Skip to main content

Your complete guide to NLEX, SCTEX, TPLEX exits, gas/food stops

Your complete guide to NLEX, SCTEX, TPLEX exits, gas/food stops

UPDATED January, 2020

Are you from Metro Manila and considering a holiday getaway to the north? After a rough week at work, there's nothing like packing your bags, channeling your inner adventurista, and heading to Subic, Baguio or Vigan for glitz and good times! If you're considering making the drive, here is a complete guide to the NLEX, SCTEX and TPLEX exits, interchanges, gas stations and food stops.




What's covered in this guide?
1. NLEX Northbound Stopovers
2. NLEX Southbound Stopovers
3. SCTEX Stopovers
 - Subic bound
 - SCTEX bound
 - Tarlac bound
 - NLEX bound
4. TPLEX Stopovers Northbound and Southbound
5. Smoking Areas
6. Quick Notes
 - TPLEX Petron Km 134
 - Auto Sweep RFID


NLEX North Luzon Expressway - 84 kilometers
Northbound Stop-overs
  • Balintawak Toll Plaza
  • Mindanao Toll Plaza (Smart Connect Interchange)
  • Valenzuela Exit
  • Meycauayan Exit
  • Petron Stopover (Gas/Food/Toilets) Km 23 Jollibee, Kenny Rogers, Starbucks, Army Navy, Café France, Shakey’s, Hap Chan, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, KFC, Krispy Kreme, McDonalds, Burger King, San Mig Cafe, Mr Donuts, Seafood Island
  • Marilao Exit
  • Bocaue Toll Plaza
  • Bocaue Exit
  • Shell Stopover (Gas/Food/Toilets) Km 32 Jollibee, Kenny Rogers, Chow King, Café France, Hen Lin, Dairy Queen, KFC, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Razon's, Potato Corner, Lutong Bahay, Lapid's, Shawarma House 
  • Tabang Toll Plaza
  • Balagtas Exit
  • Sta Rita Exit
  • Petron Stopover (Gas/Food/Toilets) Km 42 McDonalds
  • Pulilan Exit
  • Total Stopover (Gas/Food/Toilets) Km 55 Tropical Hut, Barby's Breakfast, Dexter's Pizza, Max's Restaurant, Potato Corner
  • San Simon Exit
  • San Fernando Exit
  • Petron Stopover (Gas/Food/Toilets) Km 71 McDonalds, Starbucks, Shakey's, BonChon, Tapa King, Tokyo Tokyo, Mangan Tana, Razon's, Potato Corner, Lugaw Republic, San Mig Cafe, Bibingkinitan
  • Mexico Exit
  • Angeles Exit
  • Dau Exit
  • SCTEX Exit
  • Sta Ines Exit










CONTINUE READING BELOW ▾
          Other Stories

This car is said to be a tough competitor for the new Mitsubishi Xpander Cross.
The top ten handy car storage organizers under ₱300 that can help our trips even more enjoyable.
There’s nothing like the P2P Bus experience. Give it a go!


NLEX Southbound Stopovers (Gas/Food/Toilets)


  • Before Angeles Exit Km 77 Shell Max's Chicken. Tapa King, Krispy Kreme, Hen Lin, BonChon, Hap Chan, Pancake House, Yellow Cab, Jollibee, Cafe Express
  • After San Fernando Exit Km 62 Caltex KFC, Kenny Rogers, Cafe France, Razon's Bubusok, Chow King, Jollibee, Chego
  • After Sta Rita Exit Km 37 Shell Mr Moo, Chow King, Starbucks, Ambula, Kapampangan, Lauro's Cafe, Potato Corner, Shawarma House, Takoyaki, Lapid's
  • After Bocaue Exit Km 30 Petron Army Navy, Chow King, KFC, McDonalds, Starbucks, Subway, Max's Chicken, San Mig Cafe, Bibingkinitan, Potato Corner, Lapid's, Pancake House
  • Before Paso de Blas Exit Km 16 Caltex (GAS ONLY/NO FOOD)

