Tips for transiting at Manila NAIA T3 to T1

[DrGear]

Off to Japan on Tuesday and travelling SYD-MNL-HND and I've gotta get from T3 to T1. I've got 6 hours between arrival and departure and I've heard they're incredibly slow and inefficient at NAIA.

Seems most people recommend using Grab to go to the other terminal as it's a 20 minute ride away.

Any tips or info you could share would be appreciated.

 

[Austman]

Get there as quick as you can. Because traffic around the airport can be a bit of a nightmare.

And T1 procedures are not all that quick.

Grab is probably the best option. It's actually not all that far, T3 to T1. The problem is it can be bumper-to-bumper for a good deal of that short distance. There is also a free landslide transfers bus. But I don't think it's so frequent. You might be lucky!

 

[clifford]

I did this a few months ago, mid afternoon. I'd heard all the stories too, but in fact it was pretty stress free (but I was HBO).

Just walked out of the T1 arrivals area, into a cab and was in T3 within 15-20 minutes. The traffic is heavy, but it does move (at least at that time of day). Cost was less than $10. No doubt Grab might be cheaper, but not a big deal.

 

[Austman]

I did this a few months ago, mid afternoon. I'd heard all the stories too, but in fact it was pretty stress free (but I was HBO).

Just walked out of the T1 arrivals area, into a cab and was in T3 within 15-20 minutes. The traffic is heavy, but it does move (at least at that time of day). Cost was less than $10. No doubt Grab might be cheaper, but not a big deal.

I think that Grab might be more honest is a consideration. And you don't need cash. I've had quite some attempts to cheat from taxis in Manila.
Know the fare in advance! You can negotiate with taxis.

 

[clifford]

I think that Grab might be more honest is a consideration. And you don't need cash. I've had quite some attempts to cheat from taxis in Manila.
Know the fare in advance! You can negotiate with taxis.

Of course, but there is an official rate for cabs for this journey, and you can point this out to the driver before commencing. I did this and while it might be slightly more than a Grab, it's still not very much, and the cab driver was true to his word. But you have to be vigilant and if you show them that you know what you are doing, there is unlikely to be a problem.

Yes, cash could be an issue, but I had lots of it from previous trips, and you can also get it at a good rate from the money changers in the arrivals hall. Cash might also be useful if you have a longish layover and want to get a bite to eat before check in opens.

But I just grabbed a cab as it was more convenient (for me) and the fare was inexpensive. A cup of coffee could cost you more.

 

[Austman]

Yes, cash could be an issue

If you are just transiting and just need a small amount, it can be an issue.

 

[clifford]

If you are just transiting and just need a small amount, it can be an issue.

They'll happily change AU$10. But if you don't want to then you don't have to. However, having a little PHP in your pocket can be handy, even if you are just transitting.

 

[Austman]

They'll happily change AU$10. But if you don't want to then you don't have to. However, having a little PHP in your pocket can be handy, even if you are just transitting.

Yes, cards aren't accepted everywhere. But I had almost no problems with cards on my trips to MNL. I doubt air-side at MNL airport would be a problem.

 

[DrGear]

Of course, but there is an official rate for cabs for this journey, and you can point this out to the driver before commencing. I did this and while it might be slightly more than a Grab, it's still not very much, and the cab driver was true to his word. But you have to be vigilant and if you show them that you know what you are doing, there is unlikely to be a problem.

Yes, cash could be an issue, but I had lots of it from previous trips, and you can also get it at a good rate from the money changers in the arrivals hall. Cash might also be useful if you have a longish layover and want to get a bite to eat before check in opens.

But I just grabbed a cab as it was more convenient (for me) and the fare was inexpensive. A cup of coffee could cost you more.

Yeah I’m not going through all that. Grab seems like the go as I can just use my card. I’m just there for the layover and I’ve got the business lounge to chill in so I don’t need any cash.

 

[Austman]

Yeah I’m not going through all that. Grab seems like the go as I can just use my card. I’m just there for the layover and I’ve got the business lounge to chill in so I don’t need any cash.

I suppose, try for the free transfer bus. Or book a Grab.

If those don't work and you are stuck, AUD 10 cash is around PHP 350 which any taxi driver would likely take!

So have a few small AUD notes in hand?

 

[anat0l]

T3 inbound procedures aren't too terrible, but make sure you fill in and submit your immigration paperwork and have your QR code ready before you board in SYD.

Grab is your best bet; at least the cost is well contained and it is easier to pay with card that way. Download it and set it up before getting to MNL. According to Grab's website, they have a dedicated waiting zone (and booking booth) at NAIA T3. Google Maps estimates a travel time of 20-55 minutes, but don't forget to factor in the time for your transport to arrive to pick you up.

T1 isn't a huge terminal (blessing and curse), and not much to do airside (even less if you have no lounge access). T3 landside and the connected Newport World Resorts are much more lively, but leave yourself a generous amount of time to get to T1.