Manila International Airport (MNL) Go Downtown Manila

Manila International Airport (MNL) Go Downtown Manila

You go downtown Manila? Basically you have five possibilities: Hotel Bus or Hotel Taxi, Airport Taxi, Regular Taxi, Jeepney or your rented car.

1. Hotel Bus or Hotel Taxi:
This is the most comfortable solution. Most international hotels do have their own transports to Metro Manila. You should ask for transportation when you book your room.
The Hotel Bus Information is just across the first lane on your right hand. The fare should be included in your hotel booking otherwise it is a very expensive experience. (PHP 700 and more).

2. Airport Taxi:
In order to curb the abuses heaped on helpless tourists and other arriving passengers by unscrupulous taxi drivers over the years, airport authorities have since implemented a scheme of accrediting taxicabs who can pick up fares at the NAIA Terminal 1.
Payment is made in advance by the passenger, who is handed a ticket to be presented to the cabbie in the queue. The fare is usually several times more expensive than what a regular metered cab would charge for the same distance. Prices(*) are PHP 400 to 500.

3. Regular Taxi:
A regular taxi costs(*) from PHP 120 to 160 to Makati or Ermita. But this is only true when you take a metered cab and the meter is tested and sealed. Check the seals before you start AND urge the driver to put it ON. If he does not put on the meter, you must tell him that you call the police, if he does not put it on immediately. This should work. If not, make stop the taxi, get your luggage out and look for another one.
There are also honest taxi drivers in Metro Manila.

4. Jeepney:
Is it your first time in Manila? If yes, then forget to take a jeepney. You do not know where they go and where to change the jeepney to your final destination. Basically, jeepney drive always the same route and the route's start- and endpoint are indicated outside. But what do you understand when there is written: Baclaran - Legaspi - Baclaran?
And you should also know that jeepneys rather often do have accidents.

5. Rent-a-Car:
Avis, Hertz and National have their offices at Manila NAIA. If you are new to the Philippines, we do not recommend to rent a car. Downtown Manila is a 20 hours traffic jam. Only from 01:00 am to 05:00 am traffic is fluid.


(*) All prices: June 2008