How to Get from Manila Airport to Manila City
All Transport Options — Updated 2026 · Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL)
Quick Comparison
| Option | Cost (PHP) | Cost (USD) | Journey Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grab | PHP 200–500 | ~$4–9 | 30–60 min (Makati) |
| Metered Taxi (yellow) | PHP 250–600 | ~$5–11 | 30–90 min |
| Airport Taxi (white) | PHP 500–800 | ~$9–14 | 30–60 min |
| UV Express | PHP 100–150 | ~$2–3 | 60–120 min |
| Sky Pasada Bus | PHP 100–200 | ~$2–4 | 60–90 min |
No direct rail connection from NAIA to central Manila. The nearest LRT/MRT stations require a short taxi ride from the airport.
Taxi & Rideshare
Taxis and Grab are the most practical options from NAIA. Manila traffic can be severe — journey times vary widely depending on time of day and your destination.
- Metered taxi (yellow) — Official airport taxis use the meter: flag fall PHP 40 + PHP 13.50/km. Expect PHP 250–600 (~$5–11) to Makati or BGC. Use the official taxi queue inside the terminal — avoid fixers.
- Airport taxi (white) — Premium white airport taxis charge a flat rate via coupon booth inside arrivals. Rates start at PHP 500–800 (~$9–14) and include a premium surcharge. Convenient but pricier.
- Grab — Book via app before you exit baggage claim. Fares are PHP 200–500 (~$4–9) to Makati, and PHP 300–600 to BGC or Ortigas. Pickup zones are clearly signposted outside each terminal.
- Avoid touts — Unlicensed drivers inside the terminal routinely quote 3–5x the metered fare. Always use official queues or Grab.
Bus & UV Express
Budget options exist but require patience, especially with heavy luggage. Manila's road congestion means journey times are highly variable.
- Sky Pasada — The official airport bus service runs hourly routes to key areas including Pasay (near Mall of Asia), Makati, and Cubao. Fares range from PHP 100–200 (~$2–4). Check the Sky Pasada counter inside arrivals for schedules.
- UV Express — Shared minivans (UV Express) depart from outside the terminals to various routes. Fares are PHP 100–150 (~$2–3) but routes can be confusing for first-time visitors. Not recommended with heavy luggage.
- No airport rail — There is no direct rail link from NAIA. The nearest LRT-1 station (Baclaran or EDSA) requires a short taxi or jeepney ride (~10–15 min, PHP 50–100) before you can board.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way from Manila airport to Makati?
Grab is usually the most affordable at PHP 200–500 (~$4–9). The Sky Pasada bus at PHP 100–200 is cheaper but slower and runs on a fixed schedule. Metered taxis are similar in price to Grab.
Is there a train from Manila airport?
No direct rail service exists from NAIA. The LRT-1 and MRT-3 lines require a connecting taxi or jeepney ride from the airport. A proposed airport rail link has been announced but is not yet operational as of 2026.
How long does it take from NAIA to BGC (Bonifacio Global City)?
Journey time to BGC is typically 45–90 minutes by Grab or taxi, depending on traffic. During rush hours (7–10am and 5–8pm), this can extend to 2+ hours. Budget extra time for early morning flights.
Which Manila airport terminal handles international flights?
Most international airlines use Terminal 1. Philippine Airlines uses Terminal 2. Cebu Pacific international flights use Terminal 3. Always confirm your terminal when booking — they are not connected airside.
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