Transport Options in Metro Manila, the Capital of the Philippines
Traveling around the Philippines may be challenging if you do not know what type of transportation to take and how much it costs. Metro Manila in the National Capital Region is composed of around 16 different cities.
Most people in the Philippines speak English. What does that mean for you? Simple! You won’t have a hard time getting the information you need. All you have to do is ask the helpful locals around.
How to Get Around Manila?
Don't know how to get to your destination? Ask the taxi, bus, jeepney or tricycle (motorbike with sidecar) driver. Filipinos are naturally friendly and hospitable. Just avoid being rude, so you will be respected in return.
Listed below are the transportation options in the Philippines.
Latest Updates on Using GrabCar
Starting November 2020, GrabCar passengers can use Grab’s Cash-In With Driver feature. Want to know how it works? Pay all ears. First, create a GrabPay wallet using your mobile phone. Next, fund your wallet through the payment channels like 7-11 outlets, banks, and Instapay. Pay for the ride by clicking the app’s Cash-in with Driver option. Just follow the prompt, and wait for the confirmation of a successful payment transaction. For more details, read here.
If your Grab Wallet runs out of funds, ask your driver for a cash in. As long as he has sufficient balance on his account, he can accommodate your request while on the ride. Another option is reload through the payment channels mentioned above.
How to Get Around Manila by Train?
Expat Guide: MRT and LRT in Metro Manila
Did you know that Metro Manila has the second worst traffic in the world? A usual 30-minute trip might turn into a 2-hour ride when traveling in the city during rush hour. Don’t let traffic prevent you from getting the best experience out of your trip to the Philippines.
Rush Hour in Manila is from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. So, spend extra time getting to your destination in the metropolitan area, especially when you’re heading to the airport or terminal during rush hour.
How to Commute by Pasig River Ferry in Manila?
In Metro Manila (National Capital Region), many public transport passengers find ways to escape the main road traffic. So, they look for alternatives to get to their destination on time.
If you want to try the only water-based transportation in Metro Manila, hop on the Pasig River Ferry. Cruising along the Pasig River from Pinagbuhatan in Pasig City to Intramuros in the City of Manila, the river ferry now has around 7 boats that operate in approximately 11 Pasig ferry stations.
Sounds interesting, right? Pasig River Ferry boats are air-conditioned, and have music and television on board. On top of these facilities, you get the chance to sightsee along the river banks. These ferries are available from Mondays to Saturdays. The first trip is at 7:00 a.m., while the last trip is at 5:30 p.m. The ferries leave every 15 minutes, and can accommodate passengers even during the rush hour (7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.)
Isn’t it amazing to know that, in a day, approximately 1000 passengers book for a ride in the Pasig River Ferry. They are accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis. Even though it is closed during Sundays, they still accommodate clients’ special trip requests.
If you plan to book a special tour on a Sunday, write a letter requesting the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) for a Pasig River Ferry Service. Do not forget to indicate the date of your special trip and the number of passengers boarding the ferry. Also, indicate your contact number so that the MMDA personnel can contact you once your booking is confirmed. You may leave your letter request at any of the 11 Pasig River stations. Or, mail it to the main office address at MMDA Building, EDSA corner Orense Street, Guadalupe, Makati City (Manila, National Capital Region).
To know more about the Pasig River Ferry Service, you can read more here.
How to Travel Safely in Manila?
Touring around the capital city of the Philippines is generally safe. Peacekeepers and policemen are deployed in popular tourist areas and attractions in the country. Hotels, restaurants, and malls typically have security guards too.
As in most large cities, there are few areas that can be dangerous for tourists like you. It is recommended to avoid the poverty-ridden residential areas and get the best of Manila safely and conveniently.
Visit the General Safety and Crime Prevention Information for more safety tips.
As you roam around the country’s capital, it is usual to find many street vendors selling goods (like food, clothing, and cigarettes) by the roadside. The smell of fried or grilled meat sold along the streets are truly irresistible. Be a little cautious when buying street foods.
What is the Build, Build, Build Program of the Philippine Government?
The ‘Build, Build, Build’ Program is the centerpiece program of President Rodrigo Duterte. It builds highways, farm-to-market roads, airports, seaports, and railways. Working alongside other high-impact projects, the program has maximized the economy’s potential, created jobs, improved income, and inspired a better climate for investments.
Subic-Clark Railway Project (expected to be completed by 2022), Mactan-Cebu International Airport (recently completed), and Cavite Industrial Area Flood Management Program are some of the many projects under the Duterte administration’s Build, Build, Build Program.
Dutertenomics: What is the ‘Golden age of infrastructure’ in Manila
Did you know that the word “Dutertenomics” is associated with the socio-economic policies of President Duterte? This means numerous infrastructure projects under his presidency. The most expensive transportation project is the Metro Manila Subway underground rapid transit line that is currently under construction, and is expected to be fully operational in 2025.
And the best part? The link between North Luzon Expressway and South Luzon Expressway in Metro Manila is now fully operational. It enables traffic to bypass Metro Manila local roads, especially EDSA – one of the busiest main roads in Metro Manila.