How to Get Around Manila

Traffic is the defining problem. Metro Manila has some of the worst congestion in the world, and journey times bear almost no relation to distance. Plan two or three things in one district rather than crossing the city.

Ride-hailing apps are the practical choice for visitors: fixed fares, air conditioning, and no negotiation. Grab is the main one.

Rail: the LRT and MRT lines are cheap and bypass the traffic, though crowded and limited in coverage. A subway is under construction.

Jeepneys are cheap, everywhere and genuinely local, but routes are unmarked and understanding them takes practice. Pass your fare forward along the bench.

Walking works inside Intramuros, Rizal Park and Bonifacio Global City, and poorly elsewhere — pavements are intermittent.

Allow enormous margins for airport transfers.