Manila
NAIA airport to Manila: taxi, Grab and shuttle costs
Photo: RhonVelarde01, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Landing at NAIA, the first decision is how to get into the city, and Grab is the default for most visitors: clearer pricing than a taxi, no haggling, and a pickup point marked for each terminal.
Grab: the default option
Scroll across for the rest of the columns.
| Destination | Grab fare |
|---|---|
| Makati | ₱300-500 |
| BGC (Bonifacio Global City) | ₱350-600 |
Fares rise somewhat during rush-hour surge pricing. Grab is the clearer option over a taxi: the fare is shown before you confirm, so there’s nothing to negotiate at the curb.
Source: Air Traveler Club, Grab from Manila Airport, checked 12 October 2026.
The official airport taxi
NAIA’s coupon taxi counters charge a fixed ₱450-800 to Makati or Pasay, agreed at the counter before you get in. It’s more predictable than a street taxi and usually costs more than Grab for the same route, but some travellers prefer paying a fixed price over app pricing that can move.
Source: Air Traveler Club, Grab from Manila Airport, checked 12 October 2026.
A hotel shuttle
Several hotels in Makati and BGC offer a pre-booked shared or private shuttle, arranged at the same time as the room. It costs more than Grab but means someone is waiting with your name on a sign rather than you finding a ride after a long flight.
The P2P bus: not a current option
UBE Express used to run a point-to-point bus from NAIA Terminal 3 straight to One Ayala in Makati for a flat ₱150, no surge pricing and no haggling. That route has been suspended since 2023. A second route, NAIA to Araneta City in Cubao, launched later and ran a flat ₱200, but it was suspended again in May 2026. Passengers arriving at Terminal 1 or 2 would also need to transfer to Terminal 3 to catch it. Check UBE Express’s own channels before a trip, since both routes have come and gone before.
Source: Philippine Beach Guide, NAIA UBE Express P2P bus routes and schedules, checked 12 October 2026.
Before you book
Pick your area first, since it decides how far the ride from the airport actually is: see where to stay in Manila for how Makati, BGC, Intramuros and the airport-side hotels compare. Once you’re settled, a 2-day Manila itinerary, Intramuros entrance fees and tour costs and things to do in Manila beyond Intramuros cover what fills the days, and best time to visit and what a stopover costs covers the full budget. For help fitting a Manila stopover into a wider Philippines trip, talk to Robert.
Questions people ask
How much does Grab cost from NAIA to Makati?
Roughly ₱300-500, rising somewhat during rush-hour surge pricing. Book through the app once you're in the arrivals area; pickup points are marked for each terminal.
How much does Grab cost from NAIA to BGC?
Roughly ₱350-600, a touch higher than the Makati fare since it's a slightly longer route.
Is the airport taxi cheaper than Grab at NAIA?
No, usually more than an equivalent Grab, but with a fixed price agreed before you get in. The section The official airport taxi has the fare and why some travellers prefer it anyway.
Which NAIA terminal will I land at?
Which NAIA terminal you land at depends on your airline, not on where you're arriving from. Check your boarding pass or airline confirmation rather than assuming.
Can I book an airport transfer in advance instead of using Grab or a taxi?
Many hotels offer a pre-booked shared or private shuttle, usually arranged when you book the room. It costs more than Grab but removes the need to find a ride on arrival.
Is there a P2P bus from NAIA to Makati or BGC?
No. UBE Express's NAIA to One Ayala Makati route has been suspended since 2023, and its NAIA to Araneta City Cubao route was suspended again in May 2026. Check UBE Express's own page before you travel.
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