The Pasig River Ferry Service (PRFS) is Metro Manila’s only water-based transportation system.

Pasig River Ferry Service Routes & Stations

The Pasig River ferry service currently operates with 13 stations stretching from Pasig City to the City of Manila.

Fares and Requirements

  • Fare: As of late 2025, the ferry remains FREE OF CHARGE (sponsored by the MMDA), though there are talks of reinstating a small fee (₱15–₱60) in the future.
  • Requirements: You must bring a Valid ID. Upon arrival at the station, you will sign a manifest/logbook before boarding.
  • Passenger Limit: Boats vary in size (16 to 57 seats). It is first-come, first-served.

Operating Hours & Travel Time

  • Schedule: Monday to Saturday (No operations on Sundays).
  • Hours: Generally 7:00 AM to 5:20 PM.
  • End-to-End Travel Time: Approx. 45 to 60 minutes (compared to 2+ hours by land during rush hour).
  • Frequency: Boats typically depart every 30 to 60 minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • The “Sip Test”: Like the MRT, liquids are allowed but you may be asked to take a sip of your water/drink in front of security.
  • Photography: You are allowed to take photos of the skyline, but security may remind you not to take photos of the Malacañang Palace area (between PUP and Lawton stations) for security reasons.
    • Pasig RiverConnectivity: * To MRT-3: Use the Guadalupe Station. It’s a 5-minute walk to the train.
      • To Binondo/Chinatown: Use the Escolta Station. Once you exit, you are right at the foot of Jones Bridge.
      • To Quiapo: Use the Quinta Station; it drops you right behind the market.
  • Bikes & Pets: Small folding bikes and pets (in crates/cages) are generally allowed, space permitting.

Pasig River Ferry Heritage and Business Shortcut

The Heritage & Foodie Route Manila District

If you are visiting these areas, the ferry is better than any car or train because it drops you at the “back door” of these districts, avoiding the congestion of Plaza Lacson and Jones Bridge.

  • Binondo (Chinatown): Alight at Escolta Station.
    • Why it’s the best: You are a 2-minute walk from the famous Savory RestaurantWai Ying, and the historic Escolta Street (art deco buildings).
  • Intramuros (The Walled City): Alight at Lawton Station or Escolta Station.
    • Why it’s the best: Escolta Station is right across the Jones Bridge (newly restored with European-style lights). Lawton is right next to the Manila Post Office and Arroceros Forest Park.
  • Quiapo Shopping: Alight at Quinta Station.
    • Why it’s the best: You land directly at Quinta Market. It’s the safest and fastest way to reach Quiapo Church or the “under the bridge” stores for handicrafts without navigating the Estero traffic.

The Lifestyle & Business Hubs Makati & Mandaluyong

The ferry is a hidden gem for people working or hanging out in the “hip” parts of Makati and Mandaluyong.

  • Rockwell Center / Power Plant Mall: Alight at Guadalupe Station or Hulo Station.
    • The Pro Move: If you are in Mandaluyong, use Hulo Station. There is a small traditional boat (“bangka”) that crosses the river directly to the Rockwell side for just a few pesos. It’s faster than driving through the Guadalupe bridge.
  • Poblacion (Makati’s Nightlife): Alight at Valenzuela Station.
    • Why it’s the best: This station is near Century City Mall and the Poblacion heritage/entertainment district. It saves you from the one-way street maze of Makati.

The University & Government Shortcut

  • PUP (Polytechnic University of the Philippines): Alight at PUP Station.
    • Why it’s the best: The station is literally inside the campus. For students coming from Pasig or Makati, this turns a 1.5-hour commute into a 25-minute breezy boat ride.
  • Malacañang & San Miguel: Alight at PUP or Quinta Station.
    • The View: While you can’t take photos, the ferry offers the only public view of the Malacañang Palace complex from the water.

 Recommended “Best Option” Itinerary

If you want to experience the ferry’s maximum efficiency, try this:

  1. Morning: Board at Guadalupe (Makati) at 9:00 AM.
  2. Cruise: Enjoy the view of the Makati skyline and the Malacañang complex.
  3. Lunch: Disembark at Escolta (Manila) at 9:45 AM. Walk 5 minutes into Binondo for a dim sum lunch.
  4. Afternoon: Cross the Jones Bridge to Intramuros for a walk through Fort Santiago.
  5. Return: Catch the 4:00 PM ferry from Lawton back to Guadalupe to watch the sunset over the river.

Status: As of early 2026, the Pasig River Ferry Service remains FREE of charge as a government-subsidized alternative to EDSA traffic.

Station NameLocation LandmarkFirst Trip (Eastbound)Last Trip (Westbound)Do
OriginC6 Bridge (Pasig)7:00 AM4:00 PMFREE
GuadalupeNear MRT-3 Guadalupe7:00 AM5:30 PMFREE
HulaMandaluyong Side7:05 AM5:35 PMFREE
PUPPUP Sta. Mesa Campus7:40 AM5:50 PMFREE
LawtonPost Office / Quiapo7:57 AM5:35 PMFREE
ListenBinondo / Jones Bridge8:15 AM5:30 PMFREE

The Pasig River ferry service currently operates with 13 stations stretching from Pasig City to the City of Manila.

CityStation NameNearby Landmarks
PasigPinagbuhatanC6 Bridge, Coast Guard Station (East Terminus)
KalawaanR. Castillo St., Pasig
San JoaquinSumilang & Bambang Bridge
MaybungaMaybunga Brgy. Hall, Dr. Sixto Ave
MakatiGuadalupeMRT-3 Guadalupe, Power Plant Mall (2km walk/trike)
ValenzuelaLTO Makati, Riverside Studios
MandaluyongHuloParish of Our Lady of the Abandoned, Poblacion (via boat cross)
ManilaLambinganSta. Ana (Punta), Tomas Earnshaw Elem. School
Sta. AnaSta. Ana Public Market, Pedro Gil St
PUPPolytechnic University of the Philippines, PNR Sta. Mesa
QuintaQuinta Market, Quiapo Church, LRT-1 Carriedo
LawtonManila Post Office, SM Manila, Arroceros Park
EscoltaBinondo (Chinatown), Jones Bridge, Intramuros (West Terminus)

Operator’s SOP: Always check the MMDA Facebook page before heading to the station. Pasig River Ferry operations are often suspended if the water hyacinths are too thick or if the river level is too high due to rain.

⚠️ 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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