Ninoy Aquino International Airport

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), commonly called NAIA, is the main international gateway to the Philippines. Located approximately 7 km south of Manila's central business districts (Makati, BGC), the airport serves Metro Manila and the surrounding region, handling over 50 million passengers annually.

The airport operates from four separate terminals that are not connected to each other:

• Terminal 1: International flights operated by foreign carriers (Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, and others)
• Terminal 2: Philippine Airlines hub (both domestic and international PAL flights)
• Terminal 3: Cebu Pacific hub, plus international carriers (Delta, United, Qatar Airways, KLM, ANA, and others)
• Terminal 4: Smaller domestic terminal (AirSWIFT, domestic charters, some regional flights)

Critical information: There is no airside connection between any terminals. Transferring between terminals requires exiting to the landside, taking a taxi or shuttle, and re-clearing security. This process can take 45-90 minutes depending on traffic and time of day.

Metro Manila is notorious for severe traffic congestion. Inter-terminal transfers during rush hours (7-10am, 5-9pm) can take significantly longer than expected. Plan accordingly.

NAIA is located approximately 7 km from Makati and Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Manila's main business and tourist districts. However, distance is misleading in Manila—travel time depends entirely on traffic.

Destination	Off-Peak	Rush Hour
Makati	20-30 min	60-90 min
BGC (Bonifacio Global City)	25-40 min	75-120 min
Manila (Intramuros/Ermita)	20-35 min	60-90 min
Quezon City	45-60 min	90-150 min
Pasay (near airport)	10-15 min	20-40 min

Transport options include Grab (rideshare), metered taxi, hotel shuttles, and bus services. There is currently no rail connection to the airport, though one is under construction.

Grab is the primary rideshare app in the Philippines and the recommended option for airport transport. Uber exited the Philippine market in 2018.

Grab

Download the Grab app before arrival. Pickup locations are at designated areas outside each terminal's arrival hall.

Typical Grab fares (off-peak):

• Makati: ₱250-400 (approximately US$4.50-7)
• BGC: ₱300-450
• Manila (Intramuros): ₱200-350
• Quezon City: ₱400-600

Fares surge during rush hours and late night. Peak pricing can increase fares by 50-100%.

Tips for using Grab:

• Book your ride before exiting the terminal (while still on WiFi)
• Note your pickup point number/letter and meet the driver there
• Cash payment is accepted; credit cards work within the app
• GrabCar is the standard service; GrabCar 6-Seater available for larger groups

Metered Taxis

Yellow airport taxis operate fixed rates from NAIA terminals:

• Flagdown: ₱70 (plus ₱4 per 300 meters)
• Fixed zone rates available at taxi counters

White metered taxis use standard meters but are less reliable at the airport. Agree on meter use before departing.

Coupon taxis are available at designated counters inside terminals with pre-set fares to various destinations. This is a hassle-free option if Grab is unavailable.

Destination	Coupon Taxi Rate
Makati	₱350-450
BGC	₱400-500
Manila	₱300-400
Pasay	₱200-250

Warning: Avoid unmarked taxis or solicitors inside the terminal offering rides. Use only official taxi stands or Grab.

There is currently no direct rail connection to NAIA. A rail link (Metro Manila Subway and NAIA Expressway) is under construction but not yet operational.

Bus Services

UBE Express (premium bus service):

• Route: All NAIA terminals to various Metro Manila destinations
• Fare: ₱150-300 depending on destination
• Destinations: Makati, Ortigas, Quezon City, Robinsons Galleria
• Frequency: Every 30-60 minutes
• Hours: 5:00am to 11:00pm

P2P (Point-to-Point) Buses:

• Direct buses to SM Mall of Asia, Makati, Alabang
• Fare: ₱50-150
• Departures from Terminal 3 (other terminals require shuttle)

Jeepneys

While jeepneys (the iconic Philippine public transport) operate near the airport, they are not practical for travelers with luggage. Avoid unless traveling very light to nearby Pasay destinations.

Future Rail Connection

The Metro Manila Subway (under construction) will eventually connect to NAIA, with completion expected in phases. Check current status before travel.

Each terminal has parking facilities:

Terminal 1:

• Short-term: ₱50/hour (first 3 hours), ₱30/hour thereafter
• Daily maximum: ₱500/day

Terminal 2:

• Short-term: ₱40/hour
• Daily maximum: ₱400/day

Terminal 3:

• Short-term: ₱50/hour
• Long-term: ₱350/day (outdoor), ₱450/day (covered)

Terminal 4:

• Parking: ₱30/hour, ₱250/day maximum

Parking lots can fill up during peak travel periods (holidays, December, Holy Week). Pre-booking is not widely available; arrive early for busy periods.

