Every way to get around the Philippines
The king of Philippine roads. Jeepneys are the most iconic and affordable way to travel. Routes cover every corner of Metro Manila and provincial areas. Flag any jeepney with your destination on its signboard, hop on, and pay the driver when you reach your stop. Fares start at ₱9 for the first 4 km.
City buses and provincial buses cover long distances within Metro Manila and between provinces. Air-conditioned buses cost more but are comfortable. Regular city buses are cheaper. Listen for the conductor calling out stops, or tell him where you're going when you board.
The king of short trips. Motorcycles with sidecars that navigate narrow barangay streets. Best for distances under 3 km. Always negotiate the fare before riding. Tricycles are the most flexible transport — they can take you door-to-door anywhere in their territory.
Metered taxis are widely available in Metro Manila and major cities. Flag one on the street or book via apps like GrabTaxi. Make sure the meter is running (flag-down rate starts at ₱40). For airport trips, expect ₱100–250 depending on distance.
Southeast Asia's leading ride-hailing app. Book a car, taxi, or delivery via smartphone. Fixed pricing (no negotiation), cash or card. Great for airport transfers and when you want convenience. Surge pricing during peak hours and rainy days.
The Pasig River Ferry System connects Manila, Makati, Pasig, and Mandaluyong. A scenic and traffic-free alternative. Also includes inter-island ferries (like Manila to Corregidor). River ferry stations are modern with card payment systems.
The elevated rail systems: LRT-1 (Baclaran–Roosevelt), LRT-2 (Recto–Antipolo), and MRT-3 (Taft–North Ave). Fastest way across Metro Manila during rush hours. Use Beep cards for contactless payment. Stations can get crowded during peak hours (7–9 AM, 5–8 PM).
Point-to-point air-conditioned vans with fixed routes and fares. More comfortable than jeepneys, slightly more expensive. Common routes: Baclaran–Alabang, Cubao–Antipolo. Usually depart when full (14 passengers). Fixed fare, pay the driver.
Philippines is an archipelago — flying is often the only practical option for island-to-island travel. Airlines: Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, AirAsia. Book in advance for the best fares. Common routes: Manila to Cebu, Davao, Palawan, Iloilo.