Before the EDSA Carousel existed, MRT-3 was the only quicker way to escape EDSA traffic. This train system carries hundreds of thousands of commuters every day from Quezon City to Pasay and vice versa. But what is it like to ride the MRT? And what do you need to know to survive the commute, especially during rush hour?
If you’re a new commuter in Manila, keep reading because we’ll take you along each stop of the MRT-3, one of the companions of daily commuters in the metro. Here’s everything you need to know about the MRT-3!
WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?
Understanding the MRT-3
The MRT-3 has 13 stops along EDSA (Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue). We’ll discuss more about each stop in a bit, but for now, let’s talk about how you can ride the train.
Here are some facts:
- There are three types of stations across the MRT-3: at-grade, elevated, and depressed.
- All of them have a standard layout with a concourse level and an overpass to get to the other side.
- For some stations, there are stalls where you can buy food and drinks while others are connected to a nearby mall.
Operating Hours
Regular Opening Schedules
Generally, the MRT-3 operates during these hours:
- Weekdays
4:30 AM – 11:40 PM - Weekends
4:30 AM – 10:40 PM
Schedules might change during holidays, which is usually announced on MRT-3’s social media platforms or the news. Another important thing to know is that each station’s entrance closing time varies a bit. You can check out the official website for updates.
Rush Hour Windows
It’s also helpful to take note of the rush hours. If you can, avoid taking the MRT during these windows:
- Morning Rush Hours
Between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM - Evening Rush Hours
Between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM
If you can’t avoid traveling during these busy hours, prepare yourself for long queues and packed train cars. And I mean PACKED. We’ve experienced literally having to squeeze ourselves inside the train just so the doors would close.
Tickets
There are three options on how to pay for your fare or ticket: single-journey ticket, Beep card, and cashless transaction (GCash QR Code, NFC, and EMV cards).
Single-Journey Ticket
If you’re just visiting Manila and you’ll only use the MRT once or a couple of times, you can buy a single-journey ticket at the ticket booth or ticket vending machines. Single-journey tickets range from P13 to P28 depending on your origin and destination.
Beep Card
If you’re planning on using the train regularly to get to work or school, we highly recommend getting a Beep card, which is a stored-value, contactless card.
There are also a few perks of having a Beep card if you commute regularly. These are the following:
- It can be used across train lines in Metro Manila and a few other public transportation options.
- You’ll save a lot of time since you won’t have to line up to buy a ticket every single time you ride the train.
- It is reloadable and there are a few ways you can reload your beep card: through the ticket vending machines and e-load kiosks in train stations or through partner banks or e-wallets.
- A beep card is valid for four (4) years and can be extended for another year.
Where to buy? You can purchase a beep card at all MRT stations or LRT-1 and LRT-2 stations, depending on availability. For convenience, you can also order a beep card online through Shopee and Lazada. However, note that beep cards available online are usually limited edition or special edition cards so they’re priced a bit higher than the regular beep cards you can purchase at train stations.
Cashless Payment
This newly launched cashless payment system aims to make MRT rides smoother, faster, and more convenient for both regular and occasional commuters. Passengers can pay by simply scanning their GCash QR code or tapping their EMV credit/debit cards or NFC-enabled Android phones at the designated cashless turnstiles.
Since the cashless payment option just had its initial run in August 2025, the system is continuously developing. For issues and other concerns, you can check the official Facebook page for announcements and updates.
MRT-3 Fare Matrix
Here’s the fare matrix, straight from the MRT-3 official website:
Meanwhile, here’s the discounted fare matrix for students, senior citizens, and PWDs:
ATTENTION! Starting September 15, you can get your personalized 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.
Pre-Boarding Procedure
Here’s the typical MRT-3 boarding procedure:
- Security Check and Ticket. When you get to the station, the first thing you need to do is either go through a security check or get a ticket. Some MRT stations have x-ray scanners for bags, so you’ll have to place your bag on the conveyor belt first and then pass through the metal detector, while others do manual inspection. In busier stations, they have both, especially during rush hours.
- Turnstiles/Gate Area. Once you have a ticket, you can proceed to the turnstiles. Just tap your ticket or EMV debit/credit card or scan your QR code/NFC-enabled phone.
- Designated Platform. When you see the light turn green, you can walk through and proceed to the platform. Stations either have side platforms or island platforms, but what’s important is that you make sure you’re going on the right platform so you don’t end up boarding the wrong train. Don’t worry, just follow the signs whether you’re going northbound (to North Avenue Station) or southbound (to Taft Avenue Station) and you’re good!
