MRT Stations & Fare Guide for 2022

Last Updated – Jul 19, 2023 @ 8:45 pm

One of the major transportation modes in the Philippines is the Metro Manila Rail Transit System, also known as MRT. With almost a million passengers that use this rail system each day, its convenience cannot be denied. 

However, commuting with MRT can be confusing especially for newbies. Here’s a helpful guide for you. 

What is MRT?

There are two rapid transit systems in Metro Manila. Along with the Manila Light Rail Transit System or LRT/LRTS, MRT serves countless Filipinos every day. First opened in 1999, this rail system became fully operational by 2000. 

MRT3 is operated by the Metro Rail Transit Corporation, a private organization made up of 7 Flipino-owned companies including Ramcar Inc of National Book Store, Allante Realty and Development Inc., Ayala Land Inc., Anglo-Philippine Holdings Corporation, DBH Inc., Greenfield Development Corporation of Unilab, and Fil-Estate Management Inc.¹ 

Meanwhile, the LRT is owned by the Philippine Government and operated by the Light Rail Transit Authority. 

While it can be difficult for commuters to enjoy the MRT especially during rush hour, it’s still the cheapest and fastest way to travel through EDSA.

MRT Rules

Here are the rules to keep in mind when riding the MRT.

• Passengers are not allowed to eat or drink in the stations.
• Passengers are not allowed to smoke.
• Passengers are not allowed to take pictures.
• Stay away from the edge of the platform since it is dangerous and can cause you to fall in the tracks.
• Passengers are not allowed to bring weapons, flammable objects, and other hazardous materials to the station.
• Passengers are subject to inspectors checking their belongings. Inspectors can also use a portable metal detector.
• Passengers are not allowed to bring animals.
• People under the influence of drugs and alcohol are not allowed to board.
• Passengers can only bring objects with a maximum height and length of up to 5 feet.
• Tin cans are not allowed.
• Stations are monitored by surveillance cameras.
• Wanted posters are displayed in the stations of people who have stolen the belongings of other passengers. If another passenger sees any of the thieves in the poster, they need to contact the police force.

Health, safety, and security rules due to COVID-19:

• Only 10-12 trains will be dispatched on MRT-3.
• Trains will have a limited capacity of 372 passengers per train set, or 124 passengers per car.
• Passengers should wear a mask at all times.
• Wearing a face shield is voluntary.
• No talking or telephone calls.
• No eating.
• Trains must be well-ventilated.
• Frequent disinfection must be conducted.
• No passengers with COVID-19 symptoms are allowed to enter.

What’s allowed in MRT?

MRT announced that liquids such as perfumes, bottled drinks, and other skin care and cosmetic products are not permitted inside the trains. However, these liquids are allowed:²

• Drinking water for children (drinking water for babies or small children)
• Baby formula and breast milk in bottles (if the passenger is traveling with a baby or small child)
• Medications (prescription and over-the-counter medications)
• Beverage for PWDs (includes water, juice, or liquid nutrition or gels)
• Medical and cosmetics (only if used to augment the body and for cosmetic and medical reasons like a saline solution, mastectomy products, prosthetics breasts, shells, or bras that contain gels)
• Life-support and life-sustaining liquids (blood products, bone marrow, and transplant organs)

MRT Map

To help you visualize the areas MRT passes through, take a look at this map. 

MRT Stations List

We’ve rounded up the complete list of MRT stations below, with their corresponding landmarks and nearby establishments.

North Avenue

Location: Diliman, Quezon City

This station is also called “North” by passengers, and it links to TriNoma, which is one of the largest malls in the area. People who live near Bulacan and Valenzuela usually take this terminal. 

Nearby establishments:

• TriNOma
• Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife
• Quezon City Science High School
• Department of Agriculture
• Veterans Memorial Medical Center
• SM City North EDSA
• MRTC Office
• Quezon Memorial Circle

Quezon Avenue

Location: Diliman, Quezon City

Quezon Avenue is one of the busiest MRT stations. It is commonly used by students and employees since it’s near the University of the Philippines – Diliman.

