Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) to Manila
There is no rail link to the terminals, so most visitors use Grab, an airport taxi or a premium airport bus. Distances are short, but traffic means 30–90 minutes to Makati, BGC or Manila's centre.
The airport has several terminals (mainly 1 and 3, with others used for domestic flights); check yours, as they are not within walking distance of each other.
Best for most people: Grab or airport taxi. They go door to door with fixed or metered fares, which matters in Manila's heavy traffic.
All the options
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Hours | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ride-hailing Grab, with pick-up at the designated bays outside Arrivals | about 30–90 min depending on traffic | often about ₱300–700 to Makati or BGC, more at peak times | 24 h | Fares rise with demand; book while waiting for luggage to save time. | |
| taxi Airport taxi lanes outside Arrivals: yellow airport taxis (higher metered rate) and white metered city taxis; coupon taxis with fixed prices at desks | about 30–90 min | about ₱300–800 depending on type and destination | 24 h | Use the official lanes and insist on the meter or a printed coupon price. | |
| bus Premium airport buses (such as UBE Express) and P2P buses to Makati, Pasay, Manila and other hubs | about 45–90 min | every 30–60 min on main routes | about ₱150–300 | most routes run long hours, some 24 h; check schedules | Comfortable with luggage space, but drop-off points may not be near your hotel. |
*Approximate 2026 prices and times. Services change: check the operator before you fly, especially for late arrivals.
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Other airports
- Clark International Airport (CRK), about 80–100 km north, used by some international and low-cost flights
Tips
- Allow extra time at rush hour: EDSA and the routes into Makati can be gridlocked.
- Have cash in pesos for taxis, as card payment is not always available.
- If you transfer between terminals, use the inter-terminal shuttle or a taxi; terminals are far apart.
- Avoid touts offering rides inside the terminal; use the official taxi lanes or Grab.
Common questions
How much is a taxi from Manila Airport to Makati?
A white metered taxi usually costs a few hundred pesos to Makati, while yellow airport taxis and coupon taxis cost more, roughly ₱300–800 depending on the type and destination. Grab is often similar, about ₱300–700, but rises at peak times. Use only the official taxi lanes.
Is there a train from Manila Airport?
No train or metro reaches the terminals directly. Rail extensions are planned near the airport, but for now, most visitors use Grab, taxis or premium airport buses. Check the status of new lines before you travel, as construction is ongoing.
How long does it take from NAIA to Makati or BGC?
Distances are short, but traffic is heavy. Allow about 30 minutes late at night and up to 60–90 minutes at rush hour. Leave plenty of time when going to the airport for a departure, especially on weekday evenings and Fridays.
Can I pay by card for transport at Manila Airport?
Grab can be paid by card in the app. Premium airport buses may accept cards or e-wallets, but cash is safer. Many taxis take cash only, in pesos, so withdraw or exchange some money at the airport before leaving. ATMs are available in Arrivals.
Compiled by TonyPlan from airport and transport-operator information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.