Heading South? SLEX, STAR Tollway fees officially going up in 2026

Your Makati-to-Batangas run is about to get more expensive as new toll hikes kick in on New Year's Day

Motorists heading south for the New Year should prepare their Autosweep accounts for more than just the usual holiday traffic. The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) has officially approved a new set of toll rate adjustments for the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR) Tollway, effective starting January 1, 2026.

The adjustment, according to the TRB, is part of the periodic rate reviews intended to fund the "continued operations, maintenance, and improvements" of the expressways to ensure safety and convenience for the thousands of daily commuters and travelers.

SMC Infrastructure was quick to note that the "toll hike for SLEX covers the 1st tranche toll adjustment covering 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2024; while the STAR Tollway adjustment covers the 1st tranche adjustment covering 2017, 2020, and 2023."

SLEX Rate Adjustments

The SLEX hike will be felt most by those traveling the long stretch between Alabang and Sto. Tomas. The increase is divided into two main segments:

Alabang to Calamba

This section will see the most significant jump in fees:

Class 1 (Cars/SUVs): ₱126 (up by ₱10)

Class 2 (Buses/Light Trucks): ₱253 (up by ₱21)

Class 3 (Heavy Trucks): ₱379 (up by ₱31)

Calamba to Sto. Tomas

For those continuing further south into Batangas:

Class 1: ₱34 (up by ₱3)

Class 2: ₱68 (up by ₱5)

Class 3: ₱102 (up by ₱8)

STAR Tollway Rate Adjustments

The STAR Tollway, which connects Laguna to Batangas City, will also implement its own set of increases across two sections.

Section 1: Sto. Tomas to Lipa

Class 1: ₱60 (up by ₱5)

Class 2: ₱119 (up by ₱9)

Class 3: ₱179 (up by ₱14)

Section 2: Lipa to Batangas City

Class 1: ₱53 (up by ₱4)

Class 2: ₱106 (up by ₱8)

Class 3: ₱159 (up by ₱12)

A Final Holiday Reprieve

While the new rates kick in on New Year's Day, San Miguel Corporation (SMC) Infrastructure is offering a final "gift" to motorists. In line with its annual tradition, toll fees for all SMC-operated expressways—including SLEX, STAR, Skyway, NAIAX, and TPLEX—will be waived during the following windows:

New Year: 10:00 PM on Dec. 31 to 6:00 AM on Jan. 1, 2026

Motorists are reminded to ensure their Autosweep RFID stickers are active and have sufficient balance to avoid delays at the toll plazas once the free period ends and the new rates take effect.