Nearby Establishments:

• Philippine Science High School
• Eton Centris
• University of the Philippines-Diliman
• ABS-CBN Network
• PAG-ASA Complex
• Lung Center of the Philippines
• Office of the Ombudsman
• Court of Tax Appeals
• Office of the Ombudsman
• UP-Ayala Land Technohub
• Fairview

GMA-Kamuning

Location: Diliman, Quezon City

This station is named after Barangay Kamuning. It is near Timog avenue, which is one of the most famous entertainment districts in Quezon City.

Nearby Establishments:

• GMA Network
• Land Transportation Office
• Philippine Statistics Authority
• Department of Public Works and Highways
• Philippine Heart Center
• National Kidney and Transplant Institute
• Quezon Memorial Circle

Araneta Center – Cubao

Location: Cubao, Quezon City

Another busy MRT station, Araneta Center – Cubao serves as the transfer point for people taking the LRT-2. It is also where people who want to head to provincial buses stop. 

Nearby Establishments:

• Ali Mall
• Araneta Coliseum
• Farmer’s Plaza
• Gateway Mall
• Cubao Expo
• Kia Theater

Santolan – Annapolis

Location: Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City

This station is located between Annapolis Street and Santolan Road. It is close to Eastwood City and Katipunan.

Nearby Establishments:

• Armed Forces of the Philippines
• Camp Aguinaldo
• Department of National Defense
• Camp Crame
• Greenhills Shopping Center
• Philippine National Police

Ortigas

Location: Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong

This station serves the Ortigas Business district, and it is the last MRT station in Mandaluyong from the south. 

Nearby Establishments:

• Asian Development Bank
• Crowne Plaza
• Robinson’s Galleria
• SM Megamall
• SM Podium
• Meralco Theater
• Francis Square
• The Medical City
• Philippine Stock Exchange
• EDSA Shrine
• Philippine Stock Exchange
• Holiday Inn

Shaw Boulevard

Location: Wack-Wack Greenhills, Mandaluyong

This station serves the Mandaluyong area. It is considered a central terminal, and it is the only MRT station with two tracks. 

Nearby Establishments:

• Shangri-La Plaza
• Pavillion Mall
• Capitol Commons
• Starmall Shaw
• San Miguel Corporation
• The University of Asia and the Pacific
• Lourdes School
• PhilSports Arena
• Wack Wack Golf and Country Club
• Department of Education
• Paul College Pasig
• Ynares Sports Arena
• Greenfield District

Boni

Location: Barangka Ilaya, Mandaluyong

For those going to Mandaluyong or Pioneer, this station is very useful. Just like Ayala station, it is a popular drop-off for condominium owners and students.  

Nearby Establishments:

• Robinson’s Forum
• Victor Potenciano Medical Center
• GA Twin Towers
• SM Light Residences
• Robinson’s Cybergate
• Paragon Plaza
• Rizal Technological University
• TV5 Media Center

Guadalupe

Location: Guadalupe Nuevo, Makati

This station is one of the major access points to landmarks in Manila. It is also very close to the Guadalupe Bridge. 

Nearby Establishments:

• Rockwell Center
• PowerPlant Mall
• Makati City Hall
• University of Makati
• San Carlos Seminary
• Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary
• Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila

Buendia

Location: Urdaneta, Makati

This station is also known as Gil Puyat station, and it is one of the two underground stations of the MRT line.

Nearby Establishments:

• Department of Energy
• Department of Trade and Industry
• MMDA Offices
• Makati Avenue
• Jupiter Street
• Century City Mall
• Metrobank and DBP Headquarters

Ayala

Location: San Lorenzo, Makati

Infamously known as the busiest MRT station, it is mostly used by employees who work at the Bonifacio Global City. It has an elevated walkway that makes it easier for people to go to SM Makati to the rest of the Ayala Center. 

Nearby Establishments:

• SM Makati
• Glorietta
• Greenbelt
• Ayala Triangle Gardens
• The Philippine Stock Exchange
• BPI, China Bank, RCBC, and Citibank Headquarters
• Makati Shangri-La Hotel
• Manila Peninsula

Magallanes

Location: Magallanes, Makati

Those coming from the south of Metro Manila usually ride the bus to Magallanes before boarding this station. It is the closest station to SLEX, as well as other major points of the Metro such as Dasmarinas village. 

