The definitive guide to Araneta City. Seamlessly transfer between MRT-3 and LRT-2. Navigate the Provincial Bus Port and Gateway Mall links.
Cubao (Araneta): Seamless Transfer Point for Metro Manila & Beyond
Cubao is the “Central Interchange” of Metro Manila. Its logic is defined by the intersection of the two main rail lines (MRT-3 and LRT-2) and its status as the “Grand Central” for provincial buses.
Primary Anchors: Gateway Mall (LRT-2 Side), Farmers Plaza
(MRT-3 Side), and the Araneta City Bus Port (Provincial).
Key Takeaways
- The “Indoor Corridor” Rule
- You can walk from the MRT-3 (Farmers) to the LRT-2 (Gateway) entirely indoors. Use the air-conditioned walkways connecting Farmers Plaza ➡️ Smart Araneta Coliseum ➡️Gateway Mall.
- The “Ground vs. Elevated” Logic
- Avoid walking at street level along EDSA or Aurora Blvd if you can help it; it is polluted and congested. The second-floor mall connections are much safer and faster.
- The “Bus Port” vs. “Bus Terminal” Split
- Araneta City Bus Port: (Inside Manhattan Exchange) – For high-end, air-conditioned provincial buses (Bicol, Visayas, Mindanao).
- Street-side Terminals: (Along EDSA/Q-Mart) – For standard provincial buses heading North (Pangasinan, Ilocos).
The All-Mall Loop: The Path: MRT-3 Farmers ➡️ Farmers Plaza ➡️ Gateway Mall 1➡️ Gateway Mall 2 ➡️ Araneta Coliseum ➡️ Ali Mall. Operational Note: This is the most efficient way to cross from the West (EDSA) to the East (P. Tuazon) without ever touching a sidewalk.
Commuter Survival Tip: “The Transfer Trap”
The walk between MRT-3 Farmers and LRT-2 Gateway takes about 8–10 minutes. If you are in a rush to transfer, do not exit to the street. Stay inside the malls. Not only is it cooler, but it is also much easier to follow the “LRT-2” or “MRT-3” overhead signs.
Important Sites & Street-Level Access
- STI College / AMA / World Citi:
- Location: Aurora Blvd.
- Access: Walkable from the LRT-2 Gateway Station.
- BPO Clusters (Manhattan Heights / Cyberpark 1 & 2):
- Location: General Aguinaldo Ave and General McArthur Ave.
- Access: Walk through the Gateway Mall 2 extension. These towers house major firms like Accenture and Teletech.
- Cubao Recruitment Row:
- Location: P. Tuazon Blvd and 15th Avenue.
- Access: Ride a “Project 4” or “Caly” jeepney from Farmers Plaza. Many agencies have moved here from Manila to be closer to the provincial terminals.
- Farmers Market (Dampa):
- Location: EDSA cor. P. Tuazon.
- Access: Direct Access from the MRT-3 Farmers Plaza station.
- Ali Mall:
- Location: P. Tuazon Blvd.
- Access: Walk through the Manhattan Elevated Walkway from Gateway. This was the first mall in the Philippines and remains a transit landmark.
- Expo (Formerly Cubao X):
- Location: Gen. Romulo Ave.
- Access: Walk from Gateway (7 mins). This is the “Indie” heart of Cubao, famous for bars, vinyl shops, and art
- World Citi Medical Center:
- Location: Aurora Blvd cor. Anonas St.
- Access: Ride the LRT-2 to Anonas Station (1 stop away) or take any “Caly/Antipolo” jeepney from Gateway.
- Social Security System (SSS) / Pag-IBIG:
- Location: Inside Ali Mall and Farmers Plaza (Satellite Offices).
- Access: Take the elevators to the top floors of the respective malls.
Local Mode Logic (The “Beep” Shuttles)
- Araneta City Beep Jeeps: These modern, blue e-jeeps circle the entire district.
- Route: They usually loop from the Bus Port to SM Cubao and back to Gateway.
- Main Terminals: The primary jeepney terminal is located at P. Tuazon (behind Farmers Plaza) and Aurora Blvd (under the LRT-2).
Return Logic (The Exit Strategy)
- To the North (Fairview/Commonwealth): Go to the Main Ave/Q-Mart EDSA Carousel stop or take a jeepney along Aurora Blvd labeled “SM Fairview.”
- To the South (Makati/Pasay): Head to the MRT-3 Farmers Station or the Southbound EDSA Carousel (Main Ave).
- To the East (Marikina/Antipolo): Head to the LRT-2 Gateway Station or take a jeepney labeled “Cogeo” or “Antipolo” under the LRT tracks.
- To the West (Manila/Recto): Take the LRT-2 Westbound or a “Stop & Shop/Divisoria” jeepney along Aurora Blvd.
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Found outdated or incorrect information? Submit a correction.Disclaimer: The information here is for guidance only. Buses and Trains 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 travels – KA-Atlas!