This guide provides verified commute routes from the Buendia-Taft area (Pasay/Makati boundary) to Sta. Mesa, Manila. It serves commuters traveling to schools, offices, hospitals, and residential areas in the Sta. Mesa district.
Quick Snapshot
⚓From: Buendia-Taft area (Pasay/Makati boundary) To: Sta. Mesa, Manila
🏃🏾➡️Fastest option (most days): LRT-2 from Legarda or V. Mapa Station via connecting jeepney/LRT-1 (45 minutes–1 hour)
👌Cheapest option: Jeepney via Taft Avenue to Quiapo, then jeepney to Sta. Mesa (1–1.5 hours)
⌛Operating hours: Mostly available 24hrs (jeepneys); LRT operations 5:00 AM – 9:30 PM
🧮Estimated budget: PHP 30–60
Buendia-Taft to Sta. Mesa, Manila commute route.
This route is straightforward. The most common issues happen at jeepney transfer points in Quiapo and along Avenida/Espana.
Key Notes
→ Standard jeepney fare from Quiapo or Avenida to Sta. Mesa is PHP 13–15.
→ Avoid individuals at Quiapo or along Recto Avenue offering “special trips” to Sta. Mesa at inflated rates (PHP 100+ per person).
→ Board jeepneys only at established loading zones. At Quiapo, look for jeepneys with “Sta. Mesa,” “V. Mapa,” or “Rotonda” signage.
→ V. Mapa and Pureza Stations both serve Sta. Mesa, but exits lead to different streets. Confirm which exit is closer to your destination before alighting.
→ Sta. Mesa side streets have inconsistent lighting. If arriving after 7:00 PM, take a tricycle directly to your destination rather than walking from main roads.
⚠️ Multiple jeepney routes pass through Quiapo with similar signage. Not all jeepneys marked “Espana” or “Cubao” pass through Sta. Mesa. Confirm with the driver by asking “Sta. Mesa po?” before boarding. Some routes turn at Legarda or continue straight to Espana without entering Sta. Mesa proper.
ℹ️ If you are traveling during night, read our Midnight Safety Protocols
Recommended Route: Most Reliable for First-Time Commuters
Route: Buendia-Taft → LRT-1 → Doroteo Jose/Recto → Walk/Jeepney → LRT-2 → Sta. Mesa
Step 1: Board LRT-1 northbound from EDSA or Libertad Station
→ From Buendia-Taft, walk to the nearest LRT-1 station. EDSA Station (approximately 5–10 minutes walk) or Libertad Station (approximately 10–15 minutes walk) are the closest options.
→ Purchase a ticket to Doroteo Jose Station. Fare is approximately PHP 15–20. Board a northbound train toward Roosevelt. Travel time is approximately 10–15 minutes.
Step 2: Transfer at Doroteo Jose/Recto to LRT-2
→ Alight at Doroteo Jose Station (also connected to Recto Station for LRT-2). Follow signage for “LRT-2 Transfer” or “Recto Station.” The transfer requires walking through a connecting corridor (approximately 5–10 minutes).
→ Purchase a ticket to V. Mapa Station or Pureza Station depending on your destination in Sta. Mesa.
→ Fare is approximately PHP 15–20.
→ Board an eastbound train toward Antipolo.
Step 3: Alight at V. Mapa or Pureza Station
→ V. Mapa Station serves the western side of Sta. Mesa (closer to Avenida and Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard).
→ Pureza Station serves the eastern side and areas near J. Nepomuceno Street and Aurora Boulevard.
→ Travel time from Recto to V. Mapa is approximately 5 minutes. From V. Mapa to Pureza is an additional 2 minutes.
Step 4: Walk or take tricycle to your destination
→ Exit the station and walk to your destination if it is within 5–10 minutes. For destinations deeper into Sta. Mesa residential areas, tricycle terminals are located near both station exits.
→ Tricycle fare ranges from PHP 10–20 depending on distance. Inform the driver of your specific street or landmark.
📝Total estimated cost: PHP 40–60 Total estimated time: 45 minutes–1 hour
ℹ️ For cashless payments like Beep card, RFID guide, read Payment and Ticketing
Alternative Options
💸 Budget-first: Jeepney via Taft → Quiapo → Sta. Mesa
→ From Buendia-Taft, board a northbound jeepney along Taft Avenue marked “Divisoria,” “Quiapo,” or “Sta. Cruz.” Fare is approximately PHP 13–15.
→ Alight at Quiapo (near Quezon Boulevard or Villalobos Street). Travel time is 20–30 minutes depending on traffic.
→ From Quiapo, transfer to a jeepney marked “Sta. Mesa,” “V. Mapa,” or “Rotonda.”
→ Board at terminals near Quezon Boulevard. Fare is approximately PHP 13–15. Travel time is 15–20 minutes. This route is slower but cheaper than LRT transfers.
Total estimated cost: PHP 26–30 Total estimated time: 1–1.5 hours
🕒 Time-first: Grab/Taxi (Fallback only)
→ Direct Grab or taxi booking from Buendia-Taft to Sta. Mesa costs approximately PHP 150–250 depending on traffic and exact destination.
→ Travel time is 25–40 minutes via Osmena Highway, Quirino Avenue, and Avenida, or via EDSA and Aurora Boulevard.
→ This option is practical for late-night travel, groups of 2 or more, or when carrying heavy luggage.
