The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), also known as Manila International Airport, is the main international airport in the National Capital Region (NCR) and the usual gateway of foreign tourists to the Philippines. This makes Metro Manila the primary jump-off point to other parts of the Philippines and the departure point to their next destination country.
Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig is a modern and trendy district in Metro Manila. It features tall buildings, corporate offices, residential areas, as well as numerous restaurants, cafes, bars, shopping centers, public parks, and hotels to cater to all needs. It is also a popular destination among international tourists, whether they are looking to spend a short time or an extended stay.
BGC is located 35-45 minutes northeast of NAIA. Here are your transportation options going to BGC in Taguig from NAIA.
WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?
By Ride-Hailing Service
Ride-hailing services, also known as Transport Network Vehicles, are available in the Philippines, but we can only recommend using Grab and Joyride at the moment. Most of the time, passengers coming from the airport may have one or more pieces of luggage in tow, so we will focus more on Grab and Joyride in this section.
But before you could use ride-hailing apps like Grab and Joyride, you’ll need an 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 booking a motorcycle taxi if you’re bringing luggage with you. It is, however, a great option for when you’re roaming around BGC.
Fare and Pick-Up Locations
Booking a car via a ride-hailing app is probably the most direct and convenient way of getting anywhere in BGC from NAIA, but this can also be the most expensive, especially during peak or busy hours. The advantage, though, is that you can see upfront how much your travel will cost you before you confirm your booking. Even tips may be coursed through the apps!
Note that the fare will depend on these factors: the time of your booking (non-peak or peak hours), the type of car service you need, and the ride-hailing app you will be booking from.
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 want to book via Grab, they have installed Grab Booths around some of the terminals with attendants to book for you through their phones. If you have any questions, you may ask the person manning the booth. You may find the 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
Before ride-hailing apps became a thing in the Philippines (and we reckon in many countries across the globe), taxis were the main mode of transportation from airports.
In the Philippines, there are fixed-rate taxis and metered taxis. Is booking a taxi generally cheaper than other modes of transportation? Well, taxis are relatively more expensive than the P2P buses and jeepneys, but they are more convenient.
Should you take a taxi or book a ride from a ride-hailing app? The best course of action is to compare the fixed-price taxi’s rate with reflected rate on your chosen ride-hailing app. For metered taxis though, it’s hard to say if it will be cheaper than booking a car via a ride-hailing app because the fare really depends on the traffic condition and the time of booking (peak or off-peak hours). So, the answer here is: taxis can either be pricier or cheaper than booking a car via a ride-hailing app. It’s really a case-by-case matter.
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.
REMEMBER! Much like in any other country, be on your guard against scams and dirty schemes, especially from taxis pretending to be metered taxis. Make sure that the moment the taxi starts its trip, the meter is up and running. The most popular scam here is when metered taxi drivers don’t use the meter counter at all and will likely just slap you with an outrageous fare at your drop off.
Coupon Taxi
These taxis have fixed rates based on your destination. Some drivers might ask for additional fees or tips, but it’s still up to you if you’ll shell out a few bucks for fees or tips. Just remember that tipping the driver is not mandatory.
You will be handed a dispatch coupon/slip at the booth. Keep it with you until you arrive at your destination. Coupon taxi fare from NAIA to BGC (Taguig) ranges from P330 to P530.
If you want to see the complete and more detailed list of the LTFRB-prescribed rates for Taguig 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
These yellow metered taxis are generally more expensive than regular metered taxis, but lines are usually shorter and units are more well-maintained. 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 2 mins 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
These regular metered taxis, often white sedans, are cheaper compared to coupon taxis and yellow metered taxis, but they receive the most passenger complaints about scams, such as not turning the meter on and asking for an over-the-top fixed price and taking longer routes with the meter on, among others.
If you opt for regular metered taxis, make sure the taxi meter is turned on when your ride starts. You will also receive a passenger copy of the dispatch slip with the taxi. DO NOT hand it over to the driver.
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
The kind of buses available in NAIA are called Point-to-Point buses, or P2P buses for short. UBE Express is the Philippines’ primary premium airport bus link in Metro Manila. It is cheaper compared to taking a taxi or booking a Grab car ride.
NAIA Terminal 3 is the only pick-up location for all UBE Express routes. If you are arriving at Terminal 1, 2, or 4, note that the free inter-terminal shuttle buses are exclusive only 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.
UPDATE: As of 13 October 2023, the NAIA-One Ayala Makati UBE Express route/operation is temporarily suspended. Check the official UBE Express Facebook page for updates.
The nearest bus terminal to BGC is One Ayala. From there, you’ll have to ride another bus, hail a taxi, or book a car from a ride-hailing app.
- From NAIA Terminal 3, head to the arrival hall exit.
- Find the UBE Express P2P Bus booth at the outer lane of Bay 12.
- Purchase your ticket going to One Ayala transport hub. The fare is P150. You can also buy your ticket online through UBE Express’s official website.
- Go to the P2P bus pick-up/drop-off point. It is located just across Bay 12 and wait for your bus or find your designated bus.
- Alight at One Ayala in Makati. Take either the overpass or the MRT Ayala station foot bridge to get to the other side, where you can ride another bus, taxi, or Grab (near Jollibee) to BGC.
NAIA Terminal 3 to One Ayala Makati Time Table
- 05:30 AM
- 07:30 AM
- 10:00 AM
- 01:45 PM
- 04:15 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
This option is the cheapest, but this is the least convenient, especially with luggage in tow. Jeepneys — traditional or modern — are not allowed within the airport premises. You need to walk outside until you reach the national road. From NAIA to BGC, you need at least two transfers. Minimum fare is P12 for traditional jeeps and P14 for modern jeeps. The fare is MILES away from booking a car or hopping on a bus, but it may be quite a challenge if you’re not used to riding jeepneys.
In case you really want to try commuting via public transportation, here’s how:
- 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.
- You can either take the MRT 3 Taft Station to Ayala Station or ride an EDSA Carousel Northbound bus from Taft to One Ayala, and then ride a bus, a taxi, or Grab to BGC.
Taking public transportation in Metro Manila can be really confusing, so as much as possible, avoid this option. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, best to try riding a jeepney when you don’t have kilos and kilos of luggage weighing you down.
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 certain car rental company.
Another private transfer alternative is thru hotel services. Before booking your hotel, it’s also a good practice to check if they offer 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 BGC
Searching for a place to stay in BGC? Here are some top-rated hotels you can consider booking for your trip.
- GRAND HYATT MANILA
✅ Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com - SHANGRI-LA THE FORT
✅ Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com - SEDA BONIFACIO GLOBAL CITY
✅ Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com - ASCOTT BONIFACIO GLOBAL CITY
✅ Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com - CITY PARK 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 BGC article.
Find more BGC Hotels!
Updates Log
2024.01.20 – Updated Other Private Transfers section
2024.01.06 – Added Important Contact Information section
2024.01.04 – Added Where to Stay section and changed Regular Metered Taxi Terminal 3 location from Arrival Exit Bay 12 to Bay 13
2023.11.17 – Updated to reflect UBE Express One Ayala route temporary suspension
2023.11.03 – Added related article links: NAIA Coupon Taxi Rates for Metro Manila, UBE Express Guide, and EDSA Carousel Guide
2023.07.06 – First uploaded
Related Article: NAIA (Manila Airport) Transportation Guide
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