Clark Airport Commute: Easy Travel Tips And Tricks

Clark International Airport is located within the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga, Philippines. It is accessible through the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX). The airport is around 80 kilometres northwest of Manila and serves as a good alternative to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) due to its lower congestion, cheaper flights, and lower terminal fees. There are several ways to commute to Clark International Airport, including the Clark Loop bus, point-to-point (P2P) buses, rental cars and taxis, and driving your own vehicle. The cheapest option is the Clark Loop bus, which costs between 15 and 50 PHP, while the most economical option is the shuttle and bus services, which can take you directly to the airport from key points around the metro. P2P bus services, such as Genesis Transport Service, offer trips to the airport with stops at SM Clark, with travel times ranging from 2.5 to 3 hours. For those with a lot of luggage or travelling with family, renting a car or taking a taxi may be a more convenient option, although this can be more expensive. Finally, you can also choose to drive your own vehicle and park at the airport, with parking services available.

Cheapest way to commute to Clark Airport

How to Get to Clark International Airport on a Budget

Clark International Airport (IATA: CRK) is one of the major international gateways in the Philippines. However, getting there from Metro Manila can be challenging. Here is a comprehensive and tried-and-tested guide on how to commute to Clark International Airport on a budget.

Guide A: NAIA Terminals 1-4 to Clark International Airport

• From NAIA Terminals 1 or 2, take a bus to EDSA and get off at EDSA-Taft Rotonda (12 PHP).
• From NAIA Terminal 3, take the shuttle bus at the designated bay (20 PHP) or a jeepney outside the terminal (8 PHP) to EDSA-Taft Rotonda.
• From NAIA Terminal 4, walk to Andrews Avenue and take a jeepney (8 PHP) to EDSA-Taft Rotonda. The landmark is Hotel Sogo.
• From EDSA-Taft Rotonda, you can take an MRT or bus to Cubao (see Guide B) or North Avenue (see Guide C) to catch a bus from there.
• Alternatively, you can walk or take a jeepney to the Victory Liner terminal near EDSA-Taft Rotonda and take a Dagupan or Baguio bus that will stop over at Dau in Mabalacat, Pampanga (140 PHP; see Guide D).

Guide B: From Cubao, Quezon City to Clark International Airport

• Get to EDSA-Cubao via MRT, LRT, or bus.
• Walk or get off at one of the bus terminals in the area, such as Victory Liner, Dagupan Bus Lines, and Five Star.
• Take a Dagupan bus to Dau in Mabalacat, Pampanga (130 PHP; see Guide D).

Guide C: From North Avenue, Quezon City to Clark International Airport

• Get to EDSA-North Avenue via MRT, jeepney, or bus.
• Go inside TriNoma, or use the footbridge from the MRT station.
• Go downstairs to the provincial bus stop outside the mall building.
• Take a Dagupan or Baguio bus from bus companies, such as Victory Liner, Dagupan Bus Lines, and Five Star, to Dau in Mabalacat, Pampanga (130 PHP; see Guide D).

Guide D: From Dau Bus Terminal, Mabalacat, Pampanga to Clark International Airport

• Get outside the bus terminal and walk towards the nearby intersection, with KFC as the landmark.
• Cross the road to take a jeepney to Clark Main Gate, and get off at Bayanihan Terminal near SM City Clark (8 PHP).
• From there, take a ROUTE 1 jeepney going inside the Clark Special Economic Zone, and ask the driver to drop you off at "terminal" (12 PHP).
• You will be dropped off outside the gate of the airport, and you can walk from there to the terminal building.

Guide E: From Clark International Airport to Metro Manila

• Jeepneys do not pass by the airport, so it is better to take an air-conditioned jeepney shuttle service to Clark Main Gate (50 PHP).
• From there, you can take a jeepney to Dau Bus Terminal (8 PHP) or directly to Dau (100 PHP).
• At Dau Bus Terminal, you can take a bus to downtown Manila, Pasay, or Cubao (125-140 PHP).

Additional Information:

• Budget per way ranges from less than 150 PHP to less than 200 PHP.
• Total travel time to Clark International Airport is approximately two to three hours.
• Expect heavy traffic on all Metro Manila roads.
• Due to the number of transfers, commuting with light luggage is recommended.
• Clark International Airport has a small terminal. For domestic flights, you may arrive as late as one hour before your flight, as the boarding gate is near the check-in counters. For international flights, arrive one and a half to two hours early to allow time for travel tax payment and immigration clearance.
• For domestic flights, counters open two hours before the flight, while for international flights, they open three hours before. All counters usually close 45 minutes before the flight.
• The airport opens three hours before the first departing flight of the day.

Shuttle and bus services

Clark Loop Bus

The Clark Loop Bus is the cheapest option, with fares ranging from 15 PHP to 50 PHP. The bus begins its route at SM City Clark and covers all the key locations within Clark, including Philexcel, Bertaphil, Parade Grounds, CDC Corporate Office, Dinosaur Island, and various Clark hotels, before reaching its final stop at Clark International Airport. This bus service also allows tourists to explore the different attractions within Clark. Clark Loop promotes a cashless experience through the use of Beep Cards, which can be purchased at on-site kiosks.

