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How to Commute in Metro Manila PH: A Public Transport Guide
Refer to the guide ahead to prepare your daily routes
Trains in the Metro
Buses in the Metro
Commuting in the Philippines is no easy feat. Factor in the fact that the public transportation sector is still reeling from the effects of the pandemic, and you have a recipe for one extra challenging experience. Consider also that Metro Manila is set to get busier again: Restrictions are easing up. Various other sectors are getting ready for face-to-face work and classes. A number of economic activities are set back in motion. So how does one get around the metro in this case? Ahead, check out the guide designed to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about Metro Manila public transport.
Trains in the Metro
LRT Line 1
First opened in 1984, the LRT-1 is one of the light rapid transit systems that can take you all around Metro Manila. It has a total of 19 operational stations; trains travel from Baclaran to Balintawak, and vice versa.
The Roosevelt station, located at the far north of the line, remains temporarily closed, however, until further notice. This is to give way to the construction of the Unified Grand Central Station, which is set to connect the systems of LRT-1, MRT-3, and MRT-7.
LRT Line 1 Stations
Below are the LRT-1 stations in order from south to north:
Baclaran
EDSA
Libertad
Gil Puyat
Vito Cruz
Quirino Avenue
Pedro Gil
United Nations
Central Terminal
Carriedo
Doroteo Jose
Bambang
Tayuman
Blumentritt
Abad Santos
R. Papa
5th Avenue
Monumento
Balintawak
Roosevelt (temporarily closed)
Operating Schedule
The LRT Line 1 operates daily, with the first train from Baclaran leaving at 4:30 AM and the last at 9:15 PM. Meanwhile, from Balintawak to Baclaran, the first trip begins at 4:30 AM and the last at 9:30 PM. Depending on upcoming holidays and announcements, these operating hours are subject to change.
Station | First Trip | Last Trip |
Baclaran | 4:30 AM | 9:15 PM |
Balintawak | 9:30 PM |
Fare Matrix
For a single-journey ticket, see the price breakdown ahead.
Meanwhile, for Beep or Stored Value Card (SVC) fares, these are the prices to keep in mind:
LRT Line 2
Previously known as MRT-2, the LRT-2 opened in 2010. Instead of a north-to-south route, this line takes an east-to-west direction. Its 13 stations travel from Antipolo to Recto. The two newest stations, Marikina and Antipolo Stations, were part of the government's East Extension Project and have just started their full operations last June 2021.
LRT Line 2 Stations
Below are the LRT-2 stations in order from west to east:
Recto
Legarda
Pureza
V. Mapa
J. Ruiz
Gilmore
Betty Go-Belmonte
Araneta Center-Cubao
Anonas
Katipunan
Santolan
Marikina
Antipolo
Operating Schedule
This line operates daily unless a holiday or another occasion disrupts the regular schedule. The first trip starts at 5:00 AM for both end terminals, but the last trains leave at 8:30 PM and 9:00 PM for Antipolo and Recto, respectively.
Station | First Trip | Last Trip |
Antipolo | 5:00 AM | 8:30 PM |
Recto | 9:00 PM |
Fare Matrix
Ahead are the Beep, SVC, and single-journey ticket prices.
Photo: Light Rail Transit Authority
MRT Line 3
The MRT-3 opened in 1999 with a route that runs from north to south along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA). The line has 13 stops, starting at North Avenue and ending at Taft Avenue.
MRT Line 3 Stations
Below are the MRT-3 stations in order from north to south:
North Avenue
Quezon Avenue
GMA Kamuning
Araneta Center-Cubao
Santolan Annapolis
Ortigas
Shaw Boulevard
Boni
Guadalupe
Buendia
Ayala
Magallanes
Taft Avenue
Operating Schedule
Like the LRT lines, MRT-3 runs daily unless a holiday or announcement shifts its regular operating schedule. The first trip from North Avenue starts at 4:40 AM, while Taft Avenue begins at 5:26 AM. As for the departure of the last trains, they're set at 9:30 PM and 10:16 PM for North Avenue and Taft Avenue, respectively.
Station | First Trip | Last Trip |
North Avenue | 4:40 AM | 9:30 PM |
Taft Avenue | 5:26 AM | 10:16 PM |
Fare Matrix
The MRT-3 has four types of tickets that you can use: single journey, stored value, and two of the previous variants that grant a 20% discount to senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
For Beep, SVC, and single-journey ticket rates, see ahead.
To get a stored value or single journey ticket with a discount, you need to present a valid ID at any of the stations. Visit the MRT 3 website for more information.
PNR
This commuter rail line opened in 1970 and has stations across Metro Manila and Laguna. It has two sections, with the Tutuban Station in Manila at its center. The Metro North Commuter section stretches from Tutuban to Governor Pascual in Malabon, while the Metro South Commuter section operates from Tutuban to Calamba, Laguna.
PNR Stations Within Metro Manila
Below are the PNR stations in the area in order from north to south:
Tutuban
Blumentritt
Laon-Laan
España
Sta. Mesa
Pandacan
Paco
San Andres
Vito Cruz
Buendia
Pasay Road
EDSA
Nichols
Food Terminal Incorporated (FTI)
Bicutan
Sucat
Alabang
Operating Schedule
The Metro South Commuter section, with stops within Metro Manila, operates at different times from the main station in Tutuban. For southbound trains, the first trip in Tutuban leaves at 5:16 AM, while the last departures at 9:06 PM. As for trains heading northbound, Alabang's first and last trips are scheduled at 5:12 AM and 7:42 PM, respectively.
