If you’re thinking about traveling to the Philippines, one of the first steps is to look for flights to the country. The Philippines has 3 major international airports that receive flights from all over the world: Manila, Cebu and Clark. It’s common for the cheapest fares to be those heading to the capital, so here we’re going to tell you how to get to Manila from other countries and also from the most common points within the Philippines.
Keep reading and find out how to get to Manila step by step.
Where is Manila
Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is located on the island of Luzon. More specifically, it sits on the west coast, next to the so‑called Manila Bay. In reality, Manila is a group of cities known as Metro Manila. Manila City is one of the 16 that make up the National Capital Region (NCR).
Manila has an airport called the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (IATA: MNL), located between the cities of Pasay and Parañaque, both part of Metro Manila. It’s relatively close (depending on traffic) to the Intramuros area and to the most popular neighborhoods for visiting and where to stay in Manila: Makati and Malate. It has 4 terminals, which receive domestic flights and flights from almost anywhere on the planet.
On the other hand, Manila doesn’t have a central bus station as such. Its transport system is as chaotic as the city itself and you’ll quickly understand why. Each transport company has its own terminal, so you’ll need to know which one to head to depending on where you’re going. Even so, generally speaking, most of them are concentrated in the Cubao area, in Quezon City.
Finally, since it’s an island country, the port is also very important. You can get to Manila from other islands via its various terminals, which receive boats from places like Coron or Cebu. Still, keep in mind that many routes arrive at Batangas Port, which works as a secondary port. It’s about 100 kilometers from the capital.
How to get to Manila from other countries
As you may have guessed, the only way to get to Manila from other countries is by plane. If you’re coming from Europe or America, it’s common to take a flight with a layover in an intermediate destination. Unfortunately, there are no direct flights to Manila from Spain.
The main long‑haul airlines that land in Manila are Qatar Airways, Emirates, KLM, Etihad Airways, Cathay Pacific, Saudia, Philippine Airlines, and Turkish Airlines. If we had to choose, we’d always go with the first two, but that will depend on price.
If you’re coming from Spain, which is where we have the most experience, flight prices depend a lot on how far in advance you buy them and on the dates. It’s possible to find deals from 450€ (round trip), but the usual price is around 700–800€. If you buy very close to your travel date, don’t expect anything cheaper than 900€, especially in the summer months. We encourage you to read our article Cheap flights to the Philippines to save on your ticket.
How long will it take? From Europe, you can reach Manila in about 16–25 hours, depending on the number and length of layovers. It would be rare to take less than that.
Flying to Manila from other Asian countries
If you’re traveling around other Asian countries, you’re in luck because there are tons of low‑cost airlines that fly to Manila.
Air Asia, Cebu Pacific Air (Cebgo), Scoot, and Jetstar are the main ones and they often launch pretty good deals. Then there’s the Philippine flag carrier, Philippine Airlines, which is usually a bit more expensive. Among the cheapest gateways to Manila are Taipei, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore. In addition, there are more and more flight deals from Japan (Osaka or Tokyo) to Manila.
Prices for flights from other Asian destinations can be as low as 15–20€, if you catch a good promotion or book well in advance. Still, a more typical figure would be between 80€ and 150€. This varies a lot depending on the destination and how far in advance you buy. Keep in mind that most low‑cost airlines in Asia don’t include checked baggage in the ticket price. To save money, it’s important to pay for it online and not at the airport itself, where it’s much more expensive.
Flights to Manila land at different airport terminals depending on the airline. As a rule of thumb, international flights arrive at T1, T2, or T3.
Once in Manila, you’ll need to get to your hotel somehow. So you don’t get ripped off or confused, we recommend reading our article How to get from Manila Airport to the city center.
How to get to Manila from Clark
The Clark International Airport (IATA: CRK) has become in recent years a good base for arriving in the Philippines and moving on to other parts of the country. It receives flights from Europe and other Asian countries, so it’s worth comparing prices with flights to Manila.
Once in Clark, if your destination is Manila, you can get there in several ways:
How to get from Clark Airport to Manila by bus
This is the cheapest way, but also the slowest. From the airport itself there are buses to different points in Manila (Robinsons Galleria and Trinoma), including Manila Airport (T1, T2 and T3). The companies are P2P/Genesis and JoyBus. Ticket prices range between 300 and 450 pesos, depending on where in Manila you’re headed.
