Water transit across Manila
Pasig River Ferry Service Routes & Stations(2026)
The Pasig River Ferry Service (PRFS) is Metro Manila’s only water-based transportation system. It is a fantastic “traffic hack” that bypasses the congestion of EDSA and Manila’s inner streets by traveling directly through the heart of the city.
The ferry service currently operates with 13 stations stretching from Pasig City to the City of Manila.
| City | Station Name | Nearby Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Pasig | Pinagbuhatan | C6 Bridge, Coast Guard Station (East Terminus) |
| Kalawaan | R. Castillo St., Pasig | |
| San Joaquin | Sumilang & Bambang Bridge | |
| Maybunga | Maybunga Brgy. Hall, Dr. Sixto Ave | |
| Makati | Guadalupe | MRT-3 Guadalupe, Power Plant Mall (2km walk/trike) |
| Valenzuela | LTO Makati, Riverside Studios | |
| Mandaluyong | Hulo | Parish of Our Lady of the Abandoned, Poblacion (via boat cross) |
| Manila | Lambingan | Sta. Ana (Punta), Tomas Earnshaw Elem. School |
| Sta. Ana | Sta. Ana Public Market, Pedro Gil St | |
| PUP | Polytechnic University of the Philippines, PNR Sta. Mesa | |
| Quinta | Quinta Market, Quiapo Church, LRT-1 Carriedo | |
| Lawton | Manila Post Office, SM Manila, Arroceros Park | |
| Escolta | Binondo (Chinatown), Jones Bridge, Intramuros (West Terminus) |
Fares and Requirements
- Fare: As of late 2025, the ferry remains FREE OF CHARGE (sponsored by the MMDA), though there are talks of reinstating a small fee (₱15–₱60) in the future.
- Requirements: You must bring a Valid ID. Upon arrival at the station, you will sign a manifest/logbook before boarding.
- Passenger Limit: Boats vary in size (16 to 57 seats). It is first-come, first-served.
Operating Hours & Travel Time
- Schedule: Monday to Saturday (No operations on Sundays).
- Hours: Generally 7:00 AM to 5:20 PM.
- End-to-End Travel Time: Approx. 45 to 60 minutes (compared to 2+ hours by land during rush hour).
- Frequency: Boats typically depart every 30 to 60 minutes.
Commuter Tips for the Ferry
- The “Sip Test”: Like the MRT, liquids are allowed but you may be asked to take a sip of your water/drink in front of security.
- Photography: You are allowed to take photos of the skyline, but security may remind you not to take photos of the Malacañang Palace area (between PUP and Lawton stations) for security reasons.
- Connectivity: * To MRT-3: Use the Guadalupe Station. It’s a 5-minute walk to the train.
- To Binondo/Chinatown: Use the Escolta Station. Once you exit, you are right at the foot of Jones Bridge.
- To Quiapo: Use the Quinta Station; it drops you right behind the market.
- Bikes & Pets: Small folding bikes and pets (in crates/cages) are generally allowed, space permitting.
Pasig River Ferry: Heritage and Business Shortcut
1. The Heritage & Foodie Route (Manila District)
If you are visiting these areas, the ferry is better than any car or train because it drops you at the “back door” of these districts, avoiding the congestion of Plaza Lacson and Jones Bridge.
- Binondo (Chinatown): Alight at Escolta Station.
- Why it’s the best: You are a 2-minute walk from the famous Savory Restaurant, Wai Ying, and the historic Escolta Street (art deco buildings).
- Intramuros (The Walled City): Alight at Lawton Station or Escolta Station.
- Why it’s the best: Escolta Station is right across the Jones Bridge (newly restored with European-style lights). Lawton is right next to the Manila Post Office and Arroceros Forest Park.
- Quiapo Shopping: Alight at Quinta Station.
- Why it’s the best: You land directly at Quinta Market. It’s the safest and fastest way to reach Quiapo Church or the “under the bridge” stores for handicrafts without navigating the Estero traffic.
2. The Lifestyle & Business Hubs (Makati & Mandaluyong)
The ferry is a hidden gem for people working or hanging out in the “hip” parts of Makati and Mandaluyong.
- Rockwell Center / Power Plant Mall: Alight at Guadalupe Station or Hulo Station.
- The Pro Move: If you are in Mandaluyong, use Hulo Station. There is a small traditional boat (“bangka”) that crosses the river directly to the Rockwell side for just a few pesos. It’s faster than driving through the Guadalupe bridge.
- Poblacion (Makati’s Nightlife): Alight at Valenzuela Station.
- Why it’s the best: This station is near Century City Mall and the Poblacion heritage/entertainment district. It saves you from the one-way street maze of Makati.
3. The University & Government Shortcut
- PUP (Polytechnic University of the Philippines): Alight at PUP Station.
- Why it’s the best: The station is literally inside the campus. For students coming from Pasig or Makati, this turns a 1.5-hour commute into a 25-minute breezy boat ride.
- Malacañang & San Miguel: Alight at PUP or Quinta Station.
- The View: While you can’t take photos, the ferry offers the only public view of the Malacañang Palace complex from the water.
Recommended “Best Option” Itinerary
If you want to experience the ferry’s maximum efficiency, try this:
- Morning: Board at Guadalupe (Makati) at 9:00 AM.
- Cruise: Enjoy the view of the Makati skyline and the Malacañang complex.
- Lunch: Disembark at Escolta (Manila) at 9:45 AM. Walk 5 minutes into Binondo for a dim sum lunch.
- Afternoon: Cross the Jones Bridge to Intramuros for a walk through Fort Santiago.
- Return: Catch the 4:00 PM ferry from Lawton back to Guadalupe to watch the sunset over the river.
Can I bring my bike?
Yes! One of the best things about the ferry is that bicycles (including full-sized mountain bikes) are allowed on board for free. This makes it the ultimate choice for “Bike-to-Work” commuters traveling from Pasig to Manila.
Pasig River Ferry: Station & Departure Table (2026)
Status: As of early 2026, the Pasig River Ferry Service remains
FREE of charge as a government-subsidized alternative to EDSA traffic.
| Station Name | Location Landmark | First Trip (Eastbound) | Last Trip (Westbound) | Do |
| Origin | C6 Bridge (Pasig) | 7:00 AM | 4:00 PM | FREE |
| Guadalupe | Near MRT-3 Guadalupe | 7:00 AM | 5:30 PM | FREE |
| Hula | Mandaluyong Side | 7:05 AM | 5:35 PM | FREE |
| PUP | PUP Sta. Mesa Campus | 7:40 AM | 5:50 PM | FREE |
| Lawton | Post Office / Quiapo | 7:57 AM | 5:35 PM | FREE |
| Listen | Binondo / Jones Bridge | 8:15 AM | 5:30 PM | FREE |
Operator’s SOP: Always check the MMDA Facebook page before heading to the station. Operations are often suspended if the
water hyacinths are too thick or if the river level is too high due to rain.
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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!