Manila airport (NAIA) guide for US travelers
Every fact links to its source. Schedules, fees and prices change, so confirm with the linked operator or official site before you book. Last checked: Oct 17, 2026.
The short answer
- Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) has three terminals. Book a Grab or other ride-share into the city, use the free shuttle to change terminals, and leave plenty of time for Manila traffic. Wikipedia: NAIA · State Dept
Terminals
- NAIA has Terminals 1, 2 and 3. It is now operated by New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation under a concession, with the Manila International Airport Authority overseeing it. Wikipedia: NAIA · MIAA
- Airlines have moved between terminals several times (the latest reassignment took effect March 29, 2026), so check your booking or the airline's site rather than an old blog post. Wikipedia: NAIA
- If you connect to a domestic flight on a separate ticket, budget extra time for immigration, baggage, a terminal change and re-check-in.
Getting into the city
- Ride-hailing: the State Dept says ride-share apps are safe and widely used in Metro Manila, though availability drops at rush hour, late at night and in heavy rain. State Dept · Grab
- Taxis: drivers at international airports sometimes overcharge or refuse the meter, and travelers have been robbed shortly after leaving NAIA. Insist on the meter and photograph the plate. State Dept
- Buses: UBE Express runs point-to-point buses from the airport to areas including Manila, Makati, Pasay and Quezon City, plus a Terminal 3–PITX route linking to LRT Line 1. Wikipedia: NAIA
- Transfers: pre-booked airport transfers are available on Klook.
- Where to stay and what to see: Manila guide.
Changing terminals
- Use the official free landside shuttle between terminals; a paid "NAIA Loop" bus also runs, and Philippine Airlines runs an airside shuttle between Terminals 1 and 2 for its connecting passengers. Wikipedia: NAIA · State Dept
FAQ
- How many terminals does Manila airport have?
NAIA has three passenger terminals (1, 2 and 3). Airlines have been reassigned between terminals several times, most recently in March 2026, so check your ticket or airline. Wikipedia: NAIA - How do I get from NAIA into Manila?
Ride-hailing (such as Grab), metered taxis, or point-to-point buses. The State Dept suggests ride-share apps because of airport taxi scams. State Dept · Grab - How do I transfer between NAIA terminals?
Use the official free landside shuttle between terminals. State Dept · Wikipedia: NAIA - Is there a train to NAIA?
No train goes to the terminals. UBE Express buses run from Terminal 3 to PITX for LRT Line 1, and other buses connect to LRT-1 EDSA and MRT-3 Taft stations. Wikipedia: NAIA