Accessibility & Priority
For accessibility, all MRT stations have working elevators, which is a plus for people with mobility issues. However, take note that the elevator cars are a bit small.
Once you get to the platform, take note that the first car of each train is dedicated to two groups:
- First Group: Persons with disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens, pregnant women, and passengers with small children (below 4 feet)
- Second Group: Female passengers
All other passengers may use the rest of the train cars.
MRT-3 Stations
As of writing, the MRT-3 has a total of 13 stations. We’ll go through the stations from North to South.
North Avenue
North Avenue Station is the north end of the MRT-3 located in Quezon City. The station is connected to Trinoma Mall on the northbound side.
Since the MRT-3 runs along EDSA in the same way that the EDSA Carousel does, you’ll find that some of the stations of the MRT-3 are found near EDSA Carousel Stations. Southbound, the EDSA Carousel’s North Avenue Stop is the first one that sits near an MRT-3 Station.
Since Hannah and I are both from the northern part of the metro, this is usually the station we get on when riding the train. During rush hours, expect lines to be long — both to enter the train station and to buy a ticket.
Station Layout: The ticket booth, ticket gate, and platform are all on the same level.
While the train station is connected to Trinoma, they don’t allow people to board the train on this side. So if you’re coming from the mall, you’ll need to cross to the southbound side first.
To do this, you need to go down the steps to get to the footbridge and cross to the other side. Then, you can climb up the steps or use the elevator to enter the station. But if you’re entering the station from the southbound side, you can use the stairs, escalator, or elevator to the platform.
Location: Quezon City
Nearby Landmarks: EDSA Carousel Bus Stop, SM North EDSA, Vertis North, and Solaire North
Quezon Avenue
Quezon Avenue Station is right next to Centris Mall, and the train station is actually connected to it. In this mall, you’ll find a transport terminal with jeepneys going to Fairview. Below the MRT station, you’ll also find the Quezon Avenue Stop of the EDSA Carousel. From this station, you can also reach the Tomas Morato area.
Station Layout: If you’re getting on or off this station, the platform is on the second level along with the ticket booth and ticket vending machines. On the third level is an overpass where you can cross to the other side. Both the platform and the overpass are accessible by stairs or by an elevator.
Location: Quezon City
Nearby Landmarks: EDSA Carousel Bus Stop, Centris Mall, and ABS-CBN Broadcasting Center
GMA Kamuning
GMA Kamuning Station is right by GMA Network Center. It is also near LTO (Land Transportation Office) Central Office and PSA or Philippines Statistics Authority. You will also find an EDSA Carousel bus stop near this station.
Station Layout: GMA Kamuning station’s layout is similar to Quezon Avenue, where the ticket booth, ticket gates, and platform are on the second level, while an overpass is located on the third floor. From the ground floor, you can also get to the second and third levels by stairs or elevator.
Location: Quezon City
Nearby Landmarks: EDSA Carousel Bus Stop, GMA Network Center, LTO Central Office, and Philippines Statistics Authority Center
Araneta Cubao
Araneta Cubao Station is located in Cubao, Quezon City, where many transportation options to different areas of Metro Manila and nearby provinces are available. This station is also the gateway to different malls in Araneta City, as well as Araneta Coliseum and New Frontier Theater, which are popular venues for concerts and events.
From Araneta Cubao MRT Station, you can also transfer to LRT 2 Araneta Center-Cubao Station. Just enter Farmer’s Plaza and follow the signs that will lead you to Gateway Mall. Take the exit near Uniqlo, which will lead you to the LRT 2 station.
Station Layout: This station has a different layout from the first few stations. Here, the concourse level is separate from the platform level. The concourse is on the second level, and this is where you’ll find the ticket booth, ticket vending machines, and ticket gates. But note that the ticket booth and ticket vending machines are placed before the security check. So if you need to reload your beep or buy a single journey ticket, do it first before passing through security.
After entering the ticket gate, proceed to the train platform on the third level. Take the escalator on the left if you’re going northbound and proceed to the escalator on the right if you’re southbound. The signs also list out the stations each side would lead to.