🪑 Comfort- Jeepney to Cubao, then LRT-2 to Sta. Mesa
→ From Buendia-Taft, board a jeepney marked “Cubao” along EDSA. Fare is approximately PHP 15–20. Travel time is 30–45 minutes.
→ Alight at Cubao and walk to Araneta Center-Cubao LRT-2 Station.
→ Board a westbound train toward Recto and alight at V. Mapa or Pureza Station.
→ This route avoids Quiapo but adds walking time at Cubao. Total time is similar to the recommended route but may be preferable for those unfamiliar with Quiapo transfers.
Getting Back
→ To return to Buendia-Taft from Sta. Mesa, reverse the recommended route. Board LRT-2 at V. Mapa or Pureza Station heading westbound to Recto. Transfer to LRT-1 at Doroteo Jose/Recto Station and board a southbound train toward Baclaran. Alight at EDSA or Libertad Station and walk back to Buendia-Taft.
→ Alternatively, take a jeepney from Sta. Mesa to Quiapo, then transfer to a southbound jeepney along Taft Avenue marked “EDSA,” “Pasay,” or “Baclaran.”
→ LRT-1 and LRT-2 operate until approximately 9:30 PM on weekdays and 9:00 PM on weekends. Last trains begin final runs around 9:00 PM, so plan to enter stations by 8:30 PM to ensure you catch the last service.
→ Jeepneys along Taft Avenue and from Sta. Mesa to Quiapo operate until approximately 10:00 PM, with frequency decreasing after 9:00 PM. If departing Sta. Mesa after 8:30 PM, allow extra time for waiting or consider booking a Grab/taxi.
→ Avoid waiting for jeepneys on side streets in Sta. Mesa after 9:00 PM. Walk to main roads like Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard or Avenida where jeepney stops are better lit and more secure.
Important Things to Know
LRT-2 operating hours: LRT-2 operates from approximately 5:00 AM to 9:30 PM on weekdays and 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM on weekends. During rush hours (7:00 AM–9:00 AM and 5:00 PM–8:00 PM), trains are crowded and waiting times at platforms may extend to 10–15 minutes. Allocate buffer time if you have time-sensitive appointments.
Transfer between LRT-1 and LRT-2: The connecting corridor at Doroteo Jose/Recto requires walking and can be confusing for first-time users. Follow overhead signage carefully. During peak hours, the corridor is crowded and may take up to 15 minutes to navigate.
Station exits at V. Mapa and Pureza: V. Mapa Station has exits toward Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard and Avenida. Pureza Station exits toward J. Nepomuceno Street and Aurora Boulevard. Confirm which exit is closer to your destination before alighting to minimize walking.
Jeepney route confusion in Quiapo: Quiapo is a major transfer hub with dozens of jeepney routes. Terminals are spread across multiple streets including Quezon Boulevard, Villalobos Street, and Palanca Street. Always confirm with the driver that the jeepney goes to Sta. Mesa before boarding. If unsure, ask other waiting passengers.
Traffic on Avenida and Espana: Jeepney routes passing through Avenida (Rizal Avenue Extension) and Espana experience heavy congestion during rush hours. Travel time from Quiapo to Sta. Mesa can extend to 30–40 minutes during these periods.
Weather-related delays: Heavy rain causes flooding along low-lying areas in Sta. Mesa, particularly near V. Mapa and side streets off Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard. LRT-2 operations are generally unaffected, but jeepney services may experience delays or temporary suspensions. Monitor weather conditions and avoid travel during heavy rain if possible.
Traveling in groups or with luggage: Tricycles from LRT-2 stations can accommodate 2 passengers comfortably with small bags; larger groups or heavy luggage may require two tricycles or negotiation for a slightly higher fare (PHP 30–40 total).
🚕 For groups of 3 or more with luggage, consider booking a Grab/taxi directly to avoid transferring bags through multiple stations and jeepneys.
🧳 LRT trains allow luggage but can be crowded during rush hours, making it difficult to manage large bags.
⚠️ Jeepneys have limited space for large suitcases; sit near the entrance and hold belongings securely.
ℹ️ In case of heavy rain, or traveling during rainy season, read our Rainy Days Commute Protocols
Notable Drop-Off Reference Points
If you are traveling to specific landmarks in Sta. Mesa, use these as reference points when communicating with jeepney or tricycle drivers:
→ PUP (Polytechnic University of the Philippines) – Main campus along Anonas Street; major landmark visible from Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard
→ Sta. Mesa Market – Public market near V. Mapa LRT-2 Station
→ Jollibee Sta. Mesa (Ramon Magsaysay Branch) – Near V. Mapa Station, commonly used as drop-off point
→ 7-Eleven Pureza – Along Pureza Street near LRT-2 Pureza Station
→ V. Mapa Street / Rotonda – Roundabout area, well-known to drivers
→ SSS Sta. Mesa Office – Social Security System office along East Avenue Extension
→ Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center – Major hospital, though technically in Malate, often used as reference for routes passing through Sta. Mesa
Last verified: February 2025
Routes, fares, and schedules may change without notice. LRT-1 and LRT-2 operating hours are subject to LRTA announcements. Jeepney modernization and route adjustments by the LTFRB may affect availability along Taft Avenue and Quiapo transfer points.
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!
MappedAtlas improves with commuter reports. If you find outdated routes, changed timetables, or new paths, send a quick update.
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