How to Go to NAIA Terminals So You Never Miss Your Flight

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is Metro Manila’s hub for international and domestic flights. It’s one of the busiest airports in Southeast Asia, servicing more than 45 million passengers last year.^[1] And now that tourism is back in full swing, the airport has gone back to its pre-pandemic busyness.

Is it your first time flying from NAIA? Or maybe you’ve been assigned to a new, unfamiliar station? Either way, it’s important that you know how to go to NAIA terminals to avoid being late for your flight.

Thankfully, you have a few options to get to this airport. Read on to learn more.

How to Go to NAIA Terminals

Photo: Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Facebook)

Located between Parañaque and Pasay, NAIA serves Metro Manila and surrounding provinces, such as Laguna, Batangas, Cavite, and Rizal, among others. Currently, it’s composed of four passenger terminals that house specific air carriers.

NAIA is managed by the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), which is part of the Department of Transportation (DOTr). The airport serves millions of travelers every year. In 2019 alone, the four terminals collectively accommodated around 47 million passengers.^[2]

📍 NAIA Terminal 1

Photo: Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Facebook)

Which NAIA terminal is for international arrivals? Built in 1981, NAIA Terminal 1 serves international air carriers operating in Manila. As of this writing, the 16-gate terminal services the following air carriers:

Air China
Air Niugini
Asiana Airlines
China Airlines
China Eastern Airlines
EVA Air
Hong Kong Airlines
Japan Airlines
Korean Air
Kuwait Airways
Malaysia Airlines
Oman Air
Philippine Airlines (all international flights starting June 16, 2023)
Royal Air
Royal Brunei Airlines
Saudia Airlines
Xiamen Air
Zipair

How to Go to NAIA Terminal 1 from the North

Here are the different ways to reach NAIA Terminal 1 if you live in the northern part of the metro:

👉 Via Public Transportation

Ride the MRT and alight at Taft Station, which is the system’s southern terminus. Near the MRT station, you’ll find a terminal with shuttles that take passengers to Terminal 1. Alternatively, you can ride a taxi or book a TNVS service (e.g. Grab or JoyRide Car) at Taft Station.

If you want an uninterrupted trip, you can board the UBE Express, which has daily trips to NAIA Terminal 1. Those who live in Quezon City, especially in Cubao or nearby areas, can take the UBE Express bus at Araneta City. Fare costs ₱200.

If you live in Pasig, San Juan, and Mandaluyong areas, UBE Express also operates trips bound for NAIA terminals at Robinsons Galleria in Ortigas. Regular fare is ₱150.

If you’re living in the City of Manila or nearby areas, you can ride the UBE Express bus at Robinsons Manila. Fare costs ₱150.

👉 Via Car

Go south on EDSA to Pasay, then turn left at the interchange between EDSA and Aurora Boulevard.
From Aurora Boulevard, turn right to Andrews Avenue until you reach the rotunda.
Turn left to Domestic Road.
At the end of the Domestic Road, turn left to NAIA Road. Follow the signs leading to NAIA Terminal 1 and Parañaque.

How to Go to NAIA Terminal 1 from the South

If you live in the Southern part of the metro, here are some ways to reach NAIA Terminal 1:

👉 Via Public Transportation

Ride the bus going to Manila via SLEX. Alight at the Magallanes Interchange. From there, book a TNVS shuttle or ride a taxi going to Terminal 1.

If you live in Laguna (particularly in Biñan, Santa Rosa, and Cabuyao), ride the UBE Express bus at Robinsons Santa Rosa. Fare costs ₱300.

If you live in Muntinlupa, particularly in Alabang or nearby areas, you can board the UBE Express at Ayala Malls South Park. Fare costs ₱200.

If you’re coming from Parañaque, Las Piñas, or Cavite, you may take the UBE Express bus bound for all NAIA terminals at Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX). Fare is ₱150.

Do you live in Pasay or around the area? If so, ride UBE Express’ Airport Loop Shuttle at Victory Liner Pasay Terminal. The bus takes passengers to all NAIA terminals. Fare is ₱150.

👉 Via Car

Take the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) or Skyway northbound.
If you’re driving on SLEX, take the Villamor exit ramp. Drive down the road past the Newport World Resorts Complex and NAIA Terminal 3 until you reach the rotunda monument. Just keep driving until you reach another rotunda, where you’ll take the left exit. Once you reach the end of the road, turn left again to get to NAIA Road. At the first intersection, turn right and follow the signs leading to Terminal 1.
If you drive on the airport Skyway, take the NAIA Exit at the Sales Interchange. Drive down the road until you reach the junction. Turn left and follow the signs that will lead you to Terminal 1.

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📍 NAIA Terminal 2

Photo: Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Facebook)

NAIA Terminal 2, which started operations in 1999, was initially intended to operate as a domestic flights hub. However, it ended up housing both the domestic and international flights of Philippine Airlines, the country’s flag carrier.

