How to Get In and Out of Manila’s NAIA Terminal 3 On Tight Budget? (Updated)

Ninoy Aquino's Bust at NAIA Terminal 3

In observance of Ninoy Aquino’s martyrdom, HabagatCentral.com will take you on how to get in and out of the country’s premiere airport, Manila International Airport or better known as Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Starting first with the newest (and the most controversial) of the three major terminals…NAIA Terminal 3. – and its updated too!

Check In Counters of NAIA Terminal 3

Getting here is already a tedious task. Lucky for you if you have the budget of paying the yellow airport cabs or metered taxi cabs or even the luxury of airport shuttle or your own private car or taga-hatid-sundo in Filipino.

Cebu Pacific Air at NAIA Terminal 3. One of the three airlines serving NAIA T-3

Well given that as of now NAIA Terminal-3, the newest terminal in Ninoy Aquino International Airport of Manila, Philippines, is the hub of the giant low cost carrier Cebu Pacific and the Philippine Airlines’ subsidiaries such as PAL Express and Air Philippines, most cash-strapped passengers go here to embark or disembark on their respective flights. So how do you make it more budget friendly for these budget travelers who in turn will have to pay two hundred pesos (PhP200.00) for the terminal fee for domestic flights alone?

Fear no more, because here are some ways you can manage to go to NAIA Terminal three without being robbed in broad daylight.

I. Nichols Jeepney and vice versa

Although this would be the cheapest there is but its also the most inconvenient. Going to the terminal via jeepney is quite a hassle, especially for those carrying bulky baggage…and this is not theft-proof too.

But for those who are willing to do it, just take a jeepney ride at Pasay Rotunda near the bus station of Genesis and Erjohn…that would be within the compounds of Hotel Sogo of Pasay Rotunda. You wouldn’t miss it as barkers scream the heck out calling passengers bound for “Nichols.” Its only PhP7.oo (as of today of course) from Pasay Rotunda to NAIA Terminal 3. And mind you, you’ll disembark several meters away from the airport…just bring an umbrella if you feel it will rain or is raining.

Of course, you have to be vigilant of course.

II. NAIA 3 – Baclaran – Pasay Rotunda Shuttle Bus Loop

Good news for backpackers, cash-strapped passengers and commuters!

After long time of waiting, the NAIA Loop shuttle bus has a new terminal for commuters bound for Manila’s NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) Terminal 3. It is located at Pasay Rotunda at Pasay City.

No more jeepney rides to the terminal. Just go to Giselle’s Bus terminal, that is besides the McDonald’s and Chowking at Pasay Rotunda besides the north bound lanes of EDSA. It’s just a few meters away from the MRT & the LRT stations.

Trips going to NAIA Terminal 3 cost only P20.00.

Usually, the commuters will just wait at the bus stop located right at the very southernmost part of the arrival area platform. There’s a big sign saying “NAIA Three Loop Bus Stop” at one of the gigantic posts.

Its only twenty pesos (PhP20.00) for one way per person and it will get you all the way to Pasay Rotunda on an air-conditioned coaster shuttle.

It’ll pass by first at Baclaran in Paranaque, then to EDSA Extension (or locally called “Heritage” area), then proceed to its final destination inside the Hotel Sogo Bus terminal. Talk about convenience!

Interior of NAIA Loop Bus/Coaster

I hope that the project would be implemented as soon as possible as many commuters see the much convenience of this shuttle buses for employees at the airport and passengers alike.

Here’s the route map of the said NAIA Loop bus (courtesy of Google Maps):

Click here to view larger image of the map.

So, better start packing up your bag and fly, as you would not worry much about your budget anymore. Just go to Pasay Rotunda at Pasay City. Disembark there (if you are riding MRT-3, Taft Avenue Station; LRT-1, EDSA Station) and ride the jeepney.

More pictures here: