The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), also called Manila International Airport, serves the National Capital Region and nearby provinces in Luzon Island. Metro Manila is a typical jump-off point for foreign tourists to explore the Philippines before heading to other local tourist destinations.
Hailed as the “Gateway to CALABARZON”, Muntinlupa City is a perfect springboard for your Southern Luzon escapade. Alabang is the city’s lifestyle and business center. Its map is studded with corporate buildings, shopping malls, foodie havens, and accommodation options. It also harbors several transport terminals for jeepneys and buses, both intercity and provincial.
The travel time from NAIA to Alabang in Muntinlupa takes 30-45 minutes, depending on the traffic and the time of day. There are various modes of transportation available to get from NAIA (Manila Airport) to Alabang in Muntinlupa, including ride-hailing apps, taxis, P2P buses, and even jeepneys. In this post, you will find a rundown of all the transportation options.
WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?
By Ride-Hailing Service
Before the advent of ride-hailing services in the country, travel between the airport and the southern metropolis was quite the a feat. Taxis are sparse in the ‘South’ compared to other parts of Metro Manila, even at present.
Thanks to the arrival of ride-hailing technology, the journey from the NAIA to Alabang in Muntinlupa has become less of a hassle. As opposed to public transportation, the driver will drop you off straight at your pinned destination.
As of the moment, Grab and Joyride are the only ride-hailing apps we can recommend for transportation to and from the airport. Some companies, like Angkas, only offer motorcycle taxis for hire, while others are not as established as the two companies mentioned.
But before you’re able to use ride-hailing apps like Grab and Joyride, you’ll need internet connection. There may be free wifi at the airport but for safety, security, and reliability, it’s best to have your own private connection. If you are a foreign tourist exploring the Philippines, you can either purchase a local SIM card or rent a pocket WiFi unit. SIM cards and pocket WiFi devices are available at the airport.
- For Grab, you have four options: GrabTaxi, GrabCar 4-Seater, GrabCar 6-Seater, and GrabAirport (from NAIA). The last option is only available from 12PM to 12AM. It is a dedicated car service that allows a maximum of three passengers, plus three pieces of 23kg luggage. The fares for GrabAirport are fixed depending on the drop-off location; hence, no surge fees shall be applied.
- For Joyride, you have two options: 4-Seater or 6-Seater. Joyride also offers motorcycle taxi rides, but, as mentioned, we don’t recommend a motorcycle taxi ride if you’re bringing luggage with you. It is, however, a great option for when you’re roaming around the metro.
Fare and Pick-Up Locations
The fare is evident from the get go on the app, even before confirming your ride. And to make the trip even more convenient, cashless payment methods are available.
But you must keep in mind that we are still in Metro Manila and the traffic situation can make the shortest of trips an absolute chore, especially during rush hour. Similarly, the comfort ride-hailing apps bring may cost a pretty penny, especially as trips during peak hours incur surcharges.
Note that the fare varies depending on your specific drop-off point, time of booking, type of car service you need, and ride-hailing app you will be booking from. If your route requires passing through the Skyway and/or SLEX, toll fees are not yet included in the reflected fare.
As for pick-up, you may choose from several pick-up locations in NAIA from the app. Make sure that you select the correct terminal!
If you favor Grab, you can find Grab booths located near some terminals. Attendants are available to book your ride through their phones and answer any questions you may have. You can find said booths at these locations:
- Terminal 1: Arrival Hall Exit
- Terminal 2: Arrival Hall Exit Bay 6
- Terminal 3: Arrival Hall Exit across Bay 4 (GrabCar) | Departure Area Ramp across Gate 6 (GrabTaxi)
- Terminal 4: Arrival/Departure Area Curbside
By Taxi
Taking a taxi is another alternative for direct transfers from NAIA to Muntinlupa. Both fixed-rate taxis and metered taxis have their respective lanes outside the arrival area at NAIA. Whether you are taking a coupon taxi or a metered taxi, note that if you choose routes that cross the Skyway and/or SLEX, you must consider the toll charges, which are on top of the regular fare.
TIP: Compare the reflected fare in your Grab or Joyride app with the coupon taxi fixed rates to help you decide which transportation option is cheaper at the time of your arrival.
REMINDER! Like in any other country, be on guard against scams, especially against taxis pretending to be regular metered taxis. Some drivers will entice you under the guise of being a regular metered taxi, which are usually cheaper compared to other taxi options, but will eventually insist on an overpriced fixed rate when the trip starts. Always be vigilant.
Coupon Taxi
Coupon Taxis have fixed rates displayed at the designated coupon taxi transport lane. Although some drivers may request a tip, it is still your prerogative to give or not.
You will be handed a dispatch coupon at the booth. Keep it with you. The coupon taxi fare from NAIA to anywhere else in Muntinlupa can go from P440 to P740.
If you want to see the complete and more detailed list of the LTFRB-prescribed rates for Muntinlupa City, you can check our NAIA Coupon Taxi Rates for Metro Manila article.
Here are the coupon taxi lane locations at NAIA:
- Terminal 1: Arrival Hall Exit & Arrival Hall Exit Extension
- Terminal 2: Arrival Hall Exit near Bay 11
- Terminal 3: Arrival Hall Exit across Bay 6
- Terminal 4: Arrival Hall Exit
Yellow Metered Taxi
A yellow metered taxi may be pricier than a regular metered taxi, but if you’re in a hurry, you might want to check out their lane first. More often than not, the line for yellow taxis is usually shorter. Sometimes, you may not even have to wait at all.
You will be handed a dispatch slip with the taxi details and numbers to call if you have concerns about your trip.
Flag-down Rate: P75 (initial 500 meters traveled)
Succeeding Rate: P4 (for every 300 meters) + P4 (for every 2mins waiting time)
Here are the yellow metered taxi lane locations at NAIA:
- Terminal 1: Arrival Hall Exit & Arrival Hall Exit Extension
- Terminal 2: Arrival Hall Exit near Bay 14
- Terminal 3: Arrival Hall Exit across Bay 8
- Terminal 4: Arrival Hall Exit
Regular Metered Taxi
Ideally, regular metered taxis are cheaper than coupon taxis, yellow metered taxis, and car-hailing services. But in the real world, this may not always be true. You may end up having to pay more if you are not careful when dealing with regular taxis. This is because they have gained notoriety for scamming passengers. Some of their schemes include taking longer routes to increase the fare, tampering with the meter, overcharging upon drop-off, and not turning on the meter then requesting a fixed price once the trip begins.
If you find yourself in a situation where your only choice is to take this taxi, insist that the fare meter be turned on as you begin your journey.
You will receive a passenger copy of the dispatch slip. DO NOT hand it over to the driver. Keep it.
Flag-down Rate: P45
Succeeding Rate: P13.50 (for every kilometer) + P2 (for every minute of travel time)
Here are the regular metered taxi lane locations at NAIA:
- Terminal 1: Arrival Hall Exit
- Terminal 2: Arrival Hall Exit near Bay 23
- Terminal 3: Arrival Hall Exit across Bay 13
- Terminal 4: Departure Area Curbside
By Bus
Point-to-point buses are the only type of public bus allowed inside NAIA. UBE Express is the flagship premium airport bus link in Metro Manila. Among other routes, it runs a direct route between NAIA and Muntinlupa.
UBE Express routes coming from Manila airport have only one pick-up location, which is NAIA Terminal 3. If you are arriving at Terminal 1, 2, or 4, note that the free inter-terminal shuttle buses are exclusive for those who have connecting flights.
Another alternative is to take the UBE Express NAIA Loop, which picks up passengers from Terminal 1, 2, and 4 to Terminal 3, but at no set time. If you are in a rush, taking a cab or booking a ride from a ride-hailing app may be a better option for you.
The P2P bus heading to Muntinlupa terminates at Ayala Malls South Park in Alabang. Here’s how to get there:
- From NAIA Terminal 3, go to the arrival hall exit.
- Find the UBE Express P2P Bus booth across Bay 12.
