Struggling to navigate the daily grind of Metro Manila’s traffic? Look no further than the Metro Rail Transit or MRT! This rapid transit system, crisscrossing over 16.9 kilometers and connecting key districts like Pasay, Makati, Quezon City, Mandaluyong, and Pasig, offers residents and work commuters a convenient and budget-friendly way to get around.
Whether you’re heading to the office, running errands, or exploring the city, this guide will equip you with the essential details you need to know about the 2024 MRT schedule, including operating hours, train frequencies, and helpful tips for a smooth commute.
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MRT Operating Hours / MRT Schedule
The MRT acts as a swift north-south artery for Metro Manila, seamlessly connecting Taft Avenue (EDSA) with North Avenue Station. It traverses roughly 17 kilometers along the bustling EDSA highway, delivering passengers to their destinations in approximately 30-45 minutes.
MRT 3 operates daily, Mondays through Sundays, offering convenient commutes throughout the week. Trains start departing North Avenue Station at 4:30 AM and Taft Avenue Station at 5:05 AM. The last trains leave North Avenue at 9:30 PM and Taft Avenue at 10:09 PM.
Please note that due to operational issues, the schedule may change without prior notice.
MRT Stations
The MRT has 13 stations from Pasay to Quezon City in Metro Manila.
North Avenue MRT Station
Address/Location: Corner of EDSA and North Avenue
Points of interest near MRT North Avenue Station:
- SM North EDSA
- Trinoma
- Ayala Malls Vertis North
- Veterans Memorial Medical Center
Quezon Avenue MRT Station
Address/Location: EDSA Diliman, Quezon City
Points of interest near MRT Quezon Avenue Station:
- Philippine Science High School
- University of the Philippines – Diliman
- Quezon Memorial Circle
- Quezon City Hall
- ABS-CBN Network
- Lung Center of the Philippines
- Philippine Children’s Medical Center
- Philippine Heart Center
- Eton Centris
- UP-Ayala Land Technohub
- Fairview
GMA Kamuning MRT Station
Address/Location: EDSA Quezon City
Points of interest near MRT GMA Kamuning Station:
- GMA Network
- SMDC Glam Residences
Araneta Center Cubao MRT Station
Address/Location: EDSA Cubao Quezon City
Points of interest near MRT Araneta Center Cubao Station:
- Farmers Market
- Farmers Plaza
- Bicol Isarog Bus Terminal
- Araneta City Bus Termina
- Gateway Mall
- Puregold Cubao
- STI Cubao
- Smart Araneta Coliseum
- Ali Mall
Santolan Annapolis MRT Station
Address/Location: EDSA QC/San Juan
Points of interest near MRT Santolan Annapolis Station:
- Camp Aguinaldo
- Greenhills Shopping Center
- Armed Forces of the Philippines
- Camp Crame
- Philippine National Police HQ
- Robinsons Magnolia
Ortigas MRT Station
Address/Location: EDSA Mandaluyong
Points of interest near MRT Ortigas Station:
- Robinson’s Galleria
- Asian Development Bank
- SM Megamall
- Department of Migrant Workers
- EDSA Shrine
Shaw Boulevard MRT Station
Address/Location: EDSA Mandaluyong
Points of interest near MRT Shaw Boulevard Station:
- SM Megamall
- Starmall EDSA
- EDSA Shangri-La Plaza
Boni MRT Station
Address/Location: EDSA Mandaluyong
Points of interest near MRT Boni Station:
- SMDC Light Mall
- Robinson’s Forum
- GA Twin Towers
- Robinson’s Cybergate
Guadalupe MRT Station
Address/Location: EDSA Guadalupe Nuevo, Makati
Points of interest near MRT Guadalupe Station:
- Guadalupe Public Market
- Makati Poblacion
- Makati City Hall
- Powerplant Mall
- Rockwell Center
Buendia MRT Station
Address/Location: Near the EDSA–Kalayaan Flyover and Gil Puyat Avenue (Buendia Avenue) in Makati
Points of interest near MRT Buendia Station:
- Makati Poblacion
- Makati Avenue
- Buendia Avenue
Ayala MRT Station
Address/Location: EDSA Ayala Makati
