Commuters' Guide to MRT Stations in Manila

One of the Philippines’ major transportation systems is the MRT, or the Metro Manila Rail Transit System. It is one of the three rail systems, but it is the most utilized because it is located along EDSA. 

There are over 900,000 passengers that ride the MRT per day.

Metro Rail Transit Corporation is a private organization that operates the MRT.

A big number of commuters use the MRT every day. So, it would be helpful if you have ideas about its system, especially if you are a newbie.

Here are some things you should know about the MRT Stations Philippines: 

Types of Tickets

MRT Train Schedule

The MRT Train Specs

MRT Train Stations

• Taft Avenue Station
• Magallanes Station
• Ayala Station
• Guadalupe Station
• Boni Station
• Shaw Boulevard Station
• Ortigas Station
• Santolan Annapolis Station
• Cubao Station
• Kamuning Station
• Quezon Avenue Station
• North Avenue Station

Tips in Riding MRT Trains in Metro Manila

Commuting Rules in MRT Trains

Safety Guidelines When Riding MRT in Metro Manila

Credit: https://primer.com.ph/tips-guides/2016/09/20/expats-guide-mrt-stations/

MRT Train Fare

The price of a single journey MRT ticket depends on your destination and the station where you’ll be coming from. It usually ranges from PHP 13.00 to PHP 28.00

Types of Tickets

The MRT offers different types of tickets for commuters:

Single Journey Ticket: A single-ride ticket that is only available on the day of the sale.

• Single Journey Discount Ticket: A single-ride ticket for Senior and PWDs. It offers a 20% discount.

• Stored Value Ticket: A many ticket-ride that is valid for three months from the date of sale. It costs PHP100 and comes with a bonus.

• Stored Value Ticket Discount: A many ticket-ride for Senior and PWDs. It is the same with Stored Value Ticket but it is with a 20% discount.

• Beep Card: It is a stored-value smart card that is valid for four years from the date of sale. You can avail it by paying for the initial load. It has no least loan amount but its greatest loan amount is PHP 10,000.00

Note: Beep Cards can also be used in LRTs, BGC Bus, Citylink Coach Services, and P2P buses in the city. It can be loaded in beep loading Kiosks in LRT MRT Stations, bus stops, and convenience stores.

MRT Train Schedule

Weekdays: There are fifteen trains that run every weekday.

• At the North Avenue Station, the first trip train leaves at 4:59 AM. The last MRT trip leaves at 9:10 PM.

• At the Taft Avenue Station: The first trip is at 5:50 AM and the last MRT trip is at 10:10 PM.

Weekend: There are twelve trains that operate during weekends.

• At the North Avenue Station: The first trip train leaves at 4:59 AM, and the last MRT trip is at 9:10 PM.

• At the Taft Avenue Station: The first trip leaves at 5:51 AM, and the last MRT trip leaves at 10:01 PM.

MRT Train Specs

MRT Trains can carry about 23,000 passengers per hour per direction. The trains can run at a speed of 65 kilometers per hour. From the first station to the last station it would take about 30 minutes.

MRT Stations

Are you wondering what are the MRT Stations Manila? Here is a comprehensive discussion of each station. 

Taft Avenue Station

Taft Avenue is located in Pasay. It is the only transfer point for commuters who will be riding the LRT1 to Baclaran or Roosevelt Station. Also, it is near major provincial buses in the city, like the Victory Liner, Five Star, and PhilTranco.
Nearby Landmarks:

• Ninoy Aquino International Airport

• SM Mall of Asia

• SMX Convention

• San Juan de Dios Hospital

• Manila Tytana College

Magallanes Station

Magallanes is the station closest to the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX). If you are from the south of Metro Manila, you can take the Magallanes station.
Nearby Landmarks:

• Asia Pacific College

• Assumption College

• Don Bosco Technical Institute

• Colegio San Agustin-Makati

• Alphaland Makati

• San Lorenzo Place

• San Lorenzo Village

• St. Alphonsus Mary de Liguori Parish Church

Ayala Station

It is the busiest station because it is the closest station to the Makati Central Business District and Bonifacio Global Center. It has a walkway from SM Makati to other parts of Ayala Center.
Nearby Landmarks:

