Metro Manila Commute Guide

How to Get from Buendia-Taft to Sta. Ana, Paco, Manila

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Step-by-step commute guide that provides verified routes, estimated fares and travel time, transfer logic and safety protocols from the Buendia-Taft area (Pasay/Makati boundary) to Sta. Ana in Paco, Manila.

It serves commuters traveling to schools, offices, and residential areas along Paco and Sta. Ana districts.

☎️ 7890 (Action Center Hotline) Department of Transportation (DOTr) → For public transportation services and passenger complaints.

Route Snapshot

  • From: Buendia-Taft area (Pasay/Makati boundary)
  • To: Sta. Ana, Paco, Manila
  • Fastest option (most days): Jeepney via Taft Avenue to Quirino Avenue, then tricycle or walk (30–45 minutes)
  • Cheapest option: Jeepney via Taft Avenue to Quirino Avenue (PHP 15–25)
  • Operating hours: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM (jeepneys)
  • Estimated budget: PHP 15–40

Key Takeaways

  • Standard tricycle fare from Quirino Avenue to Sta. Ana, Paco is PHP 10 to PHP 20 depending on exact destination.
  • Avoid drivers insisting you must take a “special trip” at PHP 100+ when other tricycles are available for regular fare.
  • Multiple jeepney routes pass through Buendia-Taft heading north. Confirm with the driver or barker that the jeepney goes to Quirino Avenue or Paco before boarding.
  • Board jeepneys only at established loading zones along Taft Avenue. Look for signage indicating “Divisoria,” “Blumentritt,” or “Sta. Cruz” as these routes pass through Quirino Avenue. Ask the driver “Paco po?” or “Quirino po?” before boarding.
  • Sta. Ana and surrounding areas in Paco have poorly lit sidestreets. If arriving after 7:00 PM, take a tricycle directly to your destination rather than walking from Quirino Avenue.

Buendia-Taft to Sta Ana, Paco Manila Recommended Route: Most Reliable for First-Time Commuters

Buendia-Taft → Taft Avenue → Quirino Avenue → Sta. Ana

  • Step 1: Board jeepney northbound on Taft Avenue
    • From the Buendia-Taft intersection, walk to any jeepney stop along Taft Avenue heading north toward Manila.
    • Look for jeepneys with signage reading “Divisoria,” “Blumentritt,” “Quiapo,” or “Sta. Cruz.”
    • These routes pass through Quirino Avenue and Paco.
    • Confirm with the driver by asking “Quirino Avenue po?” before boarding. Fare is approximately PHP 13–15.
    • Travel time is 10 to 15 minutes depending on traffic along Taft Avenue.
  • Step 2: Alight at Quirino Avenue
    • Inform the driver “Quirino po” as you approach the intersection.
    • Quirino Avenue is a major cross street with visible landmarks including Ospital ng Maynila and the Quirino LRT Station footbridge.
    • Alight on the corner of Taft Avenue and Quirino Avenue.
  • Step 3: Walk or take tricycle to Sta. Ana, Paco. From Quirino Avenue, you have two options:
    • Option A (Walking):
      • If your destination in Sta. Ana is along or near Quirino Avenue, you can walk eastward. Sta. Ana Church and the main residential areas are approximately 10 to 15 minutes on foot from Taft Avenue.
      • Follow Quirino Avenue toward the direction of Pandacan. This option is free but not recommended after dark due to poor street lighting.
      • ⚠️If you are commuting during night, read our Midnight Safety Protocols.
    • Option B (Tricycle):
      • Tricycle terminals are located along Quirino Avenue near the Ospital ng Maynila. Board a tricycle heading to Sta. Ana and inform the driver of your specific destination (street name or landmark).
    • Fare ranges from PHP 10 to PHP 20 depending on distance. Travel time is 5 to 10 minutes
  • Total estimated cost: PHP 15–35
  • Total estimated time: 30–45 minutes

