Philippines Travel Guide
Philippines Travel Guide seeks to share the vibe of an authentic experience through our idea of adventure travel for explorers and memory seekers in the Philippines.
Philippines Travel Guide seeks to share the vibe of an authentic experience through our idea of adventure travel for explorers and memory seekers in the Philippines.
The Ninoy Aquino International Airport, or NAIA for short, consists of four (4) separate passenger terminals. These 4 terminals are located in different places in the Metro Manila areas (one is in Parañaque City and three are in Pasay City).
Each terminal is connected by free 24-hour Airside buses for passengers who have connecting flights at other terminals.
All arriving and departing passengers are required to undergo security checks on Immigration and Customs. Inside each terminal in the NAIA arrival hall, you can find shops, restaurants, a money changer, free Wi-Fi, an information desk, lounges, baby care facilities, and many more. Learn more here about the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, NAIA in Manila.
If you would like to know the real-time arrivals of different airlines that are landing in NAIA, you can visit the NAIA arrivals page and see the latest updates.
Terminal 1 is in Parañaque City, while Terminals 2, 3 and 4 are in Pasay City. Prominent signage of all transportation options is visible in all four terminals. Be updated with the latest travel protocol about the Manila NAIA International airport.
Terminal 1 - is strictly for international departures and arrivals. If you have a domestic connecting flight, you can take the free internal transfer shuttle bus provided by the Airport, running every 15 minutes going to terminals 2, 3, and 4. The "Terminal Transfer" signage is just outside the terminal lounge.
You can hire a taxi or GrabCar if you don’t want to wait for the Airport shuttle bus. The distance between terminal 1 to terminal 2 is about 1 kilometre. This is the only possible route that you can reach by foot, and it will take you around 15 mins. If you’re carrying heavy luggage, walking is not recommended.
Terminal 2 - also known as Centennial Terminal, is exclusively used by Philippine Airlines (PAL) domestic and international flights. The terminal offers a shuttle bus exclusively for passengers of PAL from terminal 2 and PALexpress in terminal 3. The shuttle bus operates 24/7.
Terminal 3 - is both for local and international departures and arrivals. You can access the ground transportation options going to terminals 1, 2, and 4 by taking the airport’s free airside shuttle, taxi, or GrabCar. You can easily find all the ground transportation options after exiting the arrivals area.
Terminal 4 - Domestic Passenger Terminal - also known as Manila Domestic Terminal, is exclusively for domestic departures and arrivals. You can take a free airside shuttle bus, taxi, or GrabCar just right outside the terminal for your connecting flight going to terminals 1, 2, and 3.
You don't need to worry about missing your connecting flight. Just let the airline’s ground staff know about your connecting flight and they will bring you to the Transfer Desk for proper assistance. Long waiting queues can occur especially during peak season and public holidays in the Philippines.
Note: make sure to give yourself enough time to catch your next flight for at least 3 hours to avoid the rush and risk of missing your connecting flight.
The distance from NAIA Terminal 1 to NAIA Terminals 2, 3, and 4 is around 1-4 km with a travel time of 10 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic congestion. If you prefer to ride GrabCar, taxis or regular buses, keep in mind that they use public roads.
So, make sure you give yourself plenty or enough time to catch your next flight as the traffic in Metro Manila – especially during the rush hour – can be horrible and unpredictable.
Airside Shuttle Bus - Provided by NAIA airport, these buses transfer passengers through internal roads to terminals 1, 2, 3, and 4 - free of charge. It operates 24/7 and runs every 15 minutes. You can find the “Shuttle buses pick-up passengers/drop-off point” at the ramp area on each terminal.
To cut down the time of transfer, these buses use the internal road inside the airport complex for passengers who have connecting flights departing from another terminal. Before riding the airside transfer shuttle, it is a must to clear the Immigration and Customs first. Note also that the shuttle bus has a distinctive white colour.
Philippine Airlines Shuttle - Have owned free shuttle buses that transfer passengers to NAIA Terminal 2 and 3. It also uses the internal roads inside the airport complex. If you have a connecting flight from another company, you can use the free Airside shuttle bus or hire a taxi or GrabCar.
To reach the right terminal, give yourself enough time to get through Customs, and go from terminal to terminal. All ground transportation including PAL (Philippine Airlines) shuttle buses, free airside shuttle buses, and taxi or Grab cars have prominent signage just outside the terminal or ask the PAL ground staff for assistance.
• Here are the common passengers frequently asked questions about the connecting flight in Manila International Airport or (NAIA).