Location: Quezon City
Nearby Landmarks: Araneta Coliseum, New Frontier Theater, Araneta City Bus Port, Cubao Terminal Complex, and LRT 2 Araneta Center-Cubao Station
Santolan-Annapolis
Santolan-Annapolis Station is conveniently located right next to Camp Crame and also sits close to Camp Aguinaldo. It’s also near Greenhills Shopping Center, a popular shopping mall in San Juan. And right beside the station, you’ll also find an EDSA Carousel stop.
Station Layout: In this station, the platform, ticket booth, and ticket gates are all on the same level. Meanwhile, you will find the footbridge on the third level if you need to cross to the other side.
Location: Quezon City
Nearby Landmarks: EDSA Carousel Bus Stop, Camp Crame, Camp Aguinaldo, and Greenhills Shopping Center
Ortigas
Ortigas Station is your gateway to the Ortigas Business District. The station also serves as the access point of the Ortigas stop of the EDSA Carousel. From this station, SM Megamall and Robinson’s Galleria are within walking distance. You can also reach The Podium and St. Francis Square from here.
Station Layout: Similar to most stations, the ticket booth, ticket vending machines, ticket gates, and platform are all on the same level here. However, in Ortigas, you will find it on the third floor. Meanwhile, the footbridge is at the second level of the station.
Location: Mandaluyong City
Nearby Landmarks: EDSA Carousel Bus Stop, SM Megamall, Robinson’s Galleria, The Podium, St. Francis Square, and Department of Migrant Workers
Shaw Boulevard
Shaw Boulevard Station can also be your stop if you’re heading to Ortigas Center. This station is also next to Greenfield District and Starmall Shaw, while Shangri-La Plaza is directly connected to it. From here, there’s also a nearby terminal with jeepneys going to Pasig.
Station Layout: In this station, the footbridge, ticket booth, ticket vending machine, and ticket gates are all on the second level. But note that the ticket booth is before the security check so make sure you have your ticket before getting through security.
After tapping your ticket at the ticket gate, you need to go down to the island platform. Just make sure to read the signs, so you know which platform is for northbound trains and which one is for southbound trains. And if you’re getting off this station, note that there are four exit points: Shangri-La Plaza Side, Starmall Shaw Side, Greenfield District Side, and Parklea Centre Side, which leads to the jeepney terminal going to Pasig.
Location: Mandaluyong City
Nearby Landmarks: Greenfield District, Starmall Shaw, Shangri-La Plaza, and Parklea Centre
Boni
Next is Boni Station, located in Mandaluyong. It is connected to SM Light Mall and close to Robinson’s Cybergate. It is also next to the GA Twin Towers. From here, you can also reach TV5 Media Center and Kapitolyo in Pasig. You can also ride a jeepney going to RTU or Rizal Technological Institute from here.
Station Layout: Similar to Shaw Boulevard Station, the ticket booth, ticket vending machines, and ticket gates are on the second level of Boni Station. The ticket booth is also located before the security check to get to the ticket gates. Once you’ve passed through the security and entered the ticket gate, you can take the stairs or the escalator to get down to the platform.
Boni Station has an island platform, so all stairs and escalators lead to the same platform. The northbound and southbound trains stop on different sides. Just look for the overhead signs to know which side you should get on depending on your destination.
Location: Mandaluyong City
Nearby Landmarks: SM Light Mall, Robinson’s Cybergate, GA Twin Towers, TV5 Media Center, and Pasig Kapitolyo
Guadalupe
Guadalupe Station can be your gateway to some parts of Makati and Taguig, including BGC. The station is connected to Guadalupe Commercial Complex Mall, and on the side of this mall, along P. Burgos Street, is where you’ll find jeepneys going to Taguig. The EDSA Carousel Guadalupe Stop is also nearby.
Station Layout: In this station, you’ll find the ticket booth, ticket vending machine, ticket gates, and the train platform all on the second level. If you need to cross from one side to the other, you can climb up the stairs or use the elevator to get to the third floor, where the footbridge is.
Location: Makati City
Nearby Landmarks: EDSA Carousel Stop, Guadalupe Commercial Complex Mall, Guadalupe Ferry Station, and Guadalupe Ruins
Buendia
Buendia Station is the stop for many commuters heading to Makati Central Business District. From here, there are different jeepney routes that can take you to different areas of the Makati CBD. And next to the train station, you’ll find the EDSA Carousel Buendia Stop.
