Cebu’s 3rd Bridge: What Students and Travelers Should Know About CCLEX (2025 Edition)

✍️ Introduction

When people talk about Cebu, they often mention its white-sand beaches, historic churches, or lechon. But recently, a different kind of attraction has captured the attention of locals, tourists, and students alike: Cebu’s 3rd Bridge, officially known as the Cebu–Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX).

Opened in April 2022, CCLEX is the longest and most advanced bridge in the Philippines, stretching nearly 9 kilometers across the sea. It connects Cebu City’s South Road Properties (SRP) to Cordova, Mactan Island, offering a faster, smoother route between the two islands.

But CCLEX is more than just a road. It’s a symbol of Cebu’s modernization—a beautifully designed expressway complete with LED lighting, a cable-stayed structure, and ocean views that rival many tourist attractions. At night, the bridge glows with light and reflects on the water, turning into a favorite spot for photographers and drone enthusiasts.

For students living in Cebu—especially those at international schools like 3D ACADEMY—CCLEX makes it easier than ever to access Mactan’s resorts, beaches, and even the airport. For travelers, it eliminates much of the traffic stress traditionally associated with the old Mandaue bridges.

Whether you’re planning a beach weekend, heading to the airport, or just curious about Cebu’s latest landmark, this guide will show you everything you need to know about the 3rd Bridge in 2025—how to use it, why it matters, and why you might want to see it up close.

️ Chapter 1: What Is CCLEX?

The Cebu–Cordova Link Expressway, commonly called CCLEX, is the third and newest bridge connecting the islands of Cebu and Mactan in the central Philippines. At 8.9 kilometers long, it is currently the longest sea-crossing bridge in the country—a massive infrastructure achievement that reshaped travel and logistics in Metro Cebu.

Before its construction, Cebu and Mactan were connected by just two bridges: the Marcelo Fernan Bridge and the Mactan-Mandaue Bridge (Old Bridge). These older bridges, while functional, were often plagued by heavy traffic, especially during rush hours, holidays, or flight surges at Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

Enter CCLEX.

A Landmark in Philippine Engineering

CCLEX was officially inaugurated on April 27, 2022, after years of planning and construction by Cebu Cordova Link Expressway Corporation (CCLEC), a private subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation. The bridge was developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) and cost roughly ₱33 billion (about USD 600 million) to build.

Its cable-stayed design features two iconic towers rising 145 meters above sea level, supporting the main span of the bridge over the Mactan Channel. These towers were inspired by historic Cebuano crosses and incorporate elements of local culture and faith.

The expressway includes:

• Four lanes (two in each direction)

• LED lighting system across the full stretch for safe night travel

• Seismic and wind-resistant design, making it safe for typhoons and earthquakes

• RFID tolling system (contactless and cashless)

• Ocean views throughout, making it one of the most scenic drives in the Philippines

It’s not just functional—it’s beautiful.

Where Exactly Does It Start and End?

CCLEX starts in South Road Properties (SRP) in Cebu City—a rapidly developing area near SM Seaside, IL Corso, and the upcoming Cebu Ocean Park. From there, the expressway spans across the sea to Cordova town in Mactan, which is just a few minutes away from the Lapu-Lapu City area and the airport.

Here’s how it helps:

• ✅ If you’re going from Cebu City to Mactan beaches or the airport → CCLEX is your fastest route

• ✅ If you’re returning to the city after a day trip → avoid the Mandaue congestion

Why the Name “3rd Bridge”?

Locals often refer to CCLEX as the “Third Bridge” because it is the third major link between Cebu and Mactan islands. While its official name is rarely used in everyday conversation, “Third Bridge” has become a simple, popular way to refer to it, especially among taxi drivers, Grab drivers, and students.

So if you’re booking a ride, just say:

“Can we take the third bridge, please?”
And most drivers will know exactly what you mean.

A New Way to See Cebu

CCLEX also has a growing reputation as a tourist attraction. Whether you’re driving at sunset or flying your drone near the shore, the bridge offers:

• Stunning skyline views of downtown Cebu and the mountains

• A panoramic look at the Mactan Channel

• Beautiful night lighting for evening drives

It has quickly become a popular subject for Instagram posts, wedding shoots, and even music videos.

