Ninoy Aquino International Airport

As with the norm in the Philippines, expect two security checkpoints: one landside, and another between landside and airside. Lines can be long on landside security, so allow a hour to go through the procedures, especially on busy days. With the notable exception of Terminal 3, only departing passengers with proof of a departing flight are allowed entry, so you will need to make your goodbyes outside the terminal building in the heat, dust and general kerfuffle.

Passengers on international flights must also pass through immigration before getting through airside security. On busy days or peak hours, expect waiting in line for 30 minutes to get through this process.

Three types of buses connect NAIA to the rest of Metro Manila and beyond: point-to-point buses, UBE Express express buses, regular city buses and a minibus service.

Metro Manila's growing network of point-to-point buses (P2P) now includes a direct connection between the airport and Clark International Airport in Angeles, Pampanga, primarily targeting transit passengers who need to connect to flights leaving from Metro Manila's other airport. Operated by Genesis Transport, the NAIA–Clark P2P bus departs from the arrival area of Terminal 3, stopping only at Ortigas Center (at the Robinsons Galleria shopping mall) before arriving in Clark. From Clark to NAIA, buses also drop off passengers at Terminals 1 and 2 before terminating at Terminal 3.

Although the vast majority of P2P buses are operated using normal Genesis Transport buses, three daytime buses (at 9AM, 2PM and 4PM between NAIA and Clark, and at 10:30AM, 12:30PM and 2:30PM between Clark and NAIA) are operated by JoyBus, a luxury bus brand operated by Genesis Transport. JoyBus buses have a bus attendant on-board and are equipped with larger seats with in-seat entertainment, a restroom and other luxuries.

P2P buses from NAIA to Clark run every 1-2 hours from 2AM till 12:30AM, while buses from Clark to NAIA run from 1:30AM to 11PM. A one-way ticket between NAIA and Ortigas is ₱300, while a ticket between NAIA and Clark is ₱350. In the opposite direction, a ticket between Clark and NAIA is ₱350-400 depending on the terminal. A JoyBus ticket costs ₱50 on top of the normal fare. Tickets are payable only in cash from points of departure.

Travel time between NAIA and Clark is between 3 and 4 hours, and the bus schedule doesn't correspond with flight schedules at either airport, so make sure to board the bus as early as possible to avoid missing your flight.

The UBE Express (which stands for "Ultimate Bus Experience") is an express bus service operated by the Department of Transportation in conjunction with the cargo provider Air21, connecting Terminals 1, 2 and 3 to various hotels and tourist attractions. All buses are air-conditioned, low-floor and equipped with Wi-Fi for the use of passengers.

Eight UBE Express routes are in operation:

• Entertainment City route: NAIA → Solaire Resort and Casino → SM Mall of Asia
• Robinsons route: NAIA → Hotel Jen (Cultural Center) → Bayview Park Hotel (Rizal Park) → Manila Hotel → Intramuros → Robinsons Place Manila
• Makati route: NAIA → Ayala Center
• Grand Prix route: NAIA → Kabayan Hotel (MRT-3 Taft Avenue) → Grand Prix Hotel (Victory Liner Pasay Terminal)
• Cubao route: NAIA → Araneta Center
• Ortigas route: NAIA → Robinsons Galleria
• Alabang route: NAIA → Alabang Town Center → Ayala Malls South Park
• Laguna route: NAIA → Nuvali → Robinsons Sta. Rosa Market

The Cubao, Ortigas, Alabang and Laguna routes are operated as P2P routes (similar to the NAIA-Clark bus), running from 5:30AM till 9PM with buses leaving every 1-2 hours. A one-way ticket is ₱70 to Ortigas, ₱100 to Cubao, ₱110 to Alabang and ₱190 to Laguna.

All other UBE Express buses meanwhile run from 6AM till midnight, with buses leaving every 30 minutes. A one-way ticket is normally ₱300, although tickets are selling at half-price (₱150), and places may be reserved online.

The airport is also served by regular city buses.

All terminals are served by route 43, the NAIA Loop service, operated by HM minibuses as well as UBE Express buses. Buses depart from the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) and go to Terminals 2 and 1 before heading into terminals 4 and 3 and back into PITX via Airport Road.

Terminals 1 and 2 are indirectly served by route 44, which runs between Alabang (Muntinlupa) and Navotas. Route 44 runs from Alabang to Navotas via Dr. A Santos and Ninoy Aquino avenues; it passes near Terminals 1 and 2, but will drop passengers just outside the terminals.

Terminal 3 is also served by route 16, on Citylink buses operated by the Megaworld Corporation, which connects Resorts World Manila (across from Terminal 3) to Eastwood City in Quezon City via Fort Bonifacio using Circumferential Road 5 (C-5) during peak hours. The fare is ₱29.

