Quick answer:
- Distance: Around 13 km to central Manila.
- Taxi: €3.50-€9.70 (PHP 250-700) and around 30 minutes in light traffic.
- Private transfer: From €24 (PHP 1,728) and around 30 minutes in light traffic.
- UBE Express + LRT-1: Around €2.55 (PHP 183) and roughly 1 hour, plus waiting time.
- Jeepney: Around €0.40-€0.85 (PHP 30-60), taking 1 hour.
- On a budget: Jeepneys are the cheapest, but the UBE Express and LRT-1 are easier to navigate.
- Convenience: Private transfers are the most convenient, with taxis ranking next.
- Arriving late: Go for a taxi or private transfer, as the last UBE Express leaves at 19:45.
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is around 13 km south of Metro Manila and you have four main ways to get from Manila Airport to the city center: taxi, UBE Express and LRT-1, jeepney, or private transfer. A Manila Airport taxi or transfer typically takes around 30 minutes in normal traffic, while public transport is cheaper but takes longer and may involve a change along the way.
If you’re taking public transport, there’s no direct UBE Express bus to central Manila at the moment. You’ll need to take the bus from Terminal 3 to PITX and change to the LRT-1 for the rest of the journey. Jeepneys are even cheaper, but they don’t pick up inside NAIA and you’ll need to change along the way.
The Manila Airport to city distance is fairly short, but traffic can slow things down. So allow some extra time when the roads are busy.
4 ways to get from Manila Airport to the city
OPTION | PRICE | TIME | AVAILABILITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Welcome Pickups Private Transfer | €24 | 30min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| Ideal if you’re visiting Manila for the first time, landing late, or just want your driver and fare sorted before you arrive. | ||||||
Taxi | €5 | 30min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| A good pick if you have luggage or just want to get straight to your accommodation but haven't booked a ride in advance. | ||||||
UBE Express Bus | €5.10 | 60min | 05:00–19:45 | Convenience | Read more | |
| Best if you’re traveling light, have plenty of time to spare, and don’t mind changing at PITX. | ||||||
Jeepney | €1.70 | 60min | 05:00–20:00 | Convenience | Read more | |
| This option is best for budget travelers with light luggage who are already comfortable using Manila’s local transport. | ||||||
A taxi from Manila Airport to the city center costs around €3.50–€9.70 (PHP 250–700) and takes around 30 minutes when traffic is light. Taxis are available 24/7 at NAIA, and you have three main options: regular white metered taxis, yellow airport taxis, and fixed-price coupon taxis.
There are a few differences between the three types. Regular white taxis use the standard city meter and are usually the cheapest, while yellow taxis use a regulated airport meter with higher rates. And if you prefer to know what you’ll pay before you leave, coupon taxis charge a fixed fare based on your destination.
How much is a taxi from Manila Airport to the city center?
A taxi from Manila Airport to downtown Manila usually costs around €3.50–€9.70 (PHP 250–700), depending on the type you choose. Regular white taxis are usually the cheapest, yellow airport taxis have higher metered rates, and coupon taxis charge a fixed price.
For the city center, you’ll usually pay around:
Regular white taxis start at €0.70 (PHP 50), then charge around €0.19 (PHP 13.50) per kilometer and €0.03 (PHP 2) per minute. Yellow taxis have their own airport rates, starting at €1.05 (PHP 75) for the first 500 meters. After that, you’ll pay €0.06 (PHP 4) for each additional 300 meters and €0.06 (PHP 4) for each additional 2 minutes of waiting time.
You may also need to pay tolls if you use roads such as the NAIA Expressway or Skyway. With a coupon taxi, the price is fixed for your destination, so you’ll know the fare before you leave the airport.
Where do I take a taxi from Manila Airport?
You can get a taxi at all four NAIA terminals, but taxi pickup points depend on your terminal and the type of taxi you choose. Once you reach arrivals, follow the signs to the correct transport area.
Regular white metered taxis:
Terminal 1: Official Arrivals transport area
Terminal 2: Arrivals curbside transport booths
Terminal 3: Centralized transport hub
Terminal 4: Designated taxi pickup area
Yellow metered taxis:
Terminal 1: Ground-level Arrival Extension
Terminal 2: Arrivals curbside transport booths
Terminal 3: Centralized transport hub
Terminal 4: Designated taxi pickup area
Coupon taxis:
Terminal 1: Ground-level Arrival Extension
Terminal 2: Arrivals curbside transport booths
Terminal 3: Follow the airport signs for the accredited taxi area
Terminal 4: Designated taxi pickup area
If you take a coupon taxi, arrange your ride at the official booth first so staff can confirm the fare and direct you to the correct vehicle.
And if you’re given a dispatch slip, keep it until the end of your journey, as it contains your taxi details.
