Getting to Manila Philippines

Getting to Manila

It is easy to get to Manila. As the capital of the Philippines, Manila serves as an international gateway to the many islands and tourist destinations north and south of the Philippines, and is highly accessible by air, by sea, or by land.

Getting to Manila by Air

If you're coming from abroad, you will be landing at the Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), which is seven kilometers away from the heart of the city.

NAIA (+63-2-877-1109; http://www.miaa.gov.ph) has three international terminals and a domestic airport.

There are over 30 international airlines that fly to Manila through NAIA.

NAIA also services charter flights from Asian countries, such as Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and others.

To find the best airfares to Manila, click here.

Airport Facilities: NAIA is well-equipped with facilities such as tourist information centers, hotel and travel agency representatives, banks, restaurants, bars, ATM, foreign exchange facilities, postal services, duty-free shopping centers, and baggage deposit area.

getting to manila, manila international airport The airport also has massage, baby-changing facilities, 24-hour medical centre and pharmacy.

Conference and business facilities are also available - a business center, internet access, computer rental, telephone and fax services and executive lounge.

The Manila Lounge offers showers, drinks, magazines and newspapers for a minimal fee, but free to Diners Club members.

NAIA is wheelchair-accessible and is improving its facilities for the visually-impaired and for those with hearing difficulties.

Flight times to Manila: Approximate flight times to Manila from Sydney is 7 hours and 40 minutes; from Los Angeles is 12 hours and 35 minutes; from New York is 17 hours and 20 minutes; from Toronto is 17 hours and 20 minutes and from London is 15 hours and 30 minutes.

Transport to the city: You will find many taxis outside of the arrival area. There are metered taxis, both the regular public taxis as well as accredited taxis. Accredited taxis offer rates that have been pre-approved by the NAIA management. If you wish to take the accredited taxis, you'll need to book and pre-pay at the counters in the arrival lobby.

You will also find several car and limousine rental companies that operate out of the Airport. You may of course opt for the usual hotel airport pickup, which costs significantly more but provides you extra convenience.

Manila Domestic Airport: The Manila Domestic Airport is just a few minutes away from the International airport. This enables travelers to easily transfer to and from international flights.

For a minimal fee, you can take shuttle buses or public vehicles such as jeepneys that ply the route from the Domestic Airport to the International Terminals.

Getting to Manila by sea

If you're visiting Manila on international cruise ships, expect to dock at Manila Bay. On the other hand, if you're coming to Manila from other parts of the Philippines via ferry, the port area is called Pier Port. Pier Port has two main areas - North and South Harbor. Ferries arrive at South Harbor and depart at North Harbor.

Port Facilities: Pier port has basic facilities - food and drink stalls and seating area. The Philippines Port Authority runs Pier Port and can be contacted at telephone number 02-527-4856 or 4844.

Transport to the city: Since there are very few modes of transportation from the port to the city, it is best that you take a metered taxi. Make sure that the taxi meter is on to avoid extra charges. Expect to pay between US$ 1-3.

Getting to Manila by rail

There are a couple of rail lines that Manila to other parts of Luzon. The north rail system connects Manila to San Fernando, La Union in Norther Luzon. The south rail system connects Manila with the city of Legaspi, Bicol in Southern Luzon (travel time is approximately 12 hours). The ride is a unique experience and is a great way to see the countryside.

The rail system is managed by the Philippine National Railways, which is the Philippines' national rail service provider. While the service is basic, the seats are comfortable and some coaches are air-conditioned. The main station in Manila is the Tutuban Station. You can find banks, restaurants, ATM and other facilities at the Tutuban Mall which is adjacent to the station.

For more information, you can contact the Philippine National Railways +63-2-287-3086, or 365-4716, or through its website http://www.phr.gov.ph/.

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