These buses are fairly frequent and take between 2,5 and 4 hours, depending on traffic. You can check route schedules here: Clark–Manila Airport, Clark–Trinoma, and Clark–Robinsons Galleria.
Tickets can’t be booked online, but don’t worry, they don’t usually sell out.
How to get from Clark Airport to Manila by taxi
If there are several of you or you need to get to Manila faster, one way to go from Clark is by negotiating a taxi fare. It’s rare to pay less than 2.000–2.500 pesos. Keep in mind you’ll have to pass through several tolls, so remember to make the terms of the agreement clear.
How long it takes from Clark to Manila will depend a lot on traffic. By car, at times of little traffic, it can be about 2 hours. If you have another flight from Manila, our advice is not to allow less than 4 hours because, truly, the jams are hellish and you won’t like being in that stressful situation.
How to get to Manila from Cebu
There are 2 ways to get to Manila from Cebu: by plane or by boat. Honestly, since the price of flights from Cebu to Manila has dropped a lot in recent years, the ferry doesn’t make much sense, as it will take around 20 hours.
Getting to Manila from Cebu by plane
Flights from Cebu to Manila usually hover around 20€. Although they’re a bit cheaper if you buy in advance, this is one of the domestic routes whose price changes least even if you book closer to the date.
Search flights from Cebu to Manila here
You don’t need to worry much about schedules, as there are more than 30 daily frequencies. The airlines operating the route are Cebu Pacific Air, Air Asia and Philippine Airlines. The flight time is 90 minutes.
Remember that if you’re on other islands near Cebu such as Malapascua or Bantayan and you don’t know how to get to Manila, you first have to return to Cebu and from there take a flight. The same if you’re in Moalboal.
Getting to Manila from Cebu by ferry
If you have time and want to live the experience, you can also take one of the boats from Cebu to Manila. These usually take about 22 hours, so instead of seats there are bunk beds. You’ll also find bathrooms (some even with showers) and restaurants.
The most advisable company is 2GO Travel. The price depends on the class you travel in (more or less comfortable beds, air conditioning, private bathroom…), but it ranges between 1.500 and 2.500 pesos. The higher prices correspond to bunks in 4‑ and 6‑bed cabins, perfect if you’re traveling as a group.
Book the ferry from Cebu to Manila here
Keep in mind that if you choose a bunk with air conditioning, it can get quite cold. Come well prepared with warm clothing.
How to get to Manila from Palawan
If you’ve been visiting the gorgeous island of Palawan and you’re finishing your trip or continuing it in Luzon, you’ll need to know how to get to Manila. Palawan has 2 main airports: Puerto Princesa and El Nido. Depending on where you are, you’ll be better off heading to one or the other.
Getting to Manila from Palawan by plane
In this case, you have 2 options:
- Take one of the flights from Puerto Princesa to Manila: it’s a fairly cheap route (from 20€) and prices don’t usually go up much even if you buy not long in advance. That said, if you’re traveling in peak season, especially Holy Week and Christmas, it’s better to book ahead. It’s operated by Air Asia, Cebu Pacific Air and Philippine Airlines and takes about 90 minutes.
- Take a flight from El Nido to Manila: the only airline operating the route is Air Swift, flying from the tiny airport next to Lio Beach. There are about 6 frequencies a day and, since these are small planes, prices are quite high (around 100€). It’s best to book in advance. The flight time is about 75 minutes.
Flights from Puerto Princesa to Manila
Flights from El Nido to Manila
If you’re in Port Barton or Sabang and want to get to Manila, the most practical thing is to take one of the vans to Puerto Princesa and then fly from there. It’s much cheaper than going to El Nido and services are more frequent.
Reserve your seat from Port Barton to Puerto Princesa here
Book your spot from Sabang to Puerto Princesa here
Traveler‑to‑traveler tip: if you plan to connect your El Nido–Manila flight with a later international flight, our advice is to leave at least one full day in between. Although the runways at the airport have improved considerably, El Nido is still a very basic airfield and, in difficult weather conditions, cancellations and delays do happen. You don’t want to end up missing such an expensive flight…
Getting to Manila from Palawan by ferry
If, for whatever reason, you don’t feel like flying to Manila, the 2GO shipping line offers a ferry from Puerto Princesa to Manila. However, it’s not very practical since there’s only one a week (on Sundays) from Puerto Princesa to Manila’s North Terminal. The St Agustine of Hippo departs at 3:30 and doesn’t arrive until 8:00 the following day.
