How to Get from NAIA to Makati CBD Commute Guide

This guide provides verified commute routes from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminals 1, 2, and 3 to Makati Central Business District (CBD).

Routes listed here reflect:

  • How commuters actually travel from NAIA to Makati
  • Public Transport Options via Train, Bus, Jeepney
  • Est. Fares, Terminals, Transfer Points and Friction
  • Observed Behavior and Real-world Constraints

This NAIA to Makati commute guide serves arriving passengers heading to Makati for business, accommodations, or connections to other parts of Metro Manila.

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

Route Snapshot

Key Takeaways

If you know what to ignore, this route is straightforward. The most common issues like scams or ripoff happen at NAIA arrival areas and at transport transfer points.

  • Airport taxi overcharging:
    • Standard metered taxi fare from NAIA to Makati CBD is approximately PHP 150–250 depending on terminal and traffic.
    • Drivers quoting PHP 400–600 or refusing to use the meter are overcharging.
    • Yellow airport taxis charge higher base rates but even these should not exceed PHP 300–350 to Makati under normal conditions.
  • Fake P2P bus “agents”:
    • Avoid individuals outside terminals offering to “help” you book P2P buses for a fee.
    • Official P2P bus counters are located inside arrival areas with clear signage.
    • Tickets are purchased directly at the counter or via official apps (GrabBus, BusPass). No middlemen are needed.
  • Overpriced “airport transfer” services:
    • Private drivers or individuals with signs offering “airport shuttles” to Makati often quote PHP 500–1,000.
    • These are not official services. Use only authorized taxis at designated queues, P2P buses, or pre-booked Grab.
  • Better option:
    • At NAIA, ignore anyone approaching you unsolicited.
    • For P2P buses, go directly to the official counter inside the arrival area (look for signs reading “Premium Point-to-Point Bus”).
    • For taxis, use the official taxi queue managed by airport staff—do not accept offers from individuals inside the terminal or parking areas.
  • EDSA Carousel access confusion:
    • EDSA Carousel stations are not located inside NAIA terminals.
    • You must exit the airport and travel to the nearest Carousel station (EDSA Taft or Roxas Boulevard stations).
    • Some individuals may offer “free shuttles” to Carousel stations but charge hidden fees.
    • Walk or take an official taxi to the nearest station.
  • Colorum vans and taxis:
    • Do not board unmarked white vans or vehicles without official taxi markings and meters.
    • These operate without insurance or accountability.
    • At NAIA, only use yellow airport taxis, white metered taxis at official queues, or pre-booked Grab/P2P buses.

Recommended Route for NAIA to Batangas Pier Commute

This is the most common, direct and reliable route specially for first-time, self-guided travelers.

Route: NAIA Terminal → P2P Bus → Makati CBD

  • Step 1: Locate the P2P Bus counter at your terminal
    • After collecting your baggage and exiting customs, look for signs reading “Premium Point-to-Point Bus” or “P2P Bus Service.”
    • Terminal 1: P2P counter is located at the arrival area near Bay 10–11.
    • Terminal 2: P2P counter is located at the arrival area near the main exit.
    • Terminal 3: P2P counter is located at the arrival level near the Arrival Drive or inside the terminal near Bays 8–10. Some services also operate from the 2nd floor departure level.
    • Note: If you cannot find the counter, ask airport staff or look for official signage. Counters are operated by companies such as UBE Express, Froehlich Tours, or other authorized P2P operators.
  • Step 2: Purchase ticket to Makati
    • At the counter, inform the staff you are going to “Makati” or specify your destination within Makati (e.g., “Ayala,” “Glorietta,” “Greenbelt,” “Makati CBD”). Fare ranges from PHP 200 to PHP 300 depending on the operator and terminal.
    • Payment is typically cash or Beep card at the counter. Some operators allow advance booking via apps like GrabBus or the UBE Express app, which can save time during busy periods.
    • You will receive a printed or electronic ticket with the bus number and departure bay.
    • Buses typically depart every 20–30 minutes during peak hours (6:00 AM–10:00 PM) and every 1–2 hours during late-night/early-morning hours (10:00 PM–6:00 AM).
  • Step 3: Board the bus at the designated bay
    • Proceed to the departure bay indicated on your ticket.
    • The bus will be clearly marked with “Makati,” “Ayala,” or similar signage. Store luggage in the designated compartment or overhead racks.
    • Buses are air-conditioned and equipped with comfortable seating.
  • Step 4: Travel to Makati CBD
    • The bus will travel via major roads including NAIA Expressway, Skyway, or EDSA depending on the route.
    • Some P2P buses make multiple stops within Makati including:
      • Ayala Avenue (near Ayala Station, PBCom Tower, Makati Stock Exchange)
      • Glorietta/Greenbelt area (near malls and commercial districts)
      • Makati Medical Center area
      • Salcedo Village
    • Confirm with the driver which stops the bus serves and inform them of your specific destination.
    • Travel time is approximately 30–45 minutes during off-peak hours, or up to 1 hour during rush hours (7:00 AM–9:00 AM and 5:00 PM–8:00 PM) when EDSA traffic is heavy.
  • Step 5: Alight at your Makati destination
    • The P2P bus will drop you at designated stops in Makati CBD.
    • From here, you can walk to nearby hotels, offices, or take a short taxi/Grab ride to your final destination.
    • Makati CBD is compact and walkable; most major landmarks are within 10–15 minutes walking distance from P2P drop-off points.
  • Total estimated cost: PHP 200–300
  • Total estimated time: 30–60 minutes

