Transportation in Manila

Manila is becoming easier and more popular to visit, with regular flights from both international and national airlines, as well regular ferry and shipping routes. Getting around the city itself is convenient and easy thanks to the range of public transport options that fit different budgets and tastes.

Manila jeepneys are the most popular means of transport in Manila and one of the cheapest too!

Our Manila Transportation Guide will help you find the best and most exciting ways of getting to and around Manila, Philippines. By taking one of our Manila tours you get to explore the local area whilst also learning about its rich history and culture and meeting the locals. You can find more general travel information about travelling in Philippines check out our Philippines Transportation Guide.

Manila Transportation Guide

Getting To Manila

By Air

Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is the most popular entry point into the Philippines with over 30 global carriers flying in each week from around the world. Getting to Manila by air is an easy and convenient way of travelling to Manila.

NAIA is approximately 7 km from the city and is served by taxis (fares from between PHP 85 to PHP 150 depending on traffic conditions), jeepneys and buses available at all terminals. There is also a free shuttle service which runs between the 4 airports in the City, for those of you who are flying on to one of the thousand Philippine Islands.  The Light Rapid Transit system arrives at the Baclaran station from where you can take a quick 2 km taxi ride. Plans are underway to have a separate station for the airport terminal as well in the future.

For transport from the airport to the city (or from the city to the airport), we recommend Green Path Transfers, who offer eco-friendly airport transfers in hundreds of destinations around the world.

By Sea

Ferries in Manila arrive at the South Harbour in the port area and depart from the North Harbour. Facilities are minimal with a few snack and drink stalls plus seating.  For those of you who intend to travel on to other Philippine destinations, you may want to conisder the recently launched 2Go Ferries, which offer private and shared cabins, as well as two large common cabins, all with individual sleeping areas.

By Road

There are multiple bus stations in Manila, so where you arrive depends on which city you are coming from. Most private operators have their terminals near the Manila ring road called EDSA, for quick access to the north and south bound highways.

By Rail

Philippine National Railways runs services that connect Manila as far as Legazpi City in the south and San Fernando in the north. The trains in Manila are basic as are the stations.

Getting Around Manila

Getting around Manila is easy with plenty of Manila transportation options available.

Light Rail Transit System

The LRT is similar to metro rapid transit systems of the west. The Yellow Line (north-south) covering about 15 km runs from Baclaran to Monumento. The Purple Line (east-west) runs between Recto and Santolan. Trains operate between 5 am and 11.30 pm on weekdays and with shorter hours of 5 am to 9.30 pm on weekends. Trials are being run on extended hours, so check on the latest timings on arrival.

Metro Rail Transit System

The MRT or Metrostar's Blue Line system runs from Taft Avenue to North Avenue and is operational between 5.30 am and 10.30 pm.The LRT connects to the MRT system at Araneta Center-Cubao (Purple Line) and Taft Avenue (Yellow Line) stations.

Jeepneys

These brightly coloured vehicles were originally made to ‘recycle' US military jeeps left over after WWII, and make for a great option for getting around Manila. Jeepneys have come a long way since then, with electric versions being tested in Makati these days. The fares start at between PHP 7 and 8 for the first 4 km.

Taxis

Taxi fares in Manila here are among the lowest in the world, so make the most of it! The basic fare is PHP 30 for white taxis with a rate of PHP 2.50 for each additional 300 m covered. Airport taxis (yellow) start at PHP 70(500 m) and PHP 4 for each 300 m thereafter.

Buses

If you plan to take a bus from elsewhere in the Philippines to arrive in to Manila, dress down to avoid attention and you should be fine. Bus fares run to 1PHP per km.

Water Transport

Most Filipinos island hop by boat to get around Manila inexpensively. As a tourist, this is a wonderful way to get to know the locals. A word of caution here, ferry accidents are common- most caused by overloading. Check on the condition of the boat and avoid getting onto overcrowded boats.

Pump boats: Short island routes, low fares.

Ferries: Major locations on the bigger islands.

Hovercrafts/Super Cat: Between the big islands.