Ortigas Center, or simply Ortigas, is the second busiest and most important business district in Metro Manila, next to the Makati Central Business District. Interestingly, Ortigas straddles the boundaries of three cities in the National Capital Region (NCR), spanning over 100 hectares: Pasig City, Mandaluyong City, and Quezon City.
Its map is strewn with high-rise office and residential buildings, shopping malls, restaurants, bars, nightlife joints, and hotels. It’s no wonder that it has become one of the favored areas to stay while doing business or even for leisurely travel.
The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is the primary gateway for those traveling to the Philippines. It accommodates most international and domestic flights and serves the NCR, also known as Metro Manila, and nearby provinces in Luzon Island. It is the usual jump-off point for foreign tourists to other popular destinations in the Philippines.
Ortigas is located 50-70 minutes northeast of NAIA. Here are your transportation options going to Ortigas from NAIA.
WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?
By Ride-Hailing Service
This option is convenient, as drivers will drop you off at your chosen location. As of this time, we can only recommend Grab and Joyride for transporting passengers to and from the airport. Some companies only offer motorcycle taxis for hire such as Angkas, while others may not be as established as the two previously mentioned.
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
The fare is immediately reflected on the app, even before confirming the ride. Cashless payments through the app are also a big plus point. However, during peak hours, it can also be the most expensive choice and may take longer than usual to find you a ride. Note also that the fare may vary based on the time of day, traffic conditions, the type of car service, and your destination.
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
Another option for direct transfers from NAIA to your hotel or your chosen destination within the Ortigas Central Business District is to take a taxi. Whether you opt for a fixed-rate taxi or a metered taxi, you will spot their designated lanes at NAIA, specifically outside the arrival area.
TIP: You can compare the reflected fare on Grab or JoyRide with the coupon taxi fixed rates to help you decide which ride is the cheaper option at the time of your arrival.
REMINDER! 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.
Coupon Taxi
Coupon Taxis have fixed rates based on your destination. You’ll see the prescribed rates 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 Ortigas ranges from P530 to P610.
If you want to see the complete and more detailed list of the LTFRB-prescribed rates, 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 if you are in a hurry, the line for the yellow metered taxis is usually shorter or you don’t have to wait at all.
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 relatively cheaper compared to both coupon taxis and yellow metered taxis. But here’s the major issue with these white regular metered taxis: they get tons of complaints about scams. These include not turning the meter on and then asking for a fixed price once the trip starts, tampering with the meter, overcharging upon drop-off, and taking longer routes to raise your fare. Always be vigilant when taking this type of taxi.
You will receive a passenger copy of the dispatch slip. DO NOT hand it over to the driver. Keep it.
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
The only type of public buses that are allowed to enter within NAIA are point-to-point (P2P) buses. UBE Express is the Philippines’ primary premium airport bus link in Metro Manila.
If you plan to take this option, remember that NAIA Terminal 3 is the only pick-up location for all UBE Express routes. 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 UBE Express P2P bus terminal for Ortigas is Robinsons Galleria terminal. Here’s how to get there:
- From NAIA Terminal 3, head to the arrival hall exit.
- Find the UBE Express P2P Bus booth at the outer lane of Bay 12.
- Purchase your ticket going to Robinsons Galleria. The fare is P150. You can also buy your ticket online through UBE Express’s official website.
- Go to the P2P bus pick-up/drop-off point. It is located just across Bay 12 and wait for your bus or find your designated bus.
- Alight at Robinsons Galleria Mall. 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 Galleria Time Table
- 06:00 AM
- 08:30 AM
- 11:30 AM
- 02:00 PM
- 05:00 PM
- 07:30 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
Both traditional and modern jeepneys are not allowed inside the airport grounds. You need to head towards the national road if you want to ride a jeep.
Although this is by far the cheapest option among those listed in this post, this is the least convenient too. It’s really a feat commuting via jeepney in Metro Manila, especially if you are carrying lots of stuff with you. Specific stops for jeepneys are rare to nonexistent, so you might miss your stop and get lost if you don’t know exactly where you’re going. Also, it can be cramped, especially during rush hour.
If you really want to try commuting from NAIA to Ortigas by jeepney, note that you need at least two transfers from the airport to your specific destination in Ortigas. Minimum fare is P12 for traditional jeeps and P14 for modern jeeps.
Anyway, here’s how to travel via jeepney from the airport:
- 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 train from Taft Station and alight at Ortigas Station. Alternatively, you can also ride the EDSA Carousel Northbound bus at Taft to Ortigas bus stop or just take a taxi or a ride-hailing service along Taft Avenue in Pasay.
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. You can find their booking stations near Grab’s booth between Bay 4 & 5. Majority of these car services are open 24/7 and have fixed rates based on your drop-off point or specific destination. The primary mode of payment is cash.
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 Ortigas
Looking for a place to stay in Ortigas Center? Here are some of the highly-rated hotels you can consider booking.
- EDSA SHANGRI-LA MANILA
✅ Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com - MARCO POLO ORTIGAS MANILA
✅ Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com - CROWNE PLAZA MANILA GALLERIA
✅ Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com - THE LINDEN SUITES
✅ Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com - CITADINES MILLENNIUM ORTIGAS
✅ Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com
If you want more suggestions with more details about each hotel, you can also check our Top 10 Hotels in Ortigas Center article.
Find more Ortigas 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 Galleria schedule
2023.11.17 – Updated to reflect UBE Express Robinsons Galleria route availability and replaced previous alternative routes (One Ayala and Araneta City)
2023.11.03 – Added related article links: NAIA Coupon Taxi Rates for Metro Manila, UBE Express Guide, and EDSA Carousel Guide
2023.07.31 – First uploaded
Related Article: NAIA (Manila Airport) Transportation Guide
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