Makati CBD Commuter Guide: One Ayala, Walkways & P2P. Primary Anchors: One Ayala Terminal (East) and Makati Medical Center (West).visitors.
Makati CBD: One Ayala & Dela Rosa Spine
In this district, the “Street-Level” logic is unique because the city is built on two levels: the ground (Ayala Avenue) and the air (Dela Rosa Elevated Walkway).
Key Takeaways
- The “One Ayala” Rule
- This is your start and end point. It is the only place where the MRT-3, EDSA Carousel, BGC Bus, and P2P buses intersect.
- The Elevated Advantage
- The Dela Rosa Walkway is 1.1km long. It is 20% faster than walking along Ayala Avenue because there are no traffic lights or intersections to wait for.
- The “Underpass” Logic
- If you are on Ayala Avenue and need to cross the street, look for the murals. The underpasses (like the Sedeno or Paseo underpasses) are the only legal way to cross Ayala Avenue; jaywalking is strictly enforced.
The Elevated Spine: The Path: One Ayala ➡️ Landmark ➡️ Greenbelt 5 ➡️ Dela Rosa Walkway➡️ Makati Med. Operational Note: This is 100% weather-proof. You can walk from the MRT Ayala Station to Makati Medical Center without an umbrella, even in a typhoon.
Navigation Hint: Look for the “Dove Cracks” Mural midway through the walkway; this marks the V.A. Rufino intersection, the halfway point
Commuter Survival Tip: “The Jolly Jeep Fuel”
If you are walking the Dela Rosa loop and need a budget meal, exit at the Rada St. stairs. This is the home of the “World Famous” Sisig Jolly Jeep. It is the cheapest high-quality meal in the CBD and an essential part of the Makati commuter experience.
Important Sites & Street Directory
- Pearson Vue (Trident Tower):
- Location: 312 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave.
- Access: Ride a “Washington” jeep from One Ayala. Or, Walk the full length of the Dela Rosa Walkway to the end (Ayala North Exchange), then walk 5 mins to Gil Puyat.
- Recruitment Centers (Ayala Tower One/Philam Life):
- Location: Ayala Avenue (near Ayala Triangle).
- Access: Walk via the Ayala Avenue sidewalk or use the Paseo Underpass.
- Asian Institute of Management (AIM):
- Location: Paseo de Roxas cor. Gamboa St.
- Access: Walk through Greenbelt 1 (restored area) or take the Dela Rosa Walkway and exit at the Paseo de Roxas stairs
- Eton Tower / The Mini Suites:
- Location: Dela Rosa St. cor. V.A. Rufino.
- Access: Direct Access from the Dela Rosa Walkway. This is the primary transient hub for BPO trainees.
- Legaspi Village Dorms/Airbnbs:
- Location: Perea St. and Rada St.
- Access: Walkable from the Dela Rosa Walkway. Exit at the Rada St. stairs (near the famous “Sisig” Jolly Jeep).
- Australian & Canadian Embassies:
- Location: RCBC Plaza (Ayala Ave cor. Sen. Gil Puyat).
- Access: Walk the Dela Rosa Walkway to the very end (Ayala North Exchange), then cross the footbridge to RCBC Plaza.
- Royal Thai Embassy:
- Location: 107 Philippine Village, Legaspi St.
- Access: Walk from One Ayala/Greenbelt.
- Makati Medical Center (MMC):
- Location: Amorsolo St. cor. Dela Rosa.
- Access: Walk the entire Dela Rosa Walkway (24 mins). Ride an “Ayala-Washington” jeep from One Ayala (10 mins).
- Pag-IBIG Fund / SEC:
- Location: Ayala Ave. (near Buendia/Gil Puyat).
- Access: Ride any Ayala Avenue bus; alight at the “Savoy” or “Buendia” loading bay
Special Area: BGC-Makati Link
- To BGC: Go to the One Ayala Lower Ground Floor. All BGC Buses (West, East, North) depart here.
- To Makati CBD from BGC: The BGC Bus drops you at EDSA-Ayala. Use the covered footbridge to enter One Ayala directly.
Return Logic (The Exit Strategy)
- Heading North (QC/Caloocan): Head to One Ayala Level 2 for the MRT-3 or Level 1 for the EDSA Carousel (Northbound).
- Heading South (Alabang/Cavite): Go to the One Ayala P2P Terminal (Ground Floor) or the Southbound EDSA Carousel.
- Internal Loop: To get back to One Ayala from the other side of the CBD (near Makati Med), stand on the Southbound side of Ayala Avenue and take any jeepney or bus labeled “Ayala/MRT.”
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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!