manila day tour from airport

Layover In Manila – The Ultimate Guide 2024

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport is the airport that serves the Philippine city of Manila. It's located a few kilometers outside of the city close to the smaller city of Paranaque. It's a large airport with four terminals, three of which deal with international flights while the fourth caters to internal flights only.

With Manila Airport being as close as it is to the city, having a stopover there, no matter how brief, means you'll be able to get away from the facility and enjoy your time doing something other than watching planes take off or land. There's no direct train connection between the airport and the city, so the easiest and quickest way to get into Manila is by taxi which takes around twenty minutes. There's also a shuttle bus service, the UBE Express, which operates five different routes from the airport into various parts of Manila. Don’t forget to make your trip easier on yourself by dropping off your bags at a Manila luggage storage before you begin exploring.

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6 hour layover in Manila

When you're on a six-hour layover at Manila Airport, stash your bags as fast as you can in the nearest suitcase storage facility and head for the UBE Express shuttle bus. Catch the bus outside of whichever terminal you landed at - it passes by all four - for the route that goes to the SM Mall of Asia and Entertainment City. You can have a browse around the shops or have a flutter at the casino, then get back on the bus to head back to the airport in time for your Manila connection.

Pre-purchase your ticket for the bus at the UBE Express counters located in arrivals.
If getting through the airport rigmarole takes up too much of your short layover for you to risk going anywhere, stay at the airport and have a dim sum meal at the Tsim Sha Tsui Dimsum and Tea Bar.

8 hour layover in Manila

With Manila Airport being so close to the city, on an eight-hour layover, you'll have time to take a short walking tour of the historic district. You can do this independently by downloading an informative app from the internet or going accompanied by a local guide. One of the more fascinating areas of Manila is the Spanish Colonial Quarter where there are buildings over four hundred years old and the impressive Manila Cathedral.

Get a real feel for the antiquity of the district by taking a horse and carriage ride through the streets.
Always keep in mind that the traffic in Manila can be an absolute nightmare, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get back to the airport.

10 hour layover in Manila

Manila is a real cultural melting pot and you'll experience part of that if you head into the city's Chinatown on your layover. It's a bustling district with a character all of its own. Reputed to be the oldest Chinatown in the world, you'll find a labyrinth of streets lined with eclectic stores, Buddhist temples, and lots of food stalls selling everything from tofu in soy sauce to mooncake. If the pavement chaos is too much for you, make it easier by touring around in a tuk-tuk.

If you're on a late afternoon layover, a great spot to head for to see the sun set over the city is the Manila Baywalk. The two-kilometer-long promenade extends between the American Embassy and the Philippine Cultural Center.
Relax over a drink in the yacht marina on the Baywalk before getting back to the airport in time for your Manila connection.

12 hour layover in Manila

When you have a twelve-hour layover you'll be able to fit in things like visiting Manila's National Museum of Fine Art . It's a treasure trove of beautiful masterpieces that deserve a leisurely viewing. After you've seen all you want to see, take a stroll around Rizal Park which is next to the museum, or if you're a history fan you can join a walking tour of the park and learn about the person whose name it carries and his role in Manila's past.

If you feel that Manila may be too hectic for you to enjoy exploring independently, join a small group tour led by a qualified guide. Tours of this type usually last about five hours and often include a horse and carriage ride.
Take a slow sail around Manila Bay or go inland and take a short cruise across Laguna Lake.

24 hour layover in Manila

There are some incredible sights to be seen in Manila and even with a twenty-four-hour layover you'll be struggling to fit them all in. If you're feeling adventurous, take a 4x4 trip up into the mountains to Mount Pinatubo. Once there you can hike up to the volcanic crater, which contains a stunningly beautiful emerald green lake. It's an exhausting outing that will take up around fifteen hours of your overnight layover, but compensates by being totally different, and you'll sleep well on your connecting flight if nothing else.

If the Manila heat is just too much for you, consider heading to the cooler Tagaytay area where the mountain air is fresher and the scenery amazing. It's a shorter trip out than Mount Pinatubo and will only take up a few hours unless you decide to stay longer.
If the sound of running water does it for you, head out to Hidden Valley Springs and hike the trail along the gorge and by the waterfall.
Volcano tourism doesn't have to be either dangerous or strenuous. Visit the Taal Volcano and you'll be totally enchanted by the size of it and the landscapes it sits in.