- Buy your ticket going to Ayala South Park Alabang. The fare is P200. You can also buy your ticket online through UBE Express official website or through Klook:
✅ GET P2P TICKET HERE! - Go to the pick-up/drop-off point and wait for your bus. The pick-up/drop-off point is also located at the booth area across Bay 12.
- Alight at Ayala South Park. From here, you can ride a taxi or Grab to your hotel or anywhere else in Muntinlupa. You can also take the jeep but only if you are familiar with the routes and have no luggage in tow.
NAIA Terminal 3 to Ayala South Park Time Table
- 05:30 AM
- 07:45 AM
- 10:30 AM
- 01:45 PM
- 04:20 PM
- 07:00 PM
Note: The schedules and available routes may change from time to time. Please check the official UBE Express Facebook Page for updates.
For more information and details, you can also check our UBE Express P2P Bus Guide article.
By Jeepney
Although this is the most budget-friendly option to get from NAIA to Alabang in Muntinlupa, we recommend this the least, especially if you are not familiar with the routes or are a first-timer in the Philippines. Commuting via jeepney in Metro Manila can be exhausting. This really isn’t for the faint of heart nor the claustrophobic, especially during rush hour.
Kindly note that the airport management does not allow either traditional or modern jeepneys to enter the premises. You’ll have to walk to the national road in order to ride a jeepney. The minimum fare is P12 for traditional jeeps and P14 for modern jeeps.
If you still want to give it a go, here’s how to travel via jeepney from the airport:
- From any terminal in NAIA, walk to the designated jeepney stop outside the airport.
- Get on a jeepney bound for Pasay Rotonda/EDSA-Taft Junction or PITX.
- If you’ll get off at Pasay Rotonda/EDSA-Taft Junction, you can take a bus or another jeepney going to Alabang. If you’ll alight at PITX, you can board a bus bound for Alabang at Gate 3 on the second level.
NAIA Jeepney Stops
- Terminal 1: ICT Service Road (near T1 Pass Control Office)
- Terminal 2: Near MIAA Admin Building Gate 2
- Terminal 3: Andrews Avenue
- Terminal 4: Domestic Road
By Other Private Transfers
Car rentals or private cars for hire are also available at the airport. You can find their booking stations near Grab’s booth between Bay 4 & 5. Majority of these car services are open 24/7 and have fixed rates based on your drop-off point or specific destination. The primary mode of payment is cash.
Planning to rent a car and drive it yourself? If you are not familiar with the roads and the traffic situation in Manila, this is not really recommended. Should you decide to take this option, make sure to check and compare the rates first before settling for a specific car rental company.
Another private transfer alternative is by arranging with your hotel. Check if your chosen hotel offers airport transfer services. You can also book your private airport transfer service to and from NAIA via Klook.
Important Contact Information
To report a problem or if you have any concerns, you may contact these numbers:
- MIAA (Manila International Airport Authority) Hotline: 8877-1111
- TEXT NAIA (SMS): +63 917-839-6242
- LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board): (02) 8529-7111
- LTO (Land Transportation Office): (02) 8928-9440
Where to Stay in Alabang
Alabang has enough lodging options across the budget to five-star spectrum. If you are looking for a place to stay in Alabang, Muntinlupa, here are some hotels you can consider booking.
- THE BELLEVUE MANILA
✅ Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com - VIVERE HOTEL
✅ Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com - CRIMSON HOTEL FILINVEST
✅ Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com - THE B HOTEL
✅ Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com - ACACIA HOTEL MANILA
✅ Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com
If you want more suggestions with more details about each hotel, you can also check our Top 10 Hotels in Alabang (Muntinlupa) article.
Find more Alabang Hotels!
Updates Log
2024.01.20 – Updated Other Private Transfers section
2024.01.06 – Added Important Contact Information section
2024.01.05 – Added Where to Stay section and changed Regular Metered Taxi Terminal 3 location from Arrival Exit Bay 12 to Bay 13
2023.11.03 – Added related article links: NAIA Coupon Taxi Rates for Metro Manila and UBE Express Guide
2023.09.04 – First uploaded
Related Article: NAIA (Manila Airport) Transportation Guide
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