SCTEX Subic - Clark - Tarlac Expressway (93.8 kilometers)
  • Tipo Toll Plaza
  • Total Stopover Km 4 (Subic bound) BonJour, assorted snack counters
  • Total Stopover Km 4 (SCTEX bound) BonJour, assorted snack counters
  • Dinalupihan Exit
  • Floridablanca Exit
  • Porac Exit
  • Clark South Exit
  • Mabiga Exit (NLEX Interchange)
  • Clark North Exit
  • Dolores Exit
  • PTT Stopover Km 70 (Tarlac bound) Pancake House, Potato Corner, Cafe Amazon
  • Seaoil Stopover Km 70 (NLEX bound) CITIMALL, Jollibee, Shakey's, Army Navy, Chow King, Mang Inasal, Highlands Coffee, Potato Corner, Yamang Bukid, Juice Factory
  • Concepcion Exit 
  • San Miguel - Hacienda Luisita Exit
  • Tarlac Exit
TPLEX Tarlac - Pangasinan - La Union Expressway (88.9 kilometers)
  • Tarlac City Exit
  • Victoria Exit
  • Pura Exit 
  • Petron Stopover Km 134 Northbound and Southbound (Gas/Food/Toilets)
  • Ramos Exit
  • Anao Exit
  • Carmen Exit
  • Urdaneta Exit
  • Binalonan Exit
  • Pozzorubio Exit
  • Sison Exit 
  • Rosario Exit 

Smoking Areas

I'm an occasional smoker whenever I take a long drive. When the anti-smoking bill came out and all the stopovers were then non-smoking zones, there's nothing I can do but have a very quick smoke only at the lay-by emergency parking spots along NLEX and SCTEX. My favorite spot during those times was the lay-by near the Angeles Exit. It's a nice parking area with big tress for shade.

NOTE:
If you're planning to use the lay-bys, just make it quick because there are Toll Patrol Officers doing routine checks on all lay-bys. Parking for long periods of time is not allowed unless you have an actual car break-down.

Nowadays, there are already designated smoking areas (DSA) at the stopovers and we don't have to use the lay-by's to smoke. All we have to do is to look for the DSA's. You can easily spot DSA's because they always bear a big signage indicating so, like the photo below that I took at the TPLEX KM 134 Petron stopover.


You can easily spot designated smoking areas because they almost look alike and bears a big signage indicating so,


Just a quick note: The final stop which is at the TPLEX Petron Station Km 134 only has the Treats convenience store. There are, however, a few rice meals (spam+egg+rice, siomai+rice, hotdog+rice) and some sandwiches if you're really hungry. So make sure your stomach is all filled up before you enter TPLEX.


The final stop which is at the TPLEX Petron Station Km 134.


It is also in this stop that you get the last chance to claim your free Auto Sweep RFID sticker which are currently being given away at the toll exits. The RFID stickers can be used at the Skyway, NAIAX, STAR Highway, SLEX and TPLEX. You can claim your RFID stickers after submission of photocopies of your driver's license (or any government-issued ID) and OR/CR of your car, and P300 initial load. It may take up to 12 hours for your Auto Sweep RFID to activate.


The RFID stickers can be used at the Skyway, NAIAX, STAR Highway, SLEX and TPLEX.


Still on TPLEX: Good news to travelers! Petron Corporation will build 10 more retail stations along the Tarlac–Pangasinan–La Union Expressway (TPLEX) pending approval by the Toll Regulatory Board; five on the northbound lane and the other five on the southbound lane.


Do you have any travel experiences at the NLEX, SCTEX AND TPLEX worth sharing?
Submit them at the comment box below.

WATCH ON VIDEO:



This post contains affiliate links to help you navigate when you're shopping online. See my Disclosure page for more details

Comments

Popular Posts

realme 15T 5G: A New Thin with Power That Lasts

Sleek, lightweight, and powered by a massive 7000mAh battery — the newest member of the realme 15 Series 5G smartphone empowers users to live more and charge less Following the launch of the realme 15 Pro 5G and realme 15 5G, realme is set to introduce a new thin with the arrival of the realme 15T 5G, the latest member of the realme 15 Series 5G lineup. At its core is a 7000mAh Massive Battery that redefines endurance, giving users the freedom to enjoy endless conversations, adventures, and even late-night workouts without the constant need to recharge. Backed by 60W SUPERVOOC Charge, the device powers up quickly, ensuring less time plugged in and more time enjoying activities. Beyond its battery, the realme 15T 5G makes a statement with its striking yet practical design. Measuring just 7.79mm thin in Suit Titanium and 7.89mm in Flowing Silver, the smartphone is remarkably slim for a device carrying such a large battery. Its me...

