Manila Airport Taxi Guide: Types, Fares, and How to Avoid Scams
Welcome to Manila! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide valuable information on Manila Airport (NAIA) taxis, including types, fares, scams, and alternative transportation options.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a frequent traveler, arming yourself with this knowledge will ensure a safe and hassle-free journey from the bustling airport to your destination.
Let’s explore the different taxi options, fares, scams to watch out for, tips to avoid them, and alternative transportation choices at Manila Airport.
Table of Contents
Type of Taxis in Manila
When it comes to taxi services from the airport to your hotel or next destination, passengers arriving in Manila have three main choices:
- Yellow Taxi
- Regular (White) Taxi
- Coupon Taxi
- Grab Taxi
Yellow Taxi, Regular White Taxi and Grab Taxi cabs are both metered. Coupon Taxi cabs, on the other hand, work by charging a specific fare to the distance of your destination.
Let’s discuss the different types of taxis you can catch once you exit one of the Manila airport terminals.
Coupon Taxi
A Coupon taxi is a private-hire taxi service that has fixed rates depending on your stopping place. This taxi service is more expensive but the wait time is usually less. It’s a fixed price taxi service you pay in advance.
To take a Coupon Taxi, just head to any of the dispatch stations located at the airport terminals. They’re positioned in key areas, across the arrival hall exits, otherwise known as arrivals area curbside.
Where to catch a Coupon Taxi at Manila Airport:
- Terminal 1: Arrival Curbside & Arrival Extension
- Terminal 2: Arrival Curbside near Bay 11
- Terminal 3: Departure Curbside across Bay 6
- Terminal 4: Arrival Curbside
There’s a huge sign of COUPON TAXI emblazoned on their kiosk or desk. Likewise, they have several barkers with “flat rate cards” and other marketing paraphernalia.
Once there, ask assistance from the staff and state where you’re going. They will, then, give you a coupon marked with the price you have to pay to get to your destination.
Keep this coupon throughout the ride and don’t give it to the driver until your trip ends.
This is a good option if you’re traveling in a group or carrying heavy baggage. As a matter of fact, you may request a larger taxi, which can carry around 8 passengers, without any additional charges.
Airport Taxi (Yellow colored)
On average, these metered taxis are more expensive compared to the regular taxis working the routes of Metro Manila. They are, however, in better condition, more reliable and typically more comfortable than the regular white taxis. This is because they are regulated by a government body called the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA).
The flag down rate is PHP 75 (about PHP 30 more than regular taxis and with the first 500 meters included) and it adds PHP 4.00 for every 300 meters you run.
While not cheap, yellow metered taxis are dependable in getting you from Point A, in this case the airport, to Point B, your home or any other destination. Expect to pay around P200 to P300 for a short trip to Makati City, depending on traffic, to get from the airport to the nearest area where more affordable modes of transportation are available.
To ride a yellow metered taxi from whichever NAIA terminal you’ve arrived at, simply head out of the airport arrivals exit and make your way to the yellow metered taxi queue located outside. All Manila airport terminals from one to four, have their own queues.
Where to catch a Yellow taxi at Manila Airport:
- Terminal 1: Arrival Curbside & Arrival Extension
- Terminal 2: Arrival Curbside Bay 14
- Terminal 3: Arrival Curbside across Bay 8
- Terminal 4: Arrival Curbside
The taxi lines will usually have an Airport Officer who gives you a Airport Metered Taxi Service Dispatch Slip with all the taxi (assigned to you) information for you to keep. Do not give this to your driver. This provides you with the contact details for any complaints. Once in your cab, make sure the meter is on.
Regular Taxi (White colored)
While Yellow Airport Taxis and Coupon Taxis were the only authorized options for taxi service within the Manila Airport premises, it’s worth noting that White taxis are now also permitted within the airport area. This recent change provides travelers with an additional choice for their transportation needs.
White taxis are available within the airport, offering a convenient option for those arriving or departing. These taxis operate with regulated fare rates depending on your destination, featuring a flag-down rate of PHP 45 (as at July 2024). For every succeeding kilometer traveled, an additional PHP 13.50 is charged (PHP 15.00 for Sedan-type TNVS and PHP 18.00 for AUV/SUV-type TNVS). Moreover, there is a charge of PHP 2 for every minute of travel time.
While these taxis are generally considered more affordable, it’s important to consider that they might be relatively older and less comfortable than other airport taxi options.
Where to catch a White taxi at Manila Airport:
- Terminal 1: Arrival Curbside
- Terminal 2: Arrival Curbside Bay 23
- Terminal 3: Departure Curbside across Bay 13
- Terminal 4: Departure Curbside
Grab Taxi
For a modern and convenient taxi option at Manila Airport, consider booking a Grab Taxi through the Grab mobile app. Grab Taxi drivers are known to follow proper metered fare practices, ensuring transparency in your fare calculation.