Three jeepney routes serve the airport complex. While slower, less comfortable and not air-conditioned, jeepneys are a cheaper alternative to buses, and also run 24 hours a day. Fares are ₱8 for the first 4 km (2.5 mi) (₱7 for students), with an additional ₱1 for every kilometer thereafter. Students are eligible for a 20% discount on jeepney fares, the same discount as for bus fares.

• The Nichols–Vito Cruz–EDSA–Tramo jeepney route, which serves all four terminals, stops at the intersection of EDSA and Taft Avenue (at the interchange between LRT-1 EDSA station and MRT-3 Taft Avenue station). The jeepney stop is just outside Giselle's Bus Terminal, beside the SOGO Hotel and the staircase leading up to MRT-3 Taft Avenue station.
• The Baclaran–MIA jeepney route serves Terminals 1, 2 and 4 and originates at Quirino Avenue, just outside the LRT-1 Baclaran station. Some of these jeepneys may ply the longer Domestic Airport–Baclaran–South Pier jeepney route, which connects the airport to Manila South Harbor and passes through a number of points in Manila proper.

Jeepneys from Baclaran toward the airport stop first at Terminal 4 before stopping at Terminals 1 and 2. At Terminals 1 and 2, jeepneys stop at the designated bus stop, while at Terminal 4, the jeepneys stop in front of the terminal, either across from (outbound) or beside (inbound) the terminal. Similar to buses, jeepneys are only one-way between Terminals 1 and 2, stopping at Terminal 2 first before stopping at Terminal 1.

The Terminal 3 jeepney stop is outside the airport beside the Circulo del Mundo Rotonda, although it is possible to get off at Resorts World Manila (on the other side of the road) and cross Andrews Avenue to Terminal 3.

Because of the constricted space of jeepneys, it's not recommended to use them if you have bulky luggage.

The fastest way to or from the airport by road is through the elevated NAIA Expressway (NAIAx). Connecting the airport complex to the Metro Manila Skyway (and the South Luzon Expressway), the Manila–Cavite Expressway and Macapagal Boulevard, it provides a quick, direct and traffic-free connection to many parts of Metro Manila and neighboring provinces, with exits for Terminals 1, 2 and 3.

The NAIA Expressway has two connected segments. The short segment connects Macapagal Boulevard and the Manila–Cavite Expressway to Terminals 1 and 2, while the long segment connects the short segment to Terminal 3 and the Metro Manila Skyway. Tolls for driving on the short segment are ₱35, while driving on the long segment costs ₱45. On top of that, the Metro Manila Skyway also collected a toll of ₱20 on trips to or from the airport, but collection has been suspended while integration of the Skyway and NAIAx toll structures is ongoing.

Surface roads also serve NAIA, all of which are named after the airport or prominent aviators. These include NAIA Road (formerly MIA Road) and Ninoy Aquino Avenue for Terminals 1 and 2, Andrews Avenue for Terminal 3, and Domestic Road for Terminal 4. Terminal 4 is accessible only through surface roads, with no connection to the NAIA Expressway. Although driving in Metro Manila is not for the faint-of-heart, with the opening of the expressway the surface roads are significantly less congested than before, and during times of light traffic (such as early morning) they can be a faster alternative.

All four terminals have parking lots.

• Cars parking at Terminal 1 may park at Lots A and B, which have a combined capacity of 500 cars. While Lot C is largely occupied by the airport taxi fleet, there are slots available for paying patrons.
• Cars parking at Terminal 2 may park at Car Parks 1 and 2, which have a combined capacity of around 1,100 cars. Car Park 2 is partially occupied by the airport taxi fleet.
• Cars parking at Terminal 3 may park at the open car park, which has a capacity of 1,200 cars, or at the multilevel parking building beside the terminal, with a capacity of 2,000 cars.
• Cars parking at Terminal 4 may park at the open car park located on the other side of Domestic Road, which has a capacity of around 155 cars.

Regular parking is ₱50 for the first 2 hours, while overnight parking is ₱300/day. Cars left at the airport overnight have to be registered with security personnel upon entry. For more information, the Manila International Airport Authority also operates a parking lot hotline at +63 2 877-1109, extension 4315.

For many travellers, taxis are the easiest and most convenient way of reaching the airport.

Official yellow airport taxis are available to bring passengers to and from the airport, charging a flagdown rate of ₱70 plus an additional ₱4-4.50 for every 250 m. Each departing taxi is registered by a dispatcher. These will cost up to ₱100-350 depending on your destination. Make sure to look up how far your destination is so you have a rough idea of how much you should be charged. Easily half of all taxis in Manila rip off foreigners every day. Always insist on using the meter and refuse to pay the posted fare if it's exorbitantly high.