9 FAST FACTS about the East, West Valley Quake Faults that you need to know

THE Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Monday released the Valley Fault System (VFS) Atlas, a handbook of large-scale maps showing in detail areas traversed by the Valley Fault System, otherwise known as the East and West Valley Quake Faults. News headlines, radio and television announcements are already in place to let the people living in the VFS make the necessary precautions if and when this great earthquake should occur. Houses should be at least five meters away from the fault lines and should be able to withstand a strong earthquake, the agency added. But what really is the VFS? 1. The VFS is an active fault system in the Greater Metro Manila Area composed of two fault segments: the East Valley Fault (EVF) and the West Valley Fault (WVF). 2. The EVF, which covers several barangays in Rodriguez and San Mateo, Rizal, measures ten kilometers long while the WVF, which runs within Bulacan, Rizal, Metro Manila, Cavite and Laguna has a lengt...

5 Reasons to transform your kitchen into every foodie’s dream with Toshiba’s newest Nature Pure Series Refrigerator

The kitchen is a place of joy for every gourmet, whether you are hosting a dinner for friends, meal-prepping for the weeks’ worth of conscious cuisine, or simply cooking warm and delicious meals for your family. All you need is the right kitchen solution to cook up your magic. Toshiba, the world’s leading manufacturer of artisanal home appliance solutions, redefines food storage with Asia Pacific’s first and biggest 711-liter Side-by-Side and Multidoor refrigerator, designed to deliver unmatched capacity and lasting freshness, transforming the kitchen into a gourmet paradise. Sizable Storage for Stocking up Groceries Grocery shopping multiple times a week to restock food essentials can be a chore. The Toshiba Nature Pure Series is designed to hold up to two weeks’ worth of groceries, ensuring that you always have ingredients on hand. You won’t have to worry about running out of organic fruits and vegetables, and you’ll have a sizable f...

McCormick Sour Seasoning Mix makes bold, creative sour dishes easier than ever

McCormick is changing the way Filipinos experience sour with its new Sour Seasoning Mix, a convenient, game-changing flavor solution that brings the bold consistent sourness you love to a wide variety of dishes, drinks, and everything in between. Say goodbye to time-consuming prep and the search for the right ingredients; with McCormick, achieving a consistent, bold, and zesty sour flavor has never been easier. With three exciting flavors: Calamansi, Tamarind, and Lime, the McCormick Sour Seasoning Mix opens up a world of culinary possibilities. Going beyond traditional sour dishes, you can unlock unexpected but delicious flavor pairings. Sour isn’t just for sinigang anymore—it’s time to #FlexYourSour and explore new possibilities! This isn’t just for savory ulam; imagine leveling up your sour snacks, using it as a quick marinade, a punchy dressing, adding zest to desserts, or even creating refreshing sour drinks! The only limit rea...

Chowking Makes the Moon Festival Exciting with the Luck ‘N Roll Dice Game

Chowking is making the Moon Festival more exciting this year with the Luck ‘N Roll Dice Game, giving Filipinos more ways to celebrate togetherness, luck, and good food. Customers can join in two ways: In-store (from October 3-12, 2025): For every purchase worth PHP 499, diners get one roll of the dice (two rolls for PHP 999). Depending on the results, customers can win Chowking vouchers, free treats, or special prizes on the spot. On Grab (until October 21, 2025): Every roll on the Grab app gives users a chance to win exclusive rewards and prizes instantly. By bringing this tradition into stores and digital platforms, Chowking becomes the place where Filipinos can experience the joy of the Moon Festival. The celebration symbolizes reunions, thanksgiving, and the hope for good fortune in the coming year. Families and friends traditionally gather to share meals, enjoy lanterns, and play the dice game – rituals that h...