Currently, Terminal 2 houses the domestic flights of the following air carriers:

Philippine Airlines / PAL Express
Philippines Air Asia
Royal Air

How to Go to NAIA Terminal 2 from the North

Below are some ways to reach NAIA Terminal 2 if you live in the northern part of the metro:

👉 Via Public Transportation

Ride the MRT and alight at Taft Station. Near the MRT station, you’ll find a terminal with airport shuttles that ferry passengers to Terminal 2. If you want to reach Terminal 2 quickly, ride a taxi or book a TNVS service at Taft Station.

Want a quick, non-stop trip? Just board the UBE Express that offers daily trips to NAIA Terminal 2. If you live in Quezon City, especially in Cubao or nearby areas, take the UBE Express bus at Araneta City. Fare costs ₱200.

Those living in Pasig, San Juan, and Mandaluyong areas can board the UBE Express bus at Robinsons Galleria in Ortigas. The company operates trips to Terminal 2 and other NAIA terminals. Fare costs ₱150.

If you reside in the City of Manila or nearby areas, you can ride the UBE Express bus at Robinsons Manila for ₱150.

👉 Via Car

Go south on EDSA to Pasay, then turn left at the interchange between EDSA and Aurora Boulevard.
From Aurora Boulevard, turn right to Andrews Avenue until you reach the rotunda.
Turn left to Domestic Road.
At the end of Domestic Road, turn left to NAIA Road. Follow the signs leading to NAIA Terminal 2.

How to Go to NAIA Terminal 2 from the South

The denizens of Muntinlupa, Las Piñas, Laguna, and Batangas have a few options for getting to NAIA Terminal 2:

👉 Via Public Transportation

Take the bus going to Manila via SLEX. Disembark at the Magallanes Interchange. From there, book a TNVS service or ride a taxi going to Terminal 2.

If you live in Laguna (especially in Biñan, Santa Rosa, and Cabuyao), take the UBE Express bus at Robinsons Santa Rosa. Fare costs ₱300.

If you live in Muntinlupa, particularly in Alabang or nearby areas, you can board the UBE Express at Ayala Malls South Park. Fare costs ₱200.

In case you live in Parañaque, Las Piñas, or Cavite, UBE Express operates bus trips bound for Terminal 2 at PITX. Fare costs ₱150.

If you’re a Pasay resident, ride UBE Express’ Airport Loop Shuttle at Victory Liner Pasay Terminal. This will take you to NAIA Terminal 2 for only ₱150.

👉 Via Car

Take the northbound road of South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) or Skyway.
If you’re driving on SLEX, take the Villamor exit ramp. Drive down the road past the Newport World Resorts Complex and NAIA Terminal 3 until you reach the rotunda monument. Continue driving until you reach another rotunda where you’ll take the left exit. Once you reach the end of the road, turn left again to get to NAIA road. At the first intersection, turn right and follow the signs to reach Terminal 2.
If you’re driving on Skyway going to the airport, take the NAIA Exit at the Sales Interchange. Drive down the road until you reach the junction. Turn left and follow the signs that will lead you to Terminal 2.

📍 NAIA Terminal 3

Photo: Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Facebook)

Opened in 2008, Terminal 3 is the largest of all NAIA Terminals. Handling 13 million passengers yearly, it is NAIA’s response to the growing number of passengers.^[3]

The 20-gate terminal accommodates the following air carriers:

Air Asia
All Nippon Airways
Cathay Pacific
Emirates
Ethiopian Airlines
Etihad Airways
Gulf Air
Hong Kong Express Airways
Jeju Air
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Qantas Airways
Qatar Airways
Singapore Airlines
Thai Airways
Tiger Air
Turkish Airlines
United Airlines
Cebu Pacific
Jetstar Asia Airways
Jetstar Japan
China Southern Airlines
Scoot
STARLUX Airlines

How to Go to NAIA Terminal 3 from the North

Residents living up north can reach NAIA Terminal 3 via the following routes and methods:

👉 Via Public Transportation

Take the MRT and alight at Taft Station. How to go to NAIA Terminal 3 from Taft Avenue? Outside the MRT station, you’ll find a terminal with airport shuttles that take passengers to Terminal 3. If you want to reach Terminal 3 quickly, ride a taxi or book a TNVS service at Taft Station.

How to go to NAIA Terminal 3 from Cubao and surrounding areas? Board the UBE Express bus at Araneta City. Fare costs ₱200.

Pasig, San Juan, and Mandaluyong residents can benefit from UBE Express, which operates trips to Terminal 3. You can board its bus at Robinsons Galleria in Ortigas. Fare is ₱150.