Regular white city taxis to or from the airport cost between ₱100-250 to most destinations within the city, depending on the distance. While city taxis are only allowed only to drop off passengers at the departures level of each terminal (or at a special drop-off only taxi rank in front of Terminal 4) and are barred from picking up anyone, arriving passengers on a penny-pinching budget may want to go up the elevator to the departure level from arrivals and flag down one that had just dropped off someone and are heading out. Since they don't pass on any airport-related fees, they are much more affordable. However, security guards are under orders to shoo away white taxis picking up passengers in the departure area. Always insist on using the meter.

Special coupon taxis are taxis with fixed rates according to the destination. Coupon taxis serve hotels in Metro Manila, most points within the city, and towns and cities throughout Luzon. Some coupon taxi operators use minivans or SUVs, which may be useful for large groups. These fixed rate taxis can charge extortionist rates though, ₱1250 or higher to reach downtown Manila when a metered taxi would have cost ₱250.

Finally, ride sharing services like Grab are no longer banned from the airport, and it is possible to request for one to pick you up. Depending on traffic conditions, they can be cheaper or more expensive than taxis.

While not a practical way of reaching the airport, it is possible to get to the airport on foot. This is particularly true for walking from the Nichols railway station in Taguig, which is 2 km away from Terminal 3. PNR commuter trains run every 30 minutes during peak hours, and every hour at all other times, from 5:30AM-7:30PM. From Nichols station, head north on the East Service Road until the intersection with Sales Road at the end, then turn left. Walk straight until the intersection with Andrews Avenue at the end, and then enter Resorts World Manila. Resorts World Manila is physically connected to Terminal 3 via Runway Manila, an enclosed elevated walkway.

If walking the entire way isn't an option, it is also possible to board a Nichols Ikot (Nichols Loop) jeepney towards Terminal 3 at the opposite side of the Sales Interchange, beside the Villamor Golf Course, and get off at Resorts World Manila.

While it is possible to walk via Taft Avenue Extension, Quirino Avenue and then Airport Road, it is not recommended to walk from LRT-1 Baclaran station to Terminal 4 despite the distance (only 1.5 km). Use a jeepney instead. A taxi between Taft and the airport should be less than ₱100.

VIP lounges are available for business and first class passengers, and for holders of certain credit cards. Compared to lounges at other Asian airports though, NAIA lounges are considered to be sub-par. Most of these lounges are in Terminal 1. Japan Airlines and Thai Airways International maintain their own lounges at Terminal 1, while Philippine Airlines maintains two Mabuhay Lounges at Terminal 2. At Terminal 3, Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines maintain their own lounges.

• Club Manila, 3/F, Terminal 1 (across from the old PAGSS Lounge), ☏ +63 2 877-1109 ext 3021. 24 hours. In a streamlined Art Deco style, the lounge competes with the MIASCOR Lounge for the title of NAIA's best lounge. One of two pay lounges at Terminal 1, it has a Wi-Fi bar, a buffet spread and a shower. The lounge is also known for its large fish tank. Access is free to American Express Platinum and UnionBank Gold and Platinum cardholders, BPI "Preferred Banking" clients, BDO Diamond Rewards members, and business class passengers flying on Malaysia Airlines, Philippine Airlines and United Airlines. ₱750. 
• Pacific Club Executive Lounge, 4/F, International Wing, Terminal 3. Daily, 4AM-10AM. The larger of the two lounges at Terminal 3, it has a modern ambiance with ample seating, a large buffet spread and a shower room. Access is free to Priority Pass, DragonPass, BPI SkyMiles Platinum, and Citibank Prestige and PlatinumMiles cardholders, SkyTeam Elite Plus members, and business class passengers flying on Delta Air Lines and KLM. $25. 
• PAGSS Lounge, West Satellite, Terminal 1 (beside the entrance to Gate 2), ☏ +63 2 879-6324. Daily 6AM-midnight. It has a native feel. Reading materials, a buffet spread and business facilities are available, but no bathrooms. There is a separate buffet with halal-certified food. Access is free to The Club Card, Priority Pass and Diners Club cardholders, BPI "Preferred Banking" clients, BDO Diamond Rewards members, and business class passengers flying Air Niugini, Asiana Airlines, China Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, EVA Air, Gulf Air, Korean Air, Qantas, Turkish Airlines and XiamenAir. (updated Oct 2018)
• Skyview Lounge, 4/F, International Wing, Terminal 3 (near Gate 115). 24 hours. Formerly known as the MIASCOR Skyview Lounge, it is known for its tasteful decor and its delicious buffet spread, although the spread is not as plentiful as the MIASCOR Lounge at Terminal 1. While it is the smaller of the two pay lounges at Terminal 3, there's lots of seating and outlets, and it also has a shower. Access is free to Priority Pass, Priority Access Club, AmEx Platinum, Citibank Platinum and PremierMiles, Diners Club and UnionBank Platinum cardholders, holders of certain RCBC Bankard credit cards, BDO Diamond Rewards members, Globe Telecom Platinum subscribers, and business class passengers flying on ANA and Emirates. ₱800. 
• The Wings Transit Lounge (4/F, mall area of Terminal 3 near McDonald's). 24 hrs. It has multiple sleeping facilities and is available to the public for a fee. Sleeping facilities include reclining lounge chairs, a small capsule hotel, twin rooms that can fit two people and a single family room that can fit four people. Twin rooms and the family room are outfitted with bunk beds. Access to shower facilities are made available when purchasing a package that includes either a capsule unit, a twin room or the family room. They also provide bathroom amenities, like shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush and toothpaste. They also provide unlimited finger foods, non-alcoholic drinks, pay services like a massage and a foot spa, free wifi and a place to store your luggage. Their business center is rather small consisting only of a small table on top of which are two computers and a printer. Lounge Chairs ₱700; Capsule unit ₱1000; Twin Room ₱1800; Family Room ₱3200 (these rates are for a maximum stay of 7 hours; extending your stay is allowed for an additional fee). (updated May 2018)