TECNO Philippines launches world’s slimmest 3D-curved AI phone TECNO SPARK Slim for as low as PhP7,599

AI-driven innovative technology brand TECNO today officially announced the Philippine launch of the world’s slimmest curved-screen smartphone, the TECNO SPARK Slim, which will retail at the official price of PhP9,499. Defying conventional trade-offs, SPARK Slim combines a massive 5160mAh battery with an ultra-slim profile passing military industry certification to ensure all-around durability. Carrying forward the youthful, vibrant, and stylish DNA of the SPARK series, its aerospace-grade fiberglass back cover makes the device thinner yet stronger, while the elegant 3D-curved profile and lightweight body ensure a comfortable in-hand feel. The expressive world-first Mood Light design adds an interactive, playful element that resonates with youthful creativity, while vibrant color options further highlight individuality. With this fusion of slimness, style, and substance, SPARK Slim delivers a premium experience that exceeds expectations within its price se...

Quick guide to having your car blessed in Manaoag church

UPDATED January, 2023 Buying a car is always exciting. Comparing features, choosing the color, and the multiple test drives. If you have already bought one, it's likely that you've now mapped out your schedules and  travel itineraries for the next two months. That said, you do need to make one more step to make sure you have everything covered -- and that is to have your new car blessed. Why bless your car? You are most proud of the blessing that God has bestowed upon you, so it's just fair to return the favor by having your car blessed, too. When I bought a new car a few months ago, I had it blessed at the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary of Manaoag in Pangasinan. What's covered in this guide? 1. How to get there via NLEX, SCTEX, TPLEX and Toll Fees 2. Binalonan Exit to Manaoag Church 3. Car blessing schedules 4. Attending the Holy Mass, visiting the museum, etc. 5. Where to get food, souvenirs, pasalubong HOW TO G...

How much is the penalty for 5 years late registration of motorcycles?

UPDATED December, 2020 Got late in your motorcycle registration renewal? Driving an unregistered motor vehicle carries with it a fine of P3,000 if apprehended by Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) officers and P10,000 if by LTO traffic personnel. Worse, if the non-registration exceeded one month, the vehicle will be impounded and released only once the vehicle has been registered and the corresponding fines and penalties have been paid. To help you prepare for your visit at the LTO, here's a brief guide on how much money you're going to spend on your motorcycle registration renewal. READ: Complete Guide To nCoV: How Not To Misinform Yourself About The Coronapocalypse What's covered in this guide? 1. LTO penalty formula by weeks 2. Sample computation (if 5 years late) 3. How to renew your motorcycle registration  - Requirements  - 5 step guide YOU MAY WANT TO WATCH:  Motorcycle Transfer of Ownership and Renewal of Registration ...

Pre-Order the NEW iPhone 17 Starting October 9 at Abenson with Awesome Freebies!

Abenson takes the center stage with the pre-order of the new series of iPhone 17, inclusive of deals, promos, and freebies that gives early birds awesome perks that truly lets them own their new iPhone! If you’re not sure which one to get, Apple offers amazing options: the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and the all-new, sleek and lightweight iPhone Air. Whether you’re after power or style, there’s one that’s just right for you. Indeed, there is no better time than now to secure yours by pre-ordering from October 9-16, 2025 at Abenson! Here are two ways you can pre-order at Abenson from October 9-16, 2025: 1. Pre-order in-store Go to your nearest branch and secure that pre-order! Midnight launch event at the following stores for customers who pre-ordered: Abenson Global City, Abenson Waltermart Sta. Maria, Abenson Alabang Town Center, and Abenson UP Town Center. 2. Pre-order online from Prefer to order from home? Simply click the button ...

Your Complete Commuters' Guide to UV Express/FX Terminals in Metro Manila

UPDATED January, 2020 Metro Manila’s hordes of workers pour in by UV Express. Times are a-changing. With the increasing temperature in the metropolis coupled by its worsening traffic condition , a newer, more convenient alternative of transporting people had risen above all else. They're called the commuter vans, or what are now popularly known as the Utility Vehicle (UV) Express and FX vans. READ: Complete Guide To nCoV: How Not To Misinform Yourself About The Coronapocalypse UV Express vans are all air conditioned, seat an average of 14 passengers and charge relatively cheap compared to the usual metered taxicabs. Their fares range from as low as P20 to as high as P50 per passenger. With the LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board) serving as regulator of the UV Express franchise, the commuter vans has increased its service routes exponentially all around the country, including Metro Manila. READ: My Epically Awesome Traffic Jam Day In...