A Commuter’s All-Inclusive Guide to LRT-1 Stations

More often than not, light rail transits are the fastest and easiest ways to get from point A to point B. The Manila Light Rail Transit System Line 1 (LRT-1) is one of the major modes of transportation in Manila. It was created by Marcos in 1980 and started operations in December 1984. 

The LRT – 1 is the earliest light rail in the country and the second in Asia. It follows the path considered the Green Line. LRT-1 stations consist of 20 that connect the cities of Pasay, Manila, Caloocan, and Quezon City. 

The government plans to extend the rail line and buy more train wagons soon. This is to cater to the almost 800,000 commuters using the LRT daily.

Table of Contents

What is the LRT – 1 Schedule?

How Do You Pay for the LRT – 1?

The LRT-1 Route Map

The LRT Line 1 Station List

• Baclaran LRT Station
• EDSA LRT Station
• Libertad LRT Station
• Gil Puyat LRT Station or LRT Buendia
• Vito Cruz LRT Station
• Quirino LRT Station
• Pedro Gil LRT Station
• United Nations LRT Station
• Central Terminal LRT Station
• Carriedo LRT Station
• Doroteo Jose LRT Station
• Bambang LRT Station
• Tayuman LRT Station
• Blumentritt LRT Station
• Abad Santos LRT Station
• 5th Avenue LRT Station
• Monumento LRT Station
• Balintawak LRT Station
• Roosevelt LRT Station
• North Avenue

Do’s and Don’ts When Using the LRT-1 Stations

Final Thoughts

What is the LRT – 1 Schedule?

Each LRT station list indicates the operating times in the ticket booth. LRT-1 usually operates from 5:00 AM up to 9:30 PM every day. On holidays, the company sometimes extends its operating hours. Last December 2019, the LRT – 1 operated from 5:00 AM to 10:30 PM to cater to the increasing number of commuters during the holiday season.

How Do You Pay for the LRT – 1?

Payment for the LRT – 1 can be done in the LRT teller booths. After payment, they will give you a card. This card is used to enter the transit area and shows the amount you paid in the teller booth. 

You can choose to get a single-use journey card or a beep™ card. You can get a single-use journey card if you rarely use the LRT for transportation. However, if you are a regular commuter, it is better to get a beep™ card.

A beep™ card is a stored-value smart card. It provides easy cashless payments in vehicles and even in convenience stores. The card is valid for 4 years and now costs Php30. It can hold the minimum fare amount of Php12 up to Php10,000. You can top-up the beep™ card in any LRT station teller booth or even in 7-Eleven Stores.      

So how much does going on the LRT – 1 cost? Below is a useful graph of the single-journey fares for the LRT – 1:

The LRT – 1 Route Map

The 20 LRT-1 stations follow the route from Pasay to Quezon City. The LRT-1 starts in Pasay City and ends its route in Quezon City. 

You can see the route of the LRT-1 stations map below:  

The LRT Line 1 Station List

Although it is always packed, the LRT remains the fastest and easiest way to get around Manila. Listed here in the article is the LRT-1 stations list.

Baclaran LRT Station

Baclaran is the first station of the LRT Line 1 and is located in Pasay. The terminal is in the center of Baclaran Market. Because of its location, it is one of the busiest LRT metro stations. It also serves as a transportation center for buses from Las Pinas, Paranaque, and Muntinlupa. 

Here are the following landmarks to look for: 

• The Baclaran Flea Market (tiangge)  
• The Baclaran Redemptorist Church
• The Coastal Mall
• The City of Dreams
• The Solare Resort and Casino 

EDSA LRT Station

This is one of the four connecting stations for the Green Line. It is a connecting point to Taft Avenue Station, which is the start of the MRT Line. It is near many provincial buses that journey to Northern and Southern Luzon. Buses such as the Victory Liner and Philtranco can be found there. It is also a good choice for anyone going the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Many Point-to-Point buses pass through there.

Landmarks to look for are:

• The Metropoint Mall
• The Saver’s Square
• The SM Mall of Asia
• San Juan de Dios Hospital
• The Manila Tytana College 

Libertad LRT Station

Libertad is the last LRT Line 1 station in Pasay City. It is also called the Arnaiz Station. Commuters who want to go to Cuneta Astrodome and the US Embassy alight from this station. 

Landmarks to remember are:

• The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)
• The Pasay City Victory Mall
• The HK Sun Plaza
• The Cuneta Astrodome
• The US Embassy Annex
• The Japanese Embassy
• Libertad Market is also nearby.

Gil Puyat LRT Station or LRT Buendia

Gil Puyat LRT Station is also known as the Buendia LRT Station. It is the central hub for commuters heading to Laguna, Lucena, Batangas, Manila, and SM Mall of Asia. It is strategically located in the middle of Taft Avenue and Buendia. 

