Getting Around Philippines
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use jeepneys and tricycles for Manila and Cebu. Rural/Islands: Rent a car for Luzon exploration. Inter-Island: Ferries and domestic flights. For convenience, book airport transfers from Manila to your destination.
Train Travel
MRT/LRT Urban Rail
Efficient elevated rail network in Metro Manila connecting key areas with frequent services.
Cost: Manila single fares ₱13-28, journeys under 30 minutes between most stations.
Tickets: Buy via Beep card (reloadable), stations, or app. Contactless payment accepted.
Peak Times: Avoid 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM for less crowding and faster travel.
PNR Commuter Line
Philippine National Railways offers limited commuter services in Luzon for ₱20-50 per trip.
Best For: Travel between Manila and southern suburbs, affordable for daily commutes.
Where to Buy: Station ticket counters or Beep card, services resuming post-rehab.
Limited Long-Distance
PNR provides occasional intercity routes like Manila to Bicol, but ferries often preferred for islands.
Booking: Advance tickets via PNR website or stations, check schedules as services are infrequent.
Main Stations: Tutuban in Manila, with connections to urban lines.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for exploring Luzon countryside and remote areas. Compare rental prices from ₱1,500-3,000/day at Manila Airport and major cities.
Requirements: Valid license (international permit recommended), credit card, minimum age 21.
Insurance: Comprehensive coverage advised due to traffic, verify inclusions.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 60 km/h urban, 80-100 km/h rural, 100-120 km/h highways.
Tolls: NLEX and SLEX expressways require EasyPass or cash, ₱50-200 per trip.
Priority: Yield to pedestrians and jeepneys, chaotic traffic in cities requires caution.
Parking: Street parking limited, paid lots ₱50-100/hour in urban areas.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations common at ₱55-65/liter for gasoline, ₱50-60 for diesel.
Apps: Use Waze or Google Maps for navigation, essential for traffic avoidance.
Traffic: Heavy congestion in Manila and Cebu during rush hours and holidays.
Urban Transport
LRT/MRT & Urban Rail
Key rapid transit in Manila, single ticket ₱13-28, day pass not available, Beep card ₱100 load.
Validation: Tap Beep card at gates, fines for non-compliance during random checks.
Apps: LTFRB or official apps for routes, real-time updates, and schedules.
Bike Rentals
Bike-sharing in Manila and Cebu via apps like Move It, ₱50-100/hour with stations in parks.
Routes: Bike lanes emerging in cities, popular for short eco-friendly trips.
Tours: Guided bike tours in Boracay and Palawan, combining adventure with sightseeing.
Jeepneys & Buses
Iconic jeepneys and provincial buses operate city networks, fares ₱12-20 per ride.
Tickets: Pay conductor on board, exact change helpful for short trips.
Services: Air-conditioned buses for longer urban routes, frequent but crowded.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near LRT stations in cities for easy access, beachfront in islands for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for dry season (Dec-May) and major festivals like Sinulog.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for typhoon-prone travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, air-con, and proximity to transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Strong 4G/5G in cities and tourist areas, 3G/spotty in remote islands.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from ₱250 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Globe and Smart offer prepaid SIMs from ₱100-300 with nationwide coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, malls, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for ₱500, 10GB for ₱1,000, unlimited for ₱1,500/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi common in hotels, cafes, malls, and tourist spots.
Public Hotspots: Airports and public parks offer free WiFi with registration.
Speed: 10-50 Mbps in urban areas, suitable for browsing and calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Philippine Standard Time (PHT), UTC+8, no daylight saving time.
- Airport Transfers: Manila Airport (MNL) 18km from city center, train to center ₱40 (30 min), taxi ₱300-500, or book private transfer for ₱1,000-2,000.
- Luggage Storage: Available at airports and malls (₱100-200/day) and bus terminals.
- Accessibility: Urban rail partially accessible, many islands and sites have stairs and uneven paths.
- Pet Travel: Limited on public transport, check ferry and airline policies before booking.
- Bike Transport: Bikes allowed on buses for extra fee, common on ferries to islands.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Philippines
Manila Ninoy Aquino (MNL) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales or Kiwi for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Manila Ninoy Aquino (MNL): Primary international gateway, 18km south of city with train connections.
Cebu Mactan (CEB): Major hub for Visayas 10km from Cebu City, taxi ₱300 (30 min).
Davao (DVO): Key for Mindanao, 15km from city center, convenient for southern Philippines.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for dry season (Dec-May) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Cebu or Clark (CRK) for domestic connections and savings.
Budget Airlines
Cebu Pacific, AirAsia Philippines, and Philippine Airlines serve domestic and regional routes.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and island hopping when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available, typical withdrawal fee ₱200-250, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted in cities, cash preferred in rural areas.
- Contactless Payment: Growing use of GCash and Maya apps for tap-to-pay in urban spots.
- Cash: Essential for markets, tricycles, and islands, keep ₱1,000-5,000 in small notes.
- Tipping: Not customary but ₱50-100 appreciated for good service in restaurants.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport bureaus with poor exchanges.