District in Manila, Philippines
Getting around Makati
How to get around Makati
Walk inside Ayala, Salcedo and Legazpi; use Grab for most other trips. The MRT-3 and EDSA Carousel run along EDSA, but get crowded at peak times.
Ways to get around Makati
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Grab | 150–300 PHP for 5 km | Most practical; surge pricing in rain and rush hour |
| MRT-3 (Ayala station) | 13–28 PHP | Along EDSA; avoid 7–9 am and 5–8 pm |
| EDSA Carousel bus | 15–75 PHP | Dedicated bus lane; stops at Ayala and Guadalupe |
| Jeepney | 14–25 PHP | Cheap local routes; cash only and hard to follow at first |
Ride-hailing apps in Makati
A 5 km ride costs about ₱150–300 ($2.4–4.8).
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Grab | Most reliable; cars and bikes, airport pickups |
| Angkas | Motorcycle taxis for beating traffic |
| inDrive | Name your fare; useful at peak times |
- Metered taxis exist but Grab is easier. Hail from a mall taxi bay rather than the street, and insist on the meter.
Arriving in Makati
Ninoy Aquino International (NAIA) (MNL)
Grab 250–500 PHP to Makati, 25–60 min; the airport is close but jams at rush hour.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Not worth it: chaotic traffic. Use Angkas or Grab bikes for short trips.
- Driving: on the right. Foreign licences are valid for 90 days after arrival; non-English licences need an official translation or IDP.
- Onward travel in Philippines: Fly between islands (Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, AirAsia); ferries and fast craft link neighbouring islands. Weather cancels boats and flights, so keep buffer days.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Makati?
No. Use Grab, Angkas, inDrive instead.
What's the best way to get around Makati?
Walk inside Ayala, Salcedo and Legazpi; use Grab for most other trips. The MRT-3 and EDSA Carousel run along EDSA, but get crowded at peak times.
How do I get from the airport to Makati?
Grab 250–500 PHP to Makati, 25–60 min; the airport is close but jams at rush hour.
Is Makati walkable?
Walkable center.
More about Makati
Going to Makati solo?
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Sources
- Philippine Airlines
- Cebu Pacific
- City of Makati
- Makati Medical Center
- Grab Philippines
- Department of Tourism
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.