Common Landmarks are:

• The Cartimar Shopping Center
• SM Mall of Asia (if you missed the EDSA Station)
• The Arellano University
• The CCP Center
• The GSIS Complex
• Star City – if you want to enjoy rides with your kids
• The World Trade Center
• The Philippine Senate

Vito Cruz LRT Station

Vito Cruz is a popular hub for La Salle and CSB students because it is located in front of their campuses. It is considered one of the busiest LRT-1 stations mainly due to the use of Malate residents, employees, and students coming from Makati City. This station is also notorious due to some suicide attempts. The LRTA imposed speed limits on trains leaving this station to prevent unforeseen circumstances.

Nearby Landmarks to see are:

• Ateneo De La Salle University
• The College of San Benilde
• The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
• The Cultural Center of the Philippines 
• The Rizal Memorial Stadium

Quirino LRT Station

Quirino Station is the 6th station going to Roosevelt. It is also a meeting point for commuters going to Sand Andres Street. The jeepneys and buses stop near the station and can take you around the Malate area.

Remember the following landmarks: 

• The Manila Zoo – a family-friendly place to go
• The Manila Yacht Club – open for members only
• Malate Church – if you want to practice your religion
• The Plaza Rajah Sulayman
• Adriatico Street
• The Remedios Circle
• The Malate Catholic School 
• The Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center

Pedro Gil LRT Station

Pedro Gil Station is also known as Herran Station. The 7th LRT-1 station going to Roosevelt is located at the corner of Taft Avenue and Pedro Gil Street. Due to its strategic location, students and employees frequently access the place. Vehicles such as buses, jeepneys, and taxis can take commuters around Ermita.

Prominent Landmarks are:

• The Philippine General Hospital or PGH
• The University of the Philippines – Manila branch
• St. Paul University – Manila chapter
• The Philippine Christian University
• The Philippine Women’s University
• Robinson’s Place Manila branch
• Manila Hyatt Hotel and Casino

United Nations LRT Station

One of the busiest LRT-1 Stations, the United Nations Station is a major commuter destination located on the United Nations (UN) Avenue. Many government offices, as well as key national landmarks, are located in this area. Adjacent to the area is many universities and schools, which makes it a hub for students and professors.

The key landmarks are:

• The Rizal Park or Luneta Park
• The Philippine National Library
• The Philippine National Museum
• The Manila Ocean Park
• The Philippine Department of Tourism, as well as the Department of Justice
• The National Bureau of Investigation or NBI
• The Malacanang Park
• The Supreme Court of the Philippines
• The Adamson University
• The Philippine Normal University
• The Technological University of the Philippines
•  The Emilio Aguinaldo College

Central Terminal LRT Station

In 1984, this used to be the last stop for the LRT-1. Now, it is placed in the middle of the Green Line. If you desire to experience Old Manila or Intramuros, get off Central Terminal. As the name suggests, the station is located in the heart of Ermita and is known as Arroceros. The station is near Manila City Hall and the University Belt. if you want to experience the Pasig River Ferry, you must get off this station. 

Key Features to look for are:

• The Manila City Hall
• Liwasang Bonifacio or Bonifacio Square or more commonly, Lawton Plaza
• The Philippine National Museum of Fine Arts
• The Central Post Office of Manila
• The Mapua Institute of Technology
• The College of San Juan de Letran or Colegio de San Juan de Letran
• The Lyceum of the Philippines
• The Manila Metropolitan Theater

Carriedo LRT Station

If you want to go to Chinatown or Quiapo, then Carriedo Station is the place to alight. This is located in Rizal Avenue, Quiapo, Manila, and cor. Carriedo Street, Sta. Cruz.

Popular Landmarks and Destinations are:

• Quiapo Church – a very popular church for devout Filipino Catholics
• Plaza Lacson formerly Plaza de Goiti
• Arroceros Forest Park – a riverside park in Antonio Villegas Street
• Liwasang Bonifacio or Plaza Lawton
• Far Eastern University or FEU
• Escolta Street – where you can find many food stalls
• The Philippine Postal Corporation

Doroteo Jose LRT Station

This is the station closest to the University Belt and is the most common station used by many students and professors. If you plan to use the Blue Line, Doroteo Jose LRT Station connects directly to Recto LRT Station. It is also a transportation hub for buses going to Northern Luzon.

The key landmarks are:

• Isetann Cinema Recto- an old mall that is still popular 
• Fabella Memorial Hospital – a well-known maternal and newborn tertiary hospital
• Bataan Bus Transit
• The Genesis Transport Services
• The Philippine Rabbit Bus Lines
• The Manila City Jail

Bambang LRT Station

Unless you are a student of UST, this station is fairly unremarkable. However, you can get off at this station if you need to buy medical supplies. Bambang Station has plenty of stores nearby that cater to your medical needs. This is due to its location near key private hospitals such as San Lazaro Hospital and Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center.