Station Layout: If you’re hopping on the train at this station, the ticket booth, ticket vending machines, ticket gates, and the footbridge are on the second level. Then, to get to the platform, you need to go down two flights of stairs. You can also use the escalator or the elevator.
Buendia has an island platform, so once you’re there, make sure to check the overhead signs to know which side is for southbound and which is for northbound trains.
Location: Makati City
Nearby Landmarks: EDSA Carousel Stop, SM Cyber Two, Jupiter Street (Makati), and Forbes Park North
Ayala
Ayala Station is your gateway to multiple malls in Makati. It is directly connected to SM Makati, which will also lead you to Landmark, Glorietta, and Greenbelt Malls. The station also has direct access to One Ayala, which is both a mall and a transport hub. From here, you’ll find buses, jeepneys, and UV Express to different areas of Metro Manila and nearby provinces. Meanwhile, on the other side, you will find the BGC Bus EDSA Terminal. Your landmark for it will be the Telus building. This is also where the Ayala stop for the northbound buses of the EDSA Carousel is located.
Station Layout: The ticket booth and ticket vending machines are on the second level, before you go through the security check. After passing through security, you can go through the ticket gates by tapping your ticket. Then, you need to go down to reach the platform. You can either use the stairs, the escalator, or the elevator to go to the platform. But note that Ayala has side platforms, so make sure you’re going to the right one depending on where you’re headed. If you use the escalator or the stairs, you can see these signs that will tell you which side you should go to.
If you’re getting on the train at Ayala Station during rush hours, take this as a warning: the lines will be long and the trains will be packed.
Location: Makati City
Nearby Landmarks: EDSA Carousel Stop, One Ayala, SM Makati, BGC Bus EDSA Terminal, and Dusit Thani Manila
Magallanes
Also in Makati, Magallanes Station is located near Chino Roces Avenue. It is connected to San Lorenzo Place Mall on the southbound side and Southgate Mall on the northbound side. At San Lorenzo Place Mall and along Chino Roces Avenue, you can find jeepneys plying different routes in Makati.
Station Layout: At this station, the ticket booth, ticket vending machine, ticket gates, and platform are all on the same level. Meanwhile, the footbridge is on the third floor of the station.
Location: Makati City
Nearby Landmarks: San Lorenzo Place Mall, Southgate Mall, and Dasmariñas Village
Taft Avenue
The MRT-3’s last stop on the southbound side is Taft Avenue Station. From here, you can transfer to the LRT line 1’s EDSA Station. To get to the LRT station, just cross the footbridge linking MRT-3 to LRT 1. It is also connected to Metro Point Mall. Below the MRT station, you will find jeepneys and e-tricycles going to other parts of Pasay, including Mall of Asia Complex and World Trade Center. From here, you can also go to the nearby Victory Liner bus station and take the UBE Express to NAIA.
Station Layout: The ticket booth, ticket vending machines, and ticket gates are located on the second level. After tapping your tickets, you need to go down to get to the platform. This station has an island platform, and the side where they let the passengers board varies, so just pay attention to the guard’s instructions. Either way, all trains from here are northbound since this is the southernmost stop of the MRT.
Location: Pasay City
Nearby Landmarks: Metro Point Mall, Kabayan Hotel, and Victory Liner Pasay
MRT-3 Contact Information
- Official Website: www.dotrmrt3.gov.ph
- Landline: +63 (2) 8929-5347 local 2303
- Email: feedback@dotrmrt3.gov.ph
- Facebook Page: DOTr MRT-3 (www.facebook.com/dotrmrt3)
- X (Twitter): @dotrmrt3
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 along and near EDSA, as reviewed by travelers online.
Top Hotels on Agoda
🔥🔥🔥 Use AGODATPT for 10% off on select hotels! 🔥🔥🔥
- SEDA VERTIS NORTH
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - IBIS STYLES MANILA ARANETA CITY
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - EDSA SHANGRI-LA MANILA
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - DUSIT THANI MANILA
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - KABAYAN HOTEL
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!
Top Hotels on Hotels.com
- PARK INN BY RADISSON NORTH EDSA
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - NOVOTEL MANILA ARANETA CITY HOTEL
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - CROWNE PLAZA MANILA GALLERIA
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - FAIRMONT MAKATI
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - HOTEL 101 – MANILA
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!
Find more Manila Hotels!
Updates Log
2025.09.04 – First uploaded
Additional Writing by: Astrid Alvarez
Related Article: PITX Transportation Guide
More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Comments