How To Travel in Manila: A Quick Guide
How do you travel in Manila?
- Use the bus
- Ride the MRT and LRT
- Get around by riding jeepneys
- Hail a taxi
- Ride tricycles and pedicabs on inner roads
- Avoid the traffic with Angkas motorcycle riders
Manila is a busy city — being the center of government, economic, educational, and cultural activities in the Philippines. It is home to millions of people, making it one of the most densely populated places in the country. If you’re planning to visit the capital of the Philippines, you need to know how you can get around. This article will help you know how to travel in Manila!
But first, you need to know where Manila is. The City of Manila is also known as the capital of the Philippines and the regional center of the National Capital Region. On the other hand, when other people say Manila, they can also mean the Metropolitan Manila (or Metro Manila in short), which also refers to the National Capital Region. Metro Manila is composed of 16 cities and 1 municipality — such as Manila, Makati, Quezon City, Pasay, Taguig, and others!
In this article, you will learn how to travel around Metro Manila! Keep on reading.
Use The Bus
If you’re coming from the airport, then you can ride a fleet of air-conditioned buses called the UBE Express. These buses will transport passengers to and from the airport. You can use the onboard Wifi while you’re on the road! To purchase tickets, you can check airport kiosks when you arrive.
There are also plenty of public buses in Manila that can help you travel to various destinations, even to places outside the Metro. When you ride the bus, a conductor will collect the fare, so you can just sit down and wait. The bus will usually stop at multiple places — such as shopping malls and other popular places — before arriving at the final destination.
Ride The MRT And LRT
If you quickly want to get around the metro, you could get around through the monorails! The Metro Manila Rail Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) go through major roads in Manila. You can purchase single-journey tickets or reloadable BEEP cards if you plan to use these trains often.
The MRT and LRT are affordable and quick modes of transportation since you don’t have to worry about traffic, but many people use them during weekday rush hours. If you want to avoid the crowds, it’s best to avoid them from 7 am to 9 am and 5 pm to 9 pm.
Get Around By Riding Jeepneys
One of the most popular means of transportation in Manila is jeepneys. Just like buses, these also have designated routes. They’re also the most affordable option, that’s why many people use them. There’s a fixed rate, and the fare will increase the farther your destination is. Because they’re affordable, this means that you should get ready for crowded seating!
If you’re a tourist visiting Manila, you can just stand on the side of the road and flag down a jeepney by waving your hand up and down — just like when you’re hailing a taxi. After riding the jeep, you can ask the driver how much it is to get to your destination and pay the fare. Bring coins because the fare is fairly cheap.
Hail A Taxi
One of the most comfortable ways to get around Manila is to take a taxi. There are various types of taxis you can find, depending on where you are:
- Regular Taxi – These are white metered taxis that offer a fixed flag down rate and a per kilometer fee.
- Airport Taxi — These are yellow metered taxis that also have a fixed flag down rate and per kilometer fee, but they’re found in the airport.
- Coupon Taxi – These are blue-marked white taxis that charge a fixed price. They’re dispatched by airport personnel.
Around the city, you will find regular white taxis plying the streets. Make sure that the driver puts the meter on, and bases your fare on it at the end of the trip. Unfortunately, some drivers will try to overcharge you by not using the meter, so you can find another cab if that happens
Ride Tricycles And Pedicabs On Inner Roads
Tricycles and pedicabs are a good way of getting into inner roads in Manila. These are three-wheeled vehicles that often have a bicycle or a motorcycle at the side of the cab. They’re perfect if you just need a ride for short distances, and can’t find jeepneys on the road. You’ll find them almost anywhere — near shopping malls, markets, churches, and others.
If you’re not from the Philippines, it might be scary to ride tricycles and pedicabs because there are drivers who don’t follow traffic rules. Prices are set by agreement, but you can try to bargain the fare down.
Avoid The Traffic With Angkas Motorcycle Riders
Manila is one of the most traffic-congested places in the Philippines, and also in the world. Prepare yourself to get stuck in traffic, especially during rush hour, when people are going or coming home from work or school. Fortunately, there’s a solution, and it’s to ride with professional motorcycle riders!
Angkas is a motorcycle ride-hailing platform that is used by many Filipinos to get around the Metro and beat the traffic. The bikers are required to undergo background checks, Covid-19 preparedness training, safety training, and skills assessments. As a passenger, you can expect your commutes in a taxi, bus, or train to be cut in half — even during rush hour! Fares are also more affordable compared to taxis.
Key Takeaway
Getting around Manila can be intimidating, especially if you’re not a local. But if you plan to visit or move in the Metro for good, know that there are Angkas riders who are trained, skilled, and experienced, in helping passengers get to their destination safely and as quickly as possible.
Now that you know how to travel in Manila, don’t hesitate to download the Angkas app and ride with us soon!