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Manila Layover Guide (MNL)

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) is the main international airport serving Manila and its surrounding area. It is found between the cities of Pasay and Paranaque. It is almost 7 km (4.3 mi) from the city of Manila. The airport is a hub for many airlines. The airport has had multiple commercial flights since 1948. Manila is a global city and the capital of the Philippines. The city is known for its dense population, global trade, financial centers, industries, historical Spanish heritage, architecture, museums, gastronomy and vibrant nightlife.

Can you leave Manila Airport (MNL) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa? It's possible for travelers to visit Manila during a layover but in some certain cases, a visa will be required. ( more info ).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Manila Organized Tours

Full-Day Manila City, Tagaytay Taal Volcano and Lake Tour

See the stunning landmarks like Fort Santiago, “Walled City of Intramuros”, American Memorial and Cemetery. Also, enjoy panoramic views of the Tagaytay Ridge. The tour begins in the picturesque City of Tagaytay where there are beautiful panoramic views of Taal Lake and Volcano. This is the famous lake within a volcano within a lake within a volcano. There is a brief lunch break included in the tour at a local restaurant to enjoy some local cuisine and delicacies in an atmosphere designed for great views and vibes. » book this tour

From Manila: Full Day Trip to Tagaytay Ridge

Embark on a panoramic sightseeing tour of Tagaytay Ridge from Manila where you can catch sweeping views of Taal Volcano and Taal Lake from atop the Palace in the Sky. The tour also includes visiting a jeepney factory where you discover the process of making the Philippine transportation icon. Visit San Jose Church as well which is home to the world famous Bamboo Organ of Las Pinas. You will be accompanied by an expert local guide. This tour also includes a delicious lunch break. » book this tour

Manila: Old & New 4-Hour City Tour

Enjoy a 4-hour guided sightseeing tour that lets you discover Manila’s past and present. Explore the City of Makati, the heart of the Philippines’ financial centre. See the history in Forbes Park and the American Cemetery and War Memorial. Learn about the Spanish colonial period on a walk through the Intramuros district to Fort Santiago. Uncover the intricate Baroque architectural designs of UNESCO World Heritage-listed San Agustin Church. » book this tour

Manila Things to do / Sightseeing

Considered to be the world’s oldest Chinatown, Binondo, located in Old Manila is a great place for foodies looking for a worthwhile experience beyond fast food malls and restaurants in the metropolis. Its influence extends beyond Quiapo, Santa Cruz, San Nicolas and the like. Should you want an adventurous experience, brace yourself for crowded alleys and head to nearby Divisoria which is famous for its wide variety of low-priced goods, wholesale and bargain shopping.

Time required: 2 hours.

Airport to here: It takes almost 15 minutes to get here by taxi or 32 minutes by the Airport bus.

Manila Ocean Park

Enjoy your experience at the Manila Ocean Park as you marvel at Sharks and Rays encounter ,trails to Antarctica, and get interactive with marine life as this is one of the most unique adventures in the city. Over here, there’s a fish spa where fish clean your feet in a small pool of water. The vibe here may keep you for some time as you there are so many memorable things to see. This state-of-the-art aquatic facility has exhibits of birds and other animals. Should you have intentions of staying there for more than a day, you can book a room at Hotel H2O at the park and admire the large fish tanks in your room.

Time required: 3 hours.

Airport to here: It takes just 10 minutes to get here by taxi or 35 minutes by bus.

National Museum of the Philippines

Visit the National Museum of the Philippines for a true and accurate exploration into the culture and history of the country. The museum has four main complexes and extensive collections and artifacts that relate to art, archaeology, biology, zoology, anthropology and natural history. The galleries here help offer a sense of place, telling the cultural story beyond what you may find on your own visiting the city’s numerous historical attractions.

Time required: 1 hour.

Airport to here: It usually takes about 15 minutes to get here by taxi or close to 35 minutes by bus.

Fort Santiago

Fort Santiago is one of the most important historical sites in Manila. This 16th-century fortress played a crucial part in protecting the Intramuros, which is the oldest district in Manila, historically known as the Walled City. One can explore the grounds at their own pace. Be sure to take note of bullet markings that are still visible in the fortress walls over many years and make it part of your plans to pass through the visitor center for more detailed information about the lovely fort.