These hours can change depending on the train scheduled to arrive at each station. For a better idea of how you can plan out your trip, review this more detailed schedule table.
Station | First Trip | Last Trip |
Tutuban | 5:16 AM | 9:06 PM |
Alabang | 5:12 AM | 7:42 PM |
Fare Matrix
PNR has a different set of fares for ordinary trains, which are cheaper than the list above for aircon units. For more details on these rates, check out the PNR website.
Source: Philippine National Railways
Buses in the Metro
EDSA Carousel
The EDSA Carousel is a fairly new commute line that operates on a dedicated lane along EDSA. It has multiple stops that run from the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) to Monumento, and vice versa. This was established during the height of the pandemic to improve the traffic and commuting issues.
Pick-up and Drop-off Points
You can board and alight the EDSA Carousel at these stops:
Monumento
Bagong Barrio
Balintawak
Kaingin Road
LRT-1 Roosevelt
MRT-3 North Avenue
Nepa Q. Mart
Main Ave. Cubao
MRT-3 Santolan
MRT-3 Ortigas
Guadalupe Bridge
MRT-3 Buendia
Ayala Ave Bus Stop
Taft Avenue (curbside)
SM Mall of Asia (MOA)
PITX Terminal
Operating Schedule
The EDSA Carousel buses operate daily from 4:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Depending on holidays and other factors, there may be delays or changes in the schedule.
Fare Matrix
As of April 11, the fare is free for all passengers, thanks to the Libreng Sakay program by the government. The rate can cost anywhere from ₱13 to ₱61 for a one-way ticket on a regular day.
Point-to-Point (P2P) Bus
The P2P system works like the Grab app: the bus will only pick up and drop off passengers at its starting point and destination. This can be a convenient and speedy way to commute since you don't have to use multiple modes of transportation or stop at several stations, which is a source of numerous delays. Unlike EDSA Carousel, P2P buses also follow a scheduled departure time, so you can be sure to time your commutes accordingly.
Here are some routes that run around Metro Manila you can take note of:
P2P Route | Schedule | Operating Hours | Fare |
Alabang Town Center to Market! Market! | Monday to Friday | 5:30 AM–7:30 PM | Standard: ₱120 Discounted: ₱100 |
Market! Market! To Alabang Town Center | 6:30 AM–9:30 PM | ||
Alabang Town Center to Greenbelt 1 | Monday to Sunday | 5:30 AM –9:00 PM | Standard: ₱100 Discounted: ₱80 |
Saturday | 6:00 AM–8:30 PM | ||
Sunday | 9:00 AM–8:00 PM | ||
Greenbelt 1 to Alabang Town Center | Monday to Sunday | 6:30 AM–10:00 PM | |
Saturday | 7:00 AM–9:30 PM | ||
Sunday | 10:00 AM–9:00 PM | ||
Alabang South Station to Robinsons Galleria | Monday to Friday | 6:00 AM–5:00 PM | Standard: ₱140 Discounted: ₱112 |
Robinsons Galleria to Alabang South Station | 8:00 AM–7:00 PM | ||
Alabang Town Center to Lawton | Monday to Friday | 5:30 AM–6:00 PM | Standard: ₱180 Discounted: ₱80 |
Lawton to Alabang Town Center | 7:00 AM–8:00 PM | ||
Ayala Malls South Park to Greenbelt 5 | Monday to Friday | 6:00 AM–8:00 PM | Standard: ₱100 Discounted: ₱80 |
Greenbelt 5 to Ayala Malls South Park | 7:00 AM–9:00 PM | ||
SM North to SM Megamall | Monday to Friday | 5:30 AM–10:30 PM | Standard: ₱65 Discount: ₱50 |
SM Megamall to SM North | 6:15 AM–11:30 PM | ||
Trinoma to Park Square | Monday to Friday | 5:30 AM–10:30 PM | Standard: ₱95 Discount: ₱70 |
Park Square to Trinoma | 6:15 PM–11:30 PM | ||
Southmall Las Pinas to Makati Circuit Lane | Monday to Friday | 5:30 AM–9:00 PM | Standard: ₱100 Discount: ₱80 |
Makati Circuit Lane to Southmall Las Pinas | |||
U.P. Town Center to Glorietta 3 | Monday to Friday | 5:30 AM–9:00 PM | Standard: ₱100 Discount: ₱80 |
Saturday and Sunday | 8:00 AM–8:00 PM | ||
Glorietta 3 to U.P. Town Center | Monday to Friday | 5:30 AM–9:00 PM | |
Saturday and Sunday | 9:00 AM–8:00 PM | ||
Starmall EDSA Shaw to Starmall Alabang | Monday to Friday | 7:30 AM–9:30 PM | Standard: ₱100 Discounted: ₱80 |
Saturday | 9:00 AM–6:00 PM | ||
Starmall Alabang to Starmall EDSA Shaw | Monday to Friday | 6:00 AM–7:00 PM | |
Saturday | 7:00 AM–4:00 PM |
Rolling Back Into Gear
Being prepared for changes amid the ongoing pandemic means gearing up with new normal essentials to help you navigate them.
Part of this is getting the right data packages and prepaid promos so you can stay updated on public transportation news. This also lets you stream music on Spotify so you have a companion with you on your Manila commute.