Getting Around in Manila
Part of the Manila travel guide — see every topic in All Manila Guides.
Metro Manila is large, and its traffic is famous for being slow. Getting around takes some planning, but there are many options. Trains are fast where they go, Grab is easy for visitors, and buses and jeepneys reach almost everywhere. This guide explains each type of transport and how to use it.
LRT and MRT trains
Manila has three main rail lines. LRT-1 runs north to south through old Manila and down to Pasay, and it now reaches Parañaque. New stations into Cavite are still being built. LRT-2 runs east to west, from Recto in old Manila out to the eastern suburbs. MRT-3 runs along EDSA, the city's biggest road, linking Quezon City, Ortigas, Makati and Pasay. Trains are cheap and avoid traffic, but they are very crowded at rush hour. Some trains have a front car for women, children and older people. Stored-value beep cards work on all three lines.
Grab and taxis
Grab is the most popular ride app in Manila and the easiest choice for visitors. You see the price before you ride, and you can pay with cash or a card. Grab also delivers food. Metered taxis are common too. Ask the driver to use the meter, and get out if they refuse. At the airport, use the official taxi lanes or book a Grab from the pickup area. At busy times, prices can rise and waiting times can be long, so allow extra time.
Buses and jeepneys
City buses run along main roads. The EDSA Carousel is a bus line with its own lane along EDSA, which makes it faster than normal buses. It links to the MRT and to the Mall of Asia area. Jeepneys are open-backed minibuses, the classic transport of the Philippines. Old jeepneys are slowly being replaced by newer, cleaner models. Jeepneys follow fixed routes shown on signs, and you pay the driver. They are very cheap, but routes can be confusing for first-time visitors.
Pasig River Ferry
The Pasig River Ferry is a small boat service on the river that runs through Manila. It stops at stations between old Manila and the eastern parts of the city. The ride is free. The service is run by the MMDA, the Metro Manila agency, and it is a calm way to avoid road traffic and see the city from the water. Service can be limited and may stop in bad weather or when the river is low. Check the current schedule before you plan a trip around it.
Tips for traffic
Rush hours are roughly 7 to 10 in the morning and 5 to 8 in the evening on weekdays. Travel outside these times if you can. Friday evenings and the weeks before Christmas are especially slow. Combine trains with short Grab rides to avoid the worst roads. Keep small notes and coins for fares. Download offline maps, because street names can be hard to follow. If you have a flight, leave for the airport early, as the trip can take much longer than planned.
Getting Around at a glance
| Getting there | NAIA airport is in Pasay and Parañaque; Grab or taxi into the city |
|---|---|
| Hours | Trains run from early morning to about 10 pm; check each line |
| Cost | Trains, buses and jeepneys cheap; Grab costs more at busy times |
| Best time | Outside weekday rush hours |
| Bring | A beep card for trains and small notes for jeepneys |