Makati is not only famous for multinational corporations and major businesses in the Central Business District, but also for its delicious food and thriving nightlife, especially in Poblacion. This highly urbanized city offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget to luxury hotels, which makes it a popular choice for both business and leisure travelers in Metro Manila.
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), also known as Manila International Airport, is currently the primary international airport in Metro Manila and the usual entry point of foreign visitors to the Philippines.
From NAIA, the travel time to Makati is 25-45 minutes, depending on the the traffic situation and the time of the day. Here are your transportation options going to Makati from NAIA.
WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?
By Ride-Hailing Service
Ride-hailing services, also known as Transport Network Vehicles, are available in the Philippines, but we can only recommend using Grab and Joyride at the moment. Most of the time, passengers coming from the airport may have one or more pieces of luggage in tow, so we will focus more on Grab and Joyride in this section.
But before you could use ride-hailing apps like Grab and Joyride, you’ll need an internet connection. There may be free wifi at the airport but for safety, security and reliability, it’s best to have your own private connection. If you are a foreign tourist exploring the Philippines, you can either purchase an eSIM or a local SIM card or rent a pocket WiFi unit. SIM cards and pocket WiFi devices are available at the airport.
- For Grab, you have four options: GrabTaxi, GrabCar 4-Seater, GrabCar 6-Seater, and GrabAirport (from NAIA). The last option is only available from 12PM to 12AM. It is a dedicated car service that allows a maximum of three passengers, plus three pieces of 23kg luggage. The fares for GrabAirport are fixed depending on the drop-off location; hence, no surge fees shall be applied.
- For Joyride, you have two options: 4-Seater or 6-Seater. Joyride also offers motorcycle taxi rides, but, as mentioned, we don’t recommend a motorcycle taxi ride if you’re bringing luggage with you. It is, however, a great option for when you’re roaming around the metro.
Fare and Pick-Up Locations
Booking a car via a ride-hailing app is probably the most convenient and fastest way of getting anywhere in Makati from NAIA, but it might also be the most expensive, especially during peak or busy hours. On the plus side though, the fare is reflected immediately on the app even before you confirm your ride.
Note that the fare will depend on these factors: the time of your booking (non-peak or peak hours), the type of car service you need, and the ride-hailing app you will be booking from.
As for pick-up, you may choose from several pick-up locations in NAIA from the app. Make sure that you select the correct terminal.
If you want to book via Grab, they have installed Grab Booths around some of the terminals with attendants to book for you through their phones. If you have any questions, you may ask the person manning the booth. You may find the booths at these locations:
- Terminal 1: Arrival Hall Exit
- Terminal 2: Arrival Hall Exit Bay 6
- Terminal 3: Arrival Hall Exit across Bay 4 (GrabCar) | Departure Area Ramp across Gate 6 (GrabTaxi)
- Terminal 4: Arrival/Departure Area Curbside
By Taxi
For relatively more private transportation options, you may also take a taxi directly to your hotel or anywhere in Makati from NAIA. You may find both fixed-rate taxis and metered taxis from NAIA.
TIP: Compare the reflected fare in your Grab or Joyride app with the coupon taxi fixed rates to help you decide which transportation option is cheaper at the time of your arrival.
REMEMBER! Like in any other country, be on your guard against scams, especially when some taxis may masquerade as regular metered taxis. Some drivers will entice you under the guise of being a regular metered taxi but will eventually insist on an overpriced fixed rate when the trip starts. Always be vigilant.
Coupon Taxi
These taxis have fixed rates based on your destination. Some drivers may ask for an additional fee or a tip, but it’s really up to you if you will give extra. Tipping the driver is not mandatory.
You will be handed a dispatch coupon/slip at the booth. Keep it with you until you arrive at your destination. The coupon taxi fare from NAIA to Makati rages from P330 to P430.
If you want to see the complete and more detailed list of the LTFRB-prescribed rates for Makati City, you can check our NAIA Coupon Taxi Rates for Metro Manila article.
Here are the coupon taxi lane locations at NAIA:
- Terminal 1: Arrival Hall Exit & Arrival Hall Exit Extension
- Terminal 2: Arrival Hall Exit near Bay 11
- Terminal 3: Arrival Hall Exit across Bay 6
- Terminal 4: Arrival Hall Exit
Yellow Metered Taxi
These yellow metered taxis are generally more expensive than regular metered taxis, but lines are usually shorter and units are better maintained. You will be handed a dispatch slip with the taxi details and numbers to call if you have concerns about your trip.
Flag-down Rate: P75 (initial 500 meters traveled)
Succeeding Rate: P4 (for every 300 meters) + P4 (for every 2 mins waiting time)
Here are the yellow metered taxi lane locations at NAIA:
- Terminal 1: Arrival Hall Exit & Arrival Hall Exit Extension
- Terminal 2: Arrival Hall Exit near Bay 14
- Terminal 3: Arrival Hall Exit across Bay 8
- Terminal 4: Arrival Hall Exit
Regular Metered Taxi
Regular metered taxis, usually white sedans, are cheaper compared to coupon taxis and yellow metered taxis. The downside here is that most reported scams involve these white regular metered taxis. Passenger complaints include not turning the meter on and asking for an over-the-top fixed price once the trip starts, or turning on their meters while taking longer routes, among others.
If you opt for this mode of transport, make sure the taxi meter is turned on when your ride starts. You will also receive a passenger copy of the dispatch slip with the taxi. DO NOT hand it over to the driver.
