The Light Rail Transit Line 2, also known as LRT-2, is one out of three elevated railway systems in Metro Manila, and we’re going through all 13 stops in this article, quite literally, in fact, because we actually did go to each stop!
If you’re looking for a one-stop guide to the LRT-2, which runs through the cities of Manila, San Juan, Quezon City, Marikina, Pasig, and Antipolo, then read on.
WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?
Understanding LRT-2
Here’s a rundown of general informaion about the LRT-2 that you need to know before hopping on board.
The LRT-2 services cities in Metro Manila, including City of Manila, San Juan City, Quezon City, Marikina City, Pasig City, as well as Antipolo City in Rizal upon its expansion in 2021.
The line runs in a west-east direction, with Recto as the westernmost station and Antipolo as the easternmost station.
Reminders!
- It’s important to note that stations were added both on the west and east ends of the LRT-2 over its 22 years of operation, so you may find stations that still refer to Legarda as the last station westbound or Santolan as the last station eastbound.
- Entrances on the westbound side are referred to as “North Stations”, while entrances on the eastbound side are referred to as “South Stations.”
Accessibility & Priority
- Station Layout. Most LRT-2 stations have a standard layout, wherein passengers enter through a concourse level and then go up another level to the platforms. Thankfully, LRT-2 stations are designed in such a way that you will be able to access both eastbound and westbound platforms regardless of which side you enter from.
- Stairs, Escalators & Elevators. While all stations do have escalators and elevators aside from the stairs, these utilities may occasionally be under repair. You can check LRT-2’s Facebook page for updates on that.
- Priority Train Cars. Another detail you need to know about the LRT-2 trains is that the first car of each train is dedicated to people with disability, senior citizens, pregnant women, and people with young children. You’ll find special boarding areas for the said group on all platforms, with security guards strictly implementing this. Unlike the LRT-1 and MRT-3, there is no priority per se for women in general on the first car.
Fare & Tickets
But before you even get to the platforms, you need to buy a ticket. All stations have ticketing booths on the concourse level, where you can purchase single journey tickets (SJTs) or even stored value cards (SVCs).
Aside from buying tickets at the ticketing booth, you can also purchase SJTs or SVCs from ticket vending machines.
Single Journey Ticket (SJT)
If you don’t think you’ll be using Metro Manila train lines regularly, you may want to buy a single journey ticket or SJTs instead. You can do so by either going to the teller or attendant in the ticket booth to buy a ticket or buying an SJT via the ticket vending machine (TVM).
Stored Value Card (SVC)
If you will be riding the LRT-2 frequently, you may want to purchase a stored value card (SVC), which comes in the form of the Beep™ Card. Not only is it more convenient, but discounted fares apply to you on the LRT-2 if you have a Beep card.
Now, how do you load your Beep card? Here are four ways that I know of, and if you know of more options, please let us know in the comments.
- Ticket Vending Machine. You can use the ticket vending machines at any station to reload your beep card. Do take note that some vending machines are not as updated, in the sense that they do not accept certain coins or bills. This is particularly true for older stations. Additionally, some stations also have coin machines that allow you to convert your bills to coins, should you need it.
- Digital Loading Machine. Some stations have digital loading machines. Take note that some of these will allow you to insert bills, but some only allow digital payments.
- Digital Payment Option. You can add load to your card via digital payment channels like digital banks and e-wallets. Beep has a page on their website dedicated to this, and you’ll find it here: Beep Digital Banking & e-Wallet Partners. Note that many of these options will require you to still drop by one of the e-load stations above to “fetch” the load or claim the load that you purchased so that it actually shows up in your card. This is an additional step that you have to physically do in the station.
- Beep App. You can also purchase and fetch Beep load via the Beep app. You’ll find versions of the app on both the App Store for iPhones and Google Play Store for Android phones. Take note that your phone should be NFC-enabled in order to fetch the load through the app.
LRT-2 Fare Matrix
Here are the fare matrices for both SJTs and SVCs, straight from the LRT-2 official website:
ATTENTION!
- Some commuters share that it’s sometimes quite hard to find Beep cards in stations that are less frequented. Since Beep is used across MRT-3, LRT-1, and LRT-2, you may also try getting a Beep card from any of the stations of the other train lines.