Prices for this route depend on the type of bunk. They range between 2.300 and 2.800 pesos. If you want more privacy, there are 6‑bed cabins.
There are no ferries from El Nido to Manila.
Book your bunk on the Puerto Princesa to Manila boat here
How to get to Manila from Coron
After doing Coron’s fabulous island hopping, you have 2 ways to get to Manila: by plane or by ferry. Since flights from Coron can be somewhat expensive, especially if you don’t book in advance, in this case you might be better off opting for the boat.
Getting to Manila from Coron by plane
This is the option we always choose for convenience. The renovated Francisco B. Reyes Airport or Busuanga Airport (IATA: USU) has daily flights to Manila with Sunlight Air, Cebu Pacific Air and Philippine Airlines.
They take approximately 70 minutes and the most common price is around 60€. However, this is one of the flights that gets more expensive as the date approaches, so it’s worth booking in advance.
As with flights from El Nido, cancellations and delays at Coron Airport are even more frequent. Don’t leave a short connection before your international flight from Manila and avoid a nasty surprise.
Getting to Manila from Coron by ferry
There are several ferry companies that operate this route, but the best known and most reliable is 2GO Travel. It’s also the only one with a website and fixed schedules.
Its ships depart on Sundays at 19:00 and arrive in Manila the next day around 8:00. It’s the same vessel that comes from Puerto Princesa.
Prices vary between 1.900 pesos for the Mega‑value class and 2.500 pesos for 4‑bed cabins. There are also more expensive 6‑bed rooms.
Book your seat on the Coron to Manila ferry
How to get to Manila from Boracay
Been basking on the gorgeous White Beach? You can get to Manila from Boracay by plane or ferry, but in any case you’ll need to cross over to Caticlan (on the island of Panay) to continue your journey. To do this, just take one of the bangkas that cover this short route for 25–100 pesos, depending on the time of day. They don’t have a set schedule; they run 24 hours a day.
Getting from Boracay to Manila by plane
Here you also have 2 options to get to Manila: Caticlan Airport and Kalibo Airport.
The first is the closest to Boracay, but it’s also the one that usually has the more expensive flights to Manila, so we encourage you to consider both options.
Flights from Caticlan to Manila
To reach either airport:
- Via Caticlan: once at Caticlan Jetty, take a tricycle to the airport; they usually cost 100 pesos.
- Via Kalibo: from Caticlan Jetty, you can go by bus (about 150 pesos), by van (about 250 pesos) or by taxi (about 1.000 pesos). If you want zero hassle, you can also book this KLOOK transfer or this one from 12go Asia from Boracay, which also includes the boat. Allow a couple of hours.
Getting from Boracay to Manila by boat
This is an interesting money‑saving alternative because, unlike other routes, it doesn’t take that long to reach Manila.
The most important shipping line covering this route is also 2GO Travel, which has 2 ships departing daily from Caticlan Port. The journey takes around 12 hours. It’s best to check the timetables here, as they may vary:
Prices for bunks range between 1.400 and almost 2.400 for 4‑ or 6‑bed cabins. If you want bedding or towels (there are showers), you’ll need to pay for them. There are shops and restaurants.
Once in Batangas, you’ll have to take one of the buses to Manila. They depart frequently throughout the day. Keep in mind that the duration will depend on the traffic, although it’s usually a couple of hours. Allow 4 if you have a flight afterward. They drop you off at Buendia (closer to Makati) or in Cubao and cost about 200 pesos.
How to get to Manila from Banaue and Batad
The easiest way to get to Manila from Banaue is to take one of the buses that depart for the capital every day. Prices are around 1.200 pesos and we advise booking in advance, as it’s not uncommon for them to fill up. You can do it online:
| Bus company | Scheduled departure and arrival |
| Ohayami Trans | 17:30 – 3:30 |
| Coda Lines (Tourist) | 16:30 – 3:00 |
| Coda Lines (VIP, with toilet) | 17:30 – 03:30 |
The arrival point in Manila will depend on the company you choose. In the case of Ohayami, you’ll arrive at their terminal here. With Coda Lines you’ll arrive here.