Flag-down Rate: P45
Succeeding Rate: P13.50 (for every kilometer) + P2 (for every minute of travel time)
Here are the regular metered taxi lane locations at NAIA:
- Terminal 1: Arrival Hall Exit
- Terminal 2: Arrival Hall Exit near Bay 23
- Terminal 3: Arrival Hall Exit across Bay 13
- Terminal 4: Departure Area Curbside
By Bus
Point-to-Point buses (P2P buses) may also be found in NAIA. UBE Express is the Philippines’ primary premium airport bus link in Metro Manila.
The only pick-up location in NAIA for all UBE Express routes is at Terminal 3. If you are arriving at Terminal 1, 2, or 4, note that the free inter-terminal shuttle buses are exclusive only for those who have connecting flights.
Another alternative is to take the UBE Express NAIA Loop, which picks up passengers from Terminal 1, 2, and 4 to Terminal 3, but at no set time. If you are in a rush, taking a cab or booking a ride from a ride-hailing app may be a better option for you.
UPDATE: As of 13 October 2023, the NAIA-One Ayala Makati UBE Express route/operation is temporarily suspended. Check the official UBE Express Facebook page for updates.
The nearest P2P bus terminal for Makati area is the One Ayala transport hub. Here’s how to get there:
- From NAIA Terminal 3, go to the arrival hall exit.
- Find the UBE Express P2P Bus booth across Bay 12.
- Buy your ticket going to One Ayala transport hub. The fare is P150. You can also buy your ticket online through UBE Express official website.
- Go to the pick-up/drop-off point and wait for your bus. The pick-up/drop-off point is also located at the booth area across Bay 12.
- Alight at One Ayala in Makati. Dusit Thani, Crown Regency, Ascott Makati, and Holiday Inn can be reached by foot from the terminal. If you are staying anywhere else in Makati, you can ride a taxi or Grab to your hotel. You can also take the Makati Loop-Landmark jeepney route from here. If your final destination in Makati is along EDSA, you can get on the MRT 3 train from Ayala Station to Magallanes (Southbound), Buendia, or Guadalupe.
NAIA Terminal 3 to One Ayala Makati Time Table
- 05:30 AM
- 07:30 AM
- 10:00 AM
- 01:45 PM
- 04:15 PM
- 07:00 PM
Note: The schedules and available routes may change from time to time. Please check the official UBE Express Facebook Page for updates.
For more information and details, you can also check our UBE Express P2P Bus Guide article.
By Jeepney
This is the cheapest option, but we recommend this option the least. Jeepneys, both traditional and modern, are not allowed inside the airport grounds. You have to walk all the way down the national road if you want to ride a jeep to Makati. You need at least two transfers from the airport to Makati. Minimum fare is P12 for traditional jeeps and P14 for modern jeeps.
Taking public transportation in Metro Manila is not for the faint of heart, but if you really want to try commuting from NAIA to Makati, or have no other option but to ride a jeep, here’s how:
- From any terminal in NAIA, walk to the designated jeepney stop outside the airport.
- Get on a jeepney to Pasay Rotonda/EDSA-Taft Junction.
- You can take the MRT 3 at Taft Station and alight at any of these stations in Makati: Magallanes, Ayala, Buendia, and Guadalupe. Alternatively, you can also take the EDSA Carousel Northbound bus at Taft to One Ayala Terminal, Buendia, or Guadalupe bus stop.
NAIA Jeepney Stops
- Terminal 1: ICT Service Road (near T1 Pass Control Office)
- Terminal 2: Near MIAA Admin Building Gate 2
- Terminal 3: Andrews Avenue
- Terminal 4: Domestic Road
By Other Private Transfers
Car rentals or private cars for hire are also available at the airport. Car rental companies are stationed near Grab’s booth by Bay 4 & 5. Most of them operate 24/7 and have fixed rates based on your drop-off point or specific destination. Cash is king when it comes to payment.
Planning to rent a car and drive it yourself? If you are not familiar with the roads and the traffic situation in Manila, this is not really recommended. Should you decide to take this option, make sure to check and compare the rates first before settling for a certain car rental company.
Another private transfer alternative is by arranging with your hotel. Make sure to check if your chosen accommodation offers airport transfer services. You can also book your private airport transfer service to and from NAIA via Klook.
Important Contact Information
To report a problem or if you have any concerns, you may contact these numbers:
- MIAA (Manila International Airport Authority) Hotline: 8877-1111
- TEXT NAIA (SMS): +63 917-839-6242
- LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board): (02) 8529-7111
- LTO (Land Transportation Office): (02) 8928-9440
Where to Stay in Makati
If you you’re still looking for the perfect place to stay in Makati, here are some hotels you can consider:
- ASCOTT MAKATI
✅ Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com - THE PENINSULA MANILA
✅ Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com - SEDA RESIDENCES MAKATI
✅ Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com - FAIRMONT MAKATI
✅ Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com - NEW WORLD MAKATI HOTEL
✅ Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com
For a more detailed list, you can also check out our posts for different types of hotels in Makati.
Find more Makati Hotels!
Updates Log
2024.01.20 – Updated Other Private Transfers section
2024.01.06 – Added Important Contact Information section
2024.01.04 – Added Where to Stay section and changed Regular Metered Taxi Terminal 3 location from Arrival Exit Bay 12 to Bay 13
2023.11.17 – Updated to reflect UBE Express One Ayala route temporary suspension
2023.11.03 – Added related article links: NAIA Coupon Taxi Rates for Metro Manila, UBE Express Guide, and EDSA Carousel Guide
2023.07.06 – First uploaded
Related Article: NAIA (Manila Airport) Transportation Guide
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