The city of Manila is the capital of the Philippines. It is one of the oldest recorded global cities in the world, connecting the Philippines and Asia to other parts of the world through the galleon trade. Today, this highly urbanized and densely populated city cradles an abundance of historic sites and structures.
Malate, Ermita, Intramuros, and Binondo are the popular districts in Manila for tourists to explore and book their accommodations. The city is not to be confused with the larger Metro Manila, which is also widely referred to as Manila.
If you are flying to Manila, you’ll most probably arrive and disembark at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), which services a considerable number of international and domestic flights. The airport is the primary gateway to Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon Island.
Manila is located 45-60 minutes northwest of NAIA. Here are your transportation options going to the capital city from NAIA.
WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?
By Ride-Hailing Service
Nowadays, people find using ride-hailing services more convenient and favorable than any other transportation options available. This is especially true for those carrying their luggage and whatnot.
Right now, we can only recommend Grab and Joyride for transporting passengers to and from the airport as other ride-hailing services or Transport Network Vehicles only offer motorcycle taxis for hire (e.g., Angkas) or may not be as established as the two aforementioned services.
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
Another advantage of using a ride-hailing app is that you can immediately see how much your journey will cost you even before you confirm your booking. Cashless payments through the app are also a major benefit. Note that the fare depends on the time of the day, the traffic condition, the type of car service, and your drop-off point.
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
Taking a taxi directly to your hotel or anywhere in Manila from the airport is another option for you. Fixed-rate taxis and metered taxis have designated lanes at NAIA, particularly outside the arrival area.
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 against taxis pretending to be 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
Coupon Taxis have fixed rates based on your destination. You’ll see the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)-prescribed rates — for Metro Manila and other provinces — posted at the designated coupon taxi transport lane. Some drivers may ask for an additional fee or a tip, but it’s not mandatory.
You will be handed a dispatch coupon/slip at the booth. Keep it with you. The coupon taxi fare from NAIA to Manila ranges from P440 to P670.
If you want to see the complete and more detailed list of the LTFRB-prescribed rates for the city of Manila, 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
Yellow metered taxis are generally more expensive than regular metered taxis, but lines are usually shorter at their lane. 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 are cheaper compared to coupon taxis and yellow metered taxis. However, the thing about these white regular metered taxis is that they receive the most complaints about scams: not turning the meter on and asking for a fixed price once the trip starts, overcharging, and taking longer routes, among others.
If you really have no choice but to take a taxi, make sure the taxi meter is turned on when your ride starts. You will receive a passenger copy of the dispatch slip. DO NOT hand it over to the driver. That is yours.
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) are the only public buses 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.
The nearest P2P bus terminal for Manila area is the Robinsons Place in Ermita, Manila. 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 Robinsons Place Manila. 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 Robinsons Place in Ermita, Manila. Numerous hotels are found around the area, some are even walking distance from the mall. If you were not able to book from any of the nearby hotels, you can ride a taxi or Grab from here to your hotel.
NAIA Terminal 3 to Robinsons Place Manila Time Table
- 06:00 AM
- 09:30 AM
- 01:45 PM
- 06:00 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 by far, but it’s also the option we recommend the least. Traditional and modern jeepneys alike 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 your destination in Manila. You need at least two transfers from the airport to Manila. Minimum fare is P12 for traditional jeeps and P14 for modern jeeps.
If you really want to try commuting from NAIA to Manila by jeepney (good luck!), here’s how:
- From any terminal in NAIA, walk to the designated jeepney stop outside the airport.
- Get on a jeepney to Baclaran or Pasay Rotonda (EDSA-Taft Junction).
- You can take the LRT-1 train at Taft Station or Baclaran Station and alight at the station nearest your final destination. Alternatively, you can also ride another jeepney bound for Manila — Mabini, Harrison, Vito Cruz, Pedro Gil, Quiapo, Recto, Avenida, Divisoria, City Hall, Lawton, etc.
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 specific car rental company.
Another private transfer alternative is by arranging with your hotel. Check if your chosen hotel 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 Manila
Looking for a place to stay within the capital city? Here are some accommodations you can consider booking.
- THE MANILA HOTEL
✅ Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com - RIZAL PARK HOTEL
✅ Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com - ADMIRAL HOTEL MANILA – MGALLERY
✅ Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com - SHERATON MANILA BAY
✅ Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com - THE BAYLEAF INTRAMUROS
✅ Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com - WHITE KNIGHT HOTEL INTRAMUROS
✅ Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com
If you’re looking for more hotel suggestions around Manila, check out these posts:
- Top 10 Hotels in Ermita
- Top 10 Hotels in Malate
- Top 10 Hotels Near Manila Bay
- Historic Hotels in Metro Manila
Find more Manila 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, changed Regular Metered Taxi Terminal 3 location from Arrival Exit Bay 12 to Bay 13, and updated UBE Express NAIA to Robinsons Place Manila schedule
2023.11.03 – Added related article links: NAIA Coupon Taxi Rates for Metro Manila, UBE Express Guide, and EDSA Carousel Guide
2023.09.09 – Updated to reflect UBE Express Robinsons Place Manila route resumed operation
2023.08.12 – Updated to reflect UBE Express Robinsons Place Manila route temporary suspension
2023.07.13 – First uploaded
Related Article: NAIA (Manila Airport) Transportation Guide
More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Comments