How to go to NAIA Terminal 3 from Monumento? Take the LRT-1 train at Monumento Station and alight at EDSA Station. From there, walk to MRT Taft Station and ride an airport shuttle going to Terminal 3. You may also ride a taxi or a TNVS service to reach the airport quickly.

If you reside in the City of Manila or nearby areas, you can ride the UBE Express bus at Robinsons Manila. Fare costs ₱150.

👉 Via Car

Go south on EDSA to Pasay, then turn left at the interchange between EDSA and Aurora Boulevard.
From Aurora Boulevard, turn right to Andrews Avenue until you reach the rotunda.
Turn left to Domestic Road.
At the end of Domestic Road, turn left to NAIA Road. Follow the signs leading to NAIA Terminal 1 and Parañaque.

How to Go to NAIA Terminal 3 from the South

Southies, here are the routes leading to NAIA Terminal 3:

👉 Via Public Transportation

Take the bus going to Manila via SLEX. Alight at the Magallanes Interchange and book a TNVS service or ride a taxi going to Terminal 3.

If you live in Laguna (especially in Biñan, Santa Rosa, and Cabuyao), take the UBE Express bus at Robinsons Santa Rosa. Fare costs ₱300.

How to go to NAIA terminal 3 from Alabang or nearby areas? Just ride the UBE Express bus at Ayala Malls South Park. Fare costs ₱200.

Living in Parañaque, Las Piñas, or Cavite? Take the UBE Express bus at PITX, and it’ll take you to all NAIA terminals, including Terminal 3. Fare is ₱150.

How to go to NAIA Terminal 3 from Pasay? You can ride UBE Express’ Airport Loop Shuttle from Victory Liner Pasay Terminal going to NAIA Terminal 3. Fare costs ₱150.

👉 Via Car

Take the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) or Skyway northbound.
If you’re driving on SLEX, take the Villamor exit ramp. Drive down the road past the Newport World Resorts Complex and NAIA Terminal 3 until you reach the rotunda monument. Follow the flow of the rotunda to reach the Terminal 3 entrance.
If you’re driving on Skyway, take the NAIAX Skyway Exit at the Sales Interchange. Continue driving until you reach the Terminal 3 exit ramp.

📍 NAIA Terminal 4

Photo: Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Facebook)

NAIA Terminal 4 goes by the names of Old Domestic Terminal and Manila Domestic Passenger Terminal. Built in 1948, it’s the oldest of all four terminals. It houses the domestic operations of air carriers such as AirSWIFT, Cebgo, and Sunlight.

How to Go to NAIA Terminal 4 from the North

Passengers coming from the North can reach Terminal 4 via the following ways:

👉 Via Public Transportation

Take the MRT and alight at Taft Station. Outside the MRT station, take an airport shuttle to reach the airport. If you’re looking for a quicker or more comfortable alternative, ride a taxi or book a TNVS service at Taft Station.

UBE Express’ point-to-point (P2P) buses also ferry residents of Cubao and surrounding areas to NAIA Terminal 4. The jump-off point is at Araneta City. Bus fare costs ₱200.

If you’re coming from Pasig, San Juan, and Mandaluyong, you can ride the UBE Express bus at Robinsons Galleria in Ortigas. Fare costs ₱150.

If you live in the City of Manila or nearby areas, just board the UBE Express bus at Robinsons Manila. Fare costs ₱150.

👉 Via Car

Go south on EDSA to Pasay, then turn left at the interchange between EDSA and Aurora Boulevard.
From Aurora Boulevard, turn right to Andrews Avenue until you reach the rotunda.
Turn left to Domestic Road. You’ll find Terminal 4 on your left side.

How to Go to NAIA Terminal 4 from the South

If you’re hailing from the south, here are the routes that you can take to reach Terminal 4:

👉 Via Public Transportation

Take the bus going to Manila via SLEX. Alight at the Magallanes Interchange. Then, book a TNVS service or ride a taxi going to Terminal 4.

If you live in Laguna (particularly in Biñan, Santa Rosa, and Cabuyao), take the UBE Express bus at Robinsons Santa Rosa. Fare costs ₱300.

Meanwhile, Muntinlupa and Las Piñas residents can reach Terminal 4 by riding the UBE Express bus at Ayala Malls South Park. Fare costs ₱200.

If you’re hailing from Parañaque, the coastal side of Las Piñas, or Cavite, board the UBE Express bus at PITX. This will take you to all NAIA terminals, including Terminal 4. Fare costs ₱150.

If you’re in Pasay, board UBE Express’ Airport Loop Shuttle at Victory Liner Pasay Terminal. This will take you to NAIA Terminal 4. Fare is ₱150.

