How to get from Manila Ninoy Aquino Airport to Intramuros
Cities & Metropolitan Areas · Philippines · Urban & Cultural · Intramuros · Manila · Manila Ninoy Aquino Airport
Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to Intramuros is a short city transfer. Choose between a door-to-door taxi/Grab, the UBE Express airport bus plus a short walk/ride, a budget city bus/jeepney + LRT-1 combo, or a prebooked private transfer. Below are the best routes, how to book, and exact steps with map links.
At A Glance (Manila Ninoy Aquino Airport to Intramuros)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚖 Taxi / Grab (Door-to-door) | ~25–60m (traffic) | Simplicity with luggage |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~PHP 300–700 metered (plus tolls, if any) | fixed-price options below | ||
| 🚌 UBE Express P2P Bus + Short Ride/Walk | ~45–75m total | Value + comfort (luggage space) |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~PHP 150–200 bus + short taxi/Grab to Intramuros » check shuttle passes | ||
| 🚈 City Bus/Jeepney + LRT-1 (Central Terminal) | ~50–90m (connection-dependent) | Budget travelers, light bags |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~PHP 40–100 total » transit cards/tickets | ||
| 🚐 Private Transfer / Chauffeur | ~25–60m (traffic) | Late arrivals, families, groups |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~PHP 900–2,000 per vehicle (size/time) » instant quotes | GYG transfers | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest/Most Convenient: Taxi/Grab—direct to your hotel or Fort Santiago gate.
- Best Value with Luggage: UBE Express to Ermita/Malate drop, then a short taxi/grab to Intramuros.
- Cheapest: City bus/jeepney + LRT-1 to Central Terminal, a quick walk to the walls.
- Door-to-Door Comfort (late night or family): Private transfer with meet-and-greet.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Connectivity: Grab works best with mobile data—consider airport SIM/eSIM on Klook or GetYourGuide.
- Cash: Keep small bills/coins for buses/jeepneys; many taxis accept cash only.
- Luggage storage: Early/late arrival? Use Radical Storage Manila to explore bag-free.
- Peak traffic: Rush hours can double travel time; trains/buses can be quicker than cars then.
- Staying overnight? Browse Intramuros/Ermita hotels on Booking.com or Trip.com.
🚖 Option #1 — Taxi / Grab (Door-to-Door)
No transfers 24/7 Traffic-dependent
- Overview: From any NAIA terminal (T1–T4), follow signs to the official taxi rank or ride-hailing pickup and go straight to Intramuros (Fort Santiago/Plaza San Luis/your hotel).
- How to book (with price): Metered taxis ~PHP 300–700 depending on traffic. For fixed rates, compare GetTransfer or arrange a meet-and-greet through GetYourGuide transfers. Ride-hailing: Grab app (card/cash).
- Pros: Fastest with bags; drops exactly at your Intramuros entrance. Cons: Rush-hour surges and queues possible.
Step-by-step: Taxi / Grab
- After customs, follow the Taxi / Ride-Hailing signs to the curbside pickup of your terminal (T1–T4).
- For taxis, join the official queue and request a metered ride to Intramuros, Manila; for Grab, set your pickup pin and destination (e.g., Fort Santiago).
- Share your hotel’s exact pin with the driver; have small bills ready for tolls if used.
- Alight at your chosen gate/hotel inside Intramuros.
Getting to the main embarking points (NAIA T1–T4 curbside)
- NAIA T1–T4: Taxi ranks and ride-app bays are signposted outside arrivals at each terminal.
- Intramuros drop-offs: Common spots are Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral, or hotels along General Luna St.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌 Option #2 — UBE Express P2P Bus + Short Ride/Walk (Best Value with Luggage)
Luggage space Air-conditioned One transfer
- Overview: UBE Express runs airport P2P buses from NAIA terminals to city stops like Robinsons Place Manila (Ermita). From there, Intramuros is a 5–10 minute taxi/Grab or a ~20–25 minute walk.
- How to book (with price): Pay onboard/at counters ~PHP 150–200. Some passes show up on Klook. Official info at the airport counters (look for “UBE Express”).
- Pros: Cheap, comfy, space for bags. Cons: Final drop is just outside Intramuros—needs short ride or walk.
Step-by-step: UBE Express
- From arrivals at your NAIA terminal, follow signs to the Airport Buses / UBE Express bay.
