To help you complete your journey, here is a guide to the bus connections available at major MRT-3 stations. These connections are essential for reaching destinations like BGC, Mall of Asia, and farther parts of Quezon City.
EDSA Carousel Route and Station Guide
The EDSA Carousel (Route E) is the backbone of Metro Manila’s road transport. It operates on a dedicated lane in the middle of EDSA, allowing buses to bypass the heavy traffic that cars face.
As of December 2025, here is the complete operational guide.
The Carousel runs from Monumento (Caloocan) in the North to PITX (Parañaque) in the South.
| City | Station Name | Connection / Nearby Landmark |
|---|---|---|
| Caloocan | Monumento | LRT-1 Monumento, SM Grand Central |
| Bagong Barrio | North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) entrance | |
| Quezon City | Balintawak | LRT-1 Balintawak, Ayala Malls Cloverleaf |
| FPJ (Roosevelt) | LRT-1 FPJ Station, Z Square Mall | |
| North Avenue | MRT-3 North Ave, Trinoma, SM North (New Concourse) | |
| Quezon Avenue | MRT-3 Quezon Ave, Eton Centris | |
| Main Avenue | SM Hypermart, Cubao P2P Terminals | |
| Santolan | MRT-3 Santolan-Annapolis, Camp Aguinaldo | |
| Mandaluyong | Ortigas | MRT-3 Ortigas, SM Megamall, Robinsons Galleria |
| Makati | Guadalupe | MRT-3 Guadalupe, Pasig River Ferry |
| Buendia | MRT-3 Buendia, Makati CBD | |
| One Ayala | MRT-3 Ayala, BGC Bus, Glorietta/SM Makati | |
| Pasay | Taft Avenue | MRT-3 Taft, LRT-1 EDSA, Metropoint Mall |
| Roxas Blvd | Heritage Hotel, DFA Main | |
| SM Mall of Asia | MOA Globe, IKEA, SMX Convention Center | |
| Parañaque | PITX | Major terminal for Cavite/Batangas/Bicol buses |
Fare Matrix
Fares are distance-based. You pay the conductor inside the bus.
- Minimum Fare: ₱15.00 (first 4km)
- End-to-End (Monumento ↔ PITX): ₱75.50
- Payment Methods: Cash (most common), Beep Card (on selected buses), and now GCash Soundpay (newly launched in late 2025).
Operating Hours & Travel Time
- Hours: 24/7 Operations. It never closes, though bus frequency is lower between 1:00 AM and 4:00 AM.
- Travel Time: * Off-peak: ~45–60 minutes (End-to-end)
- Rush Hour: ~70–90 minutes (Due to station “bottlenecks,” even if the lane is clear).
Pro Tips for the Carousel
- The “Median” Platform: Unlike regular buses, most Carousel stops are in the middle of the highway. You must use the pedestrian footbridges to reach the station.
- One Ayala: If you are Southbound (going to MOA/PITX), the bus stops inside the One Ayala Terminal (Basement). If Northbound (going to QC), the stop is usually on the EDSA curbside near the station.
- Night Travel: Between 11:00 PM and 4:00 AM, the Carousel is the only affordable way to traverse EDSA since the MRT is closed.
- Free Rides? Today is Christmas Day. While the trains are free, the EDSA Carousel usually charges regular fares unless a special “Libreng Sakay” is announced by the LTFRB for that specific hour.
Comparison: MRT-3 vs. EDSA Carousel
- Speed: MRT-3 is faster because it has no traffic lights or intersections.
- Comfort: Carousel is often better because you are guaranteed a seat if you board at the terminal (PITX or Monumento), and the air conditioning is usually newer.
- Accessibility: MRT-3 has more stops (13) within the main city stretch, while the Carousel has some “gaps” (e.g., no stop between Guadalupe and Ortigas).
The EDSA Carousel (Busway)
The EDSA Carousel is the most important bus line as it mirrors the MRT-3 route but operates 24/7. It uses dedicated median lanes and connects directly to most MRT-3 stations.
- Key Connectivity: If you miss the last train, you can take the Carousel from the same station.
- Major Stops: North Ave, Quezon Ave, Santolan, Ortigas, Guadalupe, Buendia, Ayala (One Ayala), and Taft Ave.
- Fare: ₱15.00 (minimum) up to ₱75.50 (end-to-end).
Key Station Connections
1. Ayala Station (Connecting to BGC & Makati)
This is the busiest transfer point for office workers.
- BGC Bus (McKinley Exchange Terminal): Located right outside the Northbound exit (near Shell/Telus).
- Routes: East Route (to Market! Market!), West Route (to Bonifacio Stopover/Fort Victoria), and North Route (to Uptown Mall).
- Fare: ₱15.00 (Beep Card required for most).
- One Ayala Terminal: Accessible via footbridge. This is a massive hub for:
- Buses to Alabang, Laguna (Biñan/Sta. Rosa), and Cavite.
- P2P (Point-to-Point) buses to Antipolo and Fairview.
2. Taft Avenue Station (Connecting to MOA & PITX)
The southern terminus is your gateway to the bay area.
- To SM Mall of Asia (MOA):
- EDSA Carousel: Take the Southbound bus; it drops you off directly at the MOA Globe.
- Jeepneys: Found at the ground level (look for “MOA” or “E-Com” signs). Fare is ₱13.00.
- To PITX (Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange):
- Take the EDSA Carousel Southbound to the final stop (PITX).
- Alternatively, transfer to the LRT-1 (EDSA Station) and ride to the Redemptionist/Asia World stop.
3. North Avenue & Quezon Avenue (Connecting to QC & North Luzon)
- To SM North EDSA / Trinoma: North Ave station is directly connected to these malls via walkways.
- To Fairview / Commonwealth: At Quezon Ave Station, go down to the Eton Centris Terminal. You will find modern jeeps and buses bound for Philcoa, Litex, and SM Fairview.
- Q City Bus: Quezon City offers free bus service for “QCitizens.” Routes like QC Hall to Cubao or QC Hall to Muñoz can be accessed near these stations.
4. Araneta-Cubao Station (Connecting to Rizal & East Metro)
- To Marikina / Antipolo: Transfer to the LRT-2 (Cubao Station) via Gateway Mall.
- Provincial Buses: Most bus terminals (Victory Liner, Five Star) are a short walk or tricycle ride away along EDSA or in the Monte de Piedad area.
Pro Commuter Tips for Buses:
- Beep Card: Use the same Beep Card for the MRT-3, LRT, and BGC Bus to save time.
- One Ayala: If you are heading to Makati or BGC from the south, always aim for One Ayala; it is the most organized transfer hub in the city.
- Night Travel: Since the MRT-3 closes around 10:30 PM–11:00 PM, use the EDSA Carousel, which runs all night. Be aware that queues can be long at the Ayala and Taft stops during late-night rush hours.
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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!