the MRT 3 (Blue Line) is one of the most efficient ways to travel across Metro Manila, as it runs directly along the EDSA highway, bypassing the heavy road traffic.

MRT 3: Blue Line

The MRT 3 spans 16.9 kilometers with 13 stations connecting Quezon City (North Avenue) to Pasay City (Taft Avenue).

Fare Matrix

Fares are distance-based. You can pay via Single Journey Tickets (SJT)Beep Cards, or GCash/EMV (at selected turnstiles).

  • Minimum Fare: ₱13.00 (1–2 stations)
  • Maximum Fare: ₱28.00 (End-to-end: North Ave to Taft Ave)
  • Discounted Fare: 20% off for Seniors, PWDs, and Students (must present ID at the booth).

Pro Tip: Use a Beep Card to avoid long ticket booth queues. You can reload them at machines or via apps like GCash and Maya.

 MRT 3 Operating Hours & Travel Time

  • End-to-End Travel Time: Approx. 30–45 minutes (depending on dwell time at stations).
  • Peak Hours (Crowded): 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM (Southbound) and 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Northbound).

LRT 1LRT 2

Visit http://www.mrt3.com/ official website

MRT 3: Stations, Notable Establishments/Landmarks & Transit guide

North Avenue Station

  • Place: Quezon City
  • SM North EDSA, Trinoma, Vertis North, Ayala Malls Cloverleaf, Solaire North, EDSA Carousel stop
  • Notes: Future MRT-7 link (construction); major bus/jeepney hub to north provinces. First train ~4:36 AM weekdays.

Quezon Avenue Station

  • Place: Quezon City
  • Quezon Memorial Circle, Ninoy Aquino Parks & Wildlife, Eton Centris, ABS-CBN (former), Centris Mall
  • Transit: Jeepneys to Quezon City Hall/East Ave.

GMA Kamuning Station

  • Place: Quezon City
  • GMA Network Center, Timog Ave, Tomas Morato (food strip), LTO Central Office, Philippine Statistics Authority
  • Transit: Jeepneys to Kamuning/Scout areas.

Araneta Center-Cubao Station

  • Place: Quezon City
  • Smart Araneta Coliseum, Gateway Mall, Ali Mall, Farmers Plaza, Cubao Expo, Art in Island
  • Transit: LRT-2 (Cubao via covered walkway); massive provincial bus/jeepney terminal.

Santolan-Annapolis Station

  • Place: Quezon City/San Juan
  • Greenhills Shopping Center, Camp Crame, Camp Aguinaldo, Annapolis St commercial area
  • Transit: Jeepneys to Greenhills/Annapolis.

Ortigas Station

  • Place: Mandaluyong
  • SM Megamall, Robinsons Galleria, The Podium, Asian Development Bank, Ortigas Business District
  • Transit: Jeepneys to Ortigas CBD/Shaw. Major mall hub.

Shaw Boulevard Station

  • Place: Mandaluyong
  • SM Megamall (direct access), Starmall EDSA-Shaw, EDSA Central, Shangri-La Plaza
  • Transit: Jeepneys to Mandaluyong/Manila. Busy shopping area.

Boni Station

  • Place: Mandaluyong
  • Boni Avenue commercial, Robinson’s Forum, near Pioneer
  • Transit: Jeepneys to Mandaluyong City Hall.

Guadalupe Station

  • Place: Makati
  • Guadalupe Nuevo market, Rockwell Center (short ride), Power Plant Mall, Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge
  • Transit: Pasig River Ferry (Guadalupe); jeepneys to Makati.

Buendia Station

  • Place: Makati
  • Buendia Ave, near Makati CBD, cash & carry areas
  • Transit: Jeepneys to Buendia/Pasay.

Ayala Station

  • Place: Makati
  • Ayala Center (Glorietta, Greenbelt, SM Makati, The Landmark), Ayala Museum, Makati Business District, One Ayala terminal
  • Transit: One Ayala (P2P buses, city buses); major south Makati hub.

Magallanes Station

  • Place: Makati
  • Magallanes Interchange, near Chino Roces Ave commercial
  • Transit: Jeepneys to Makati/Pasay.

Taft Avenue Station

  • Place: Pasay
  • LRT-1 (EDSA/Taft), Victory Liner Pasay, Philtranco, SM Mall of Asia (short ride), NAIA (via jeep/bus)
  • Transit: LRT-1 transfer; major southbound provincial bus access. Last train ~10:11 PM weekdays.

Key Takeaways

  • First Car is Priority: MRT 3 operates with same procedures. The very first coach of every train is reserved for Seniors, PWDs, Pregnant Women, and passengers with children. The second coach is often reserved for Women.
  • MRT 3 Transferring Lines: 
    • To LRT-2: Alight at Araneta-Cubao and walk through Gateway Mall/Farmers.
    • To LRT-1: Alight at Taft Avenue and use the connecting footbridge to EDSA Station.
  • MRT 3 Security: Prepare for a quick bag check at the entrance. Liquid containers (water bottles) are now allowed but may be subject to a “sip test” or screening.
  • No Eating/Drinking: Consuming food or drinks is strictly prohibited inside the trains and platforms.

⚠️ If you’re unfamiliar with the area, first-time in Manila, or want to understand how the system works before moving, you’ll get more value from PH Commute 101: First 24 Hours in Manila

Travel smarter, use Commute Guides links as your tool to understand how modes connect before moving.

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If you already move regularly, explore Dream Destinations for your weekend getaways and travel itineraries.