxi or availing of a ride-hailing service instead.
3. Stay on the right lane
Highways in the Philippines typically have designations for trucks, slow-moving vehicles, and cars that plan to overtake. Remember to stay in the proper lane to maintain smooth traffic flow and reduce the likelihood of causing or being involved in an accident.
4. Leave ample space for lane-switching
When changing lanes, always leave enough space between your vehicle and others. Signal your intention well in advance and check your mirrors and blind spots before moving. This way, you don’t cut off other drivers and get involved in collisions, particularly in fast-moving traffic.
5. Be mindful of larger cars
Larger vehicles, such as buses and trucks, require more space to maneuver and have larger blind spots. So, if you have to drive near them, maintain a safe distance and avoid staying in their blind spots for extended periods.
6. Keep track of your speed
Speed limits reduce the risk of accidents and ensure traffic flows smoothly. For instance, the maximum speed limit on EDSA is 60 kph, while SLEX has a maximum speed limit of 100 kph. Always keep an eye on speed limit signs and adjust your speed accordingly.
7. Do not drive on designated lanes
Certain lanes on Philippine highways are designated for bikes, motorcycles, buses, and trucks to ensure safety and efficiency. If you drive a regular car, you should avoid these lanes. You should also maintain a safe distance of at least 1 meter when passing by bike lanes and giving buses ample space in their designated lanes.
Violating these lane restrictions, especially on busy highways like EDSA, can result in fines and penalties. Violators found driving on bus lanes on the first offense can incur a fine of ₱5,000. Repeated violations can lead to more severe penalties, including the suspension of your driver’s license.
Explore the Philippines with Ease
Understanding the Philippines’ extensive network of highways can help you plan your trips properly. As you gear up for the road, make sure your vehicle is in top condition.
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