How to Get from Manila to Makati
Get from Manila to Makati by MRT-3 from ₱13 or by private transfer from about $32. Compare travel times and tips for Metro Manila traffic.
Last updated: October 30, 2026
Contents
Manila's old quarters, Intramuros and Binondo, sit a few kilometres from Makati's glass towers, Ayala Center malls and the cafes and bars of Poblacion. The distance is short, but Metro Manila traffic decides how long it takes. Rail avoids the jams, and a private car gives you door-to-door comfort.
Manila to Makati by MRT-3
The MRT-3 runs along EDSA from Taft Avenue in Pasay to North Avenue in Quezon City and stops in Makati at Magallanes, Ayala and Buendia. The whole 16.9-kilometre line takes about 30 minutes, so the ride from Taft Avenue to Ayala is only two stops.[1]
Trains run daily from 04:30. On weekdays the last departures leave between about 22:30 and 23:40 depending on the station, on weekends about an hour earlier. Service is most frequent in the peaks, from 07:01 to 09:00 and 17:01 to 19:00, with a train every 3.5 minutes.[1]
A ride between Taft Avenue and Ayala costs ₱13 at the regular fare, and the longest trip on the line, Taft Avenue to North Avenue, costs ₱28.[2] Since 23 March 2026 the DOTr gives all MRT-3 and LRT-2 passengers a 50% discount.[3] From Intramuros, Ermita or Malate, a short taxi, jeepney or Grab ride gets you to Taft Avenue station.[4]
Manila to Makati by Private Transfer
With luggage, a small group or a late arrival, a private car is the easy choice. It picks you up at your hotel and drops you at your door in Makati. On booking platforms, private transfers for 2 to 5 passengers (economy car, SUV for 4, minivan for 5) cost from about $32 (October 2026) and take from about 1 hour, longer in rush hour.[5]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MRT-3 | From ₱13 (regular fare)[2] | About 30 min end to end[1] |
| Private transfer (2 to 5 passengers) | From about $32[5] | From about 1h |
Tips for Traveling from Manila to Makati
- Avoid the rush hours: By road, mid-morning and early afternoon are the calmest times. On the MRT-3 the peaks are the busiest, so expect a crowded train.
- Know your stop: Ayala is the stop for the Ayala Center and Greenbelt malls. Magallanes and Buendia are the other two Makati stations.
- Check the drop-off point: Makati is large, so give your driver the exact building or street, and walk the last stretch in the morning or evening when it is cooler.
- Keep small bills: Peso notes in small denominations are handy for tips and quick snacks.
Timetable
| Bus Manila - Manila $ 15.78–33.99 21m – 2h | |
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| Taxi Manila - Manila $ 33.66–63.23 1h 30m | |
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| Taxi Manila - Makati $ 31.62–52.70 1h | |
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| Taxi Makati - Manila $ 31.62–52.70 1h | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Manila to Makati, including current prices and schedules.
The MRT-3 is the cheapest. A ride from Taft Avenue to Ayala costs ₱13 at the regular fare, and the line currently runs with a 50% discount.
The MRT-3 is the most predictable, because it runs above the traffic and covers the whole line in about 30 minutes. A private transfer takes from about 1 hour and depends on the traffic.
By MRT-3 the whole line takes about 30 minutes. By road, plan on at least 1 hour, and more in the morning and evening rush.
Trains start at 04:30 every day. On weekdays the last departures leave between about 22:30 and 23:40, depending on the station, and on weekends about an hour earlier.
Private transfers on this route cover up to 5 passengers, with an economy car, an SUV for 4 and a minivan for 5. For larger groups, book two vehicles.
Leave extra time, keep water with you and switch to the MRT-3 for the next stretch if the road is blocked. Rail is the reliable fallback in Metro Manila.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] DOTr-MRT3: About Us (MRT3 history, stations, train schedule). Retrieved October 30, 2026.
- [2] DOTr-MRT3: MRT Line 3 Fare Matrix (Regular). Retrieved October 30, 2026.
- [3] Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA): Tickets and Fares. Retrieved October 20, 2026.
- [4] Grab: Grab Philippines locations. Retrieved October 20, 2026.
- [5] 12Go: Manila to Makati timetable. Retrieved October 30, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.