• Here you can find the list of airlines operating and using each terminal at NAIA airports.
When you arrive in NAIA, there are multiple public transport options and facilities available for you to reach other terminals or destinations in Metro Manila. You can simply ask the Tourist Information Counter at the arrival lobby in all the terminals in NAIA airport if you need assistance.
GrabCar in NAIA Terminal - If you would like to enjoy worry-free transport with fixed fares, GrabCar is a good option. Similar to Uber, GRAB is a Singaporean multinational ride-sharing app that allows you to book a private ride. In 2015, it was recognized and legalized as a Transportation Network Company.
Private car owners partner with Grab to pick up and drop off passengers. You then pay the amount displayed on the app at the end of the trip. The app will tell you which pick-up point to meet your driver. You can download the GRAB app and book your car straight from your phone.
Just add a valid debit or credit card to pay. If you have no credit card, Grab will allow you to also pay by cash. Here is your guide about the currency in the Philippines: best money management tips for travellers.
Note that you would need an internet connection to download the Grab App. All NAIA terminals now have free Wi-Fi. Simply look for any free Wi-Fi domains such as (globe, smart, etc.), and enter your phone number to register.
If you don’t have a smartphone or internet connection, a Grab booth with booking agents may be available to assist you even if you are not an app user. Grab car rides are monitored, and prices are fixed. It is available in all designated areas, just look for the green sign that reads “GRAB” outside any of the four terminals.
Note: GRAB is the most convenient booking service when arriving at NAIA Airport and transferring to Manila. When you are booking through a Grab App on your mobile, it allows you to select the correct pick-up points. Make sure you are in the right bay outside the airport, double-check the car plate number, and if it’s the right driver before entering the car.
UBE Express (Ultimate Bus Experience) - It brings passengers to designated areas such as main hotels, malls, and tourist destinations in Metro Manila. The first dispatch bus stop is at Terminal 3, then pick up passengers at designated pick-up and drop-off points in Terminals 1, 2, and 4, every 20-30 minutes. UBE Trips schedule and where you can find them:
NAIA Terminal 1: From 08:00 am to 10:00 pm - Main Arrivals area
NAIA Terminal 2: From 08:00 am to 10:00 pm - Arrivals Bay 17
NAIA Terminal 3: 24 hours - Arrivals Bay 14
NAIA Terminal 4: 08:00 am to 10:00 pm - Arrivals exit
They serve five main routes. Passengers can enjoy now non-stop travel from all NAIA terminals to your choice of location. Their Pick-up/Drop-off points (Vice-Versa) are the following:
• The Entertainment City Route - Go Hotel (Pasay road), Solaire, Hotel 101, SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia, and Go Hotel (Ermita).
• The Robinsons Route - Atrium/Jam Liner, Copacabana Apartment Hotel, Midas Hotel, Networld Hotel, Century Park, Hotel Jen, Diamond Hotel, Luneta Hotel, New World Manila, Pan Pacific Hotel, Manila Manor Hotel, Bayview Hotel, Manila Pavilion, Manila Hotel, Robinsons Manila, and Intramuros.
• The Makati Route - Park Square, Ayala Center Makati.
• Grand Prix Route - the Kabayan Hotel (along EDSA) and the Gran Prix Hotel Pasay.
• Araneta Center Route - To Araneta Center and Cubao.
The standard fare is PHP 300.00 (USD 6) per person for all routes. You can purchase your ticket at the UBE Express counters available at Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 4. You can also reserve your seat online in advance on their website.
Regular City Buses in NAIA - these air-conditioned buses serve nine bus routes. Eight buses run via Epifanio de Los Santos Avenue (EDSA), the main highway in Metro Manila, and vice-versa. The buses run every 15-20 minutes and have a flat fare of PHP 100.00 (USD 2).
The bus starts at Terminal 3, near the Coupon Taxi queue just after the departure ramp. Before leaving the airport, it picks up passengers at Terminals 1, 2, and 4, at designated “passenger pick-up/drop-off points” at the Ramp area outside the terminal building. Tickets are sold inside the bus.
