Getting Around
Domestic Flights
Fly within the country on our local airlines. You’ll find information on flight schedules, destinations, booking, and on-line ticketing on their websites:
Cebu Pacific – www.cebupacificair.com
Interisland Airlines – www.interislandairlines.com
Philippine Airlines (PAL) – www.philippineairlines.com
Air Philippines – www.airphils.com
SEA Air – http://flyseair.com/
Zest Airlines – www.zestair.com.ph
You can also take a chartered flight to major domestic destinations and island resorts.
Ferries & Boats
If you prefer traveling by boat, try the roll-on-roll-off (RORO) ships between Manila and the country’s major ports.
To and from smaller islands, take fast sea crafts and other ferry services. Resorts also offer island hopping by banca (small, local boat), or fishermen and other locals offer their boats for hire. The Visayas region in particular, has a robust network of inter-island boats.
For commercial options, tickets are available through ticketing and travel agents. Schedules are published in dailies and the Buy & Sell publication.
You can also start your search through these websites – Two major shipping lines: http://www.2go.com.ph/ or http://www.montenegrolines.com.ph/
A helpful blog: http://cebuboattrips.com/
Local Transport
It is possible to travel by air-conditioned bus from Manila to nearly all major destinations in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. There is also a National Railway, that, sadly, only really transects Southern Luzon. Some of the trains have recently been replaced or refurbished though, so if you’re not in a hurry, it’s a viable way to get from Manila to Legazpi. Within Metropolitan Manila, take the Light Railway Transit (LRT). It’s the fastest and most economical way to travel throughout the metropolis: LRT Line 1 – to go to and from the Roosevelt in the north to Baclaran in the south. LRT Line 2 – to go to and from Recto Avenue to Santolan St. in the eastern part of the metropolis. The Metro Rail Transport (MRT) Line 3 – to go through Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), Metro Manila’s main circumferential road. Stations are located at major intersections of Makati City, Ortigas, and Cubao.
If there are no LRT lines where you’re going, take a bus or metered taxi. You’ll find taxis in Manila and major parts of Metro Manila, and they can usually be flagged down right where you’re standing. For short distances within the city, try taking a public utility jeepney (PUJ) or a tricycle.
You can also download various mobile applications to help you get a cab or car. Depending on these mobile apps, passenger may pay by credit card or cash.
For more info on the Philippine National Railway – https://pnr.gov.ph/
The Light Railway Transit (LRT) – http://www.lrta.gov.ph/
The Metrotren (MRT) – http://www.dotcmrt3.gov.ph/
Some helpful blogs for getting around Manila
http://www.metromaniladirections.com
Better yet, ask a local for directions. It’ll be fun!