- Starting October 2025, students, senior citizens, and PWDs can get their concessionary white Beep card that automatically applies the 50% fare discount. Just present your valid ID, and your card will be printed on the spot. The card is valid for one year, with the option to renew.
LRT-2 Stations
At this point, you guys are ready to board the LRT-2! From west to east, here are the LRT-2 stations in order as of 2025, from Recto Station to Antipolo Station.
Recto Station
As of 2025, Recto Station is the current western terminus of the LRT-2, which means that it is the first eastbound station.
Nearby landmarks at Recto station are QQ Mall Quiapo, Raon Shopping Center, Cartimar Manila Shopping Center, and Arranque Market. You’ll also find multiple educational institutions within its vicinity: Far Eastern University, FEU Institute of Technology, Philippine College of Criminology, and more.
You can transfer to the LRT-2 line upon alighting at LRT-1’s Doroteo Jose or D. Jose station. Just a word of caution that the walk from D. Jose Station to Recto station is still quite far.
Station Layout: You’ll find the South Entrance along Recto Avenue (hence the name of the station), right beside Isetann Cinerama. As for the North Entrance, you’ll find it on the other side of Recto Avenue, near Odeon Terminal Mall. Similar to most LRT-2 stations, you’ll find a concourse before you reach the platforms. In the concourse area, you will find multiple TVMs.
Location: City of Manila
Nearby Landmarks: QQ Mall Quiapo, Raon Shopping Center, Cartimar Manila Shopping Center, Arranque Market, Far Eastern University, FEU Institute of Technology, and Philippine College of Criminology
Legarda Station
The next eastbound station is Legarda Station. The station sits above Legarda Street, which it is named after.
This station is near the Neo-gothic, all-steel Basilica of San Sebastian. Quite a few universities are also within walking distance from this station, particularly the University of the East and San Sebastian College along Recto Avenue and San Beda University and Centro Escolar University along Mendiola Street.
Note that Legarda Station is one of the busiest stations on the LRT-2 line due to its proximity to various universities.
Station Layout: Both the North entrance and the South entrance of the Legarda Station are just across from each other. You can find the Legarda Station entrances by walking through the main gate beside the Jollibee Legarda Bustillos Branch. Upon entering the station, you’ll find a concourse level before you reach the platforms. In the concourse area, you will find multiple TVMs.
Location: City of Manila
Nearby Landmarks: Basilica of San Sebastian, University of the East, San Sebastian College, San Beda University, and Centro Escolar University
Pureza Station
The Pureza Station sits on Pureza Street in Santa Mesa, Manila.
Nearby landmarks at this station include the AMA Computer College Manila Campus, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Nuestra Señora de Salvacion Parish, and Puregold Jr. Pureza.
Station Layout: You’ll find the South Entrance near Chowking in the Sison Building. As for the North Entrance, you’ll spot it right beside 7-Eleven inside The Station Point building. Upon entering the station, you’ll arrive at a concourse level before you reach the platforms. In the concourse area, you’ll find multiple TVMs. Note that the elevator leading up to the concourse level is on the South entrance.
Location: City of Manila
Nearby Landmarks: AMA Computer College Manila Campus, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Nuestra Señora de Salvacion Parish, and Puregold Jr. Pureza
V. Mapa Station
V. Mapa Station is named after its location. It sits on Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard, but you’ll find V. Mapa Street nearby, which was named after Victorino Mapa, the second Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines.
Nearby landmarks at this station include Central Colleges of the Philippines, Immaculate Heart of Mary College, and the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center.
Station Layout: You’ll find the South Entrance right beside Hotel Sogo Sta. Mesa, which is also near SM City Sta. Mesa. As for the North Entrance, you’ll find it right beside Isetann Supermarket Santa Mesa.
Location: City of Manila
Nearby Landmarks: Central Colleges of the Philippines, Immaculate Heart of Mary College, and the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center
J. Ruiz Station
The LRT-2 Line exits Manila through this station and enters San Juan City. J. Ruiz Station is the only LRT-2 station in San Juan and is named after the street near it, which intersects Aurora Boulevard.
The street itself is named after Juan Ruiz, a Katipunero who took part in the siege of El Polvorin, a gunpowder depot used by the Spanish to store firearms. A shrine to commemorate his bravery, the Pinaglabanan Shrine, is a 20-minute walk away from the station.