• SM Makati

• Glorietta

• Greenbelt

• Ayala Triangle Gardens

• The Philippine Stock Exchange

• BPI, Chinabank, RCBC, and Citibank Headquarters

• Makati Shangri-La Hotel

• Manila Peninsula

• The Mind Museum

• American Cemetery

• Asian Institute Management

• Ayala Museum

• Bonifacio Global City

• Makati Medical Center

• Manila Golf Club

Buendia Station

It is an underground station. If you are going to Makati CBD, you can drop off at this station.
Nearby Landmark:

• Department of Energy

• Department of Trade and Industry

• MMDA Offices

• Makati Avenue

• Jupiter Street

• Century City Mall

• Metrobank and DBP Headquarters

Guadalupe Station

This is one of the major access points in Metro Manila. It is close to the Guadalupe Bridge. You can ride a jeepney, bus or a ferry going to some major landmarks like eastern Makati, Fort Bonifacio, Pateros, and Mandaluyong.
Nearby Landmarks:

• Rockwell Center

• PowerPlant Mall

• Makati City Hall

• University of Makati

• San Carlos Seminary

• Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary

• Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila

• Guadalupe Church

Boni Station

Boni is a well-known drop-off station for commuters. It is near landmarks like the Rizal Technological University and SM Light Residences.
Nearby Landmarks:

• Robinson’s Forum

• Robinsons Cybergate

• Victor Potenciano Medical Center

• GA Twin Towers

• SM Light Residences

• TV5 Media Center

• Paragon Plaza

• Rizal Technological University

Shaw Boulevard Station

Shaw Boulevard is considered the Central Terminal. It is the only station that has two tracks. It is the drop-off station for commuters who are heading to Ortigas Center and Greenfield District.
Nearby Landmarks:

• Shangri-La Plaza

• Pavillion Mall

• Starmall Shaw

• Capitol Commons

• San Miguel Corporation

• Department of Education

• The University of Asia and the Pacific

• Lourdes School

• Paul College Pasig

• PhilSports Arena

• Wack Wack Golf and Country Club

• Ynares Sports Arena

Ortigas Station

Ortigas is the last MRT station in Mandaluyong from the South of Metro Manila. It is near the Ortigas Business District.
Nearby Landmarks:

• Asian Development Bank

• Robinsons Galleria

• SM Megamall

• SM Podium

• St. Francis Square

• Philippine Stock Exchange

• Meralco Theater

• EDSA Shrine

• The Medical City

• Holiday Inn

• Crowne Plaza

• The Department of Transportation and Communication

Santolan Annapolis Station

The Santolan-Annapolis station is located between Santolan road and Annapolis Street. In addition, the station is near Katipunan and Eastwood. It is a landmark for the Philippine National Police Headquarters.
Nearby Landmarks:

• Camp Aguinaldo

• Camp Crame

• Armed Forces of the Philippines

• Department of National Defense

• Philippine National Police

• Greenhills Shopping Center

Cubao Station

It is the second busiest MRT Station. The station is the transfer point to LRT 2 and a stop for provincial buses from and to the North.
Nearby Landmarks:

• Araneta Coliseum

• Farmer’s Plaza

• Gateway Mall

• Ali Mall

• Cubao Expo

• Kia Theater

Kamuning Station

Named after the barangay, this station is near Timog Avenue. It is a well-known entertainment district in Quezon City.
Nearby Landmarks:

• GMA Network

• Land Transportation Office

• Department of Public Works and Highways

• Philippine Statistics Authority

• Philippine Heart Center

• Quezon Memorial Circle

• National Kidney and Transplant Institute

Quezon Avenue Station

Also, this station is known as one of the populous stations.
Nearby Landmarks:

• Philippine Science High School

• The University of the Philippines – Diliman

• ABS-CBN Network

• PAG-ASA Complex

• Office of the Ombudsman

• Court of Tax Appeals

• Lung Center of the Philippines

• Eton Centris

• UP – Ayala Land Technohub

• Fairview

• Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center

• Quezon Memorial Circle

North Avenue Station

This is the MRT last station that links to TriNoma. It is one of the largest malls in Quezon City. It is the drop-off area for people who are residing near Valenzuela and Bulacan.
Nearby Landmarks:

• TriNoma

• SM City North EDSA

• Quezon Memorial Circle

• Veterans Memorial Medical Center

• Department of Agriculture

• Quezon City Science High School

• Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife

• MTRC Office

MRT is the cheapest and fastest way to pass through EDSA. That is why even if it is difficult for individuals due to the large number of daily commuters.

