Overview
Manila's public transport system is a multi-modal network combining three rapid transit rail lines, buses, jeepneys, taxis, and ferries. For most visitors, the metro rail system (LRT Lines 1 and 2, plus MRT Line 3) offers the fastest, most reliable way to navigate the city and avoid traffic congestion. All three lines are elevated, air-conditioned, and use a contactless smart-card payment system. To ride end-to-end, you'll purchase or load a Beep Card at a ticket office or convenience store, tap it at the fare gate to enter, travel to your destination, and tap again to exit—the system automatically deducts the distance-based fare.
The network
Rail lines
Manila's rapid transit system consists of three main rail lines:
- LRT Line 1 (Yellow): Runs from Baclaran to Roosevelt, with 20 stations. This line serves major tourist areas including Malate, Ermita, Quiapo, Binondo, and Santa Cruz, and is the most useful for visitors exploring the city centre.
- LRT Line 2 (Purple): Runs from Recto to Antipolo, with 13 stations. It serves Quiapo, Sampaloc, and Santa Mesa.
- MRT Line 3 (Blue): Runs from Taft to North Avenue, with 13 stations. This line is a 16.9-kilometre system that opened in December 1999 and was fully operational by July 2000. It is currently owned by the Department of Transportation.
All three lines are elevated (except for some underground and at-grade sections), feature air-conditioned cars, and make announcements in both English and Filipino. Operating hours are generally 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., with slight variations by line.
Future metro lines
Two additional heavy rail lines are under construction: the Metro Manila Subway (Line 9) and the elevated Line 7. These lines, along with proposed Lines 4, 5, 8, 10, and 11, are intended to expand the system to seven lines with at least 49 stations across 124.4 kilometres of track by 2025. However, most of these extensions remain under development.
Buses
Manila is served by three types of buses: city buses, Point-to-Point (P2P) buses, and provincial buses. City buses operate on fixed routes across Metro Manila and cost between ₱15 and ₱50 depending on distance. P2P buses are air-conditioned with WiFi and designated stops, serving medium-distance routes. Provincial buses connect Manila to surrounding regions. Most buses display route numbers on the side and dashboard. Peak bus hours are 7–9 a.m. and 5–8 p.m.
Jeepneys
Jeepneys are iconic colourful minibuses operating on fixed routes throughout Metro Manila and serving areas the metro does not reach. Routes are displayed on the front and sides of the vehicle. Fares start at ₱13 for the first 4 kilometres and ₱1–2 per additional kilometre. To stop a jeepney, say "Para po" or tap a coin on the metal bar. Jeepneys operate from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., though hours vary by route.
Ferries
Ferry services connect Manila to other parts of the Philippines and a few other ports, though they are less commonly used by visitors exploring the city itself.
Tickets & fares
Payment methods
The rail system (LRT Lines 1 and 2, and MRT Line 3) uses a contactless automated fare collection system with two payment options:
- Beep Card: A reloadable smart card costing ₱30.00 plus a minimum load of ₱14.00. The card is valid until the printed expiration date and can be used on all three metro lines, selected buses, and at convenience stores throughout the city.
- Single Journey Ticket (SJT): A one-time paper ticket purchased at Ticket Vending Machines or teller booths at stations. LRT Lines 1 and 2 have separate tickets from MRT Line 3.
All metro fares are distance-based, ranging from approximately ₱15 to ₱35 per trip depending on the number of stations travelled. For example, popular routes such as Taft–Ayala cost around ₱16, Ayala–Cubao around ₱24, and Baclaran–UN Avenue around ₱20.
Recent fare changes
Effective 23 March 2026, a 50% across-the-board fare discount is available for LRT Line 2 and MRT Line 3 passengers. The discount applies automatically on stored value cards at turnstiles and is reflected at the point of sale for single journey tickets and teller purchases. Updated fare matrices are displayed at station entrances.
Bus and jeepney fares
City buses charge ₱15–₱50 depending on distance, while jeepneys start at ₱13 for the first 4 kilometres with additional kilometres costing ₱1–2 each. Selected buses accept Beep Cards; all accept cash.
Where to buy tickets and cards
Beep Cards and single journey tickets are available at ticket offices and Ticket Vending Machines in all metro stations. Beep Cards can also be purchased and reloaded at designated convenience stores throughout the city.
From the airport
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) is Manila's main international airport. The most direct rail connection is via a connection to the LRT or MRT network; however, no metro line currently serves the airport directly. Your best public-transport options are:
- Buses and shuttle services: Several bus routes and airport shuttle services connect the airport to key metro stations and central Manila, typically costing ₱25–₱50.
- Taxis and ride-hailing apps: Grab, Angkas, Gojek, OWTO, Joyride, and MyTaxi.PH operate throughout Manila and offer rides from the airport, though fares are higher during peak hours and some taxis may use dishonest practices (agree on a fare or ensure the meter is switched on before departure).
- Jeepneys and tricycles: Local transport options are available but less convenient for passengers with luggage.
For detailed current routes and schedules to central Manila, ask at the airport information desk or check with your hotel in advance.
Etiquette & customs
General behaviour
Metro lines are extremely crowded during rush hours (7–9 a.m. and 5–8 p.m.). During these times, be prepared for tight conditions and move toward the centre of cars to allow others to board. Form orderly queues at taxi stands and when waiting for trains.
Bags and safety
Due to space constraints and security concerns, all passengers wear backpacks and bags on the front of their bodies rather than on their backs. This is standard practice and expected behaviour on all metro lines.
Priority and quiet zones
Respect designated priority seating for elderly passengers, people with disabilities, and pregnant women. Keep conversation at a low volume and avoid using phone speakers on trains and buses.
Eating and drinking
Eating and drinking are generally not permitted inside metro cars, though station concourse areas have food and drink stalls. On buses and jeepneys, eating is tolerated but keep it minimal and dispose of waste properly.
Escalators
When using escalators at major metro stations, stand on the left side to allow others to walk past on the right side.
Bicycles
Folding bicycles with wheels no larger than 20 inches in diameter are permitted on MRT Line 3 trains.
Survival terms
- Metro / Tren (Train): Rapid transit rail system
- Tiket (Ticket): Fare payment document or smart card
- Linya (Line): Transit route or line number
- Pasukan (Entrance): Entry point to a station
- Labasan (Exit): Exit from a station or train
- Palitan (Transfer): Change from one line to another
- Single ride: One-way journey fare
- Beep Card: Reloadable contactless smart card for all transit modes
Download a transport app or save an offline map of the metro system on your phone before you travel, as mobile data can be unreliable in underground sections and crowded stations.