Airport to here: It takes a almost 10 minutes to get here by taxi or 35 minutes by bus.

Quiapo Church

Being one of the most admired and oldest Catholic Churches in Manila, The Quiapo Church was formally called the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene.The plaza here is usually congested depending on what time it is. This makes an amazing place to visit in admiration of the devotion of the locals here. With Fridays being the busiest days, thousands of people throng into the square and pray at the church for novena.

Airport to here: It takes about 15 minutes to get here by taxi and 40 minutes by bus.

Bambike Ecotours

You should consider The Bambike Ecotours if you want to explore the culture and history of Manila more efficiently. These tours give you a unique, eco-friendly way to see the city and take in its beauty. An ecotour provides an opportunity to support the environmental sustainability efforts of local businesses in the city. These locally hand-made bicycles are custom-built from bamboo. There is a social welfare initiative that employs villagers for the production of the bikes by the company.

Airport to here: It takes 15 minutes to get here by taxi or 35 minutes by bus.

Divisoria Market

Divisoria Market is located in the heart of Chinatown where overflowing vendor stalls selling almost everything from fruit and spices to flip-flops and beads can be found . People-watching is quite enjoyable here. The vibe here is like that of a flea market, and the bargaining game is at it’s best. Often, you can get souvenirs for much lower after making payment for 50 percent of the price of an item here.

Airport to here: It usually takes 15 minutes to get here by taxi and almost 50 minutes by bus.

Most of the animals you can think of are found at the famous Manila zoo. From Elephant to Hippopotamus to Bengal Tiger, Monitor Lizard, Malayan Civet. You mention it. This is one of the best places to see in Manila if you are with the family or kids especially. The zoo is home to over 500 animals from more than 100 species. You will also find a Botanical Garden and Arboretum where there is a variety of plants that belong to the local ecology of the Philippines.

Airport to here: You can reach here in 10 minutes by taxi or in 30 minutes by bus.

Things to Do in Manila Airport (MNL)

Relaxing and sleeping.

Airport Lounges and Relaxing The airport has several lounges in Terminals 1 and 3. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping There are several hotel options very close to the airport as well as one for transits in the airport. » view all or book an airport hotel online

Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport The airport has no designated rest areas however there are sleeping rooms in Terminals 1 and 3.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free WiFi is available at Manila Airport however you have to reconnect every 30 minutes.

SIM Card: Several shops within the airport sell SIM cards. » buy a global sim card for Manila, Philippines that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Metered Taxi services run at the airport constantly, they can be found outside the arrival hall.

Train: For the passengers taking the Metro-Rail Transit line, they can disembark at the EDSA-Taft station. An airport shuttle terminal is located beside the MRT station. ( more info ).

Bus: There are several bus options to the city and back to the airport. ( more info ).

Shuttle: There are Airport hotel shuttle services as well as shuttles between terminals.

Car rentals: Multiple car rental options are available and can be booked online. » view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: There is spacious parking available.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Luggage and More offers left luggage storage at the Arrival Hall in Terminal 3. » book a luggage storage or locker at Manila Airport (MNL) online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Manila Airport (MNL) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks

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Multi-day & Extended Tours
Overnight Tours

Manila Layover Tour: Overnight City sightseeing with Round-Trip Airport Transfer

Semi-independent overnight tour with hotel accommodation in Manila
Hear informative commentary from a professional guide on a morning or afternoon half-day tour
Enjoy sightseeing in Manila and the City of Makati by private vehicle
Drive to the American Cemetery and War Memorial, and stroll through ancient ruins in historic Intramuros
Choose a standard studio at the Y2 Residence Hotel or deluxe accommodations at the 5-star Fairmont Makati
Take advantage of optimal flexibility to decide what to do and see during your free time
Round-trip airport transfers and breakfast included

Inclusions & Exclusions

Airport pickup and drop-off
Overnight hotel accommodations
Half-day city Manila city tour
Food and drinks, unless specified
Gratuities (optional)

Departure & Return

Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport

Returns to original departure point

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Please specify if you will be participating in the morning or afternoon Manila half-day city tour
Please provide flight details upon booking to ensure pickup arrangements

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 7 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is No cancellation fee
If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is 50 percent cancellation fee
If you cancel within 2 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is 100 percent cancellation fee

Your Contact Details

Questions or requests.

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