Tips in Riding MRT Trains in Metro Manila

If you want to know how to ride MRT without much fuss, take note of the following.

Rush Hour

As much as possible, avoid riding the MRT during rush hours. The MRT station lines are really long and the trains are unbelievably jammed.

It is better to take the MRT before six in the morning or after the morning rush hour, which is about 9:30 AM.

The rush hour in the afternoon starts at 4:00 PM. You can either ride the MRT before the rush hour or after, which is at 9:00 PM.

Location

The most crowded stations are Cubao and Ayala Stations. It would be helpful to know the MRT location of less crowded stations like GMA – Kamuning, Magallanes, and Ortigas. If possible, you can avoid riding in crowded stations.

Another thing you need to consider when you are inside the train is your location. Find a good one that is not too far from the door. And always make sure that there is something that you can hold on to, like the handrails.

There is a big possibility of standing while boarding the train, so make sure to keep your balance if there is nothing you can hold on to.

The first two trains are where females, pregnant mothers, children, and senior citizens should enter. If both of the first two wagons are full, you can go to the remaining wagons. But, you need to be very careful, especially if you are a female. There is a chN since you could be with other male passengers.

Wear Light Comfortable Clothing

Make sure to wear light, thin-breathable clothes. This would make you feel comfortable, especially when the train gets too jammed with other commuters.

Also, bring a handy pouch where you can put your keys, Beep card, cash, and ID. This way, you won’t have to go through your bag while entering the train.

Be Polite and Considerate

Being in a crowded area could be very stressful. But, it still maintains politeness and consideration for other commuters who feel the same.

Always follow the rules. Don’t try to cut in the line as it could pose problems with other passengers. Also, try not to push people to avoid hurting them or yours. Let the other passengers get off the train first before going in.

Beep Card

If you commute daily using the MRT, one of the greatest ways to save time is to buy and use a Beep Card. You won’t have to wait and fall in long lines to buy your tickets every day.

In addition, you can use the Beep card for other transportation like LRT 1, LRT 2, P2P Buses, BGC Buses, and more.

Memorize the MRT Stations

Try to memorize the MRT stations in order, especially if you are a daily commuter. This would help you be ready before getting off. Also, you can go near the door near your drop-off station. This could be very helpful for you to avoid missing your station.

Secure your Belongings

The incident of thefts is one thing that could happen anytime while you are in MRT stations. So, always secure your belongings to prevent losing your valuables.

Put your bag in front of you and hold on to it. Also, try to always be alert and careful of the people around you.

Communiting Rules in MRT Trains

1. Eating and drinking are not allowed either in the station or on the train.
2. Smoking is not allowed.
3. Taking photos is not allowed either in the station or on the train.
4. Keep yourself away from the edge of the platform. It could be dangerous because you could get hit by approaching trains or you could fall to the tracks.
5. Do not bring sharp objects like a knife, weapons, inflammable other dangerous materials.
6. Let inspectors check on your bags for safety purposes.
7. Bringing animals to the station is not allowed.
8. People who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol are not allowed to board the train.
9. MRT all stations are surrounded by surveillance cameras.
10. You can only bring objects that have the greatest length and height of five feet.

Safety Guidelines When Riding MRT Manila

Some liquids are not allowed in the MRT stations, so here are some that you can bring inside:

• Drinking water for children

• Baby formula and breastmilk in bottles

• Medications

• Beverages for PWDs

• Medical and cosmetics

• Life-support and life-sustaining liquids

FACTS ABOUT THE MRT STATIONS

1. All trains are air-conditioned.
2. There are over 900,000 passengers that ride the MRT per day.
3. The pre-recorded voices on the train and stations use two languages which are Tagalog and English.