Taxi Convenience
A taxi is a good choice if you have a lot of luggage, land late at night, or just want to go straight to your accommodation. It can also make things easier if you’re traveling with children or in a group.
The drive takes about 30 minutes on clear roads but much longer when traffic is heavy. And if you’re in a white or yellow metered taxi, the extra time in traffic can increase your fare.
Useful Tips
Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi
Learn moreThere’s currently no direct UBE Express bus from Manila Airport to the city center. Instead, take the UBE Express from NAIA Terminal 3 to PITX (Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange), then change to the LRT-1 train toward central Manila. The journey takes around 1 hour, plus waiting time.
UBE Express runs 16 scheduled buses a day from Terminal 3. The journey to PITX depends on Manila traffic, but once you change to the LRT-1, you’ll continue into the city by train and avoid the road traffic.
Just make sure you check which LRT-1 station is closest to your hotel. Depending on where you’re staying, you may still need a short taxi or other local transport journey after getting off the train.
**Previous UBE Express services to Robinsons Place Manila, One Ayala Makati, and Victory Liner Pasay are currently suspended, so check the latest route before traveling.
How much is the bus from Manila Airport to the city?
The UBE Express bus from NAIA Terminal 3 to PITX costs €2.10 (PHP 150) per person. You’ll then need a separate LRT-1 train ticket to continue into central Manila, with fares costing around €0.45 (PHP 33) to Central Terminal Station near Manila City Hall.
For the bus, you can pay with cash or a Beep card when you get on or buy your ticket online before you travel. Once you reach PITX, buy your LRT-1 ticket from the ticket machine or ticket booth at the station. And if you have a Beep card, you can use it for both the bus and train.
UBE Express runs from 04:30 to 19:45, while the LRT-1 runs from 04:30 to 22:45 on weekdays and 05:00 to 21:45 on weekends and holidays.
Where do I take the bus from Manila Airport?
The UBE Express bus to PITX leaves from Bay 12, outside the arrivals area at NAIA Terminal 3. When you get to PITX, just follow the signs for the LRT-1 and take a northbound train toward the city center.
If you land at Terminal 1 or 2, you can take the UBE Express NAIA Loop to Terminal 3 first. It costs €0.70 (PHP 50) and runs from 04:00 to 20:00.
Bus Convenience
The UBE Express and LRT-1 are a good option if you’re traveling alone, keeping costs down, and staying near an LRT-1 station.
You will need to change from the bus to the train at PITX, though, and you may need another short ride from the LRT-1 to your hotel. So it’s not the easiest option if you have lots of luggage or arrive after the last UBE Express bus.
Timetables
UBE Express
Official website
UBE Express tickets
Online ticket purchase
Useful Tips
Taking a jeepney from Manila Airport to the city center is very cheap, but there’s no direct service from NAIA to the city center. Jeepneys are local minibuses that follow set routes, and you’ll need to walk outside the airport grounds to catch one.
From there, look for a jeepney heading toward Baclaran or Pasay Rotonda/EDSA-Taft. You can then change to the LRT-1 or another jeepney for the rest of the trip into central Manila.
*Journey times vary with traffic and how long you wait for your connection.
How much is a jeepney from Manila Airport to the city center?
Traditional jeepney fares start at €0.19 (PHP 14) for the first 4 km, then cost around €0.03 (PHP 2) for each additional kilometer.
If you take a modern, air-conditioned jeepney, fares start from €0.24 (PHP 17) for the first 4 km, plus around €0.03 (PHP 2.40) per extra kilometer.
If you take two jeepneys from outside Manila Airport to downtown, expect to pay around €0.40–€0.85 (PHP 30–60) in total.
There’s no ticket to buy before you get on. Just pay your fare on board, usually in cash.
Jeepney services typically run from about 05:00 until 20:00 daily from Manila Airport.
Where do I get a jeepney at Manila Airport?
Jeepneys don’t pick up right outside NAIA arrivals, so you’ll need to walk out to the public roads near your terminal. The usual places to catch one are:
Before you get on, check the route sign and tell the driver where you want to go. If you’re heading into central Manila, look for a jeepney toward Baclaran or Pasay Rotonda/EDSA-Taft, where you can transfer to continue on to central Manila.
Jeepney Convenience
Jeepneys work best if you’re traveling light and want to keep costs down. They can get pretty crowded, so a big suitcase can be awkward. And since there’s no direct jeepney to central Manila, you’ll need to change along the way.
For first-time visitors to Manila, the UBE Express and LRT-1 are easier to navigate. Jeepneys are a better option if you’re already comfortable using local public transport.
Useful Tips
A private transfer from Manila Airport to the city takes around 30 minutes in light traffic and is available 24/7. You’ll book and pay before you travel, and your driver will pick you up at NAIA and take you straight to your accommodation.
You can pre-book a Manila Airport transfer with Welcome Pickups online before your flight. Enter your pickup and drop-off details, add your flight number, and choose a vehicle that fits your group and luggage. Then check the final fare and pay online to confirm your booking.
