Getting Around Quezon City
Quezon City, the most populous city in the Philippines, offers multiple transportation options for visitors navigating its expansive streets. As a planned city covering a large area, you'll find that different neighborhoods are best served by different modes of transport, so understanding your options will help you move efficiently through the city.
Rapid Transit: Trains and Metro Lines
Quezon City is served by three rapid transit lines that form the backbone of the city's modern transport network. These train systems are reliable and often faster than surface transport, particularly during rush hours.
- LRT Line 2 connects Manila with the eastern suburbs, passing through Cubao, a major commercial and transport hub in Quezon City.
- MRT Line 3 enters Quezon City from the south, running along EDSA, one of the city's main thoroughfares, and serving North EDSA station.
- LRT Line 1 terminates at the Fernando Poe Jr. station in Quezon City.
A future expansion called the Metro Manila Subway (MRT Line 9) is expected to begin service by 2029, and MRT Line 7 is nearing completion and may open by 2026. When finished, MRT Line 7 will extend train coverage to Fairview, Commonwealth Avenue, the University of the Philippines campus, Quezon Memorial Circle, and North EDSA, significantly expanding rail access across the city.
Buses and Public Transport
Buses are abundant in Quezon City and serve far more of the city than the train lines, making them essential for reaching many neighborhoods.
- City buses are privately operated and run numerous routes throughout Quezon City. Many routes are convenient for reaching areas not served by trains.
- QCityBus is a government-operated service with air-conditioned coaches. It includes seven radial routes emanating from Quezon Memorial Circle and one crosstown route connecting Katipunan and Welcome Rotonda.
- EDSA Carousel operates a bus rapid transit-like service with a dedicated lane down the middle of EDSA, connecting Parañaque, Cubao, and Caloocan. This service avoids much of the general traffic congestion.
When traveling on specific routes, look for services like the 2 Antipolo-Quiapo line serving Katipunan and Cubao, or routes using Commonwealth and Quezon avenues. Bus travel is economical but can be slower than trains due to Manila's congestion.
Jeepneys and Tricycles
Jeepneys—colorful public transport vehicles—are most useful for reaching areas not served by city buses, such as within the University of the Philippines Diliman campus, which has a loop service called the "UP Ikot." Modern and traditional jeepneys operate on many routes, though for trips along major roads like Commonwealth Avenue where buses also run, taking a bus is generally preferable.
Tricycles—bicycles with attached side cars—serve smaller lanes and residential areas where larger vehicles cannot reach.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Metered taxis are available throughout Quezon City and offer a comfortable travel option, though fares can be high during rush hours. Some drivers may be selective about destinations, preferring to avoid crowded areas.
Ride-hailing services like Grab are also available and operate as an alternative to traditional taxis.
Driving and Car Rentals
Driving your own car in Quezon City is generally not recommended for visitors. Traffic congestion is severe, especially along EDSA and during rush hours. Streets are often narrow, and left turns are frequently prohibited on major roads. Parking can be expensive and difficult to find, particularly in central business districts and shopping malls during peak periods.
The city implements a number coding scheme (road space rationing) with restrictions before and after noontime on most roads except EDSA, meaning vehicles with certain license plate numbers cannot operate during designated hours.
Walkability
The source material does not provide detailed information about pedestrian infrastructure or walkability in specific neighborhoods, so consider exploring on foot in commercial and well-developed areas like Cubao and the Triangle, while relying on public transport for longer distances.
Getting from Ninoy Aquino International Airport
Most visitors arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), located to the south in Pasay and Parañaque. Several options connect the airport to Quezon City:
- Taxi: Yellow airport taxis operate from stands at all three terminals. Be aware they charge double the rate of white ordinary taxis. Ride-hailing via Grab is also available at the airport.
- Premium bus: UBE Express operates comfortable point-to-point buses that terminate in Cubao, a major transport and commercial hub in Quezon City.
- City bus: Cheaper city buses with more frequent stops are available, though they may be slower due to traffic congestion. These typically terminate near Terminal 2.
From these entry points, you can connect to the train network or other bus routes to reach your final destination in Quezon City.