Alternative Options

  • Budget-first: Walk from Taft to Sta. Ana . 🚨Not Recommended
    • For those prioritizing zero cost, it is technically possible to walk the entire distance from Buendia-Taft to Sta. Ana via Taft Avenue and Quirino Avenue. Total walking distance is approximately 3 to 4 kilometers and takes 40 to 60 minutes.
    • This option is not recommended due to heavy traffic, narrow sidewalks, and safety concerns, especially during rush hours and after dark.
  • Time-first: Grab/Taxi (Fallback only)
    • Direct Grab or taxi booking from Buendia-Taft to Sta. Ana, Paco costs approximately PHP 80 to PHP 150 depending on traffic and exact destination. Travel time is 15 to 25 minutes via Taft Avenue and Quirino Avenue or internal roads through Paco.
    • This option is practical for late-night travel, heavy luggage, or when traveling in groups of two or more.
  • Comfort-first: LRT-1 to Quirino, then tricycle
    • Walk to the nearest LRT-1 station (EDSA or Libertad stations are closest to Buendia-Taft).
    • Board a northbound train toward Roosevelt and alight at Quirino Station.
    • Exit the station and walk eastward along Quirino Avenue or take a tricycle to Sta. Ana. LRT-1 fare is approximately PHP 15–20.
    • This route adds walking time to and from stations but avoids traffic along Taft Avenue.
    • Total time is similar to the jeepney route (30–45 minutes) but may be faster during extreme traffic hours.

Getting Back

  • To return to Buendia-Taft from Sta. Ana, Paco, reverse the route. Take a tricycle or walk to Quirino Avenue, then board a southbound jeepney along Taft Avenue marked “EDSA,” “Pasay,” or “Baclaran.” Alight at the Buendia-Taft intersection.
    • Jeepneys along Taft Avenue operate until approximately 10:00 PM, with frequency decreasing after 9:00 PM. If departing Sta. Ana after 8:30 PM, allow extra time for waiting as jeepneys become less frequent.
  • ⚠️ Avoid waiting for southbound jeepneys on poorly lit side streets. Walk to Taft Avenue where jeepney stops are well-marked and more secure.
  • 🚫 Avoid waiting for tricycles outside residential areas in Sta. Ana after 9:00 PM. Walk to Quirino Avenue where tricycle availability is higher and lighting is better.

Important Things to Know

  • Traffic on Taft Avenue: Taft Avenue experiences heavy congestion during morning rush (7:00 AM to 9:00 AM) and evening rush (5:00 PM to 8:00 PM). Jeepney travel time from Buendia to Quirino can extend to 25 to 30 minutes during these hours. If you have time-sensitive appointments, allocate buffer time or consider LRT-1 as an alternative.
  • Quirino Avenue landmarks: When alighting from the jeepney, look for Ospital ng Maynila and the LRT-1 Quirino Station footbridge as visual cues. These landmarks are visible and help confirm you are at the correct intersection.
  • Jeepney route confusion: Multiple jeepney routes along Taft Avenue have similar signage. Some turn at Vito Cruz, Pedro Gil, or UN Avenue and do not reach Quirino. Always confirm with the driver before boarding. If the driver says no, wait for the next jeepney.
  • Sta. Ana area navigation: Sta. Ana, Paco is a residential district with narrow streets and limited signage. If this is your first visit, have the exact address or landmark ready when communicating with tricycle drivers. Common landmarks include Sta. Ana Church, Paco Catholic School, and specific barangay halls.
  • Weather-related delays: Heavy rain causes flooding along Taft Avenue, Quirino Avenue, and low-lying areas in Paco. Jeepney and tricycle services may experience delays or temporary suspensions during typhoons. Monitor weather conditions and avoid travel during heavy rain if possible.
    → In case of heavy rain, or during rainy season, read our Rainy Days Commute Guide
  • Traveling in groups or with luggage: UV Express vans have limited trunk space and typically accommodate only small to medium bags. If traveling with multiple large suitcases or in a group of 4 or more, consider the following options:
  • 🚕Book a Grab/taxi to avoid transferring luggage multiple times and to ensure everyone travels together.
  • 🧳Jeepneys along Taft Avenue have limited space for large luggage. If traveling with suitcases or multiple bags, sit near the entrance and hold your belongings securely.
  • 🚫 Avoid carrying luggage on jeepneys as there is no dedicated storage and bags must be held on your lap or placed in crowded aisles, creating inconvenience and security risks.
  • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For groups of 3 or more with luggage, consider booking a Grab/taxi directly to avoid transferring bags multiple times. Tricycles can accommodate 2 passengers comfortably with small bags; larger groups or heavy luggage may require two tricycles or negotiation with the driver for a slightly higher fare (PHP 30–40 total).

⚠️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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MappedAtlas improves with commuter reports. If you find outdated routes, changed timetables, or new paths, send a quick update. 

Last updated: March 2026

Disclaimer: The information here is for guidance only. Schedules and fares are subject to change based on traffic, weather and maintenance without notice from the operators. Always allow extra time for your trip. Safe travel “Ka-Atlas”.

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