Once inside the Grab Taxi, the driver will activate the meter, and you’ll only be required to pay the metered fare based on the guidelines set by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
Additionally, there may be a nominal booking fee that varies based on the city. With Grab Taxi, you can enjoy the ease of app-based booking and a trustworthy metered fare system for your journey from Manila Airport to your destination.
Where to catch a grab taxi at Manila Airport:
- Terminal 1: Arrival Curbside
- Terminal 2: Arrival Curbside Bay 20
- Terminal 3: Departure Curbside across Gate 7
- Terminal 4: Departure Curbside
Manila Airport Taxi Companies
If you’re looking for alternative private taxi options from Manila Airport, there are several companies you can contact.
These companies are available 24/7 and offer competitive rates for their services.
- Enterprise Car Lease Philippines, Inc. (ECLPI) formerly Nissan Car LEase Philippines, Inc. (NCLPI): +63 2 8871 4063, +63 917 8245599, +63 917 8195406
- Tai Taxi: +63 2 8881 3546
- Ran-Gen Transport: +63 2 8251 5683
- MGE Taxi: +63 2 8363 6096
- Basic Taxi: +63 2 8352 777
- World Transport Taxi: +63 977 627 7535, +63 2 8371 3431
- 24/7 Taxi: +63 2 8641 8206
For taxi-related complaints, write down the license plate and franchise number and report the incident to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) at +63 8426-2515 or by email at complaint.ltfb.gov.ph@gmail.com. Also refer to your Regular Taxi Security Slip.
Taxi Fares to/from Manila Airport (MNL)
From the NAIA Manila Airport, the estimated fare to transfer to the downtown area, via a metered taxi, is about PHP 380 to 450.
As for the Manila airport coupon taxi, here are their usual fixed rates for Metro Manila Areas:
- Caloocan areas: PHP 740 to 990
- Las Pinas áreas: PHP 330 to 610
- Makati areas: PHP 330 to 440
- Malabon areas: PHP 740 to 850
- Mandaluyong areas: PHP 530 to 610
- Manila City areas: PHP 440 to 670
- Marikina areas: PHP 670 to 850
- Muntinlupa areas: PHP 440 to 740
- Navotas areas: PHP 740 to 850
- Paranaque areas: PHP 150 to 440
- Pasay areas: PHP 150 to 440
- Pasig areas: PHP 530 to 740
- Pateros: PHP 440
- Quezon city areas: PHP 610 to 900
- San Juan: PHP 610
- Taguig areas: PHP 330 to 530
- Valenzuela/Marikina/Malanday/Longos areas: PHP 790 to 940
If you are looking to travel outside the metro Manila area, a coupon taxi can take you there too. Provincial rates are available at the counter, just ask the person at the booth.
Taxi scams at Manila Airports
In general, many Filipino drivers are happy to extend a helping hand to travelers to the country and frequently go the extra mile (not literally).
However, there is an alarming fact that taxi drivers “turbo” (over) charge passengers alighting from the airport. Most cases tend to be true with dishonest drivers simply wishing to make a quick buck while others, we give the benefit of a doubt.
Take caution when getting in any cab. Even Yellow “metered” Airport taxis are not guaranteed to be scam free.
Here are a few common scams to be aware of when catching a taxi from or to the airport.
1. Fake Taxi Scam
Be cautious when taking a taxi (not only from Manila airport but anywhere in the Philippines) that does not have official markings and a working meter, as these taxis may be operated by scammers.
2. Broken Down Taxi Scam
You’ve checked that it’s a registered taxi with a working meter and you are on your way to your destination.
Unfortunately, your cab gets a flat tire and another one immediately pulls up as you get off, seemingly “to rescue” you but in fact presents you with an overcharged rate card because you may have no other choice.
3. Fixed Rate Taxi Scam
Some taxi drivers at Manila Airport will try to convince passengers that there is a “fixed rate” for their journey, which is often much higher than the actual fare.
The taxi driver may try to convince you that this is because traffic is too busy, or the destination is too far from the airport. To avoid this scam, insist on using the taxi’s meter and ask for a receipt.
Similar to this, if you see a per person charge rate card inside the taxi, run away. Don’t think, just RUN!
4. Fake Manila Airport Official Scam
Never entertain anyone who offers taxi or private car service while you’re walking around or exiting the building, even if they say they are NAIA or DOT (The Philippines’ Department of Tourism) accredited or PAL (Philippine Airlines) official taxi company. For the most part, these are con artists who’ll charge you higher cab rates than normal.