- Buy a ticket to Robinsons Place Manila (or the closest central stop operating at your time).
- Ride to Robinsons Place; from the drop-off, open Grab or take a short taxi into Intramuros (Fort Santiago/Manila Cathedral area).
- Walk the walls or check in at your Intramuros hotel.
Getting to the main embarking points (NAIA Bus Bay & Ermita)
- NAIA bus bays: Signed “UBE Express” outside T1–T3 (T4 may use shared bay—ask staff).
- Ermita drop: Robinsons Place Manila is a common P2P stop; Intramuros is nearby.
- Official: Airport counters for UBE Express inside arrivals provide route/timetable updates.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚈 Option #3 — City Bus/Jeepney + LRT-1 (Cheapest)
Lowest cost Predictable in traffic More transfers
- Overview: Reach an LRT-1 station (often Baclaran or EDSA) by city bus/jeepney from NAIA, then take LRT-1 to Central Terminal. Walk ~10–15 minutes to Intramuros gates.
- How to book (with price): Buy single-journey tickets or stored-value cards at stations (~PHP 20–40 rail + small bus/jeepney fare). Transit accessories sometimes appear on Klook.
- Pros: Very cheap; reliable during heavy traffic. Cons: Stairs/footbridges; not ideal with big luggage.
Step-by-step: City Bus/Jeepney + LRT-1
- From your NAIA terminal, take a city bus/jeepney toward Baclaran (or EDSA) LRT-1 station. Ask staff for the current stop outside your terminal.
- Buy a ticket at LRT-1 and ride northbound to Central Terminal.
- Exit Central Terminal and walk 10–15 minutes to Intramuros (Manila Cathedral/Fort Santiago). Alternatively, take a short tricycle/taxi.
- Use pedestrian crossings and keep valuables secure in busy areas.
Getting to the main embarking points (Baclaran / Central Terminal)
- Feeder ride: NAIA → Baclaran/EDSA via city bus/jeepney (ask guards/drivers for the correct bay).
- Inside Intramuros: Manila Cathedral and Fort Santiago are the most central landmarks.
- Official: LRT-1 station staff can advise the best exit for Intramuros (Central Terminal).
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚐 Option #4 — Private Transfer / Chauffeur (Meet-and-Greet)
Door-to-door Great with kids/elders Higher cost
- Overview: A driver meets you in the arrivals hall with a name sign and takes you straight to your Intramuros hotel/sight—no apps or queues.
- How to book (with price): From ~PHP 900–2,000 per vehicle depending on time/vehicle size. Compare quotes on GetTransfer or browse GetYourGuide. For car rental (DIY driving not recommended for first-timers), see Booking.com Car Rental.
- Pros: Stress-free, fixed price, larger vehicles available. Cons: Costs more than taxi/Grab.
Step-by-step: Private Transfer
- Prebook with flight number and party size on GetTransfer or GetYourGuide.
- After landing, meet your driver at the specified arrivals gate or holding area.
- Ride directly to Intramuros; confirm the exact gate/hotel entrance for drop-off.
- Pay per your booking (card/cash) and keep the driver’s contact for your return trip.
Getting to the main embarking points (Arrivals Hall & Intramuros)
- Meet point: Arrivals hall inside T1–T4 as instructed by your provider (driver with name sign).
- Destination: Hotels along General Luna St. or attractions like Fort Santiago.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Manila Ninoy Aquino Airport to Intramuros)
How long does it take from NAIA to Intramuros?
Typically 25–60 minutes by car depending on time of day; UBE Express and LRT combos can be similar or faster during rush hour.
Is Grab available at NAIA?
Yes—use the app and follow signs to the ride-hailing pickup bays at your terminal.
What’s the easiest route with big suitcases?
Taxi/Grab or a private transfer. UBE Express also has luggage space but requires a short taxi/walk at the end.
Can I walk from Central Terminal LRT to Intramuros?
Yes, about 10–15 minutes to the nearest gate (watch crossings). A short tricycle/taxi is faster if it’s hot or raining.
Where should I be dropped inside Intramuros?
Common drop-offs: Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral, or your hotel on General Luna St.—share a pin with your driver.
Where to stay near Intramuros?
Check Intramuros/Ermita/Malate hotels on Booking.com for easy access to the walled city.