Manila Metro Rail Transit System (MRT) — Map, Lines, Route, Hours, Tickets

The Manila Metro, also known as MRT 3, is an integral part of the public transport system in Manila, the capital of the Philippines. Inaugurated on 15 December 1999, the system has a single line and 13 stations. It is connected to the Light Rail Transit System, various bus routes and ferry services. From the airport, travellers can take a bus to Taft Avenue station to catch the subway.

The Manila Metro operates from 4:30 am to 10:40 pm. Fares range from 13 to 100 Philippine pesos, depending on the distance travelled. Commuters are advised to avoid rush hours for a more comfortable journey. For safety reasons, tin cans are not allowed in the subway. Metro announcements are in both English and Tagalog.

Manila Metro is preparing to expand with the construction of a new line known as MRT 7. Many of the city’s tourist attractions are conveniently located near the Araneta Center – Cubao station.

This line, also known as MRT, serves approximately 948,000 passengers per day. The fare is around $0.18. Please note that it does not operate 24 hours a day and the operating hours are from 4:30am to 8:30pm from Monday to Sunday.

The trains are air-conditioned and passengers are allowed to walk between platforms. However, the trains are not driverless and the platforms do not have screen doors.

The average speed of the trains is 60 km/h. The metro is operated by the Metro Rail Transit Corporation of the Ministry of Transport and Communications. The estimated fare is P10.

Map of Manila Metro

Map of Manila Metro showing different lines. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Manila Metro map in PDF format.

Manila: The Pearl of the Orient

Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is a bustling metropolis with a rich cultural heritage. Over 100 languages are spoken in the city, with Filipino and English being the most widely spoken. With a population of over 1.7 million, Manila is the second most populous city in the country. The city is a melting pot of different ethnicities and cultures.

Tourism is an important part of Manila’s economy, with visitors drawn to the city’s historic sites, vibrant festivals and diverse cuisine. Some of the city’s most celebrated holidays include Manila Day and Rizal Day. Visitors usually arrive through the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the city’s main gateway.

Public transport in Manila is varied and robust. In addition to the Manila Metro, the city is served by the Light Rail Transit System, the Philippine National Railways, buses, ferries, and jeepneys, the iconic public utility vehicles of the Philippines. Horse-drawn carriages known as “kalesa” can also be seen in certain areas. The Manila Metro is operated by the Metro Rail Transit Corporation.

History of the Manila Metro

The idea of a metro service in Manila was proposed in the 1980s during the construction of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) system. The metro was initially planned as Line 3 of the LRT, but was later developed as a separate service. Construction of the metro was supposed to begin in 1989, but legal problems with the contract caused delays. It wasn’t until 15 October 1996 that construction finally began.

The Manila Metro was officially inaugurated on 15 December 1999. However, at the time of its inauguration, it only offered travel between Buendia and North Avenue, with only 10 stations in operation. The remaining three stations were opened to the public on 20 July 2000.

MRT-3 Manila train heading for Ayala station.

MRT Line 3: Overview and Details

MRT Line 3, the only line of the metro, consists of 13 different stations, namely

