Because the Philippines is an archipelago, visitors will need to fly or take a ferry to reach amazing destinations in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Here’s a handy guide to help you navigate your way around the provinces and the cities in the Philippines.
Buses
Taking a bus as a mode of public transportation in the Philippines is similar to how it works in other countries. In the Philippines, there are three types of bus service: provincial buses with routes from the city to distant towns and provinces, city buses with routes within Metro Manila, and P2P (Point-to-Point) buses available in Manila.
Provincial buses typically have designated terminals and departure schedules, whereas city buses have frequent points in Manila where passengers can be picked up and dropped off. A passenger does not pay for either type of service upon boarding the bus, but rather waits for the conductor, who collects fares once a passenger is seated. In the case of the P2P bus, there is only one pick-up and one drop-off location. Furthermore, because buses in the Philippines are privately owned, there are numerous bus lines to choose from, and you can ride in either an air-conditioned or non-air-conditioned bus which has cheaper fares.
Trains
The Philippines currently has a railway footprint of only 77 kilometers, and rail transportation is provided by three rapid lines in Metro Manila called the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1, LRT Line 2, and MRT (Metro Rail Transit) Line 3 and the Philippine National Railways (PNR), which serves commuters traveling from the province of Laguna to Manila and back. A walkway connects LRT Line 2 and MRT Line 3 at a station in Cubao, Quezon City.
Because of Metro Manila’s heavy traffic, most commuters opt for train rides for shorter travel times, but keep in mind that during peak hours (before and after office hours), expect long lines at the MRT.
Taxi
Taxis, which are white cars with yellow license plates, have a pre-set flag down rate of 40 Philippine pesos (at the time of writing) and an additional charge per kilometer and waiting time on the road. Taxis, like buses, are privately owned, so there are various taxi operators.
Jeepneys
Along with taxis, trains, and buses, the iconic and colorful national symbol of the Philippines – jeepneys – can be found. It is a post-World War II innovation that can still be seen on Philippine roads today.
It is the most affordable and widely used mode of land public transportation in the Philippines. It’s easier to get on and off the vehicle because of the open rear door design. In addition, unlike bus stops, there are more jeepney stops. It’s best to know where you want to go before boarding a jeepney (what the areas are called, the names of the stops, roughly how long it takes to reach your destination).
Tricycle
Tricycles are useful when your intended destination is inaccessible by jeepney or when you have a large load to transport and no taxi cabs are available in town. These modes of public transportation come in a variety of forms, such as a motorcycle with a sidecar or a bicycle with a sidecar. They are colorful, like Filipino passenger jeepneys, revealing the artistic nature of the country’s residents.
Taxis on motorcycles (Habal-habal)
Adventurers who want to go up the mountains and visit the wilderness will be unable to do so if they only have the option of riding on a jeepney or a tricycle. This is where motorcycle taxis (habal-habal) come in, transporting you through steep and unpaved roads to your destination. Typically found in mountain barangays and distant provinces, you can take a habal-habal ride when visiting Cebu and Siargao.
Ferries and ro- ro’s
Inter-island travel within the country is best accomplished by ferry boats for major islands. The country’s roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) system is aimed at the country’s three major nautical systems – the Western, Central, and Eastern nautical highways. It’s also more convenient to travel by ro-ro, especially if you’re traveling with your car. While not all ports and piers in the country can accommodate ro- ro’s, there are small ferry boats and small but fast hovercrafts that you can use to travel to your desired island!
Manila – Transportations
Because of the variety of transportation options available, getting around Manila is fairly simple. While Manila covers a large area of approximately 1,475 square kilometers when including its suburbs, the city center is concentrated on the bay shore. The historical center – Manila Intramuros – as well as the majority of the tourist attractions and hotels are located here.
Taxis, jeepneys, ride-hailing apps, buses, the Light Rail Transit (LRT), the Metro Rail Transit (MRT), and car rental are all available in Manila. Walking is another option for short distances, but due to the humid climate and a few sketchy neighborhoods, it is not recommended. It is safe to walk through the city’s major business districts, shopping districts, and tourist attractions.
Others:
Renting a car in Manila
When visiting Manila on your own, you can rent a car with a driver or drive yourself, and each has its own set of advantages. Hiring a driver is obviously more expensive, but it saves you from having to drive on the streets of Manila yourself. Because of their local knowledge, the driver will be able to take shortcuts and alternate routes to get you where you need to go quickly, as well as be more familiar with the traffic.
Every reputable car rental company has a desk at the Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport and others throughout Metro Manila. To rent a car in the Philippines, all you need is a valid international driver’s license, though some companies may also require you to have a credit card from another country.
