Getting around the Philippines

Quick answer

• Between island groups: fly. Domestic flights link Manila and Cebu with most tourist islands.
• Short island hops: ferries and fast craft, but trips are suspended when storm signals go up.
• In cities: Grab is the easiest choice for visitors, including from Manila's airport.
• Manila's trains: MRT-3 and LRT-2 now take contactless bank cards at the gates.
• Local rides: jeepneys and tricycles are cheap and everywhere; carry small notes and coins.

The short answer

The Philippines is an archipelago, so most trips mix flights for the long legs with boats for short crossings and road transport on land. A typical first trip might be Manila to Palawan by air, island hopping by boat, then a flight to Cebu and a ferry across to Bohol.

Distances on the map look small, but journeys take time. Allow half a day for most island-to-island moves, and a full spare day before your international flight home.

Domestic flights

Flying is the fastest way to cover distance. Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and AirAsia Philippines connect Manila and Cebu, the two main hubs, with most tourist islands, including Palawan, Bohol, Siargao, Iloilo and Davao.

• Book early for Holy Week, Christmas and the January festivals, when fares rise sharply.
• Check baggage rules. Budget fares often include only a small cabin bag.
• Check which Manila terminal you use. NAIA has several, and moving between them takes time in traffic.
• Weather matters. Flights to small island airports are cancelled more often in the rainy season.

Ferries and boats

Boats range from large overnight ferries and roll-on, roll-off ships that carry cars, to fast craft on popular short routes and small outrigger bangka boats for island hopping.

The rule that matters most: when PAGASA raises a tropical cyclone wind signal, the Philippine Coast Guard suspends sea trips in the affected areas, sometimes for every vessel regardless of size. Trips restart once the weather and sea improve. PAGASA counts about 20 tropical cyclones a year in the Philippine area, mostly from July to October, so these suspensions are part of travel in the rainy season.

Before you board any boat:

• Use licensed operators with fixed schedules and ticket counters.
• Check there are life jackets for everyone, including children.
• Don’t board a boat that is clearly overloaded, whatever the crew says.

Grab, taxis and airport transfers

Grab is the easiest way for visitors to get around Metro Manila and other big cities. You see the price before you book, the trip is tracked, and you can pay by card in the app or in cash. At NAIA, Grab has dedicated pickup areas and a 24-hour concierge at Terminal 3 for anyone who needs help booking.

If you take a taxi from the airport, use the official taxi lanes and counters. Ignore anyone offering a ride at the arrivals door, and if a metered taxi refuses to use the meter, get out and choose another.

Trains in Manila

Metro Manila has three rail lines that are useful for visitors: LRT-1, LRT-2 and MRT-3. They beat the traffic, though they get very crowded at rush hour.

• MRT-3 gates accept contactless debit and credit cards, phones and QR payments, as well as the stored-value Beep card and single-journey tickets. This started in July 2025.
• LRT-2 added contactless payments with Visa and Mastercard cards in July 2026.
• LRT-1 is next, with the government aiming to finish it in 2026. Until then, buy a Beep card or a single-journey ticket at the station.

If you tap a card issued abroad, your bank may add a foreign transaction fee.

Jeepneys, tricycles and buses

• Jeepneys run fixed routes in cities and towns. Fares are low and paid in cash; pass your coins forward and say where you are getting off. Routes are not always easy to read, so ask a local or your hotel.
• Tricycles, motorbikes with a sidecar, cover short local trips, especially on islands and in small towns. Agree the fare before you set off.
• Buses and vans link towns on the bigger islands, for example Manila to Baguio or Puerto Princesa to El Nido. Book long-distance buses ahead in peak season.

Carry small notes and coins for all of these. Drivers often can’t change large notes.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to travel between islands in the Philippines?

Fly for longer distances, for example Manila to Palawan, Cebu or Siargao. Use ferries for shorter crossings, such as Cebu to Bohol. Build in a spare day in the rainy season, because sea trips are suspended when PAGASA raises a storm signal.

Does Grab work in the Philippines?

Yes. Grab operates in Metro Manila and other big cities, and has a dedicated presence at Manila's NAIA airport. Install the app before you land and pay by card in the app or in cash.

Can I use my credit card on Manila's trains?

On MRT-3 and LRT-2, yes: the gates accept contactless Visa and Mastercard cards, phones and QR payments. The government has said LRT-1 is next. Check with your bank about foreign transaction fees.

Are ferries cancelled during typhoons?

Yes. The Philippine Coast Guard suspends sea travel in areas under a tropical cyclone wind signal, sometimes for all vessels regardless of size. Trips resume once the weather and sea improve.

Is it safe to take a taxi from Manila airport?

Use the official airport taxi lanes or a ride-hailing app, and ignore anyone offering a ride outside the arrivals door. Make sure a metered taxi uses the meter.

Should I rent a car?

For Metro Manila, no: traffic is heavy and parking is hard. On quieter islands, a car with a driver or a self-drive rental can work well if you are confident on busy, mixed roads.