How to Get to Quezon City. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Airport & Flights

Major Airports

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is in Pasay City, Metro Manila. NAIA has four terminals: Terminal 1 (international), Terminal 2 (Philippine Airlines international/domestic), Terminal 3 (most international/some domestic), and Terminal 4 (domestic only).

Terminal Overview

NAIA Terminals: T1, T2, T3, T4.
Main Gateway: To Quezon Urban area and the Philippines.
International Flights: Across T1, T2, T3.

Airlines & Routes

Philippine Airlines (PAL) is the national flag carrier. Cebu Pacific and AirAsia Philippines are low-cost carriers for domestic and regional international flights.

Carriers

Philippine Airlines: Extensive international and domestic network.
Cebu Pacific & AirAsia: Low-cost domestic & area.
International: Numerous international airlines fly into NAIA.

Flight Seasonality

High Season (December-February) has higher prices. Low Season (June-October) has lowest prices.

Price Fluctuations

Make reservations early for high season. Moderate prices in shoulder season (check Dollar Flight Club).

Airport Security

NAIA facilities: duty-free, restaurants, lounges, currency exchange, SIM vendors, Wi-Fi.

Airport Transfers

Main Transfer Options

Taxis: Yellow airport or white city metered taxis. Confirm meter.
Ride-sharing: Grab is widely available from NAIA terminals.
Airport Buses: UBE Express to various Metro Manila points.
Private Transfers: Many hotels arrange airport transfers.

Transfer Advice

Meter Use: Insist on meter for taxis.
Grab App: Book rides for transparency.
UBE Express: Services without transfers to areas like Araneta Center Cubao.
Train Connection: No direct train; take taxi to nearest LRT/MRT.

NAIA Facilities

Retail & Dining

Duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes across terminals.

Essential Services

Currency exchange, ATMs, SIM card vendors, baggage services.

Comfort & Connectivity

Lounges, medical clinics, free Wi-Fi.

Land Transportation

Train Services

Philippine National Railways (PNR) commuter rail services connect within Metro Manila. LRT/MRT lines serve Quezon City, linking to other parts of Metro Manila.

Rail Network

PNR: Commuter rail within Metro Manila, connecting to some provinces.
LRT/MRT: Urban commuter lines serving Quezin The city.
Stations: PNR (Blumentritt, España), LRT/MRT stations in QC.

Long-Distance Buses

Numerous bus stations in Metro Manila offer long-distance routes. Araneta City Bus Port in Cubao, Quezon City, is a major hub.

Bus Network

Major Companies: Genesis, Victory Liner, Five Star, Philtranco.
Hubs: Araneta City Bus Port in Cubao.
Routes: To Baguio, Baler, Batangas, Bicol Region, Pampanga, etc.

Self-Driving Considerations

Filipinos drive on the right-hand side of the road. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your home license is not in English or does not have a photo.

Driving Essentials

Driving Side: Right-hand side of the road.
License: IDP recommended for non-English licenses.
Road Conditions: Vary widely, major thoroughfares paved.

Road Conditions & Safety

Metro Manila is infamous for severe traffic congestion, especially during rush hours. Driving is stressful and slow. Defensive driving is necessary due to aggressive drivers, motorcycles weaving through traffic, and walkers.

Traffic & Safety

Traffic: Severe congestion, especially during rush hours.
Safety: Aggressive drivers, motorcycles weaving through traffic.
Pedestrians: Observe traffic laws, signs in English.

Driving Cautions

Traffic Congestion: Expect significant delays.
Aggressive Drivers: Defensive driving is necessary.
Motorcycle Weaving: Be extra vigilant.

Parking: Limited and costly in some areas.
Road Safety: Potholes or uneven surfaces on side streets.
Navigation: Complex for unfamiliar drivers.

Sea and River Arrivals

Sea Travel

The Port of Manila, located in Manila city, serves as the main cruise port for international arrivals. Passengers disembarking here travel to Quezon City overland.

Port Details

Cruise Port: Port of Manila for international arrivals.
Inter-island: Ferries to Cebu, Iloilo, Palawan from Manila ports.
Transfers: Land travel from port to Quezon Urban.

River Transportation

The Pasig River Ferry Service connects various points along the Pasig River within Metro Manila. Some stations, like Escolta and Guadalupe, are reachable overland transport from Quezon City.

River Ferry

Pasig River Ferry: Connects points along the river.
Stations: Escolta and Guadalupe accessible from Quezon City.
Scenic Route: Alternative way to parts of Manila.

Port Immigration

Standard immigration and customs procedures apply for international cruise arrivals.

Domestic Ferry ID

A valid ID is usually sufficient for domestic ferry travel.

Port Connections

Taxis, Grab, jeepneys, or buses connect Port of Manila to Quezon City.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Taxes

Terminal fees for international flights departing NAIA, typically ₱750, are usually included in the airline ticket price. For domestic flights, a smaller terminal fee, typically ₱200-₱300, is also usually included.

Departure Costs

Terminal Fees: Usually in ticket price for international/domestic.
Travel Tax: Applies to Philippine citizens/residents (₱1,620).
Foreign Tourists: Generally exempt from travel tax.

Departure Procedures

Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your scheduled international departure. For domestic flights, arrive at least 2 hours before departure.

Airport Protocol

Timing: 3 hours for international, 2 hours for domestic.
Steps: Check-in, baggage drop, security screening.
Boarding: Proceed to your gate after checks.

Airport Facilities

Services

Check-in counters, baggage services, security checkpoints.

Amenities

Duty-free shops, various dining options, lounges.

Essentials

Currency exchange, ATMs, prayer rooms.

Smooth Departure

Confirm terminal fees are included in your ticket. Factor in Metro Manila traffic when traveling to the airport.

How to Get to Quezon City