Getting Around Pasig City
Pasig is a large, largely residential city on the eastern edge of Metro Manila, and getting around it means mixing a few different modes. The good news for visitors is that the city's main commercial and business districts are compact enough to explore on foot, while jeepneys, buses, tricycles, and pedicabs fill in the gaps between neighborhoods. Most public transport routes converge on the old downtown area around the public market, so that's a useful landmark to keep in mind when planning a trip across town.
Walking
Pasig is rather large, but the whole city can be crossed on foot if you're prepared for the distances. Ortigas Center and the area around city hall are particularly walkable, with proper sidewalks and a dense mix of offices, malls, and restaurants. Elsewhere, the city is largely residential, and side streets are where pedestrians typically walk.
Be aware that walking long distances between places in Pasig can be tiring, and some main roads are not pleasant for pedestrians. C-5, for example, can be walked but feels quite unsafe, so it's best avoided on foot where possible. Stick to the walkable districts and use public transport or ride-hailing for longer hops.
Jeepneys
Jeepneys are available throughout Pasig and are the workhorse of local transport. Most routes originate from the old downtown, at the public market, which makes it a natural starting point for figuring out where you're going.
- From the city's mega market, jeepneys run to Ugong, as well as to Starmall EDSA in Mandaluyong, Quiapo, Marikina, Taguig (including the town proper in Sta. Ana, Tipas, Lower Bicutan, and Bagumbayan), Taytay, and Angono.
- From the terminal in San Joaquin, near the boundary with Pateros, jeepneys head to Bagumbayan in Taguig, Quiapo, and nearby Napindan.
- From the terminal in Buting, jeepneys run to Guadalupe in Makati.
- Some jeepneys pass through C-5 from Ortigas Avenue near Ugong to Bagong Ilog.
Fares are typically paid in cash to the driver or conductor, and exact change is appreciated. If you're unsure which jeepney to take, ask at the terminal or flag one down and confirm the destination before boarding.
Tricycles and Pedicabs
In smaller residential areas, tricycles and pedicabs are the go-to option for short trips. They're useful for reaching side streets and barangays that jeepneys don't serve directly. Agree on the fare before you set off, since these are not metered.
Buses
Two bus routes serve Pasig, and they cover the city's two main arterial roads.
- Route 2 (Quiapo–Angono) runs along Ortigas Avenue, the main east–west road through the city. These buses are operated by G Liner and RRCG, with stops near LRT Gilmore station and the SM mall in Taytay.
- Route 18 (North EDSA–BGC) runs along E. Rodriguez Avenue, part of C-5 Road and the main north–south route. Various companies operate these buses, originating from either SM North EDSA in Quezon City or Market Market in Taguig.
Buses are a practical option for longer trips across the metro, especially if you're connecting to Quezon City, Mandaluyong, or Taguig. Fares are usually paid in cash, and beep cards may be accepted on some services.
Free Minibus Service
Pasig operates a limited free-fare minibus service from the city hall. It's a nice perk if you happen to be near city hall and heading in the right direction, but its routes are limited and its utility for visitors is fairly low. Don't build your plans around it.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis and ride-hailing apps are widely used in Pasig and are the most comfortable option for door-to-door trips, especially at night or when carrying luggage. They're particularly handy for reaching areas that jeepneys and buses don't cover well, and for crossing the city when you don't want to deal with multiple transfers. Fares are metered or app-calculated, so you don't need to negotiate.
Rail and Metro Connections
Pasig itself does not have a rail line running through it, but the metro rail network is accessible from the city's edges. LRT Gilmore station, on the LRT-2 line, sits near Ortigas Avenue and is served by the Route 2 buses, making it a useful transfer point between Pasig and the rail system. From there, you can connect to the wider Metro Manila rail network to reach destinations like Quiapo, Manila, and Quezon City. If you're coming from or going to the airport or other parts of the metro, combining a bus or jeepney to a rail station with the train can be a cost-effective strategy.
Getting from the Airport
Pasig does not have its own airport. Visitors arriving in Metro Manila will typically land at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay or at Clark International Airport further north. From NAIA, the most straightforward options are a taxi or a ride-hailing app for a direct trip to Pasig. If you prefer public transport, you can take a bus or jeepney toward the EDSA corridor and connect to the rail network, then transfer to a bus or jeepney heading into Pasig via Ortigas Avenue or C-5. The journey involves several transfers, so it's best attempted with light luggage and during off-peak hours. From Clark, the trip is considerably longer and a bus or private transfer is the practical choice.
Practical Tips
- Carry small bills and coins for jeepneys, buses, and tricycles, as change can be hard to come by.
- Use the public market and mega market as reference points when asking for directions or finding the right jeepney terminal.
- Plan around traffic: Metro Manila roads get congested, so allow extra time for any trip across the city.
- For late-night travel or trips with luggage, ride-hailing is the most reliable option.
- If you're staying in Ortigas Center or near city hall, you can walk to many restaurants, malls, and offices without needing transport at all.