North Avenue: Located near Epifanio de los Santos Avenue in Diliman, Quezon City, North Avenue is elevated like most subway stations and serves as one of the subway’s terminals. It has a warehouse for the metro’s train cars and is followed by the Quezon Avenue station. Points of interest include nearby malls such as SM City North EDSA and TriNoma, and places such as Sogo Hotel North EDSA, the Philippine Medical Association, Philam Soccer Field, Triangle Park, Quezon Memorial Circle, and the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center.
Kamuning: Located in the Scout Area of Quezon City, Diliman, near Barangay Kamuning, this station is also known as GMA-Kamuning. The next station is Araneta Center – Cubao. Public transport such as bicycle taxis, taxis, buses and jeepneys are available, with major landmarks such as the Public-Private Partnership Center, the GMA Network, the Land Transportation Office, and the Department of Public Works and Highways in close proximity.
Quezon Avenue: Located on Quezon Avenue, Quezon City, Diliman, next to the Kamuning train station. Public transport including jeepneys, buses and taxis are easily accessible. Major nearby attractions include Centris Walk mall, PAGASA complex, ABS-CBN, Court of Tax Appeals, Office of the Ombudsman, Lung Center of the Philippines and Centris Train Station.
Santolan – Annapolis: This station, also known as Santolan Station, is located near Santolan Road and Annapolis Street, between San Juan City and Quezon City. The next station is Ortigas. Nearby attractions include the Greenhills Shopping Centre, the Philippine National Police Headquarters, Camp Aguinaldo, Barangay Wack Wack Greenhills East and the V.V. Soliven Building.
Araneta Centre – Cubao: Located in Cubao, Quezon City, close to Araneta Center, this station is alternatively referred to as Cubao Station. The nearest station is Santolan – Annapolis. The station also serves the LRT Line 2. Shopping malls such as Ali Mall, Farmers Plaza and Gateway Mall as well as the Smart Araneta Coliseum are nearby.
Shaw Boulevard: Located above Shaw Boulevard in Ortigas Center, this station has both a stub line and a reserve line and is followed by Boni Station. Nearby attractions include Pavilion Mall, Shangri-La Plaza, Starmall, SM Megamall, CNN Philippines Headquarters and recreational facilities such as Wack Wack Golf and Country Club, PhilSports Arena and Ynares Sports Arena. Other places of interest include the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel, the University of Asia and the Pacific, the Department of Education Headquarters and the Lourdes School of Mandaluyong.
Ortigas: Located at Ortigas Center in Mandaluyong, near Ortigas Avenue, this station is followed by Shaw Boulevard. Nearby establishments include St. Francis Square Mall, The Podium, SM Megamall and Robinson’s Galleria. Major landmarks include Meralco, the Philippine Stock Exchange, UnionBank, the Asian Development Bank headquarters, La Salle Green Hills and the EDSA Shrine.
Guadalupe: Located in Guadalupe Nuevo, Makati, this station is followed by Buendia Station. Nearby are the Guadalupe Shopping Centre, Our Lady of Guadalupe Minor Seminary, San Carlos Seminary, University of Makati, and Makati City Hall.
Boni: Located between Pioneer Street and Boni Avenue in Mandaluyong, this station is alternatively known as Boni Avenue Station. It is followed by Guadalupe Station. Nearby landmarks include the Rizal Technological University, Go Hotel, Forum Robinsons, Robinsons Cybergate and SM Light Residences.
Ayala: Located in San Lorenzo, Makati, near Ayala Avenue and Ayala Center, this subway station is followed by Magallanes Station. It has a mall, numerous restaurants and shops and is close to Ayala Center, Greenbelt, Rustan’s, SM Makati, Glorietta and The Landmark. Major nearby institutions include China Bank, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Standard Chartered Bank Philippines, Citibank Philippines, RCBC, HSBC Philippines, Asian Institute of Management and the Ayala Museum.
Buendia: This subway station, also known as Gil Puyat Station, is located on Gil Puyat Avenue in Urdaneta, Makati and is followed by Ayala Station. Nearby landmarks include Frasier Place, Mandarin Oriental, Department of Energy, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and Department of Trade and Industry.
Magallanes: Located on Chico Roces Avenue in Magallanes, Makati, this station is followed by Taft Avenue Station. It also serves as a station of the Philippine National Railways. Nearby landmarks include Magallanes Center, Makati Cinema Square, Alphaland Southgate Mall, Colegio San Agustin – Makati, Asia Pacific College and GlaxoSmithKline headquarters.
Taft Avenue: Final station details not given in the original text.

Connections in MRT-3

The metro system provides various connections with buses, Light Rail Transit System (LRT) trains and ferries. Each station offers the following connections

North Avenue: Buses from North Terminal.
Ortigas: Buses from Philtranco Clark Airport.
Araneta Center-Cubao: Buses and trains from LRT 2.
Ayala: Buses of Bonifacio Transport Corp.
Guadalupe: Ferries operated by Pasig River Ferry Service.
Taft Avenue: Buses from Philtranco Clark Airport, buses from Ninoy Aquino International Airport and trains from LRT 1.
Magallanes: Trains from LRT South Main Line.

Access to the Airport

The nearest subway station to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport is the Taft Avenue station. To get to Taft Avenue from the airport, first walk to Roxas – NAIA Bus Terminal Northbound. Then take the EDSA bus to Coastal Mall – Navotas Terminal, travel towards Navotas for 18 minutes and get off after four stops at EDSA Taft Avenue Bus Terminal. Finally, walk about 290 meters to Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, Pasay, 1300.

Schedules, Timetables, and Calendar

Weekdays:

1. Frequency of departures:
- 4:30 am to 6:30 am: Every 5 minutes.
- 6:30 am to 9:30 am: Every 4 minutes.
- 9:30 am to 4:30 pm: Every 6 minutes.
- 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm: Every 4 minutes.
- 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm: Every 5 minutes.
2. Opening and closing times: Opens at North Avenue station at 4:37 am, closes at Taft Avenue station at 10:40 pm.

Weekends:

1. Frequency of departures:

Saturdays: Every 6 minutes.
Sundays: Every 8 minutes.

2. Opening and closing times:

Saturdays: Opens at North Avenue station at 4:38 am, closes at Taft Avenue at 10:40 pm.
Sundays: Opens at North Avenue station at 4:50 am, closes at Taft Avenue at 10:40 pm.

Holidays:

Frequency of departures: Every 8 minutes.
Opening and closing times: Opens at North Avenue station at 4:50 am, closes at Taft Avenue station at 10:40 pm.

Fares, Tickets, and Cards

Fares are quoted in Philippine Pesos (P) (At the time of writing, US$1 is equivalent to P49.82).

There are four types of tickets: Single Journey Ticket (ranging from P13 to P28), Single Journey Discount (ranging from P13 to P28, with a 20% discount for persons with disabilities and senior citizens), Stored Value Ticket (P100) and Stored Value Ticket Discount (P100, with a 20% discount for persons with disabilities and senior citizens).