Here is the complete list of drop-off points in Manila from NAIA:
NAIA - Norzagaray-Sapang Palay via Commonwealth, Fairview
Service Area: Parañaque, Pasay, Makati, Mandaluyong, Quezon City, San Jose del Monte, Norzagaray
NAIA - Grotto via EDSA, Fairview
Service Area: Parañaque, Pasay, Makati, Mandaluyong, Quezon City, San Jose del Monte
NAIA - Grotto via EDSA, Ayala, Buendia
Service Area: Parañaque, Pasay, Makati, Mandaluyong, Quezon City, San Jose del Monte
NAIA-San Jose del Monte via EDSA
Service Area: Parañaque, Pasay, Makati, Mandaluyong, Quezon City, San Jose del Monte
NAIA - Malanday Terminal via EDSA, Buendia, Ayala
Service Area: Parañaque, Pasay, Makati, Mandaluyong, Quezon City, Valenzuela
NAIA - Bagong Silang via Maligaya Park, EDSA
Service Area: Parañaque, Pasay, Makati, Mandaluyong, Quezon City
NAIA-Malanday via EDSA, MacArthur
Service Area: Parañaque, Pasay, Makati, Mandaluyong, Quezon City, Caloocan (South), Malabon Valenzuela
NAIA - Lagro via Fairview
Service Area: Parañaque, Pasay, Makati, Mandaluyong, Quezon City
One bus runs via NAIA Expressway and Circumferential Road 5 (C-5) - a network of roads that connects major routes traversing Metro Manila. The drop-off point is in Eastwood City (a business district, not a city) in Quezon City.
If you prefer riding these buses, make sure to give yourself plenty of time as they pass and use the public road for terminal transfer.
Note: All terminals have an information desk located in the arrival hall. You can approach them if you have any questions regarding your transportation options and the use of their facilities like the passenger lodging facility, exchange currency, Wi-Fi, and many more.
The two major telecom companies in the Philippines, Globe, and Smart, have booths selling SIM cards at any of the four terminals.
• Regular Taxi (White) - is a normal metered taxi. The initial flag down rate is PHP40.00 (USD 1) which starts upon hire. You can easily hail a regular taxi on the streets.
Most regular taxis are white in colour. Make sure that the taxi has a certificate or license shown on its dashboard, and that its taximeter is working properly. Otherwise, you might be asked to pay a fixed price which could be steep.
• Airport Yellow Taxi - is an airport metered taxi that charges a PHP 70 (USD 1.5). It may be easily found outside the terminal with its distinct yellow color
Note: The Airport Yellow Taxi is the only metered taxi company allowed inside the airport premises. However, they charge way higher than regular taxis. Make sure that you are aware that these yellow taxis are 50% more expensive than regular white taxis.
• Airport Coupon Taxi - The coupon/voucher taxi is a secure option for passengers. The white Coupon Taxis charge a fixed rate depending on your destination or drop-off point. The staff will give you a coupon that indicates the flat rate and the taxi dispatcher will record the taxi details.
Once you arrive at your destination, give the coupon to the driver and pay only the amount indicated on the coupon. Coupon taxis are available at all NAIA terminals.
Note: The advantage of taking the coupon taxi is that you already know how much you have to pay even before reaching your destination. Just approach the dispatch station across the Arrival Hall Exit with a big sign that reads “COUPON TAXI.” Dispatcher desks are available at all four terminals.
Jeepney from NAIA - The cheapest way to travel from NAIA to anywhere in Manila is still the Philippine jeepney. Riding the jeepney is not recommended if you are carrying luggage and have no idea how to ride a Jeepney. All four terminals have access to jeepney transportation. Their routes are from Nichols-Vito Cruz-EDSA-Tramo, Baclaran-MIA, and Domestic Airport-Baclaran-South Pier. These jeepneys are commonly used by the locals.
Check out our Philippine Transport Travel Guide to learn more about the iconic Philippine jeepney and how to ride it like a local.
The busiest airport in the Philippines is the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), formerly known as Manila International Airport. It is the main international gateway for travellers to the Philippines. In 2019 alone, NAIA handled more than 47 million passengers.
Before booking a flight coming to the Philippines, make sure you comply with all the travel requirements like passport & Philippine visa provided by the Government of the Philippines in the embassy of your country of origin. Without the essential requirements, you might be sent back to your country or be charged a hefty fine.
There are 14 international airports and 26 domestic airports all over the country. For the first time traveller in the Philippines, you may find NAIA confusing because of the layout of the four different terminals. Make sure to prepare yourself and learn how to navigate the biggest and busiest airport in the Philippines.
You can visit our post, different methods of transportation in Manila, for more information about the various transportation options. If you have any questions leave your comment below. We are here to help!
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Philippines Travel Guide seeks to share the vibe of an authentic experience through our idea of adventure travel for explorers and memory seekers in the Philippines.
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