Points of interest near MRT Ayala Station:
- SM Makati
- Glorietta
- Greenbelt
- Makati Central Business District
- Philippine Stock Exchange
- One Ayala Bus Terminal
Magallanes MRT Station
Address/Location: EDSA Makati
Points of interest near MRT Magallanes Station:
- Southgate Mall
- Chino Roces Avenue
- PNR EDSA
EDSA – Taft Avenue MRT Station
Address/Location: Intersection of EDSA and Taft Avenue
Points of interest near MRT EDSA – Taft Avenue Station:
- Metropoint Mall
- SM Mall of Asia (ride a jeep or bus)
- Mall of Asia Arena
- Victory Liner Pasay Bus Terminal
- Kabayan Hotel
- Genesis Bus Terminal
- Five Star Bus Terminal Pasay
MRT Peak and Off-Peak Hours
Planning your commute ahead can make a big difference on the MRT 3. Peak hours, when trains tend to be more crowded, run from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM in the morning and 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM in the evening. During these times, expect slightly longer waits between trains and consider factoring that into your travel time.
Regular Weekday Train Schedule
| PERIOD | TIME | TRAINS COUNT | HEADWAY |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | 4:30AM ~ 6:30AM | 19 Trains | 4.5 ~ 7 Minutes |
| AM Peak | 6:30AM ~ 9:30AM | 20 Trains | 4 Minutes |
| Off Peak | 9:30AM ~ 4:30PM | 15 Trains | 5.5 Minutes |
| PM Peak | 4:30PM ~ 7:30PM | 20 Trains | 4 Minutes |
| Night | 7:30PM ~ 10:30PM | 19 Trains | 4.5 ~ 7 Minutes |
Train Frequency
Train frequency varies depending on the hour and day. While peak hours enjoy 4-minute intervals between trains, off-peak periods usually see slightly less frequent arrivals up to 7 minutes. Please see table above for the train frequency / headway.
MRT Fare Matrix
Understanding the MRT 3 fare system can streamline your commute. Fares are based on the distance traveled, with a minimum fare of Php 13 covering the first three stations and a maximum fare of Php 28 for the entire route. Please refer to the image below for the detailed passenger fare of the MRT 3 line.
For added convenience, opt for the Beep Card, a reloadable stored-value card available at MRT stations. Load it with your desired amount and tap it on the turnstile reader for seamless fare payment. Bonus: Your Beep Card works across various public transportation modes in the Philippines, making it a versatile travel companion.
Navigate the MRT Like a Pro: Essential Tips for a Smooth Ride
Here’s your guide to a comfortable and hassle-free MRT experience:
Safety First:
- Secure your belongings: Keep valuables close and avoid flaunting cash or expensive jewelry.
- Follow the rules: Respect station personnel, security, and fellow passengers. Familiarize yourself with regulations at the official MRT website.
- Mind the yellow lines: Stay behind the platform edge tiles for your safety.
- Avoid the tracks: Crossing or walking on them is strictly prohibited.
- Prioritize others: Give up elevator access to elders, pregnant women, and those with disabilities.
- Stay responsible: Don’t block doors, smoke, litter, or spit. Wait patiently for the next train if you miss one.
- Maintain balance: Hold onto handrails and straps for stability.
- Be aware of restrictions: Passengers under the influence or showing mental instability may be denied entry.
Additional Tips:
- Plan ahead: Check schedules and fares beforehand to avoid delays. Be patient, as peak hours can get crowded.
- Pack light: Bulky objects are inconvenient for both you and others.
- Pack smart: Avoid bringing unsealed food, drinks, balloons, flammable items, or uncaged animals.
By following these tips, you can make your MRT commute not only smooth but also safe and considerate for everyone. Remember, a little preparation and courtesy go a long way!
