From the airport to the city centre Philippines

From Manila airport, there are several options for getting to the city center (between 30 minutes and over an hour, depending on traffic):

Yellow cabs(airport metered cab): cost 70 PHP then 4 PHP every 300 m and go everywhere in Manila.

White cabs: prices are fixed and they operate on a "coupon" system. Prices are indicated for all localities/cities/neighborhoods.

GRAB : on the left, at the end of the arrivals terminal, there's a little green stand where you can order a GRAB, the Asian equivalent of UBER. You can also download the application yourself. It costs around 350 PHP to reach a hotel in Manila (Makati, Ermita, etc.).

If you have a flight connection at Manila airport, be sure to check the terminal. There are several terminals that are quite far apart. Terminal 3 is for international flights, and since 2023, Cebu Pacific has also been operating some of its domestic flights there.

From Mactan airport (Cebu), the Grab ride to Cebu city is about 450 PHP and takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes. When you get off the plane, you're likely to be approached by drivers asking if you're looking for a cab; politely decline and exit the terminal, to take a Grab or an official cab.

For other airports, transport options differ. In Busuanga (Coron) or Siargao, for example, there's a van system (you say which hotel you're going to and they tell you which van to take), so prices are fixed. In secondary towns, tricycles, buses or cabs are always waiting at the exit. Ask for the price before you get in.

Arrival by boat Philippines

Along with air travel, boats are the most popular means of getting from island to island.

It all works the same way. You'll need change to pay the terminal fee (between 10 and 20 PHP), then you'll be assigned a seat number if you've bought a ticket in advance online(seat number), and finally you'll have to check in your luggage for 100-110 PHP(luggage fee). So plan to arrive an hour before the departure of your boat, in time to deal with all these formalities. And a little earlier still if you need to buy your ticket on the spot (especially during peak tourist periods or at weekends).

There are generally three categories of seating on the boats: outside seating on the upper deck(open air) and inside seating(tourist or business class). We prefer outdoor seating (cheaper, no air-conditioning and nice view).

Good to know: unlike planes, we've never experienced delays or cancellations. These are rare and are usually due to weather conditions (so be careful if you're going during the rainy season).

A little local peculiarity: it's likely that you'll panic the first time you have to collect your luggage, as the conditions for storing and disembarking luggage on ferries are pretty rough. But then again, we've never witnessed a problem, so it's more fun than anything else.

Main ferry companies: OceanJet, SuperCat, FastCat, Jomalia..

Online reservations via the company's website or on 12Go and Bookaway, reliable online booking platforms.

Once off the boat, depending on the island or town, you can take a tricycle, cab or Grab to your accommodation. Here too, remember to ask for the price before the journey.

Public transport Philippines

Metro: Manila has a rail network (MRT, Metro Rail Transit) that runs 17 km from north to south and 13 stations from Quezon City to Pasay City. The fare depends on the distance traveled (13 PHP for the first three kilometers + 1 PHP per kilometer). It's not an attractive option for the traveler, and we don't recommend it (too crowded, difficult to find your way around and a feeling of insecurity).

Jeepneys: the most widely used and iconic form of public transport in the Philippines. These are former military jeeps left behind by the Americans after the Second World War, which have been "recycled" into buses. They are not easy to use for novice travellers, as jeepneys do not have precise timetables, routes or stops (although the main route is indicated on the front of the bus). Their price is very attractive (around 10 PHP), you pay directly to the driver as you get into the jeepney, and you announce where you want to get off by shouting and banging on the roof. If in doubt, ask the other passengers - they'll be delighted to help.

Bus: this is another popular means of transport in the Philippines. There are city buses and intercity buses. For the uninitiated traveler, it's easiest to take them from the bus stations in the cities (Manila, Cebu, Legazpi, etc.), where you announce your destination and they'll tell you which bus to take. There are also night buses to and from Manila and Cebu. Schedules are fairly unpredictable (multiple stops, traffic jams), so if you're planning a flight after a bus journey, be prepared. Prices are very competitive. Night buses can be booked in advance online, while others can be paid for directly on the bus. Comfort-wise, there's everything from air-conditioned buses to buses without closed windows. Finally, on some night buses, it can be extremely cold, so don't forget to bring something to cover up with.

Tricycles: used by tourists and locals alike. They're everywhere, in town and on the islands. They're one of the cheapest and most practical forms of transport. Recommended for short to medium distances (less than 1 hour's travel time).

Bike, scooters & co Philippines

Bicycles are becoming increasingly popular in the country, especially in cities such as Cebu. It's an economical and practical way of avoiding traffic jams. Bicycle lanes are springing up here and there, but are often used by cars and trucks for parking. Cycling is discouraged in major cities for safety reasons. However, in Manila's intramural district, it's possible and pleasant to get around by bike (rental company in the center).

With a driver Philippines

This is the means of transport most frequently used by travelers in the Philippines, more so in the cities than on the islands.

Cabs. It is essential to use official cab companies and ask the driver to set the meter(metered) before the journey to avoid unpleasant surprises. Payment is in cash. If the driver refuses to set the meter or announce the fare in advance, don't hesitate to get out of the car or take a photo of the cab's plate and number.

Grab. Downloading the Grab application onto your mobile will be a great help. The service operates mainly in big cities like Manila and Cebu. Like Uber, it lets you book a chauffeur-driven car to take you from point A to point B at any time of the day or night. The advantages are manifold: you specify a precise address, know the cost of the trip in advance and, above all, pay by credit card.

By car Philippines

You can rent a car in the Philippines through agencies such as Avis or Hertz, in the major cities. You must be over 21 and have an international driver's license. Remember to take out insurance. However, this is not a particularly attractive option given the country's island geography, incessant traffic jams in the cities and lack of lighting at dusk.

Scooters. This is one of the most popular means of transport for tourists, especially on the islands (avoid them in the cities). Most hotels and guesthouses offer a rental service, sometimes requiring a license, but not always. This allows you to be self-sufficient at a very attractive price (count 300-500 PHP per rental day).

Safety rules. Roads in the Philippines are generally in good condition, but caution is still advised. Wearing a helmet is compulsory. Road hazards include dogs and chickens appearing out of nowhere, overtaking, rain, sand and gravel on bends, and unlit roads in rural areas at night.

Accessibility Philippines

This is one of the weak points of the country. The sidewalks are almost non-existent and make walking difficult, especially if you have a stroller or a wheelchair. Transportation is not adapted either.

Tourist traps Philippines

There are no major scams to report. It's just that some cab and tricycle drivers may inflate their prices a little. To avoid this, simply ask to start the meter or ask for the fare before the journey. Also, when you leave an airport or port (in Cebu, for example), get past the first drivers who tease you by asking where you're going. These are not always official cabs, and their fares will be much higher, so always go a little further ahead.