While there is no public pedestrian access across the full span of the bridge as of 2025, several viewing spots in SRP and Cordova allow you to take great photos of the bridge—especially at sunrise or dusk.

️ Chapter 2: Why It’s Important for Travelers and Locals

While bridges are often seen as just infrastructure, CCLEX has become a game changer for both locals and travelers in Cebu. It doesn’t just connect two islands—it connects communities, shortens travel times, and opens up new opportunities for work, leisure, and tourism.

Here’s why the Third Bridge matters in 2025, more than ever before:

1. Faster Access to Mactan and the Airport

For decades, the only way to reach Mactan Island—home to Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) and many world-class resorts—was via the two old bridges in Mandaue City. During rush hour, crossing those bridges could take 45 minutes to over an hour, even for short distances.

Now, with CCLEX:

• Travel time between Cebu City and Cordova has been reduced to 10–15 minutes.

• Students or travelers heading to the airport can bypass the most congested areas of Metro Cebu.

• It’s a more direct, scenic, and less stressful drive—especially during early morning flights or beach trips.

For 3D ACADEMY students whose families are visiting, or who plan weekend trips to Mactan resorts, CCLEX is the best route.

️ 2. Easier Access to Beaches and Island Hopping

Cordova and Mactan are known for their white-sand beaches, snorkeling spots, and island-hopping tours to places like Nalusuan, Pandanon, and Hilutungan Islands. Before CCLEX, reaching these areas involved weaving through traffic-heavy Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu streets.

Now, students and tourists can:

• Get to Day-as Port or Cordova coastal areas more quickly

• Reach island hopping jump-off points like Alegrado Pier or 10K Roses Café

• Spend less time commuting, more time swimming and relaxing

For weekend getaways, CCLEX is a no-brainer.

‍ 3. Economic Benefits for Locals

The bridge has also had a major impact on local businesses and job creation:

• More tourists now visit Cordova and southern Mactan, boosting food stalls, boat rentals, and souvenir shops.

• Workers from Cordova can more easily commute to Cebu City, opening up job opportunities in SRP, IT Park, and Ayala.

• Property development in Cordova has accelerated, with new hotels, restaurants, and beachfront accommodations opening up.

In short: the bridge has turned Cordova from a sleepy town into a rising destination.

4. Decongestion of Old Bridges and Mandaue

For years, the old bridges were infamous for daily bottlenecks. With CCLEX now absorbing a large portion of private vehicle traffic, there’s been a noticeable easing of congestion in Mandaue City.

This means:

• Faster jeepney and bus routes for locals

• Less stress for drivers commuting between Cebu and Lapu-Lapu

• Improved emergency response times (ambulances, police, etc.)

It has had a domino effect on urban mobility, improving traffic conditions even outside the CCLEX corridor.

In Summary: Who Benefits?

Chapter 3: How to Use the Bridge – Tolls, Routes, and Tips

If you’re planning to use the Third Bridge (CCLEX) during your stay in Cebu—whether for a beach weekend, an airport trip, or just a scenic drive—it’s helpful to know how it works. As a toll expressway, CCLEX is not like a normal public road. But don’t worry—it’s easy to use, even for first-timers.

Here’s what every student, traveler, or Grab rider needs to know:

1. Toll Rates (as of 2025)

CCLEX charges toll fees based on vehicle type. As of 2025, here are the updated rates:

✅ Most Grab or taxi drivers include the ₱90 toll fee in your fare automatically.
If unsure, just ask: “Is the CCLEX toll already included?”

2. Payment Method – RFID Only

Unlike traditional toll booths, CCLEX is fully cashless. You cannot pay in cash at the toll gates. Instead, the system uses RFID stickers, which are scanned automatically as vehicles pass.

• Private car owners must register for a CCLEX RFID tag in advance.

• Grab and taxis already have RFID installed, so you don’t need to do anything as a passenger.

• Some rental cars may not be registered—check before driving.

