How to get from Manila Airport to City Centre

Fern Coll

Travel Writer/World Explorer

August 7, 2023

Manila is the sprawling capital city of the Philippines and is the second busiest city in the country. Its unique Spanish history has made Manila one of the most unusual and interesting Filipino cities to explore. During the day, be sure to check out Old Manila with its stunning Colonial Spanish architecture and 16th-century San Agustin Church. Then, at night, dine in some of the most amazing restaurants or have a drink on top of a towering skyscraper in the heart of the city.

There are two different options when it comes to travelling from Ninoy Aquino Manila Airport to Manila city centre; taxi or bus. The most convenient way to travel is by taking an airport taxi, which costs around €5.50 (PHP 300) and takes approximately 30 minutes to reach the city centre. An even more budget-friendly option is to take the City Bus Route 2, which takes 1 hour to reach Manila and costs €0.50 (PHP 20) one-way.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Manila at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi Learn more

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Welcome Pickups	€24	30min	24/7	Book
Book
Taxi	€5.50	30min	24/7
Bus	€1	60min	05:00–22:00

How to get from Manila Airport to the City Centre by taxi

Taking a taxi from Manila airport to downtown Manila is the most comfortable and convenient way to travel. There are three types of taxis located at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL); Coupon Taxis, Yellow-Metered Taxis and Regular taxis. Each type of Manila airport taxi will charge a different amount, but the average fare is €5.50 (PHP 300) and the journey time is 30 minutes in good traffic conditions.

How much is a Taxi from Manila Airport to Manila City?

The cost of an MNL taxi from Manila Airport to the city centre will depend on the type of taxi you choose to travel in. The Coupon Taxis are the most expensive option and charge a set fare based on zones. The Yellow-Metered Taxis and Regular Taxis will use a taximeter to calculate your fare, but the Yellow Taxis are usually more expensive. Having said this, the average cost for the journey from Manila Airport to downtown Manila is around €5.50 (PHP 300).

Cost

€5.50 (PHP 300)

Trip Duration

30 Min.

*Prices may vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 outside Manila Airport.

Where do I find a Manila Airport Taxi?

All three types of taxis are available outside the Passenger Terminal at Manila Airport. Be sure to check the colours to determine which taxi you will be taking; Coupon Taxis are white and Yellow-Metered Taxis are yellow.

Convenience

Taking a taxi from Manila Airport to Manila city is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel. You won’t need to wait for public transport and you can ride in a private, air-conditioned car, knowing your loved ones and precious personal belongings are safe and sound.

Editor’s Note

There are three different types of taxis outside Manila airport, however, only the Yellow-Metered Taxis and Coupon Taxis are regulated by the airport and therefore considered safer.

Useful Tips

The three different types of taxis at Manila airport all have different prices and ways of being charged.

Manila airport taxis can fit up to 4 passengers as standard.

If your luggage fits in the trunk you can transport it for free.

How to get from Manila Airport to the City Centre by bus

Although a cheap transfer option, taking the bus from Manila Airport to Manila city centre is a slow and slightly uncomfortable way to travel. There are many bus lines that travel from Manila Airport to downtown, but most stop in many local areas where tourists have no reason to travel to, considerably increasing the travel time. However, the City Bus Route 2 reaches the city centre in approximately 1 hour and costs just €0.50 (PHP 20).

How much is the bus from Manila Airport to Downtown Manila?

The cost of a one-way ticket on the City Bus Route 2 is €0.50 (PHP 20), making it a very cheap transfer option. You can pay for your ticket with the driver on the bus in exact change.

Cost

€0.50 (PHP 20)

Trip Duration

1 Hr.

*There's a waiting time of up to 30 minutes for the City Bus Route 2.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The City Bus Route 2 runs from 05:00 to 22:00 during the week and 05:00 to 21:00 on the weekends.

Where do I find the bus at Manila Airport?

You can easily find the City Bus Route 2 outside the NAIA Terminal 3, right next to the Yellow Taxi line.

Convenience

Taking the bus from Manila Airport to Manila city isn’t the most convenient option, although it is a good budget option. Buses can get extremely hot and crowded during peak times and once you reach the city, you will need to walk with your luggage or get a taxi to your hotel.

Timetables

City Bus Route 2

Editor’s Note

There's no space to store luggage on the City Bus Route 2, if you're bringing large luggage items, I suggest taking a taxi for your transfer instead.

Useful Tips

There are a few different bus routes but the City Bus Route 2 is the safest and most convenient for tourists.

Arrive at least 10 minutes before your bus departs to secure a seat.

There's no storage space on the bus, so travel light.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Manila. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

DAYTIME

€26.0

NIGHTTIME

€31.0

Same price as a regular taxi from the line

PRICES FOR

Sedan Car

4 pax, 4 pieces of luggage

Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Frequently asked questions

What’s the distance from Manila airport to Manila Central District?

The distance from Manila Airport to Manila City is around 12.5 km. Taking an airport taxi or private transfer will take around 30 minutes and taking the public City Bus Route 2 will take at least 1 hour.

How do I get from Manila airport to Manila city?

There are two different transfer options from Manila Airport to downtown Manila, taxi or bus. Taking a local airport taxi will cost around €5.50 (PHP 300) and take 30 minutes. The public bus, on the other hand, will take at least 1 hour but costs just €0.50 (PHP 20).

What’s the cost of a taxi from Manila airport to the city centre?

The cost of a taxi from Manila Airport to the city centre will depend on the type of taxi you choose to take. However, the average cost for a Yellow-Metered or Coupon Taxi will be around €5.50 (PHP 300). If you’d prefer a set-rate fare you can count on, we suggest pre-booking your transfer in advance with Welcome Pickups.

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The best way to arrive in Manila

High-end transfer service at the same price as a regular taxi. Available in 325 destinations.

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Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi Learn more

How to get from Manila Airport to the City Centre by taxi

How much is a Taxi from Manila Airport to Manila City?

Cost

€5.50 (PHP 300)

Trip Duration

30 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 outside Manila Airport.

Where do I find a Manila Airport Taxi?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Manila Airport to the City Centre by bus

How much is the bus from Manila Airport to Downtown Manila?

Cost

€0.50 (PHP 20)

Trip Duration

1 Hr.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The City Bus Route 2 runs from 05:00 to 22:00 during the week and 05:00 to 21:00 on the weekends.

Where do I find the bus at Manila Airport?

Convenience

Timetables

City Bus Route 2

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Welcome Pickups transfer

Best drivers

Flight monitoring

Quality support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Prices

DAYTIME

NIGHTTIME

Sedan Car

Frequently asked questions

What’s the distance from Manila airport to Manila Central District?

How do I get from Manila airport to Manila city?

What’s the cost of a taxi from Manila airport to the city centre?

Was this helpful?

The best way to arrive in Manila

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