Getting Around Manila
Private Vehicle Rental
Transportation in Manila near Manila International Airport, or Ninoy Aquino International (NAIA) includes private car rentals. Rental companies located at various points along airport arrival gates include Europcar and Nissan Rent a Car. Customers have the option of obtaining driver services to navigate tricky local streets. Vehicles range from four-door sedans to 12 passenger vans.
Taxis
Taxis are plentiful between the airport and central Manila, also known as Metro Manila, and so are unscrupulous drivers. Travelers who are unfamiliar with the country should use vehicles designated by airport and hotel staff. A central dispatch agency connects people in central Manila with honest taxi drivers.
To avoid dangerous situations, tourism groups advise that passengers only enter vehicles with familiar drivers. Local drivers can be a little spirited at times, weaving in and out of busy traffic. When available, seatbelts are an invaluable feature while driving.
Buses
Airport shuttles and privately owned vehicles known as Metrobuses service the area surrounding Manila International. Airport shuttles provide direct service into Central Manila, while Metrobuses stop along Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue, commonly referred to as "ring road." Specific stops along bus routes are typically unmarked.
Travel experts recommend asking about available features before booking a Metrobus ticket. Some vehicles offer business-class seating and television, while others lack air conditioning. The right questions are essential in avoiding disappointment.
Popular Metrobus companies include AC Trans, Fermina Express, and NAIA Metro Link. Bus routes are not numbered, but bus sides conveniently display route information. Company representatives recommend contacting them directly for precise stop information.
Jeepney
Jeepney vehicles are the unofficial mascot of Philippine culture. Designed from surplus military jeeps, the privately owned vehicles operate between NAIA and surrounding areas, for train service into locations throughout Manila. Jeepneys accommodate up to 15 people, making them perfect for group transport.
Train
Baclaran Station is home to an aboveground train owned by Manila Light Rail Transit System. A local site known as Baclaran Shrine is a popular visitor attraction. The area is a major transportation center, with connections to Quezon City, Central Manila, and Cavite province.
Philippine National Railways own trains running out of Nichols Station. Nichols is one of two stations that service the business center of Taguig. Points of interest located in the immediate area include Villamor Airbase, Pasay City South High School, and Fort Bonifacio Global City.