CCLEX Guide: Using the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway Bridge
Everything you need to know about the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway: route, tolls, RFID, motorcycle rules and how it changed travel to Mactan.
In this article
The CCLEX, or Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway, is an 8.9 km toll bridge and expressway that opened in 2022, linking the South Road Properties (SRP) in Cebu City to the town of Cordova on Mactan Island. It is the third crossing between mainland Cebu and Mactan and gives drivers a faster, direct route to southern Mactan without passing through Mandaue. Tolls are collected electronically, so check current rates and RFID requirements before you drive.
CCLEX at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway |
| Total length | About 8.9 km, including bridges, causeway and approach roads |
| Opened | 2022 |
| Connects | South Road Properties, Cebu City and Cordova, Mactan |
| Bridge type | Cable-stayed main span over the Mactan Channel |
| Operator | Cebu Cordova Link Expressway Corporation, part of Metro Pacific Tollways |
| Payment | Electronic toll collection; check current rules |
Why the CCLEX Matters
Before CCLEX, every vehicle between mainland Cebu and Mactan had to use one of two bridges in the Mandaue-Lapu-Lapu area: the old Mactan-Mandaue Bridge and the Marcelo Fernan Bridge. Traffic on both was often heavy, especially at rush hour and when flights landed.
CCLEX added a southern link. Drivers from Cebu City's south side, the SRP and southern Cebu can now reach Cordova and the southern part of Mactan directly. For many trips, especially to resorts and communities in Cordova, the time savings can be significant, depending on traffic.
The project was developed through a partnership between the Metro Pacific Tollways group and the local governments of Cebu City and Cordova. It is also one of the most recognisable new landmarks in Cebu's skyline.
How to Use the CCLEX
Entry and exit points
- Cebu City side: the expressway connects to the South Road Properties (SRP), the reclaimed coastal area south of downtown that also links to the Cebu South Coastal Road.
- Cordova side: the expressway lands in Cordova, on the southern part of Mactan Island, where it links to local roads towards Lapu-Lapu City and the resort areas.
Navigation apps show the route clearly. If you are heading to Mactan's main resort strip or the airport, compare travel times on CCLEX against the Mandaue bridges before setting out, as the best choice depends on your starting point and the time of day.
Toll payment and RFID
CCLEX uses electronic toll collection. Vehicles typically need an RFID sticker linked to a prepaid account, under the same system used on other Metro Pacific Tollways roads. Payment rules have been updated since opening, so:
- Check whether your vehicle needs an RFID sticker and where to get one installed.
- Keep enough load on your toll account before you enter.
- Confirm current toll rates by vehicle class on the official channels of the operator or Metro Pacific Tollways.
Toll rates are set by vehicle class and are adjusted from time to time with regulatory approval. We do not list specific fees here because they change; always check the latest official rates.
Motorcycle rules
Motorcycle access has been one of the most discussed topics since the bridge opened. Rules on which motorcycles may use the expressway, such as engine displacement limits, have been set and revised by the operator and authorities. Before riding a motorcycle onto CCLEX, check the latest official advisory.
Pedestrians and bicycles
CCLEX is an expressway designed for motor vehicles. Pedestrians and bicycles are generally not permitted on the main carriageway, except during special events organised with the operator, such as occasional fun runs or rides. Watch official announcements if you are interested in joining one.
The Views From the Bridge
The cable-stayed main span is high enough for large ships to pass beneath it, and the drive across gives sweeping views of the Mactan Channel, the Cebu City skyline, the SRP coastline and the islands beyond. Sunset crossings are especially photogenic.
For safety, do not stop on the bridge for photos. Stopping on the expressway is prohibited except in emergencies. Passengers can take photos from a moving vehicle, but drivers should keep their eyes on the road. Good views of the bridge are also possible from the SRP waterfront and from Cordova's shoreline.
Impact on Travel and Tourism
CCLEX has changed how people move around Metro Cebu:
| Trip | Before CCLEX | With CCLEX |
|---|---|---|
| Cebu City south side to Cordova | Through Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu | Direct via SRP |
| Southern Cebu to Mactan resorts | Through downtown and Mandaue | Shorter route via SRP |
| Mandaue bridge traffic | All Mactan traffic | Some traffic diverted |
Cordova has seen more interest from visitors and investors since the bridge opened, and the town's seafood spots and waterfront are easier to reach. If you love grilled seafood, see our sutukil guide.
For airport trips, CCLEX can be a useful alternative, but the airport is in the northern part of Mactan, so the Mandaue bridges may still be faster from some parts of the city. Our Mactan airport taxi guide has more on getting to and from the terminal.
Weather and Closures
Like other bridges, CCLEX can be affected by strong winds, heavy rain and emergencies. During typhoons, authorities may restrict or suspend traffic for safety. Check our weather page and typhoon signals explainer before travelling in bad weather.
Planning a Mactan Trip
CCLEX makes it easier to combine a Cebu City stay with beach time on Mactan. For itinerary ideas, see our 3 to 5 day Cebu itinerary. For the latest local updates, check our news section.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the CCLEX bridge?
The Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway is about 8.9 km long in total, including the main cable-stayed bridge, viaducts, causeway and approach roads.
How do I pay the toll on CCLEX?
CCLEX uses electronic toll collection, typically through an RFID sticker linked to a prepaid account. Check the operator's official channels for current rates and payment rules before driving.
Can motorcycles use the CCLEX?
Motorcycle access is regulated, with rules on which motorcycles may use the expressway. Check the latest official advisory before riding.
When did the CCLEX open?
The Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway opened to traffic in 2022.
Is CCLEX the fastest way to Mactan airport?
Not always. It is often faster for trips from Cebu City's south side and the SRP, but the Mandaue bridges can be quicker from northern parts of the city. Compare live traffic on a navigation app.