Nearby landmarks at this station include the San Juan City Hall and the San Juan Medical Center.
Station Layout: You’ll find the South Entrance near the hardware stores to the right of the Shell branch on the corner of Aurora Boulevard and J. Ruiz. As for the North Entrance, you’ll find it near the Gamma Design Center.
Location: San Juan City
Nearby Landmarks: San Juan City Hall and the San Juan Medical Center
Gilmore Station
Gilmore Station is named after nearby Gilmore Avenue. Eugene Allen Gilmore was a Vice Governor-General of the Philippines from 1922 to 1929. Personally, I know this area more because of its various computer shops.
Nearby landmarks at this station include Saint Paul University Quezon City, Gilmore I.T. Center, and Robinsons Magnolia. While it will require a short drive, this station is also near St. Luke’s Medical Center and Trinity University of Asia.
Station Layout: You’ll find the South Entrance near the Jollibee branch on the corner of Aurora Boulevard and Gilmore Avenue. As for the North Entrance, you’ll find it near Chinabank’s Aurora Boulevard branch.
Location: Quezon City
Nearby Landmarks: Saint Paul University Quezon City, Gilmore I.T. Center, and Robinsons Magnolia
Betty Go-Belmonte Station
Betty Go-Belmonte Station is named after nearby Betty Go-Belmonte Street, which is in turn named after the founder of the Philippine Star.
Nearby landmarks at this station include The Immaculate Conception Cathedral of Cubao and Kalayaan College.
Station Layout: You’ll find the South Entrance near Princeton Residences. As for the North Entrance, find it near Seaoil on the corner of Aurora Boulevard and Betty-Go Belmonte Street. Upon entering the station, you’ll find a concourse level before you reach the platforms. In the concourse area, you will find multiple TVMs. Note that you’ll find the elevator leading up to the concourse level via the South entrance.
Location: Quezon City
Nearby Landmarks: The Immaculate Conception Cathedral of Cubao and Kalayaan College
Araneta-Center Cubao Station
Araneta-Center Cubao Station is named after what used to be the Araneta Center in Cubao. Today, this central business district is branded as Araneta City. Since this LRT-2 station directly connects to Gateway, in some ways, it’s also a literal gateway to Araneta City and the many malls and establishments in this area of Cubao.
Nearby landmarks at the Araneta-Center Cubao LRT-2 station include Smart Araneta Coliseum, Cubao Expo, Art in Island, Ali Mall, and SM Center Cubao.
If you need to travel to other parts of Metro Manila from here, especially to locations along EDSA, you can transfer to the MRT-3 line by walking to Farmer’s Plaza. If you need a full guide on the MRT-3, we have a separate article, which you can read here: MRT 3 Guide: Stations, Opening Hours & Fares
Station Layout: You’ll find the South Entrance within Gateway, right beside McDonald’s. As for the North Entrance, you’ll find it on the corner of Aurora Boulevard and West Point St, just across the street from the South Entrance.
Location: Quezon City
Nearby Landmarks: Gateway, Smart Araneta Coliseum, Cubao Expo, Art in Island, Ali Mall, and SM Center Cubao
Anonas Station
You’ll find Anonas Station near the street it’s named after, Anonas Street.
Nearby landmarks at this station include the St. Joseph Parish and the St. Joseph Catholic School. You’ll also find World Citi Medical Center and the Technological Institute of the Philippines (QC Campus) in the area.
Station Layout: The South Entrance can be found within the Anonas LRT City Center, which also houses a few offices, convenience stores, and a gym. Meanwhile, the North Entrance sits across the street, right beside Anson Supermarket & Department Store.
Location: Quezon City
Nearby Landmarks: St. Joseph Parish, St. Joseph Catholic School, World Citi Medical Center, and the Technological Institute of the Philippines (QC Campus)
Katipunan Station
Katipunan Station is named after Katipunan Avenue, which is in turn named after the revolutionary society of Filipinos that aimed to achieve independence from the Spanish, founded in 1892.
This station is also near Ateneo de Manila, University of the Philippines Diliman, and Miriam College.
Station Layout: The station’s South entrance is located beside the Philippine School of Business Administration, while the north entrance sits beside St. Bridget School.