Point-to-Point (P2P) Bus Services

Point-to-point bus services are also available, with two companies operating at Clark International Airport: Genesis Transport Service Inc. and Victory Liner, Inc. Genesis Transport Service offers trips between Trinoma, NAIA, Baguio, and Clark International Airport, with fares ranging from 300 PHP to 430 PHP. Victory Liner, on the other hand, operates trips between Clark and Olongapo, with a fare of 254 PHP. These bus services provide a comfortable and affordable way to travel to and from the airport, with travel times ranging from 2.5 to 3 hours.

Shuttle Bus Services

There are also shuttle bus services available at Clark International Airport. For example, at NAIA Terminal 3, passengers can take a shuttle bus to EDSA for 20 PHP. Additionally, AirAsia Philippines offers a free shuttle bus service from Clark. These shuttle services provide a convenient and direct way to get to and from the airport.

Dagupan Bus Services

If you're travelling to or from Dagupan, you can take a Dagupan bus to or from Dau in Mabalacat, Pampanga. From there, you can take a jeepney to the Clark Main Gate and then another jeepney to the airport. This option offers a slightly longer but still affordable way to get to Clark International Airport.

Overall, shuttle and bus services provide a range of options for commuters, from economical shared rides to more direct and comfortable trips. These services cater to different budgets and preferences, ensuring a hassle-free travel experience to and from Clark International Airport.

Rental cars and taxis

If you're commuting to Clark International Airport, you have several options for rental cars and taxis. Here's a detailed guide to help you choose the best option for your needs:

Rental Cars:

Rental cars offer a convenient and fast way to get to and from the airport, especially if you're travelling with family or carrying multiple pieces of luggage. Here are some recommended rental car services:

• Avis Rent-A-Car Philippines: They have an online presence and can be contacted via email or phone.
• Mabuhay Car Rentals: Recommended by the airport management, Mabuhay Car Rentals is a trusted option for travellers.
• Grab: While mostly known as a ride-hailing service, Grab also offers car rental services through their app or website.

Taxis:

If you prefer taking a taxi to the airport, here are some options:

• Blue Taxi: This is an on-demand taxi booking service that currently services Pampanga. You can book online via the GrabTaxi app or find them at the taxi queuing areas across Pampanga. The flagdown rate for Blue Taxi is ₱40, with an additional ₱13.50 per kilometre travelled and ₱2 per minute of running time.
• Regular Metered Taxis: You can find a range of regular metered taxis lined up outside the arrivals exit of the airport at Bay 6 and 7. While this option might be pricier, it offers comfort and convenience, especially if you have heavy luggage.

When choosing a rental car or taxi service, it is important to book with reputable companies to ensure a safe and pleasant journey. Always confirm the rates and availability before finalising your reservation.

Driving to Clark Airport

Driving to Clark International Airport (CRK) is a straightforward process. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate your way to the airport by car.

Driving Directions to CRK:

When driving to Clark International Airport, you can use the NLEX-SCTEX route or pass through the Clark Freeport Zone. Here are the detailed instructions for each route:

Via NLEX-SCTEX:

• From NLEX, continue driving until you reach the SCTEX Exit.
• Continue north and take the CLARK NORTH exit.
• Turn left at the first rotunda onto CRK Airport Road, which leads directly to the airport.

Via Clark Freeport Zone:

• If you're already inside the Clark Freeport Zone, take Gil Puyat Avenue towards the Mabalacat Gate.
• Turn right at the rotunda onto CRK Airport Road, which will take you directly to the airport.

Parking at CRK:

Clark International Airport offers convenient parking options for travellers opting to drive to the airport. The parking rates are as follows:

• Regular Parking: PHP 50.00
• Overnight Parking: PHP 250.00
• Lost Ticket: PHP 450.00 plus the actual parking fee

Additionally, the airport provides an "Overnight Parking (Park n Fly)" option for PHP 450.00 plus the actual parking fee.

Contact Information:

For further inquiries or to obtain the most up-to-date information about driving directions and parking rates, you can contact Clark International Airport using the following details:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +63 (45) 598-3120
• Address: Clark International Airport, N6900 Clark Airport Road, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, Region III, Philippines 2023

Transport services for late arrivals/early departures

If you're commuting to Clark International Airport outside of regular hours, your best option is to book a rental car or taxi. This is a convenient choice if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling with family, especially children and elderly passengers.

Rental cars and taxis are also a good option if you're arriving or departing from Clark Airport late at night or early in the morning when point-to-point (P2P) bus services are not operating.

• Grab
• Avis Rent-A-Car Philippines
• Mabuhay Car Rentals

If you're travelling within Pampanga, you can use Blue Taxi, an on-demand taxi booking service. The flag-down rate is PHP 40, with an additional PHP 13.50 per kilometre travelled, and PHP 2 per minute of running time.

You can also drive your own vehicle to Clark Airport and make use of the airport's parking facilities. The parking rate is PHP 250 per night.

• Take the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) northbound until you reach the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) exit.
• Keep driving north and take the Clark North exit.
• Turn left at the first rotunda to Clark Airport Road.

If you're coming from inside the Clark Freeport Zone:

• Take Gil Puyat Avenue towards the Mabalacat Gate.
• Turn right at the rotunda to Clark Airport Road.

Frequently asked questions