Driving Directions to Baguio from Manila via TPLEX and Marcos Highway (2018)

26  November 2018

Last September 2016, we traveled to Baguio via the TPLEX and Kennon Road and this post was supposed to be an update to it.  However, we had to take Marcos Highway because Kennon Road was closed to traffic due to falling rocks.

Regardless, I hope it still helps since, now, we exited at the Pozorrubio Gate instead of Binalonan, which was the last open exit at the TPLEX at that time.

Toll fees are also included in this post.






We started our trip from to Baguio from Manila via Balintawak and the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX).

We paid P45, for a Class 1 vehicle, at the Balintawak Barrier, which is the first Toll Gate on the NLEX.

Basically, you just head straight north, towards the SCTEX.  Once you see the signs for Clark and Subic, you'll know that you're headed in the right direction and you're nearing the entry for the SCTEX or the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway.  

There are a number of signs that will point you in the right direction.  Simply follow those for Baguio.  ;)

Your first major landmark on the SCTEX is this PTT Gas Station on the right.

When we passed this way last 2016, this City Mall and Sea Oil Gas station were still under construction.  Now, it's fully operational.

After about 10 minutes from the City Mall, you'll arrive at the Toll Gate.

Here are the current 2018 toll fees for the use of the NLEX-SCTEX.  We paid P295, higher than the P277 in 2016.

In a couple of minutes, you'll reach this sign to indicate that you're traveling on the TPLEX on your way to Baguio.

The exit gates are as follows:  Victoria, Pura, Ramos, Anao, Carmen, Urdaneta, Binalonan and the last one, Pozorrubio.

There's the toll gate and below are the Toll Fees.

Once you've paid your corresponding toll fees (we paid P270), it's time to head to Baguio via the MacArthur Highway.  You can't miss this huge sign that indicates making a left turn to Baguio.

In about 10 minutes, you'll reach this arch of La Union.

A couple of minutes later, you'll see this Junction between Marcos Highway (Left) and Kennon Road (Right).  As you can see in the picture, there is a sign that says Kennon Road is blocked so we had no choice but to take Marcos Highway.

To get to Baguio, you need to drive straight from the Junction and then stay on the right side when you reach the Pugo-Rosario Road. As I understand it, we refer to this whole stretch of road from the Junction to Baguio as the Marcos Highway but it's actually Pugo-Rosario Road and later on, Aspiras-Palispis Highway.

You'll see the following landmarks on your way.

You know you're nearing Baguio when you see clouds or as Dylan calls it, "The Mist". :)

From the Junction to this point on the road, which is practically the entrance to the City Center, it took about an hour.  It may be quicker but there were some ongoing road repairs.

In total, our travel time was around 4 hours.  However, we didn't stop for food which made our trip faster.  We did have one bathroom break at a Petron near Baguio.

Total toll fees amounted to P610.