Your Alternative Options for NAIA to Makati Commute

Budget-first: EDSA Carousel Bus to Ayala Station

Exit your NAIA terminal and travel to the nearest EDSA Carousel station. The closest station to NAIA is EDSA Taft Station (approximately 2–3 kilometers from NAIA).

  • Option A (Walk):
    • If traveling light and during daylight hours, you can walk from Terminal 3 to EDSA Taft Station (approximately 25–35 minutes).
    • Follow signs toward EDSA.
    • This is not recommended with heavy luggage or at night.
  • Option B (Taxi/Grab):
    • Take a taxi or Grab from your terminal to EDSA Taft Station.
    • Fare is approximately PHP 50–100.
    • Travel time is 5–10 minutes.
  • Option C (Free Airport Shuttle):
    • NAIA provides free shuttle services between terminals and to some designated areas near EDSA.
    • Check with airport staff if shuttles to EDSA Taft are available.
    • Schedules vary.
    • Once at EDSA Taft Station, enter the EDSA Carousel platform and board any northbound bus.
    • Buses are marked with digital displays showing “Monumento,” “Cubao,” or other northern destinations.
    • All northbound buses pass through Ayala Station.
    • Fare is PHP 0 to PHP 30 (subsidized, subject to current policy).
    • Travel time from EDSA Taft to Ayala Station is approximately 15–20 minutes via the dedicated bus lane.
    • Alight at Ayala Station. Exit the station and you will be on EDSA at the intersection with Ayala Avenue.
    • From here, walk toward Makati CBD (approximately 10–15 minutes to Greenbelt/Glorietta area) or take a short jeepney ride (PHP 10–15) along Ayala Avenue.
  • Total estimated cost: PHP 0–130 (including taxi to EDSA Taft)
  • Total estimated time: 45 minutes–1.5 hours

Time-first: Grab/Taxi Direct to Makati CBD

Book a Grab at the arrival area using the Grab app, or proceed to the official taxi queue managed by airport personnel.

  • Yellow Airport Taxi:
    • Higher base fare but regulated.
    • Metered fare to Makati CBD is approximately PHP 250–350.
  • White Metered Taxi:
    • Standard metered taxi.
    • Fare to Makati CBD is approximately PHP 150–250.
    • Insist that the driver uses the meter.
  • Grab:
    • Pre-booked fare is typically PHP 200–400 depending on surge pricing and time of day.
    • During rush hours, surge pricing can increase fares to PHP 350–500.
    • Grab pick-up areas are designated at each terminal; follow signs or app instructions.
    • Travel time is approximately 20–30 minutes via Skyway during off-peak hours, or 45 minutes–1 hour during rush hours (7:00 AM–9:00 AM and 5:00 PM–8:00 PM) when EDSA is congested.
    • This option is practical for travelers with heavy luggage, groups of 2–3, late-night arrivals, or those prioritizing convenience over cost.

Comfort-first: Pre-Arranged Hotel Shuttle

Many hotels in Makati CBD offer airport pick-up services for guests. Confirm availability and pricing when booking your accommodation. Costs typically range from PHP 800–1,500 but include door-to-door service.

Getting Back: Your Return Strategy

To return to NAIA from Makati CBD, reverse the P2P bus route. P2P buses to NAIA depart from designated stops in Makati including Ayala Avenue (near PBCom Tower), Glorietta, and other locations. Purchase tickets at P2P counters or via app. Fare is similar to the inbound trip (PHP 200–300). Buses operate 24 hours but frequency decreases late at night.

Alternatively, book a Grab or taxi from your Makati location to NAIA. Pre-book the ride at least 1–2 hours before you need to leave to account for driver availability and traffic. Metered taxi fare is approximately PHP 150–300 depending on traffic and terminal.