5. Baggage Handling Scam
Some taxi drivers will offer to help you with your baggage and then demand an additional fee for this service. Be sure to negotiate the price before agreeing to any help with your bags.
6. Route scam
Some taxi drivers may take a longer route or drive in circles to inflate the fare. To avoid this, use a GPS or a map app to track your journey and ensure the driver is taking the most direct route.
Speak to the driver before you depart, showing him your map app and discuss the quickest way to your destination, the driver will then know you are tracking the journey.
8 Tips to Avoiding a Taxi Scam at Manila Airport
Navigating transportation at any airport can be daunting, especially in a foreign country.
Unfortunately, taxi scams are common at Manila Airport, leaving many travelers feeling frustrated and taken advantage of.
With a few simple tips, however, you can reduce your chances of falling victim to a scam. In this section, we share our top tips for avoiding taxi scams at Manila Airport.
By following these tips, hopefully you can enjoy a stress-free journey to your destination and avoid any unwanted surprises.
- Top Tip: Take a coupon taxi. As a prepaid service, you will not need to worry if the meter is working and generally you can leave the airport quicker as the queues are shorter.
- Do not engage with anyone (even if they ‘appear’ official) who offers taxi or private car services outside of the official Yellow Metered and Regular (White) Metered Airport taxi queue line or Coupon taxi stands.
- Always use a registered and licensed taxi whilst travelling in the Philippines, which will have a working meter, signage, and an official identification card displayed in the vehicle. Check that the photo on the identification card matches the driver’s face. If anything seems suspicious, kindly decline and find another taxi.
- Know your trips appropriate fare. Reviewing our taxi fare estimates above and researching on your own by asking the hotel or someone at your destination. Writing down your hotel or destination’s address on a piece of paper and carrying small bills.
- If your taxi breaks down, do not accept rides from any other taxi drivers who approach you. Instead, use a ride-sharing app or reputable taxi service to ensure a fair rate. Be sure to have a local sim card and phone numbers to contact these services. Make sure you hold on to your bags, if you are waiting on the street for another service, theft is unfortunately common, especially if you are a tourist who looks lost.
- Negotiate the price for baggage handling before agreeing to any help with your bags. Be wary of any taxi driver who demands additional fees for this service.
- Use a GPS or map app to track your journey and ensure the driver is taking the most direct route. Speak with the driver before departing and show them your map app to indicate that you are tracking the journey and expect a fair rate.
- Always check if the meter is on. If you can’t see the cab’s meter or your driver suddenly hides his meter, then call him out that you got on a metered taxi and ask him to show and then turn on his meter. Take photos and videos of his name, plate number, and LTFRB number if you like and report to the proper authorities (the Taxi information given to you). Remember, licensed taxis do not charge per person.
- Hold on to your dispatch slip: When catching a coupon, yellow or white taxi you will receive a dispatch slip before entering the vehicle. Be sure to hold on to this and do not give it to the driver. This slip contains important information regarding the taxi details. If you have a complaint or any concerns you can contact the number of this slip.
Alternative Places to Catch at Taxi at Terminal 3
If you’re in a hurry and the line for a yellow airport taxi is too long, here are some tips to help you catch a yellow or white taxi quickly at NAIA Terminal 3.
Tip #1
Go To the Departure Level: In NAIA Terminal 3, taking a white metered taxi is an alternative option if the line for the yellow metered taxi is too long. Travelers can go up to the departure level.
In the arrival area, taxis can be seen either waiting or passing by, having just dropped off passengers. Taxis are not permitted to enter the area unless they have a passenger.
To get to the departure level at Terminal 3, take the escalator (or elevator) in the far north end of the arrival area exit to the upper street level via the exit in the far south end. Be sure to note that once you exit the airport, you will not be allowed back in without a onward ticket or boarding pass.
If you follow this tip be aware that as you are not catching a taxi from the official airport taxi line, you will not receive a airport taxi dispatch slip.
Tip #2
If arriving in NAIA Terminal 3 and you find yourself not wanting to queue in the Yellow metered or regular metered taxi lanes.
Cross Runway Manila (connecting bridge between NAIA terminal 3 and nearby Resorts World Manila complex) to Newport City and hail a white metered cab there.
There’s a connecting bridge outside of the terminal that takes you directly to the complex. I’d recommend this if you’re packing light or don’t mind the walk.
Before taking a taxi from the street, please be sure to read our section on avoiding taxi scams to ensure a safe and hassle-free ride. It’s also worth noting that you will NOT receive an airport taxi dispatch slip which may put you at higher risk of scams.
5 Alternative Options to Catching a Taxi from Manila Airport (MNL)
If you’re looking to avoid the taxi queue and possible scams at Manila Airport (MNL) and explore other transportation options, we’ve got you covered.