Dining options vary significantly between terminals, with Terminal 3 offering the best variety.

Terminal 1:

• McDonald's, Jollibee: Fast food staples
• Max's Restaurant: Filipino fried chicken (iconic local chain)
• Coffee shops: Seattle's Best, Bo's Coffee

Terminal 2:

• Various Filipino restaurants: Limited options
• Duty-free shops sell snacks and beverages
• Note: T2 has fewer dining options than other terminals

Terminal 3:

• Jollibee, McDonald's, KFC: Fast food
• Ramen Kuroda: Japanese noodles
• The Larder Café: Western and Filipino dishes
• Army Navy: Filipino-American burgers and burritos
• Bo's Coffee, Starbucks: Coffee chains
• Food Hall (4th floor): Multiple options including Filipino cuisine

Terminal 4:

• Limited options; small cafes and convenience stores only

Best value: Jollibee (Filipino fast food chain) is ubiquitous, affordable, and offers local favorites like Chickenjoy fried chicken and Jolly Spaghetti. Terminal 3 has the best selection of both local and international options.

Free WiFi is available at all NAIA terminals:

• Network: "#MIAAFreeWiFi" or "NAIA-FreeWiFi"
• Registration: Phone number or social media login may be required
• Speed: Variable; adequate for email and messaging, inconsistent for streaming
• Duration: Time-limited sessions (typically 30-60 minutes, can reconnect)

For more reliable connectivity, purchase a local SIM card or use lounge WiFi.

SIM cards are readily available at all NAIA terminals, typically in the arrivals hall after customs:

Major carriers:

• Globe: Largest network, excellent nationwide coverage
• Smart: Reliable network, competitive pricing
• DITO: Newer carrier with competitive data packages

Typical tourist SIM packages:

Carrier	Data	Validity	Price
Globe Traveler SIM	8GB	15 days	₱499 (~US$9)
Smart Traveler SIM	6GB	7 days	₱299 (~US$5)
Globe/Smart prepaid	2-5GB	7 days	₱150-300

Kiosks in arrivals will activate and configure your SIM. Bring your passport for registration (required by law). Coverage is excellent in Metro Manila; LTE/4G is standard.

Tip: If arriving late when kiosks are closed, purchase a SIM at any convenience store (7-Eleven, Ministop) in the city. Registration can be done online.

ATMs are located throughout all terminals:

Major banks with ATMs:

• BDO (Banco de Oro): Philippines' largest bank
• BPI (Bank of the Philippine Islands): Widely available
• Metrobank: Major local bank
• Security Bank: Multiple locations

ATM tips:

• Maximum withdrawal: ₱10,000-20,000 per transaction (approximately US$180-360)
• ATM fees: Most Philippine ATMs charge ₱200-250 (~US$4) per foreign card transaction
• Your home bank may charge additional fees
• Use bank ATMs rather than standalone machines for security

Currency exchange:

• Exchange counters in arrivals and departures at all terminals
• Airport rates are typically 3-5% worse than city money changers
• Better rates at money changers in Makati (Greenbelt, Glorietta malls)

Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP/₱). Approximate rate: US$1 = ₱55-57.

Card acceptance: Credit cards are accepted at malls, hotels, and major restaurants. Many smaller establishments and street vendors are cash-only.

NAIA offers duty-free shopping, though selection is more limited than major Asian hubs.

Duty-Free Philippines:

• Locations in all terminals (airside departures)
• Liquor, tobacco, chocolate, cosmetics, perfume
• Philippine products: Dried mangoes, otap (local snack), handicrafts

Terminal 3 has the best shopping:

• Kultura Filipino: Local handicrafts and souvenirs
• Bench: Filipino clothing brand
• Human Nature: Natural beauty products
• Various international brands

Recommended souvenirs:

• Dried mangoes: The Philippines is famous for them (Cebu brand is popular)
• Otap: Sugared biscuits from Cebu
• Barong Tagalog: Traditional embroidered shirts
• Capiz shell products: Decorative items
• Local chocolate: Theo & Philo, Auro chocolate

Duty-free allowances: Returning Philippine residents can purchase duty-free items up to US$1,500 from Duty-Free Philippines stores (3-day limit after arrival).

Lounge options at NAIA are limited compared to other Asian hubs but available across terminals.

Priority Pass Lounges

Terminal 1:

• Pacific Club Lounge: Basic amenities, hot food, drinks. Can be crowded during peak hours.

