Getting there and around
Airport Manila
Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila is the Philippines' busiest airport. It is served by more than 30 airlines which fly to different cities around the world. Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is 7 km from the city center, while the Manila Domestic Airport is one kilometer from the NAIA.
Airport Transfers:
Visitors are advised to avail of accredited fixed rate or metered taxis at the NAIA's Arrival Area. At the Manila Domestic Airport, accredited transfer services are available on pre-paid coupon basis.
Local transport
Metered and fixed rate taxis are widely available in key cities nationwide. Jeepneys (brightly coloured converted jeeps used as minibuses) and buses are inexpensive ways of getting around most places. In Metro Manila, the fastest way of commuting is via the railway system. LRT-1 (yellow line) connects the northern district of Monumento to the southern district of Baclaran with stations situated at major intersections. MRT traverses the length of EDSA and connects North Avenue in Quezon City to Taft Avenue in Pasay City, passing through the major arteries of Makati's financial district. LRT-2 (purple line) starts at the university belt in Recto, passes through Sta. Mesa, Cubao, Katipunan, and ends in Santolan, Pasig.
Taxi
Taxis are available at ranks in the airport and outside major hotels. Otherwise hail them in the street and fix a rough fare to your destination before you set off – even if the taxi is metered. Air-conditioned mega-taxis hold up to ten passengers, who jump on and off at will. Traffic jams make for slow progress.
Bus
Air-conditioned buses run from the airport to the business district of Makati and along EDSA, but length of journey depends on the traffic. In the city, some bus routes are serviced by Metro Manila Transport while a dozen privately owned companies cover other areas and across Luzon.
Light Rail Transits (LRT, MRT, MRT 2)
The RTs are the quickest way to get around Metro Manila while avoiding the traffic. Be prepared, however, to brave the crowds especially during rush hour, when the trains are usually packed. The elevated rail transits have three lines: the LRT and MRT 2 and the MRT, which travels above Metro Manila's main highway, EDSA. The RT lines are interconnected (ex. you can transfer from the MRT Taft station to the LRT EDSA station), but there is a separate fare for each line. Single journey tickets and stored value tickets (tickets that have been preloaded with credits) are sold for each line. If you plan to use the RTs frequently, it is best to purchase a stored value ticket to avoid long lines at ticket booths during rush hours.
Foot
The best way to see the tourist attractions of Manila is on foot. Intramuros and Rizal Park are pedestrianised, and there are large swathes of mall in Malate and Makati.
Car
Getting behind the wheel in Manila requires nerves of steel; jams are notorious and drivers are aggressive. To cut pollution and congestion, cars with certain number plates are banned from entering the city on specific days.