Nearby Establishments:

• Alphaland Makati
• Asia Pacific College
• St. Alphonsus Mary de Liguori Parish Church
• Assumption College
• Colegio San Agustin-Makati
• San Lorenzo Place
• Don Bosco Technical Institute
• San Lorenzo Village

Taft Avenue

Location: San Rafael, Pasay

This is the only MRT station in Pasay and it serves as the transfer point for those riding the LRT 1 to Roosevelt or Baclaran station. Taft avenue is also close to provincial bus companies like Philtranco and Victory, among many others. 

Nearby Establishments:

• Ninoy Aquino International Airport
• SM Mall of Asia
• SMX Convention Center
• San Juan de Dios Hospital
• Manila Tytana College

MRT Fare Matrix

Riding the MRT anytime soon? The fare depends on your destination, as well the location of the station you are coming from. Usually, this amount ranges from Php13 to Php28.

Here’s a detailed MRT fare matrix:

You can also check the MRT ticket prices at MRT3’s official website.

MRT Train Schedules

The MRT train schedule remains fairly consistent, except when there are technical issues. 

On weekdays, the first train leaves the North Avenue station at 4:59 am, and the last trip is at 9:10 pm. If you are coming from the other side, the first train leaves Taft Avenue at 5:50 am, and the last train trip is at 10:10 pm.

Meanwhile, on weekends, the first train leaves the North Avenue station at 4:59 am, and the last train leaves at 9:10 pm. In Taft, the first train leaves at 5:51 am, and the last train leaves at 10:01 pm. 

More trains run on weekdays compared to weekends. 

MRT Survival Tips

Anyone who rides the MRT most days will tell you that it’s not easy. You always have to come prepared, especially considering you have to deal with long lines, or even MRT breakdowns.

To help make your MRT experience more bearable, follow these tips below. 

Avoid rush hour

Most of the bad reputation of MRT stemmed because of people’s experiences during rush hour.

If you don’t have the patience, skip the MRT from 7 am to 9 am when employees and students take the train, and from 6 pm to 9 pm when these people head home. 

Taking early or late night trips is better. However, don’t get your hopes too high since these times are also not a guarantee that you will get comfortable seats especially at busy stations.

Dress well

When you’re crammed in a single car with hundreds of people, it can get quite hot even if there is air conditioning.

As much as you can, wear breathable clothes. Closed shoes are also recommended. If you need to wear heels, put them in your bag and change them when you get to your destination.

It is also recommended to bring a small towel. After all, you don’t want to get to your work looking sweaty and stressed. 

Have a coin purse ready

Taking your wallet out in a busy station is a recipe for disaster. Prepare a coin purse without important cards so you don’t have to worry about anything if it gets stolen. 

Research the locations

Although the MRT is notorious for being crowded, some stations have fewer passengers than others.

For example, Santolan is less crowded than its nearby Cubao station, and GMA – Kamuning has fewer people than Quezon Avenue station.

Find which location works best for you if you don’t want to be squashed like sardines in a can. 

Don’t lose your manners

When you’re riding the MRT, you can encounter rude people. However, remember that it takes two people to start a fight.

Always be nice and remember your manners. Do not shove or push fellow passengers, and wait for your turn when entering and exiting the train. If you’re not getting off the train yet, do not stand by the door.  

Have a stored value card

If you ride the MRT regularly, pre-load your card so you don’t have to waste time lining up to buy a ticket. Cards are valid for up to 3 months so you don’t have to worry about anything else for a long time. 

Hold on to your valuables

If you have valuables with you such as your wallet, laptop, or phone, hold on to them for dear life. Because you won’t always have personal space, always position your bag in front of you at all times. 

Stay calm

Riding the MRT is truly not for the faint-hearted. Stay calm, listen to music, and don’t stress on things that are out of your control. 

Related Guide: Toll Fee Guides: NLEX, SLEX, Skyway, SCTEX, TPLEX, and more

1. MRT3
2. Kami.com.ph