While the other stations along this line have followed a standard layout, with a concourse level below the platform level, the Katipunan station is a bit different. It is the only fully underground train station of the LRT-2 and even across train lines in the Philippines. Passengers alight at the platform level, which is the lowest level underground, and make their way up to the concourse and eventually to the exits at street level. In the concourse area, you will find multiple TVMs.
Location: Quezon City
Nearby Landmarks: Ateneo de Manila, University of the Philippines Diliman, and Miriam College
Santolan Station
Santolan Station is named after Santolan, a barangay in Pasig. Please do not confuse this with the Santolan-Annapolis Station of the MRT-3, which is an 11-minute drive away.
Nearby landmarks include Marikina River, SM City Marikina, and the Riverbanks Center.
As I mentioned earlier, this station used to be the eastern terminus before the Antipolo station was opened to the public. Interestingly, the Santolan LRT-2 station is the only station on this line with an island platform, so make sure to check if you are riding the correct train when you get onto the platform.
Station Layout: It generally follows the same layout as most of the stations, with a concourse level before you reach the platform level on top of it, but note that the Santolan station has only ONE entrance. It is right across the Uratex Marikina Showroom, and you can even cross between both sides using a footbridge.
Location: Marikina City
Nearby Landmarks: Marikina River, SM City Marikina, and the Riverbanks Center
Marikina-Pasig Station
This station is named after the cities of Marikina and Pasig, which the station straddles. It’s actually one of the largest LRT-2 stations, rightly so since it sits on Marikina-Infanta Highway, one of the busiest thoroughfares that connects Quezon City to Marikina, Antipolo, parts of Laguna, and Infanta in Quezon province.
Nearby landmarks at this station include Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall. With a short commute, you may also reach landmarks such as Ayala Malls Feliz, Marikina City Hall, Marikina Sports Complex, and more.
Station Layout: The station’s South entrance is connected to Robinsons Metro East, with stairs that lead straight up to the concourse level just outside of the mall’s Marikina–Infanta Highway Entrance. As for the station’s North entrance, you can enter on the other side of the Marcos Highway as well, near Amber’s on the corner of Marikina–Infanta Highway and Dasdasan St.
Location: Marikina City and Pasig City
Nearby Landmarks: Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall and Robinsons Metro East
Antipolo Station
Eastbound, Antipolo Station is the last station of the LRT-2.
You will find nearby landmarks like the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, Cornel Medical Center, and Metro Antipolo Hospital and Medical Center. The East Gate Business Center and Terminal also offers passengers a way to get to Padilla-Paenaan and different areas in the city proper of Antipolo through buses, e-jeeps, and tricycles.
Although these attractions aren’t walkable from the station, Cloud 9 Antipolo, a booming tourist attraction with a view deck, hanging bridge, and restaurant, is just a 10-minute drive away, while Pinto Art Museum, a contemporary art museum complex, is a 20-minute drive away.
While not necessarily a helpful tidbit of commute information, I’d say that the Antipolo station has the best views among LRT-2 stations. On one side, you will be greeted with Metro Manila’s skyline. On the other side, you can catch a glimpse of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range.
Station Layout: Its South entrance sits near East Gate Business Center and Terminal’s Marikina-Infanta Highway Entrance. On the other hand, the North entrance can be found near the entrance of SM Masinag’s Supermarket along the said highway.
Location: Antipolo City in Rizal
Nearby Landmarks: SM Masinag, East Gate Business Center and Terminal, Diocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, Cornel Medical Center, and Metro Antipolo Hospital and Medical Center
Where to Stay in Metro Manila
If you’re still looking for a place to stay within Metro Manila during your visit, you can check out our Where to Stay in Manila article for a more detailed read. But here’s a quick rundown of the top-rated hotels in Manila, as reviewed by travelers online.
Top Hotels on Agoda
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- WHITE KNIGHT HOTEL INTRAMUROS
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Top Hotels on Hotels.com
- THE BAYLEAF INTRAMUROS
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You can also check out these posts for more hotel suggestions around Manila:
- Top 10 Hotels in Ermita
- Top 10 Hotels in Malate
- Top 10 Hotels Near Manila Bay
- 10 Historic Hotels in Metro Manila
Find more Manila Hotels!
Updates Log
2025.11.02 – First uploaded
Additional Writing by: Astrid Alvarez
Photos by: Hannah Manalo and Mariah Cruz
Related Article: Top Attractions Along LRT-1 in Manila
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