All four terminals have free, unlimited Wi-Fi access on the GlobeFreeWiFi@NAIA network, provided by Globe Telecom, although coverage can be spotty at times. There are standalone computer terminals at Terminals 1 and 2 with access to the Internet, as well as laptop desks at Terminal 2 beside the computer terminals.

Two of the NAIA terminals have post offices. At Terminal 1, the post office is located on the west wing of the arrivals lobby, while at Terminal 2, the post office is located beside the Pass Control Office in the arrivals level of the South Wing. Both post offices are open on weekdays from 8AM-5PM. Mailboxes are located at the West Transit Lounge (after immigration) at Terminal 1, and at the post office in Terminal 2. Mail is picked up at 10:30AM daily on weekdays.

Stamps are available for purchase at the following stores:

• Terminal 1: All stores between Gates 3-10
• Terminal 2: Stores around Gate S1 (South Wing), Store in front of the Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Class check-in counter (North Wing)

These stores are also authorized to bring mail to the post office for delivery. During weekends, these stores will hold mail until the post office reopens on Monday. At Terminal 1, this service is provided by the Christian Ventures bookstore at the East Satellite (gates 2-7).

NAIA has a number of worship facilities. All four terminals have Christian chapels, while Terminals 1, 2 and 3 also have Muslim prayer rooms. Washrooms are fitted with foot basins and Qiblah directions are mentioned in the prayer rooms. There are two Roman Catholic churches near the airport which are open to the public:

• 🌍 Our Lady of the Airways Parish, Chapel Rd cnr Ninoy Aquino Avenue, Parañaque (At NAIA Road, turn right before the intersection with Ninoy Aquino Avenue), ☏ +63 2 851-4371. This is the official airport church and NAIA is probably the only airport in the country, if not the world, with one. A large statue of the Virgin Mary stands on an island across from the church, at the corner of NAIA Road and Ninoy Aquino Avenue. 
• 🌍 Shrine of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Newport Boulevard, Newport City, Pasay (Opposite Terminal 3, behind the Total gas station), ☏ +63 2 853-9187. The church of Newport City and the seat of the Military Ordinariate of the Philippines, it is a popular venue for weddings. Its dome is visible from all parts of the airport complex. 

Terminals 2 and 3 have left luggage facilities. At Terminal 2, this service is provided by Philippine Airlines (₱150/piece), while at Terminal 3, this service is provided by Luggage&More (₱150-200/piece for three hours, ₱300-350/piece per day).

While not a left luggage facility as such, bags may also be left at the Interline Baggage Section of Terminal 1, to the side of the baggage claim area (₱150-200/piece).

All airport buildings, with a few exceptions, are no smoking areas, as is much of the outdoor space around them. Desperate smokers can go outside, but you may have to cross a road to reach an area where smoking is allowed.

There are no free smoking lounges but some of the terminal restaurants have areas where customers may smoke.

• Terminal 3
  • ground side: Let's Chow in the 4th floor food court (toward the bridge to the hotel) has a smoking lounge, and decent food and prices.
  • air side: places near gates 119 and 134.