👉 Via Car

Take the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) or Skyway northbound.
If you’re driving on SLEX, take the Villamor exit ramp. Drive past the Newport World Resorts Complex, NAIA Terminal 3, and rotunda monument until you reach another rotunda. Take the left exit and keep driving until you see Terminal 4 on your left side.
If you’re driving on Skyway going to airport, take the NAIAX Skyway Exit at the Sales Interchange. Keep driving until you reach the Terminal 3 exit ramp. Drive past the Newport World Resorts Complex, NAIA Terminal 3, and rotunda monument until you reach another rotunda. Take the left exit and drive until you see Terminal 4 on your left side.

How to Go to NAIA Terminals: FAQs

Still got questions on how to go to your assigned NAIA terminal? Check out the following:

1. Can you go to NAIA via jeep?

Technically, yes. Those who want to save money on commuting fees typically ride the jeepney from Baclaran. The route mainly involves Airport Road, Quirino Avenue, and NAIA Road.

However, it’s not recommended, especially if you’re traveling with heavy luggage or going to the airport during the wee hours. Since jeeps are not allowed inside the airport complex, you’ll need to carry your luggage to the departure area or catch another ride bound for the airport.

2. Is it possible to hail a motorcycle bound for NAIA?

Yes! Motorcycle taxi operators like Angkas, JoyRide, and MoveIt can take you to the airport. However, these vehicles aren’t allowed at the arrival gates. The pick-up and drop-off points are located at the airports’ departure areas.

Motorcycle taxis are a great option for those traveling with just a backpack. You can reach the airport quickly at a more affordable fee.

3. How much is the NAIAX toll fee?

The NAIAX toll fee will depend on the vehicle you’re driving and the distance you’re covering. Assuming you’re traveling via car, motorcycle, SUV, or jeepney, your vehicle is covered by the Class 1 toll fee.

If you’re taking the short segment of NAIAX, you need to pay ₱35. If you’re taking NAIAX’s full segment, you’ll have to pay ₱45. Take note that both toll fees are already inclusive of VAT.

Read more:

4. Where can I park my car for a few days?

Many vacationers and those going on business trips usually leave their cars at Park ‘N Fly, which is a facility offering short-term and long-term parking.

5. I need to transfer from one terminal to another. What should I do?

You have some options here, depending on your circumstances and destinations:

MIAA Shuttle Bus – If you have a connecting flight at another NAIA Terminal, this bus can take you there for free. Take note that this is exclusive for passengers with connecting flights within NAIA terminals. To avail of the service, just present your plane ticket.
Airport Loop Bus – For only ₱40, this airport loop bus will take you to other NAIA Terminals. This bus also takes passengers from NAIA Terminal 3 to Pasay MRT.
UBE Express PITX Loop – UBE Express’ PITX-NAIA route also offers a loop service, allowing you to transfer from one NAIA terminal to the other. Fare costs ₱50.

6. I’m coming from Clark International Airport. Is there a way to go directly to NAIA?

Yes. Genesis Transport Service, Inc. operates P2P services from Clark International Airport to NAIA Terminal 3 via SM Clark. Likewise, you can go to Clark International Airport from NAIA Terminal 3 via this service. As of this writing, Genesis operates its Clark Airport-bound route at NAIA Terminal 3 only.

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Bonus: How to Avoid Being Late to Your Flight

Many roads leading to NAIA—even the expressways–—can get congested, thus causing delays and even endangering your timeliness. Follow these tips so you won’t be late for your flight:

Leave home early. This is a given, but it bears repeating. You never know how many people will be on the road and at the airport on the day of your departure. Aim to reach the airport at least three hours before your flight. Factor in the airport procedures, such as bag checks and immigration.
Know the schedules of the buses. The schedules of airport buses may change without prior notice. A few days before the trip, confirm the schedules with the operator. This should be easy since you can communicate with them via social media.
Book a TNVS straight from your home if you have the budget. If you’re living close to the metro, you may want to book a Grab or JoyRide car to the airport instead of going to the bus terminal. It may cost more, but you’ll get to the airport more quickly and comfortably. This also comes in handy if you have a late-night or early-morning flight.
Always check your phone and email for updates. The air carrier might have adjusted the schedule of your flight. Checking for such changes will help you determine if you need to come to the airport earlier.
Double-check your luggage. Check all your pieces of luggage before leaving home to make sure you have everything with you. You don’t want to return home because you’ve forgotten something.

Final Thoughts

Those not familiar with NAIA terminals’ roads and routes may find the airport inaccessible. It’s true to some degree, but thankfully, air passengers now have more options on how to go to NAIA terminals. On top of airport shuttles and taxis, premium P2P buses can ferry passengers to and from NAIA.

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Sources:

^[1] MIAA: 279,953 Flights Logged at NAIA in 2023 (Philippine Daily Inquirer, 2024)
^[2] Passenger Volume Drops by 300K Due to COVID-19 (Philippine News Agency, 2020)
^[3] NAIA Terminal 3 Profile

How to Go to NAIA Terminals for Both Commuters and Drivers

Jay Pagkatotohan