STAR Tollway (Southern Tagalog Arterial Road)

STAR Tollway (Southern Tagalog Arterial Road) is a 42-kilometer toll expressway in Batangas province, connecting SLEX (at Santo Tomas) to the Batangas City port area. STAR Tollway provides critical access to the Batangas International Port, one of the Philippines' busiest ports, and to the tourism and industrial areas of Batangas province.

STAR Tollway begins at the SLEX Santo Tomas interchange and runs south through the municipalities of Tanauan, Malvar, Lipa City, Ibaan, and Batangas City. Key interchanges include: Santo Tomas (SLEX connection), Tanauan, Lipa City (access to Lipa and the tourism areas), and Batangas City (port access). The tollway traverses Batangas' industrial and agricultural heartland.

STAR Tollway uses a distance-based system. Approximate toll from Santo Tomas to Batangas City: PHP 60-80 for Class 1 vehicles. Electronic toll collection (Autosweep, compatible with SLEX) is accepted. The tollway uses barrier toll plazas at entry/exit points.

STAR Tollway has boosted Batangas real estate by improving accessibility to Metro Manila via SLEX. Lipa City, the main urban center along the tollway, has seen significant residential and commercial development. The Batangas port access supports industrial property development. Beach properties in Batangas (Laiya, Nasugbu, Mabini/Anilao) benefit from improved accessibility. Properties near STAR Tollway exits have appreciated 2-4x since the expressway was completed.

STAR Tollway is operated by SMC Tollways under a TRB concession. The tollway is critical for the Batangas International Port, which handles a significant portion of the Philippines' cargo. The Batangas port is being developed as an alternative to the congested Manila ports. STAR Tollway supports CALABARZON's industrial growth and tourism development in Batangas' beach destinations.

South Luzon Expressway, CALABARZON, Batangas, Lipa City, Batangas Port