From hotel shuttles to private transfers and public transportation, there are several alternative ways to get to your destination. In this section, we’ll explore five options to consider for a stress-free journey from the airport.
1. Hotel Shuttle
Most hotels and accommodation providers can arrange to pick you up from your arriving airport terminal. We have personally found this makes the journey less stressful and quicker than waiting in the taxi queue.
When we were staying at the Microtel Wyndham Mall of Asia they directed us to the Airport Transportation counter – Avis where they facilitated our transfer to the hotel. Another time we stayed at the Savoy Hotel and we were directed to the Resorts World Manila Kiosk where they organized our shuttle.
Some hotels however, may require you to make your way to the arrivals pick up area and tell you what car model and registration plate to look out for. Have your phone available and be sure to ask for the drivers number before you arrive so you can communicate directly. Best to contact your hotel directly in the days prior to your arrival to organize your transfer.
2. Ride Sharing Service - Grab
Great news the Manila Airport Authority now allows a dedicated fleet of Grab vehicles to service passengers through their “Airport to Anywhere” program! Click here for more information.
Note that Grabs dynamic pricing model means that the price you pay may vary depending on the time of day or how busy it is. Grab discloses their prices upfront and stays fixed, even if it take longer than expected to reach your destination.
3. Private Transfer
There are a number of private transfer services available in Manila, if your hotel does not provide a pickup service, they may be able to give you the phone number of a private transfer service to pick you up in style and comfort for a stress free trip.
4. Public Transportation
Manila airport is accessible via Buses, Jeepneys and there is a train station near the airport.
However, unless you are a local with no luggage, we do not recommend this option. Public transport can be crowded and the chances of you losing your luggage from theft are high.
5. Car Rental
If you prefer to drive yourself, there are car rental services available at the airport.
However, it’s important to note that traffic in Manila can be heavy and chaotic, so be prepared for challenging driving conditions. We do not recommend unless you are familiar with driving in Manila.
It’s always a good idea to research your transportation options before arriving at the airport to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
Taxis at Manila Airport - Frequently Asked Questions
Can I catch a taxi to transit between terminals?
Yes, you can catch a taxi to transfer between terminals at Manila Airport, but we recommend allowing plenty of time to ensure a smooth transition. We advise allowing extra time in case of flight delays or baggage delays.
Please note that the taxi queue can be quite long, especially during peak travel times, and may take up to 2 hours. Heavy traffic can also cause additional delays during the transfer to the next terminal, which may take an additional hour or more.
To avoid missing your connecting flight, we recommend allowing at least 4 hours plus the recommended time your airline suggests for getting through the next terminal.
Why is my taxi driver charging me more to take the Skyway?
The Skyway is a toll road that requires a fee to be paid to use it.
While the toll may increase the cost of your taxi ride, the Skyway generally has less traffic and can get you to your destination more quickly than other routes.
Your taxi driver is passing on the toll fee to you as a separate charge, so be sure to ask about any additional fees before beginning your trip.
Travel time from Manila Airport to Manila Downtown area?
Depending on the traffic, the travel time from NAIA to Manila downtown area can be anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours.
What is the wait time for a Yellow Airport Taxi at Manila Airport?
Once you exit the airport and head to the yellow taxi line (outside the terminal), you may likely find it to be extremely long queue because it’s the only taxi service provider permitted to enter the arrival area. We have had friends wait up to 2 hours for a taxi so be sure to be prepared in case it is busy.
Final Thoughts: Navigating Manila Airport with Confidence
In conclusion, navigating Manila Airport and finding reliable transportation can be a daunting task. However, armed with the knowledge of the different Manila Airport taxi options, their fares, and the common scams to avoid, you can ensure a safe and hassle-free journey to your destination.
Whether you choose the convenience of Yellow Airport Taxis or the fixed rates of Coupon Taxis, remember to be vigilant and follow the tips provided to steer clear of scams.
Additionally, exploring alternative transportation options such as hotel shuttles, ride-sharing services like Grab or private transfers can offer you more choices for reaching your destination. Share your experiences and tips in the comments below to help fellow travelers navigate Manila Airport with ease.
Safe travels!”
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Hi! I’m Roselle, an editor at Hello Manila Airport.
I love exploring the Philippines and sharing travel tips.
Check out our guides to NAIA Manila Airport for all your airport-related needs.
Plan ahead and have a relaxed trip with our online booking services.
Safe travels and enjoy the Philippines!
Roselle
Thanks for your information, I was ripped off today by a “taxi” driver who said his service is metered. Wish to have checked this before travel to Manila. Lesson learnt and hope more people will read your article.