Your booking includes:
How much is a private transfer from Manila Airport to the city?
A Welcome Pickups private transfer from Manila Airport to the city center starts at €24 (PHP 1,728), with fares fixed and charged per vehicle rather than per passenger.
Prices to Manila city center start from:
You can pay online by credit or debit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, or Google Pay when you book. You’ll pay for your transfer in advance, so you won’t need to pay your driver when you arrive. And because Welcome Pickups fixes the fare when you book, traffic won’t change what you pay.
You can pre-book a private transfer from Manila Airport 24/7.
Where will I meet my private transfer at Manila Airport?
Your Welcome Pickups driver will meet you at the designated pickup point outside arrivals at your Manila Airport terminal. You’ll get the exact meeting instructions and your driver’s details before you travel.
Your driver will track your flight and adjust the pickup time if you’re delayed. And if you can’t find each other, you can message them on WhatsApp or through our app.
Private Transfer Convenience
A private transfer is a good option if you want everything arranged before you land. You can skip the taxi line and head straight to your pickup point, with your fare already paid.
You’ll also get a more comfortable, stress-free experience, with the added convenience and support that comes with a pre-booked service.
Useful Tips
Sedan up to 3 passengers
€24Starting from 8 EUR / passenger
Minivan up to 4 passengers
€27Starting from 6.8 EUR / passenger
Minibus up to 8 passengers
€43Starting from 5.4 EUR / passenger
Frequently asked questions
What are the different ways to get from Manila Airport to the city center?
You have four main ways to get from Manila Airport to the city center: taxi, UBE Express and LRT-1, jeepney, or private transfer. A taxi or private transfer takes around 30 minutes when traffic is light. If you’re taking public transport, the UBE Express and LRT-1 take around 1 hour, plus waiting time, while jeepneys take roughly 1 hour and require a change along the way.
How does the cost of an airport shuttle compare to taking a taxi in Manila?
The UBE Express and LRT-1 are cheaper than taking a taxi from Manila Airport to central Manila. You’ll pay around €2.55 (PHP 183) in total, including the bus to PITX and LRT-1 to Central Terminal Station. A taxi costs around €3.50–€9.70 (PHP 250–700) for the same journey.
What is the most budget-friendly option to travel from Manila Airport to the city?
Jeepneys are the cheapest way to get from Manila Airport to central Manila, with two rides costing around €0.40–€0.85 (PHP 30–60) in total. However, you’ll need to walk outside the airport grounds to catch one and change along the way. The UBE Express and LRT-1 cost around €2.55 (PHP 183) and are easier to navigate.
How much time does it take to get from Manila Airport to downtown Manila?
You can get from Manila Airport to downtown Manila in around 30 minutes by taxi or private transfer when traffic is light. If you’re going by UBE Express and LRT-1, allow around 1 hour, plus waiting time. And when Manila traffic gets heavy, expect the drive into the city to take longer. By jeepney, it takes about 1 hour, depending on traffic and connections.
Is there a bus service that operates between Manila Airport and the city center?
There isn’t a direct UBE Express bus from Manila Airport to central Manila at the moment. You’ll need to catch the UBE Express from Terminal 3 to PITX, then hop on the LRT-1 for the rest of the journey into the city. There are currently 16 UBE Express buses a day from Terminal 3.
How much does a taxi ride cost from Manila Airport to the city?
A taxi from Manila Airport to the city center usually costs around €3.50–€9.70 (PHP 250–700). If you take a regular white taxi, expect to pay around €3.50–€7 (PHP 250–500). Coupon taxis cost around €5.50–€8.30 (PHP 400–600), while yellow airport taxis are around €6.20–€9.70 (PHP 450–700).
What’s the best way to get from Manila Airport to the city?
The best way to travel from Manila Airport to the city center depends on your budget and how much you want to deal with after your flight. A taxi is one of the simplest options, costing around €3.50–€9.70 (PHP 250–700), or you can arrange a private transfer before you arrive, with prices starting from €24 (PHP 1,728).
If you’re keeping costs down, the UBE Express and LRT-1 cost around €2.55 (PHP 183) and take roughly 1 hour, plus waiting time. Jeepneys cost even less, but you’ll need to walk outside the airport and make a few connections, so they’re more suited to travelers with light luggage who are very comfortable using local public transport.
What is the distance between Manila Airport and the city center?
Manila Airport is around 13 km from the city center, depending on exactly where you’re going. A taxi or private transfer takes around 30 minutes when traffic is light, although the journey can take much longer when the roads are congested.
Justine Mellor
Justine is a content specialist and writer who started backpacking the world at 16 and has lived in three countries. With roots in the travel industry and a taste for the road less traveled, she seeks out places with soul—where the food’s loud, the music’s local, and the culture runs deep.
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