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How to Get to Dasmarinas

How to Get to Dasmarinas

Dasmarinas Calabarzon, Philippines Travel Guide

Air Travel to Manila

Airports & Airlines

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila (MNL) is the Philippines' main international gateway. Dasmarinas sits approximately 30-40 kilometers south of NAIA.

Air Travel Information

  • International Carriers: Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, AirAsia Philippines. Global carriers include Emirates, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, etc.
  • Direct Flights: Available from numerous major cities worldwide. Use Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for ways.
  • Seasonal Prices: Higher fares during Christmas, New Year, Holy Week, summer holidays (April-May). Book early for these periods.

NAIA Facilities & Transfers

NAIA comprises four terminals (T1, T2, T3, T4). Each terminal offers various services for travelers.

Airport Services & Getting to Dasmarinas

  • Facilities: Currency exchange, ATMs, duty-free shops, restaurants, lounges, SIM card vendors, free Wi-Fi.
  • Inter-terminal Transfers: Shuttle buses operate between terminals. Allow ample time.
  • Transfers to Dasmarinas: Taxis (Yellow Airport Taxis, Coupon Taxis), Ride-sharing (Grab is reliable), Bus/Van services. Travel time: 1.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic.

Taxi Options

Metered yellow airport taxis or fixed-rate coupon taxis for predictability.

Grab Ride-Sharing

Widely available, generally more reliable and transparent than regular taxis.

Bus & Van Services

Point-to-point buses or private van rentals for group travel.

Land Transportation to Dasmarinas

Bus Services

  • Numerous bus companies operate routes from Metro Manila (PITX, Pasay City terminals) to Dasmarinas.
  • Bus companies: San Agustin, Erjohn & Almark, BSC.
  • Buses often traverse Aguinaldo Highway, making stops in the city.
  • Train connections are not a main or convenient tourist transport to Dasmarinas.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

  • Requirements: Valid national driver's license and International Driving Permit (IDP).
  • Driving can be challenging due to heavy traffic, aggressive drivers, and numerous motorcycles.
  • Roads: Main arteries are generally paved and in good condition. Regional roads vary.
  • Consider DiscoverCars.com for hiring.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

Not directly applicable to Dasmarinas. Manila serves as a major seaport for ferry services to various Philippine keys and cruise ships.

River Transportation

Not applicable for Dasmarinas, as it is an inland city with no significant navigable rivers for public transport.

Connections to Land

From Manila ports, take taxis, ride-sharing services (Grab), or local buses to reach Dasmarinas.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Taxes

Terminal fees for international flights from NAIA are generally included in the airline ticket price.

Fee Information

  • Confirm inclusion with your airline or check your e-ticket for terminal fees.
  • No additional exit fees usually apply upon departure.
  • Most fees are consolidated into the admission for convenience.

Departure Procedures & Timing

Plan your departure to NAIA with ample time as a result of potential traffic conditions.

Departure Checklist

  • Arrival at NAIA: 3-4 hours before international flights; 2-3 hours for domestic.
  • Security: Prepare for baggage and personal screening.
  • Immigration: Present passport, boarding pass, and completed departure card.

Travel Time to NAIA

Allow a minimum of 3 hours for travel from Dasmarinas to NAIA, especially during peak traffic hours.

Traffic Considerations

  • Traffic on Aguinaldo Highway and into Metro Manila can be severe.
  • Factor in potential delays beyond standard travel estimates.
  • Leave Dasmarinas earlier than you think necessary.

Airport Facilities

NAIA offers extensive facilities for departing passengers.

Departure Amenities

  • Waiting lounges.
  • Wide selection of restaurants and cafes.
  • Duty-free shopping.

Departure Day Advisory

  • Reconfirm your flight status and departure terminal the day before you leave.
  • Traffic to NAIA can be unpredictable.
  • Leave Dasmarinas earlier than you think necessary.
  • Allow generous buffer time for transfers.
  • Keep small denominations for costs right away if needed.
  • Avoid last-minute rushes to minimize stress.

Getting Around Dasmarinas

Public Transportation Overview

Dasmariñas relies heavily on public getting around for daily commutes. There's no metro or tram system within the city.

Local Transit Options

  • Jeepneys: Iconic public utility vehicles, backbone of local transport. Fixed routes, cash fares.
  • Tricycles: Motorized motorcycles with sidecars for short distances within neighborhoods. Negotiate fares.
  • Buses/Multicabs: Traverse major roads like Aguinaldo Highway, connecting to other towns and Metro Manila.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

For convenience and sometimes greater comfort, taxis and ride-sharing services offer alternatives to public utility vehicles.

On-Demand Transport

  • Licensed Taxis: Less common for street hailing in Dasmarinas. Find at mall taxi stands. Ensure meter use.
  • Grab (Ride-Sharing): Most dominant and reliable app. Offers GrabCar (private), GrabTaxi (licensed taxi), and other services.
  • Safety: Grab offers registered cab drivers and SATELLITE tracking. Verify plate/photo. Tricycles: stick to official terminals.

Route Guidance

Official route maps for jeepneys are hard to find. Ask locals or accommodation staff for directions.

Cash Fares

Pay fares directly in cash. Carry small denominations for jeepneys (₱13-₱15 minimum) and tricycles (negotiate for special trips).

Operating Hours

Jeepneys and tricycles operate from early morning (5 AM) until late evening (10 PM or later). Buses adhere to more fixed schedules.

Rental Options

For greater independence, especially when exploring beyond Dasmarinas, rental vehicles are available. Consider DiscoverCars.com for car rentals.

  • Car Rental: Major international and local companies. Requires valid national driver's license, IDP, passport, credit card.
  • Driving Challenges: Heavy traffic, aggressive drivers, numerous motorcycles. Consider hiring a car with a driver.
  • Motorcycle/Scooter Rentals: Less common in Dasmarinas for self-drive; more in tourist areas outside the city. Higher risks due to traffic.
  • Bicycle Rentals: Minimal infrastructure. Not widely available as public transport. Some resorts may offer for leisure.
  • Driving Laws: Drive on the right. Seatbelts mandatory. Speed limits lower in urban areas.
  • Parking: Available in malls/commercial centers (fee). Street parking limited in crowded areas.

Walking & Cycling

For short distances and local exploration, walking and cycling offer a way to experience Dasmarinas up close.

Pedestrian Areas

Feasible within commercial centers (malls) and designated areas. Sidewalks can be uneven or non-existent elsewhere.

Cycling Infrastructure

Limited lanes for bicycles. Cycling on busy main roads carries risks due to heavy traffic.

No-Go Areas

Primary roads (Aguinaldo Highway) are very busy and not ideal for pedestrian or bicycle use for long distances. Caution in crowded markets.

Accessibility & Specialized Transport

Accessibility Challenges
  • Public transport is generally not wheelchair-accessible.
  • Newer malls and some hotels may offer better accessibility.
  • Pre-arranging private, accessible transportation is a good idea for travelers with mobility needs.
Specialized Services
  • Tour buses and hop-on-hop-off services are not available within Dasmarinas.
  • Boat taxis or water transportation are not applicable for this inland city.
  • No cable cars, funiculars, or other unique local transport systems are present.

Local Transport Tip

To fully experience Dasmarinas like a local, try riding a jeepney for short distances.

It offers an unique cultural immersion, but always confirm your route and destination with the driver or fellow passengers.