Navigating Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) can feel like exploring four separate airports. That’s because NAIA’s four terminals aren’t connected by walkways, meaning you’ll need a ride to get from one flight to your next. But don’t sweat it! There are easy ways to move between Terminals 1 to 4, including a fantastic free shuttle service.
The good news is, you don’t always need to hail a taxi or book a Grab. The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), now under the management of the New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation (NNIC) since September 2024, provides a free shuttle bus service that runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
These buses are air-conditioned and have plenty of space for your luggage, ensuring a comfortable ride between any of the terminals – whether you’re hopping from T1 to T3, T4 to T2, or any other combination.
While this shuttle service used to run about once an hour, NNIC has been working to improve passenger mobility. You might find the buses are now more frequent than before, with aims to cut down those waiting times. Still, it’s always smart to allot ample time for transfers – sometimes you just miss a bus!
It’s pretty straightforward! Just show your ticket or boarding pass to the driver. The only catch is your onward flight needs to be within the next 24 hours.
Knowing where to wait is half the battle. Here’s where you’ll find the free shuttle bus at each terminal’s arrival curbside:
- Terminal 1: Keep an eye out for a huge sign that says «AIRPORT SHUTTLE / TRANSFER SERVICE» at the arrival curbside. You can’t miss it!
- Terminal 2: Head to the arrival curbside, right next to pick-up bay 19.
- Terminal 3: This one takes a little walk. After you exit the baggage claim area, turn left and stroll towards the very end of the terminal. Once you reach the far end, turn left again. You should then spot the sign for the «Terminal Transfer Bus» or «For passengers with connecting flights to Terminal 1, 2, and 4.»
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Sometimes, time is of the essence, or you just prefer a more private ride. In those cases, you have reliable alternatives:
- Taxis: You’ll find accredited taxi stands outside all terminals. These can be a quick option, but always make sure the driver uses the meter or agree on a fare beforehand.
- Grab (Ride-Hailing Services): Grab is a game-changer for terminal transfers. Simply book a car through the Grab app, and it’s often a very efficient choice, especially if you’re loaded with luggage.
- NAIA Terminal 3: Grab pickups are centralized at the Multi-Level Parking (MLP) Level A. Just follow the signs and coordinate with your driver via the app.
- NAIA Terminal 1 & 2: The app will guide you to specific, designated bays for Grab pickups.
The good news is, a newly constructed expressway connects most of the NAIA terminals, meaning travel time between them via car or Grab is much shorter than it used to be.
Moving between NAIA’s terminals doesn’t have to be a headache. With the free shuttle service and convenient ride-hailing options, you can navigate your way to your next flight with less stress. Just remember to always factor in ample time for transfers, and you’ll be well on your way!