MRT-3 Tips

Stored Value Tickets are not valid on LRT Line 1 or Line 2 trains. To connect from the Metro to LRT 1 and 2, purchase an SRTS Flash Pass. This pass offers unlimited travel for one week and is valid for travel on LRT 1, 2 and the Metro. It is sold at selected ticket offices.
Dress lightly as the Metro can get hot.
Avoid travelling during peak hours (6.30am to 9.30am and 4.30pm to 7.30pm) due to overcrowding.
Buy Stored Value Tickets to avoid queuing every time you need a ticket. These are valid for 90 days.
Consider boarding at less crowded stations for a more comfortable journey. The least crowded stations are Santolan – Annapolis, Kamuning, Magallanes and Ortigas. The most crowded stations are Taft Avenue, Araneta Center – Cubao, Shaw Boulevard and Quezon Avenue.
Keep your belongings in front of you when boarding the subway.
Hold on to something to keep your balance during the ride, as handrails are not always available and there’s a good chance you’ll have to stand.
Women should sit in one of the two front carriages. All other passengers should move to the remaining carriages.
Do not push other passengers. Move to the centre of the metro to allow others to board.
Consider listening to music or using other forms of entertainment to make your journey more enjoyable, especially during busy periods.

Metro Manila Regulations

It is forbidden to eat or drink inside metro stations and trains.
Smoking is not allowed.
It is forbidden to take photographs inside the metro or its stations.
Stay away from the edge of the platform to avoid the risk of falling onto the tracks.
Weapons, flammable objects or hazardous materials are not allowed on the Metro.
Bag searches may be carried out and inspectors may use a portable metal detector.
Animals are not permitted on the Underground.
Persons under the influence of alcohol or drugs are not permitted on the Metro.
Objects brought onto the Underground should not exceed five feet (1.5 metres) in length and height.
Tin cans are not allowed on the Metro.
All stations are under camera surveillance.
Wanted posters of people accused of theft are displayed. If you recognise any of these people, please contact the Metro Police immediately.

Interesting Facts

All trains have air conditioning.
The metro carries more than 900,000 passengers per day.
The metro has pre-recorded announcements in both Tagalog and English. Phrases such as “Padating na sa [name of station]”, which translates to “Arriving at [name of station]”, and “Ang susunod na istasyon ay [name of station]”, which translates to “Next station: [name of station]” can be heard during the journey.

Upcoming Expansions

A new line, MRT 7, has been proposed. This line will include the following stations: San Jose del Monte, Quirino, Tala, Regalado Avenue, Mindanao Avenue, Manggahan, Doña Carmen, Don Antonio, Batasan, Tandang Sora, Don Antonio, Quezon Memorial, University Avenue and North Avenue. To increase daily ridership to over 510,000 passengers, the current line will be extended and new trains will be purchased. About 50 light rail vehicles were purchased from Dalian Locomotive.

Nearby Tourist Attractions

The following are the directions to reach the listed attractions from the Araneta Center – Cubao station:

Manila Cathedral: The trip takes about one hour and 10 minutes. From Araneta Center – Cubao, take the Metro to North Avenue. After 9 stops (about 25 minutes), get off at Taft Avenue. Then walk to EDSA and board the LRT Line 1 towards Roosevelt. After 7 stops (about 14 minutes), alight at Central Terminal Station. Finally, walk towards Sto. Tomas, Intramuros, 1002, Manila Cathedral.
Coconut Palace: The trip takes about one hour and 15 minutes. From Araneta Center – Cubao, take the Metro towards North Avenue. After six stops (about 16 minutes), get off at Buendia. Then take the EDSA-Ayala bus to Baclaran-Malanday and travel towards Malanday for 35 minutes. After five stops, get off at Gil Puyat Avenue. Walk to the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Coconut Palace.
Plaza San Luis: The trip takes about one hour and 35 minutes. From Araneta Center – Cubao, take the Metro towards North Avenue. After 9 stops (about 25 minutes), get off at Taft Avenue. Then take the Alabang – Quiapo bus for 40 minutes towards Alabang. After 7 stops, get off at Ayala Boulevard. Finally, walk to Intramuros, Plaza San Luis Complex.
Metropolitan Museum of Manila: The trip takes about one hour and 10 minutes. From Araneta Center – Cubao, take the metro towards North Avenue. After six stops (about 14 minutes), get off at Buendia. Then take the EDSA-Ayala bus to Baclaran-Malanday and travel for 35 minutes towards Malanday. After five stops, get off at Gil Puyat Avenue. Finally, walk to the BSP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Malate, Metropolitan Museum of Manila.
Mehan Garden: The trip takes about one hour and 30 minutes. From Araneta Center – Cubao, take the metro towards North Avenue. After 9 stops (about 26 minutes), get off at Taft Avenue. Then take the Alabang – Quiapo bus for 45 minutes towards Alabang. After 8 stops, get off at Manila City Hall. Finally, walk to the Ermita, Mehan Garden.