❗ Tip for students planning to rent a car:
Make sure the rental vehicle has an active CCLEX RFID tag, or you won’t be allowed to enter the expressway.

️ 3. Entry and Exit Points

CCLEX has two main ends:

From Cebu City:

• Entry Point: South Road Properties (SRP), near SM Seaside and Il Corso

• Landmark: Just past the South Road Tunnel and Cebu Ocean Park

From Mactan:

• Exit Point: Cordova, via the Cordova Coastal Road

• Landmark: Close to Gabi Bridge and the route toward Lapu-Lapu City

Pro tip: If you’re staying at 3D ACADEMY, getting to the Cebu City side of the bridge (SRP) takes around 15–20 minutes by Grab.

4. Can You Walk or Bike Across the Bridge?

Currently, pedestrian and bicycle access is restricted on the main bridge span. There are no sidewalks for walking across, and biking is not allowed due to safety concerns and high-speed traffic.

However, several viewing areas and photo spots are available near both ends of the bridge, especially:

• SRP Coastal Road / Il Corso Baywalk

• Cordova View Deck (Gabi area)

Many students and tourists go there at sunset to take photos with the bridge in the background.

5. How to Use CCLEX as a Passenger (Grab or Taxi)

If you’re not driving, here’s what to expect:

• ✅ Just book your ride as usual via Grab or hail a metered taxi

• ✅ Mention that you prefer the “Third Bridge” or “via CCLEX” in your pickup notes

• ✅ Double-check that toll fees are included in your quoted fare

Example:
“Hi, please use the 3rd bridge (CCLEX) going to Mactan. Thank you!”

This route is generally faster and smoother, especially during traffic-heavy hours in Mandaue.

Summary: Quick Tips

Chapter 4: A New Tourist Spot – Scenic Views and Instagram Moments

When most people think of bridges, they imagine functionality—not beauty. But Cebu’s 3rd Bridge (CCLEX) has changed that. Since its opening, the bridge has quickly become one of Cebu’s newest and most striking tourist landmarks, even rivaling famous spots like the Tops Lookout or Sirao Flower Garden for photo opportunities.

Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a drone user, or just looking for a memorable background for your Instagram story, CCLEX offers some of the best coastal views in Cebu.

1. An Architectural Marvel at Golden Hour

The CCLEX’s cable-stayed structure, featuring two towering pylons rising 145 meters above sea level, is even more impressive in person. The sleek white design, clean lines, and symmetry make it a perfect subject for architectural shots, especially during sunrise or sunset.

Best times to shoot:

• Sunrise (5:30–6:30 AM): from the Cordova side, with the bridge glowing in the golden light.

• Sunset (5:00–6:30 PM): from the SRP side, with the sun setting behind the mountains of Cebu Island.

The bridge becomes even more dramatic with the LED lighting system turned on at night, outlining the entire span in glowing colors that reflect on the sea.

2. Best Viewing Spots (No Driving Needed)

You don’t have to drive across the bridge to enjoy its beauty. Here are 3 popular photo locations accessible to pedestrians or Grab users:

a. Il Corso Baywalk (SRP side)

• Wide waterfront promenade with direct views of CCLEX

• Great for evening walks and sunset shots

• Just 15 minutes from 3D ACADEMY via Grab

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b. Cordova Coastal View Deck

• Located at the end of the bridge on the Cordova side

• Less crowded than SRP side

• Often used by drone photographers

c. 10K Roses Café and Boardwalk

• Famous café with LED-lit roses and ocean views

• A romantic spot that also frames the bridge beautifully

Tip: Bring a tripod or gimbal for better night shots. And don’t forget mosquito spray if you go near the coast!

3. Drone Photography Paradise

If you have a drone, CCLEX is one of the most drone-friendly landmarks in Cebu—as long as you follow local drone regulations and stay outside restricted flight zones (especially near the airport).

Drone users can capture:

• The full 8.9 km curve of the bridge

• Traffic flow and light trails at night

• Ocean reflections and boats passing beneath

Make sure to launch from open areas like Il Corso, the Cordova fishing piers, or undeveloped coastal lots for best visibility.

