I. Introduction
Having a population of almost 13 million, Manila has a metro system to transport people within the area, like most densely populated major cities. For the purposes of this article, ‘Manila’ refers to Metro Manila/NCR (the Philippines’ National Capital Region), and urban agglomeration of 17 cities, including the City of Manila.
The Manila metro system currently has 3 lines (trains run on short intervals, e.g. every 2-10 minutes) and 1 commuter line (every train has a schedule) serving the National Capital Region. Each of the four lines are operated by different entities. In spite of this, you can use just one transportation card for all 3 metro lines.
II. The Four Currently Operational Lines
A. LRT-1 (Green Line, previously Yellow)
You’ll most likely be using this line if you intend to go to the most famous tourist attractions in Manila by public transport. It runs a north-south route from Quezon City to Pasay City and passes through the City of Manila.
Starting partial operations in 1984, this is the first line in Manila’s Rail Transit System, also the first one in Southeast Asia. Despite being called an LRT, this is not a streetcar system (as LRTs are in the American context), but a fully elevated metro line spanning 19.65 kilometers (12.21 miles).
Useful Stations for Travelers
- Central Terminal – alight here to go to Intramuros (the walled city where Fort Santiago), the Manila City Hall, Arroceros Forest Park, Mehan Gardens, the Manila Post Office
- United Nations – alight here to go to Rizal Park, the National Museum Complex, Manila Ocean Park, and the more touristy areas of the Ermita district
- Carriedo – alight here to go to Binondo/ Chinatown
- D. Jose – transfer station to LRT-2
- EDSA – transfer station to MRT-3
- Blumentritt – transfer station to PNR Metro Commuter
B. LRT-2 (Blue Line, previously Purple)
The LRT Line 2 does not pass by popular tourist destinations. It primarily connects Eastern Metro Manila to the City of Manila and the rest of the region.
Useful Stations for Travelers
- Araneta Center-Cubao – transfer station to MRT Line 3; alight here for the Araneta Coliseum and Araneta Center
- Recto – transfer station to LRT Line 1; station on this line that’s nearest to the popular Manila tourist attractions
- Gilmore – station closest to the Greenhills Shopping Center where you can find a lot of bargain deals
C. MRT-3 (Yellow Line, previously Blue)
This is the most heavily congested line in the Metro Manila region. Consider avoiding during rush hours, from 6AM to 10AM and 5PM to 9PM. Thousands of people take this line to go to work every day as this connects major commercial and business districts. MRT-3 runs along EDSA, Metro Manila’s main thoroughfare.
Ironically, this line has the lowest passenger capacity and service is frequently interrupted during the past few years (we love the Philippines, but we need to be honest with you, too!). System improvements and rehabilitation are underway, though. After the rehabilitation is completed in 2021, the line’s capacity will double and its reliability improved.
Useful Stations for Travelers
- Araneta Center-Cubao – transfer station for LRT-2; alight here for Araneta Center (which includes Araneta Coliseum)
- Ayala – alight here for the Makati Central Business District (which you can explore by foot via connected elevated walkways) and to transfer to the BGC Bus (buses going to Bonifacio Global City)
- Taft Avenue – transfer station to LRT-1
D. PNR Metro Commuter (Orange Line)
This is the Metro Manila commuter service of the Philippine National Railways (PNR). It runs from Tutuban Center in Manila to Alabang. Unlike the three metro lines previously mentioned, each train here adheres to a schedule and currently the services are 30-60 mins apart.
III. Fare Collection
A. Fare Integration
As mentioned earlier, each line is operated by a different entity. If your trip involves more than one line (e.g. first on the LRT-2, then transferring to LRT-1), you have to pay a separate fare/get separate tickets for each line.
One way to lessen the hassle of this is to get a Beep Card (see next item below). It can be used on the three LRT and MRT lines. The PNR Metro Commuter currently doesn’t use it.
B. Beep Card
The Beep Card is a contactless payment card that you can top up with money up to PHP 10,000.00. It’s similar to Japan’s IC cards, Hong Kong’s Octopus Card, or London’s Oyster Card. All three LRT and MRT lines (despite each being operated by different entities) use the Beep Card as a common fare payment method.
When purchased inside a metro station, the one-time card fee is PHP 20 (~USD 0.40). When purchased outside stations in partner outlets, the one-time card fee is PHP 50 (~USD 1.00). The card is valid up to 4 years.
You have to tap your card on the fare gate to enter a line, and tap again to exit a line. The same procedure applies when transferring to another line. For example, if you are on LRT-2, you cannot transfer to MRT-3 without exiting LRT-2 by tapping out of its fare gates.
You may check Beep Card’s website for more information.
C. Single Journey Tickets
For the PNR Metro Commuter, you really have no choice but to buy single journey paper tickets for each trip you make.
For the LRT and MRT lines, if you do not want to get a Beep card, you can get single journey tickets for every trip you take. To enter a line, you tap the card on the card reader on the fare gate. To exit, you insert the card in a slot in the fare gate.
Given the very low cost of a Beep Card, it’s highly advisable to just get one if you intend to take at least more than one trip on the metro.
IV. Lines Currently Under Construction
There are currently 3 new lines and 1 big transfer station under construction to expand Manila’s metro network.
A. MRT-7
B. Metro Manila Subway
C. LRT-1 South Station
D. Unified Grand Central Station (LRT-1, MRT-3, MRT-7, and Metro Manila Subway)
V. Summary
So there you have it! We hope that this guide has been helpful to you in planning your trip to Metro Manila.
Did we miss anything? Please let us know in the comments below!
Definitive Philippines 
.jpg){kind=link}