We strongly recommend that you bring warm clothing for this route, as it can be very cold.
There’s also the possibility of flying from Cauayan to Manila with Cebu Pacific Air. To do this, you’ll first have to get to Cauayan. Taxis usually charge about 5.000 pesos (3–4 hours). To make it cheaper, you’ll need to take a jeepney to Lagawe, then to Bagabag Junction and a tricycle to the airport. Allow about 300–350 pesos and 6 hours of travel, which doesn’t really pay off compared to the Banaue–Manila bus.
Flights from Cauayan to Manila
If you’re in Batad, you’ll have to retrace your steps back to Banaue. That is, take a tricycle (about 400 pesos) or the jeepney that departs daily at 9:00 (150 pesos). Allow at least an hour.
How to get to Manila from Siargao
If you have to say goodbye to beautiful Siargao, it’s not too complicated to get to Manila. For some years now there have been direct flights from Sayak Airport (IATA: IAO) to Manila operated by Cebu Pacific Air, Philippines Airlines and Sunlight Air. Note that this isn’t a very cheap flight. Although you sometimes see prices around 60€, the usual fare is about 90€, more if you don’t book in advance.
Flights from Siargao to Manila
How to get to Manila from Siargao via Surigao
If, for whatever reason, you can’t find flights or they’re very expensive, you also have the option of taking a boat to Surigao and from there going to Cebu by plane or ferry.
To go from Surigao to Cebu by boat you have 2 companies:
- Cockalion Shipping Lines: departs every day except Sundays at 19:00.
- Starlite Ferries: departs every day except Sundays at 9:00 (in the morning).
Book your Surigao to Cebu ferry here
As in the previous cases, you’ll be lying on bunks. Prices vary according to class, but allow about 1.200 pesos. In Cebu you can take a taxi to the airport and fly to Manila.
Another alternative is to fly from Surigao Airport to Manila with Cebu Pacific Air. Prices for this route are around 60€.
How to get to Manila from Bohol
For some years now it’s been very easy to get to Manila from Bohol, as there are more and more direct flights between Bohol–Panglao International Airport (IATA: TAG) and Manila. Air Asia, Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific offer several flights from Bohol to Manila per day for very little money. You can find them from 20€ if you book well in advance. The journey takes about 90 minutes.
Flights from Bohol/Panglao to Manila
If, for whatever reason, the schedules of these flights don’t suit you, another alternative is to take one of the many boats from Tagbilaran Port in Bohol to Cebu. These take a couple of hours to cover the route. Once at the port, take a white taxi or a Grab car to the airport (between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on traffic) and fly to Manila.
Book the Bohol to Cebu boat here
How to get to Manila from Siquijor
It’s very easy to explain how to get to Manila from Siquijor. You just have to take one of the frequent boats from Oceanjet, Aleson Shipping and Montenegro Shipping that connect Siquijor with Dumaguete. These take between 1 and 2 hours, depending on whether they’re RO‑RO or a fast boat. They run roughly every hour from dawn to dusk. Prices are around 300 pesos and only Oceanjet tickets can be booked here.
Once in Dumaguete, take a tricycle to the airport (about 15 minutes/100 pesos approx.) and then one of the flights from Dumaguete to Manila operated by Cebu Pacific Air or Philippine Airlines. It usually lasts 70 minutes and prices are around 30–40€, depending on when you buy. It’s not an excessively expensive flight.
Flights from Dumaguete to Manila here
Another possibility is to take a boat from Siquijor to Cebu and then fly to Manila. The timetables are:
- Oceanjet: departs daily at 8:20 from Siquijor Port, stops in Bohol and continues to Cebu. It takes about 4 hours. You can book here.
- Lite Shipping: departs Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 19:00 and takes about 11 hours. The ticket is around 900 pesos. You can book here.
Finally, if it suits you better, you can take a boat from Siquijor to Bohol and look for flights from Bohol to Manila. The ferries are the same as those from Siquijor to Cebu; they depart at the same time but take less time.
If you want to do the opposite of what we’ve described here—i.e., go from Manila to any of these places—you’ll find sections in all our guides showing you these routes.
Here we’ve put together a small selection of destinations for getting to Manila. If you’re somewhere else in the Philippines and feel lost, write your question in the comments and we’ll be happy to help.