4. A Great Spot for Couples and Friends

For students studying at 3D ACADEMY, visiting CCLEX can be more than a photo shoot—it’s a way to:

• Celebrate the end of a term with friends

• Go on a casual date with a sunset view

• Take professional-looking photos for memories or social media

Even if you don’t cross the bridge itself, spending an hour at the SRP waterfront area watching the bridge light up is a memorable way to end a busy week.

Summary: CCLEX as a Destination

Chapter 5: What It Means for 3D Students

As a student at 3D ACADEMY, your Cebu experience goes far beyond the classroom. It’s about weekend adventures, meeting people, discovering local culture, and creating memories. And in this context, the Third Bridge (CCLEX) isn’t just a structure—it’s a tool that expands your life in Cebu in several meaningful ways.

️ 1. Faster Access to Mactan’s Best Beaches

One of the biggest perks of CCLEX for students is how it cuts travel time to Mactan Island—home to many of Cebu’s best resorts and island hopping destinations.

Instead of:

• Spending an hour stuck in Mandaue traffic,

• You can now reach the beach in 15–20 minutes via Grab.

Perfect for:

• Weekend getaways

• Beach BBQs with classmates

• Sunset swims after Friday classes

Whether you’re going to Crimson Resort, Bluewater Maribago, or joining a boating tour, CCLEX makes everything feel closer and more doable—even for a short half-day trip.

2. Smooth Airport Trips for You or Your Family

Many 3D students fly into Cebu from Japan, Korea, Vietnam, France, or Brazil. If you’re arriving—or if your family is visiting—it helps to know that CCLEX offers a faster, less stressful route to/from Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

Whether you’re:

• Catching an early flight

• Being picked up by a Grab

• Escorting your parents or friends to their hotel

Using the Third Bridge makes everything smoother, especially during busy seasons like Christmas or summer.

✈️ Tip: When booking a ride, ask the driver to take “Third Bridge” or “CCLEX” to avoid city-center traffic.

3. Better Day Trip and Travel Planning

Cebu is full of day trip destinations—Oslob, Moalboal, Mactan, Cordova, etc. While most students focus on the south (for whales or waterfalls), the eastern side of Cebu and Mactan is now more accessible than ever.

From the school, you can:

• Reach Cordova’s marine sanctuaries or kayak spots in under 30 mins

• Visit 10K Roses Café for weekend brunch

• Drop by Il Corso Mall and enjoy views of the bridge without crossing it

It opens up new weekend routines for students who want more than just JY Square or Ayala Mall.

4. Real-Life English Practice Opportunities

Because CCLEX leads to newer areas, students often interact with:

• Tour guides

• Hotel staff

• Resort waiters

• Local vendors in Cordova

Every trip across the bridge becomes a chance to use your English skills in real-world settings. You’ll negotiate boat tours, order at cafés, and ask directions—all part of immersive learning.

5. New Shared Experiences with Classmates

Let’s be honest—some of the best memories you’ll make at 3D won’t be inside a classroom. They’ll be:

• Watching the sunset near the bridge

• Taking group selfies at the Cordova View Deck

• Having mango shakes after a beach trip

• Singing karaoke on the ride back to Lahug via CCLEX

These shared moments create strong friendships and unforgettable stories.

As one student said:
“Crossing the 3rd bridge was the start of every great weekend.”

✅ Summary: Why CCLEX Matters for 3D Students

Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Bridge

At first glance, the Cebu–Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) may look like just another highway. But for students, travelers, and locals in Cebu, it has become so much more than that.

It’s a symbol of progress—connecting the past and future of Cebu.
It’s a lifeline—bringing students to the beach, families to the airport, and workers to new opportunities.
And for international students at 3D ACADEMY, it’s a gateway—to exploration, adventure, and unforgettable memories beyond the classroom.

Whether you cross the bridge for a sunset photo, a seafood dinner in Cordova, a swim in Mactan’s clear waters, or just to see where the road leads—you’re taking part in something modern, local, and uniquely Cebuano.

So don’t just hear about it—experience it.
Grab your phone, some friends, and head out one weekend.
Because the Third Bridge isn’t just a place to cross—it’s a place to begin.

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