Getting into Manila
Flat-rate fees with Coupon Taxis
There is no direct train from the airport, and Manila's transport system is notoriously difficult to navigate, so a taxi is the easiest way into the city. It's also relatively inexpensive.
Taxi
‘Coupon’ taxis (white with a number of blue squares) offer a flat-free into Manila, meaning you'll pay the same amount, no matter how heavy the traffic. Fees depend on the zone of travel. Make sure you avoid 'hawker taxis' offering you cheaper rates in the arrivals lounges. Allow plenty of time as, like most major cities, traffic in Manila can snarl in morning and evening rush hour (07:00-09:00 and 16:00-19:00), so allow for extra travel time at peak periods. Journey time can range from 20 minutes to one hour. You can also take a regular yellow airport taxi and save money, still more expensive than regular taxis, but more reliable.
Tip: If you're on a tight budget, don't go to the ranks outside Arrivals. Go upstairs to the rank outside Departures and take a regular white 'street' cab dropping someone off. You'll save money and avoid queues. Ask for 'meter po', to make sure the meter is running.
Cost: From PHP 330-720, depending on your destination, and around PHP 250-300 to Makita (PHP 150-200 to the city centre in a street taxi)
Location: Desks outside each terminal
Train
Train services run from nearby train stations. However, you'll need to take a shuttle or taxi to get to and from the stations, which will add cost and time to your journey:
- Manila's Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3 Blue Line) system from Baclaran Avenue, 5km away (take LRT shuttle bus from Terminal 3)
- Manila's Light Rail Transit (LRT -1 Yellow Line) from Taft Avenue, 2km away (take a taxi).
Cost: PHP 20 for the shuttle bus to the station, plus train ticket from PHP 15
Bus
It is recommended for travellers to take the single bus route serving Terminal 3, Route 2 since it stops at downtown touristic locations. Frequency is of 20 minutes.
Cost: PHP 100.00 for a one-way ticket
Location: Terminal 3, facing the Coupon Taxi queue
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