Roberta Aguirre
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Manila, Philippines, is a busy hub with four terminals. Travellers can expect long lines, a range of shops and restaurants (mostly cash-only), free Wi-Fi (although reportedly unreliable), and lounges with showers. The airport has essential facilities, including lounges, currency exchange, and duty-free shops. Terminal 3 has the most amenities. Transfers between terminals require shuttle buses, taxis, or ride-hailing apps, and passengers should allow ample time for connections. The airport also offers baggage trolleys and porter services. Travellers should be cautious about their luggage at all times, as thefts have been reported. Additionally, there are airport taxes and fees to be aware of when departing the Philippines.
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What You'll Learn
Long lines and waiting times
Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) is one of two airports serving the Metro Manila area and is the main international gateway to the Philippines. It is a large and busy airport with four terminals that are not interconnected. This means that transfers between terminals can be time-consuming and require the use of shuttle buses, taxis, or ride-hailing apps. It is recommended that passengers allow ample time, typically 3-4 hours, for connecting flights, especially when transferring between terminals.
Additionally, passengers should be aware of potential delays caused by traffic jams when travelling between terminals or to and from the airport. The traffic in the area surrounding the airport can be heavy, and it is advised not to venture too far if you have a flight to catch. The journey from Terminal 3 to Terminal 4, for example, can take up to 40 minutes due to traffic.
To avoid long lines and waiting times, it is recommended to book Manila airport transfers in advance, ensuring a dedicated vehicle awaits your arrival. This can provide a more comfortable and stress-free experience.
Furthermore, passengers should be cautious of their belongings at all times, as there have been reports of theft and baggage snatching at the airport. It is advised to keep a close eye on your luggage and to be aware of your surroundings.
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Transport between terminals
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila, Philippines, is one of the two international airports serving the Metro Manila area. It is the country's largest airport and consists of four terminals.
There are no walkways between the four NAIA terminals. To get from one terminal to another, you can take a shuttle bus, taxi, or ride-hailing app such as Grab. A free shuttle bus connects the four terminals and is scheduled to run every 15 minutes. However, travellers report that the shuttle bus is often unreliable, forcing them to take a taxi at an inflated price.
If you are transferring between NAIA and Clark International Airport in Angeles City, Pampanga Province, you can take the Metro Manila P2P bus. This is a scheduled bus service that takes passengers through fixed routes. The average travel time ranges between three to four hours, and buses arrive every one to two hours from 2:00 am to 10:30 am for the NAIA-Clark route, while the Clark-NAIA route runs from 1:30 am to 11:00 pm.
For private transport, you can use car-hailing apps like Grab. Booking Manila airport transfers in advance is an excellent choice for a stress-free experience. With pre-booked transfers, you’ll have a dedicated vehicle waiting for you upon arrival, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey.
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Airport facilities and amenities
Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) is the largest airport in the Philippines. It has four terminals, which are not connected, so it's important to check which terminal you need in advance. Transfers between terminals require shuttle buses, taxis, or ride-hailing apps, and passengers should allow plenty of time for connections.
The airport offers essential facilities, including lounges, restaurants, currency exchange, free (although reportedly unreliable) Wi-Fi, and duty-free shops. Terminal 3 has the most extensive amenities, including the Wings Transit Lounge, which offers reclining chairs, sleep capsules, and private rooms. Terminals 2 and 3 also have 24-hour food options, although many are cash only, requiring you to find an ATM inside the airport.
Baggage trolleys are available for free, and porters can be hired to assist with luggage for PHP50.00 per bag. However, reviewers have mentioned extortionate porter rates, so it's best to have the correct money ready and not expect any change.
Transport options from the airport to Manila include taxis, Grab, buses, and private transfers, which can be pre-booked. The Light Rail Transit System (LRT) is also a safe way to get to Manila from the airport.
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Baggage and security
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Manila, Philippines, is a busy airport with four terminals. While the airport has improved over the years, travellers can still expect long lines and less-than-ideal seating arrangements.
Baggage trolleys are available for free throughout the airport, and porters are also on hand to assist with luggage for a fee of PHP50.00 per bag, paid at the porterage counter. Porters are not allowed inside the baggage claim area, and tipping is not allowed.
There have been reports of theft at the airport, so it is important to keep a close eye on your luggage at all times. This includes keeping an eye on your bags while going through security, as some travellers have reported items being removed by security personnel.
When departing the Philippines, there are two fees that Filipino nationals must pay: an airport tax of 750 pesos for international flights, and an additional exit fee of 1650 pesos. These fees can be paid at the airport terminal fee booth, and change will be provided if you have smaller denominations or US dollars.
Getting Around
There are no walkways between terminals, so travellers must use shuttle buses, taxis, or ride-hailing apps to get from one terminal to another. A free shuttle bus is available and scheduled to run every 15 minutes, but it is not always punctual. Taxis are also readily available but are prone to getting caught in traffic jams, so be sure to allow for extra travel time.
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Nearby attractions and accommodation
Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) is located about 7 km (3.4 miles) south of Manila. The airport is named after Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., who was assassinated at the airport in 1983. Manila is the capital of the Philippines and has a rich history and cultural landmarks, making it an essential destination for visitors exploring the country.
Key attractions in Manila include Intramuros, a walled city built by the Spanish in the 16th century that served as the administrative and religious centre during colonial times; Manila Cathedral; San Agustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Rizal Park; Manila Ocean Park; and the National Museum Complex.
The city is also a major economic hub, with a bustling port and a vibrant metropolis that has rebuilt itself after significant events such as British occupation, American colonisation, and destruction during World War II.
For travellers with long layovers at the airport, there are several nearby attractions and accommodations worth considering. The Newport Mall is accessible via a bridge called Runaway Manila, located on the fourth floor of Terminal 3. The area has restaurants, stores, and hotels, and there is a place to leave your luggage for free. However, malls in the area typically open at 10 am, so it may not be worth visiting if your layover is very early in the morning.
There are also several hotels located across Terminal 3, including the Manila Marriott Hotel, Holiday Inn Express Manila Newport City, Maxims Hotel, and Sheraton Manila Airport, which offer free airport shuttle services. Additionally, the Wings Transit Lounge (T3) provides reclining chairs, sleep capsules, and private rooms for those seeking a comfortable place to rest during their layover.
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Frequently asked questions
The Manila airport is called Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL).
The Ninoy Aquino International Airport has four terminals: Terminal 1 (T1), Terminal 2 (T2), Terminal 3 (T3), and Terminal 4 (T4).
Transfers between terminals require shuttle buses, taxis, or ride-hailing apps. A free shuttle bus connects the terminals, but it is not always punctual, so a cab is a more reliable option.
The airport has essential facilities, including lounges, restaurants, currency exchange, free (but unreliable) Wi-Fi, and duty-free shops. Terminal 3 has the most extensive amenities. There are baggage trolleys available for free, but porter services are also available for PHP50.00 per bag.
There are two fees Filipino nationals have to pay to exit the Philippines: an airport tax of 750 pesos for international flights, and an additional exit fee of 1650 pesos. However, you may be exempt from the exit fee if you are an overseas worker, and there is no fee if you carry a US passport.