For international flights, arrive at NAIA at least 3 hours before departure. For domestic flights, arrive at least 2 hours before departure. Allocate extra time if traveling during rush hours (7:00 AM–9:00 AM and 5:00 PM–8:00 PM) as traffic on EDSA and Skyway can significantly delay travel.

Avoid waiting until the last minute to arrange transport to the airport. During peak hours, Grab surge pricing can increase fares significantly, and taxis may be difficult to find in certain areas of Makati.

Important Things You Should Know Before Moving

  • P2P bus schedules:
    • While P2P buses operate 24 hours, frequency is highest during daytime (6:00 AM–10:00 PM) with buses every 20–30 minutes.
    • During late-night and early-morning hours (10:00 PM–6:00 AM), expect longer waiting times (1–2 hours between buses).
    • Check schedules via the operator’s app or at the counter upon arrival.
  • Makati CBD traffic:
    • Makati experiences heavy traffic during rush hours (7:00 AM–9:00 AM and 5:00 PM–8:00 PM).
    • Travel time from NAIA can double during these periods.
    • If you have time-sensitive meetings or appointments, avoid arriving during rush hours or allocate extra buffer time.
  • EDSA Carousel fare policy:
    • Fares are subsidized and subject to change based on government announcements.
    • Confirm current fare by checking digital displays at stations or asking station personnel.
  • Walking in Makati CBD:
    • Makati CBD is one of the most walkable business districts in Metro Manila with wide sidewalks, pedestrian overpasses, and clear signage.
    • Most major landmarks (Ayala Avenue, Greenbelt, Glorietta, Makati Medical Center) are within 10–20 minutes walking distance from each other.
    • Taxis and Grab are also readily available for short rides (PHP 50–100).
  • Currency exchange and SIM cards:
    • If you need to exchange currency or purchase a local SIM card, do so inside NAIA before proceeding to transport areas.
    • ATMs and money changers are available at all terminals.
    • SIM card vendors (Globe, Smart, DITO) are located near arrival exits.
    • Makati also has numerous ATMs, money changers, and mobile phone shops.
  • Late-night arrivals:
    • If you arrive after 10:00 PM, P2P buses are still available but frequency decreases.
    • Taxis and Grab are reliable alternatives.
    • EDSA Carousel operates until approximately 10:00 PM on weekdays and 9:00 PM on weekends; check schedules if using this option late at night.
  • Weather-related delays:
    • Heavy rain can cause flooding on EDSA, Skyway, and other major roads, adding 30–60 minutes or more to travel time.
    • Monitor weather conditions and allocate buffer time during the rainy season (June–October) or typhoon warnings.
  • Traveling in groups or with luggage:
    • P2P buses accommodate individual travelers efficiently and allow one checked bag and one carry-on per passenger.
    • Oversized or excessive luggage may incur additional fees (PHP 50–100 per extra bag).
    • For groups of 4 or more with heavy luggage, consider booking a Grab/taxi directly from NAIA to your Makati destination (PHP 150–400 total, split among passengers makes this economical).
    • Groups with elderly members or young children should prioritize direct transport (taxi/Grab/P2P bus) to avoid walking between terminals and stations.
    • EDSA Carousel requires exiting NAIA and traveling to a separate station, which can be exhausting with dependents and luggage

Some Notable Drop-Off Points You Can Use as Reference

If you are traveling to specific areas in Makati CBD, use these as reference points when arranging transport or communicating with drivers:

  • Ayala Avenue –
    • Main business street; central landmark for Makati CBD
  • Ayala Triangle Gardens –
    • Public park at the heart of Makati; well-known landmark
  • Greenbelt Mall (1–5) –
    • Shopping and dining complex; major reference point
  • Glorietta (1–5) –
    • Adjacent shopping mall complex connected to Greenbelt
  • Landmark Department Store –
    • Major shopping center along Ayala Avenue
  • Makati Stock Exchange (PSE Tower) –
    • Financial district landmark
  • PBCom Tower –
    • Office building on Ayala Avenue; common P2P bus stop
  • Makati Medical Center –
    • Major hospital; well-known landmark
  • Salcedo Village –
    • Residential and commercial district; known for weekend market
  • Legazpi Village –
    • Residential area with restaurants and offices
  • Century City Mall –
    • Shopping mall near Kalayaan Avenue
  • Power Plant Mall –
    • Shopping center in Rockwell area (adjacent to Makati CBD)
  • MRT-3 Ayala Station –
    • Train station at EDSA-Ayala intersection; major transport hub
  • Makati City Hall –
    • Government center along J.P. Rizal Avenue

⚠️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 navigation tool and to understand how modes connect before moving.

Choose your intent. Navigate with confidence. Move without guessing. Use Homepage as your control panel.

Places worth imagining—before you ever arrive, explore Dream Destinations for your weekend getaways and travel itineraries.

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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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