Airport Hubs:
MNL → Makati CBD & Bonifacio Global City (BGC) Updated for 2026

How to Get from Manila NAIA Airport (MNL) to Makati & BGC

Distance 10 km
Fastest 20 min
From ₱150 (~$2.60)
Top Pick GrabCar / UBE Express P2P Bus
Quick 10-Second Verdict:

Booking a GrabCar via the Grab app (or at official airport Grab booths) is the safest, most reliable way to reach Makati or BGC, costing ₱320 - 450 (~$5.50 - $8.00) in 20-40 minutes. Always request the driver use the NAIA Expressway / Skyway (toll ₱45, passenger pays). For a budget alternative, the UBE Express Premium P2P bus connects Terminal 3 to Ayala Malls Makati for ₱150 (~$2.60).

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL / NAIA) has 4 separate passenger terminals located south of Metro Manila. Reaching the financial and modern entertainment districts of Makati and Bonifacio Global City (BGC) is fast via the elevated Skyway tollway, but ground traffic can be notoriously heavy.

All Transfer Options Compared (2026 Fares)

Transport Option Typical Time 2026 Fare Frequency Best For Booking / Info
GrabCar (via App or Grab Booth) Best Overall
20–40 min
₱320 - 450
~$5.50 - $8.00 / €5.20 - €7.50
 On demand via app (3-7 min) All international travelers wanting safety, fixed upfront fares, and direct hotel delivery Book Private Manila Transfer
UBE Express Point-to-Point (P2P) Premium Bus Cheapest
35–55 min
₱150
~$2.60 / €2.45
 Every 1-2 hours (scheduled) Solo travelers arriving at Terminal 3 staying near Ayala Malls / One Ayala Makati See Boarding Steps ↓

Detailed Step-by-Step Transfer Options

Option #1 Best Overall

GrabCar (via App or Grab Booth)

₱320 - 450 ~$5.50 - $8.00 / €5.20 - €7.50
Travel time 20–40 min
Frequency On demand via app (3-7 min)
Operating hours 24/7 continuous
Where to buy tickets Grab smartphone app or assist booth outside arrivals.
Main advantage: Guaranteed upfront pricing; no meter tampering; credit card payment; dedicated pickup bays at all 4 terminals.
Keep in mind: Wait times can reach 10-15 minutes during peak evening arrival banks (18:00-21:00).

Step-by-step from arrivals:

  1. Clear customs and exit the arrivals hall to the designated Grab pickup bay.
  2. Order a GrabCar on the app or have the Grab attendant book one for you.
  3. Confirm the car's license plate and tell the driver to take the NAIAX / Skyway.
  4. Pay the ₱45 toll in cash or add to app fare, and arrive directly at your Makati or BGC hotel.
Book Private Manila Transfer
Option #2 Cheapest

UBE Express Point-to-Point (P2P) Premium Bus

₱150 ~$2.60 / €2.45
Travel time 35–55 min
Frequency Every 1-2 hours (scheduled)
Operating hours 06:00 - 20:00 daily
Where to buy tickets UBE Express ticketing booth at Terminal 3 Arrivals.
Main advantage: Safe, air-conditioned luxury coach; luggage storage; drops at central One Ayala transport hub.
Keep in mind: Infrequent departures; primarily operates out of Terminal 3.

Step-by-step from arrivals:

  1. Proceed to the UBE Express booth outside Terminal 3 Arrivals Bay 10.
  2. Purchase a ticket for ₱150 to Ayala Malls Makati.
  3. Store heavy bags in the coach luggage bay and take an air-conditioned seat.
  4. Disembark at One Ayala / Glorietta in central Makati.
ARRIVAL CONNECTIVITY & RIDE-HAILING TIP

Need Mobile Data at the Terminal for Grab (GrabCar & GrabShare) & Maps?

Airport Wi-Fi often drops outside the terminal curb where Grab (GrabCar & GrabShare) pickup zones are located. Install a local eSIM before your flight so you can order a ride, translate station signs, and show digital train QR tickets immediately after landing.

Get Philippines eSIM on Airalo →Compare Philippines Airport eSIM on Klook →
STRESS-FREE DOOR-TO-DOOR OPTION

Prefer a Driver Waiting at Manila (MNL) Arrivals?

Traveling with heavy suitcases, young children, or landing after midnight? Pre-book a fixed-price private airport transfer or express rail pass on Klook with instant confirmation and no meter haggling.

Check Manila Transfers & Rail Passes on Klook →View Airport & City Hotels on Klook →

Tickets, Luggage & Late-Night Arrivals

How Tickets & Payments Work

Use Grab with an international credit card to avoid cash handling. If taking an airport Yellow Metered Taxi, make sure the meter is reset to ₱45 before leaving the terminal curb.

Traveling with Suitcases

Grab 6-seaters are recommended for families with 3+ large suitcases. UBE Express buses feature luggage compartments under the vehicle.

Arriving After Midnight

Grab operates 24/7. Avoid freelance "contract taxi" drivers offering fixed prices (₱1,500-2,000) inside the terminal.

Common Mistakes & Airport Scams to Avoid

  • Getting into unmarked private cars or accepting flat-rate quotes from terminal touts—use only Grab or the official Yellow Metered Taxi queue.
  • Refusing to pay the Skyway toll (₱45)—taking surface streets under the Skyway during rush hour can add 60+ minutes of agonizing traffic.
  • Going to the wrong NAIA terminal—Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 4 are not connected airside; allow ample time if transferring.
  • Airport taxi scams are infamous at MNL! Never take unmetered white taxis offering flat rates. ONLY use Grab, official yellow airport metered taxis, or pre-book a private transfer on Klook.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where is the Grab booth at Manila Airport?

Dedicated Grab booths with staff who can book rides for you are located outside the arrival exits at Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3.

How much is the Skyway toll from NAIA to Makati?

The NAIA Expressway (NAIAX) toll is currently ₱45 (or ₱47 for extended ramps), which the passenger pays directly to the driver or via the app.

Other Popular Destinations from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) (MNL)