Terminal 2:

• Mabuhay Lounge: Philippine Airlines operated, Priority Pass accepted for some visits

Terminal 3:

• PAGSS Lounge: Basic lounge with food and drinks
• Marhaba Lounge: Better facilities, hot food, showers

Airline Lounges

Terminal 1:

• Cathay Pacific Lounge: Cathay Pacific passengers, oneworld Sapphire/Emerald
• Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge: SQ passengers, Star Alliance Gold

Terminal 2:

• Mabuhay Lounge: Philippine Airlines Business Class, Mabuhay Miles Elite, oneworld Sapphire/Emerald

Terminal 3:

• Aerotel Manila (arrivals): Pay-per-use, shower facilities
• Various airline-specific lounges for premium passengers

Pay-Per-Use Options

• PAGSS Lounge (T3): Walk-in access available, approximately ₱1,500-2,000 (~US$27-36)
• Aerotel (T3): Day rooms and shower facilities from ₱800/3 hours

Lounge quality at NAIA is generally basic compared to Singapore or Hong Kong. Expect simple hot food, drinks, and WiFi rather than premium dining.

Inside/Connected to Airport:

Terminal 3:

• Aerotel Manila: Located in Terminal 3 (arrivals area, accessible before immigration). Capsule-style and standard rooms. From ₱2,000/6 hours or ₱3,500/night.

Near Airport (Pasay/Newport City):

• Belmont Hotel Manila: 5-minute drive, modern hotel. From ₱4,000/night.
• Marriott Hotel Manila: Newport City (5-minute drive), connected to Resorts World Manila. From ₱7,000/night.
• Sheraton Manila Hotel: Newport City. From ₱8,000/night.
• Holiday Inn Express Manila: Newport City, mid-range. From ₱3,500/night.
• Savoy Hotel Manila: Budget-friendly, near Resorts World. From ₱2,500/night.

Newport City is a casino and entertainment complex adjacent to Terminal 3 with multiple hotels, restaurants, and shopping. It's the most convenient area for overnight stays near the airport.

Makati Hotels (20-40 min from airport): For travelers preferring to stay in the city, Makati offers numerous options from budget to luxury. Traffic to/from the airport during rush hours should be factored into departure timing.

Manila and the Philippines offer incredible diversity—from historic sites and vibrant nightlife to stunning beaches accessible by domestic flight.

From NAIA to Key Areas:

• Makati CBD: 20-30 min (off-peak) - business district, dining, nightlife
• BGC (Bonifacio Global City): 25-40 min - modern area, upscale dining
• Intramuros: 25-35 min - historic Spanish-era walled city
• Mall of Asia: 10-15 min - massive shopping complex near airport

Manila Attractions:

• Intramuros: Spanish colonial walled city, Manila Cathedral, Fort Santiago
• Rizal Park (Luneta): Historic park, National Museum of Fine Arts (free entry)
• San Agustin Church: UNESCO World Heritage baroque church
• Binondo (Chinatown): Oldest Chinatown in the world, street food
• BGC: Modern district with street art, restaurants, and rooftop bars

Filipino Food to Try:

• Adobo: Braised meat in soy sauce and vinegar (the national dish)
• Lechon: Roast pig (Cebu-style is famous)
• Sinigang: Sour tamarind soup with pork or shrimp
• Kare-Kare: Oxtail stew with peanut sauce
• Halo-Halo: Shaved ice dessert with beans, jellies, and leche flan
• Lumpia: Filipino spring rolls
• Sisig: Sizzling chopped pig face (sounds unusual, tastes amazing)

Where to Eat:

• Makati: Wide range from street food to fine dining (Poblacion for nightlife and bars)
• BGC: Upscale restaurants, international cuisine
• Binondo: Authentic Chinese-Filipino food (try pancit Canton, siopao)
• Jollibee: Iconic Filipino fast food, try Chickenjoy and Palabok

Day Trips from Manila:

• Tagaytay: 2 hours south, cooler climate, Taal Volcano views
• Corregidor Island: WWII historic island, day tour from Manila Bay
• Pagsanjan Falls: 3 hours south, scenic waterfall

Domestic Flights: The Philippines has over 7,000 islands. Popular destinations from Manila include:

• Cebu (CEB): Beaches, whale sharks, lechon
• Boracay (via Caticlan-MPH or Kalibo-KLO): Famous white sand beach
• Palawan (Puerto Princesa-PPS or El Nido via Lio-ENI): Underground river, island-hopping
• Siargao (IAO): Surfing paradise

Practical Tips:

• English is widely spoken (official language alongside Filipino)
• Grab is essential for transport; download before arrival
• Traffic in Manila is severe—allow extra time for everything
• Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled water
• The Philippines uses Type A/B electrical plugs (same as US) at 220V
• Tipping: 10% at restaurants (if no service charge), round up for taxis
• Rainy season: June - November (expect afternoon thunderstorms)
• Best weather: December - May (dry season)