You’ll find the following landmarks at this station are: 

• The Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center
• The San Lazaro Hospital
• The Metropolitan Medical Center
• The University of Sto Tomas 
• Schools such as Hope Christian School, St. Stephen’s High School, Teodora Alonzo High School

Tayuman LRT Station

This is another station in Sta Cruz, Manila. Commuters use this station to go to Dangwa, the wholesale flower market in Sampaloc, Manila.

Landmarks to look for on the LRT station near Dangwa:

• The SM San Lazaro
• San Lazaro Hospital – is very well-known for treating infectious diseases
• The Philippine Department of Health headquarters
• The very popular Dangwa Flower Market
• The Espiritu Santo Church

Blumentritt LRT Station

Blumentritt Station is named after Ferdinand Blumentritt, a mentor of Jose Rizal in Europe. It is a central hub for jeepneys and taxis around Sampaloc, Manila. It is a walking distance from the Philippine National Railway or PNR.

Landmarks found near this station are:

• The Blumentritt Flea Market
• The Chinese General Hospital
• The San Roque de Manila Parish
• The Manila North Cemetery, where some Philippine Presidents and historical figures rest

Abad Santos LRT Station

This station best serves the cities of Caloocan and Tondo. Many jeepneys and tricycles are also found near this station. 

Key Landmarks are:

• The Chinese Cemetery of Manila
• Ospital ng Tondo – a government tertiary hospital 
• The San Jose Mangagawa Church

1. Papa LRT Station

Ricardo Papa or more commonly known as R. Papa, is the last LRT-1 station in Manila City. It is found in Rizal Avenue Extension and shares some landmarks with Abad Santos due to its proximity.

Prominent Landmarks are:

• The La Loma Cemetery and Church
• The Bario Obrero Elementary School
• The Marulas Elementary School
• The Manila Chinese Cemetery 

5th Avenue LRT Station

This is the first LRT-1 station in Caloocan City. It is built beside its namesake, the C-3 Road, or 5th Avenue. 

Nearby Landmarks are:

• The Thai To Taoist Temple Pagoda
• The Ung Siu Si Buddhist Temple
• The Northern Rizal Yorkin Chinese School
• The Philippine Cultural College

Monumento LRT Station

This was the last stop of the LRT-1 until two more stops were added to the LRT-1 route. It is located in the southern part of Caloocan City and is one of the most famous LRT-1 stations for commuters planning to go to Quezon City. One of the country’s most famous landmarks, the Bonifacio Monument, is near the station. 

Common Landmarks are:

• The Bonifacio Monument or the Monumento Circle
• The Victory Central Mall
• The Araneta Square Mall
• Puregold Monumento Branch
• The Shrine for Our Lady of Grace
• The Caloocan City Public Library
• The Malabon Zoo

Balintawak LRT Station

This is one of the newest additions to the LRT-1 and was launched in March 2010. This is the second to the last station of the Green Line. It serves commuters going to and from Northern Luzon and passengers from both Caloocan and Quezon City.

Prominent Landmarks found near the station are:

• The Balintawak Market
• The EDSA-Cloverleaf Interchange
• Monument of the Cry of Balintawak
• Parish Church for Joseph, the Worker
• The Balintawak Home Depot
• The Ayala Cloverleaf Mall

Roosevelt LRT Station

Currently, the last station of the LRT-1 is Roosevelt Station. It is also known as the Munoz Station and started operations in October 2010 as part of the government’s Line 1 North Extension Project. It connects to Waltermart North Edsa as well as Munoz Jackman Plaza. This station sets you as close to SM City North Edsa as possible. 

Landmarks found near the station are:

• The Munoz Market
• The STI College Munoz-EDSA branch
• Iglesia ni Cristo Bagong Bantay church
• The Congressional Arcade Building
• S&R Congressional Branch
• The Quezon City General Hospital

North Avenue

This is an upcoming LRT-1 station that is set to start operations in early 2020. It will be a centralized station that will connect LRT-1 to MRT3. It will be a connecting hub to link LRT and MRT7, which is also under construction and is set to operate in 2020.

Do’s and Don’ts When Using the LRT-1 Stations

• Don’t eat, drink, or smoke when you use the LRT-1 stations. The Light Rail Transit Authority strictly prohibits commuters from eating or drinking inside the LRT. Smoking is strictly prohibited as well.

• Do remember to always hang onto the safety handrails during transit time. It will help you keep your balance during the commute. 

• Don’t hold or lean against the train doors. If the door opens accidentally, you might fall off or get hurt. 

• Be aware of your surroundings. Secure your belongings, especially the magnetic card. The magnetic card is used to exit and enter the terminals so remember to keep it safe.

• Don’t touch any emergency devices above the train doors. You might accidentally cause the train to stop. It will take time to fix the mistake and cause more delays.

Final Thoughts

The LRT-1 is still the fastest and most convenient way to go around Manila. However, the high demands and increasing commuters often ensure that the trains are always packed. The government hopes to make more upgrades as soon as possible to meet the demands of the country’s commuters.

If you want to learn more, you can visit Cash Mart Philippines. for more information! Feel free to read and explore!