Tips for transiting at Manila NAIA T3 to T1

[hwy]

I have one rule for MNL and that is to always have a night there between flights. Has served us well so far but yeah it’s a pretty average airport

This is a great idea. But I think the wife will be a no show if I book a transit in MNL ever again. Too old and grizzly to experience chaos on the levels that MNL NAIA has mastered.

 

[jase05]

This is a great idea. But I think the wife will be a no show if I book a transit in MNL ever again. Too old and grizzly to experience chaos on the levels that MNL NAIA has mastered.

My wife was the same the first few times but now we just head into the city, spend a night or two there and do some shopping and sightseeing and it’s all good

 

[anat0l]

This is a great idea. But I think the wife will be a no show if I book a transit in MNL ever again. Too old and grizzly to experience chaos on the levels that MNL NAIA has mastered.

One could just ensure that you arrive and depart from T3. It's the best of the lot and has the resort world attached to it via walk and mini shuttle, plus a very decent number of eating options landside. No need to be stressed into tackling the traffic.

It does rub out PR and MH, but there are good suspects there, e.g. CX, SQ, EK, EY and quite a few others.

 

[pussycato]

There is no arrivals card- it is all done on your smartphone. Definitely download the Philipine Immigration App and complete before you hop on the plane as otherwise you will spend at least 30 mins trying to follow the really poorly worded webpage standing in the immigration hall after you arrive in Manila.
Overall- Manila airport is one of the worst I have been to and despite having consistently cheap airfares through there, I will not go again.

We caught the free bus between the terminals. It's clearly signposted where to catch it- runs 24/7 and leaves every 15 mins from memory.

Can anhyone confirm how often the bus runs and how long it normally takes?

 

[clifford]

Can anhyone confirm how often the bus runs and how long it normally takes?

I'd just grab a cab. Prices are fixed and it's not expensive. Or indeed, a Grab...

 

[pussycato]

I'd just grab a cab. Prices are fixed and it's not expensive. Or indeed, a Grab...

I don't trust cab drivers in Australia let alone Manila.

 

[WanderingNomad]

Hi, I've read in some places that the Grab app may not work as wifi in the terminal is unreliable.
We'll be transiting (young family) at 1am-ish from T3 to T1, onward flight is around 6am. seems like lounges may not be open either. Not looking forward to that layover.
Has anyone got any tipps on best transfer options at that time and where to be comfortable waiting from 1am to 6am?
TIA

Some of the wifi networks are unreliable/clogged. You might have to try a few different ones. I generally find it best to ask the border/customs officers for the wifi they recommend. They have one to ensure travellers get speedy access for visa purposes. Obviously dont abuse it, but it should be able to use throughout the main arrival hall. I generally aim to book the grab before stepping out the terminal. As signal outisde may not be the best.

 

[Melburnian1]

I generally aim to book the grab before stepping out the terminal. As signal outisde may not be the best.

While it usually results in increased waiting time, there's a Grab small booth at T1 and also T3 where the staff will book one for prospective patrons.

 

[anat0l]

While it usually results in increased waiting time, there's a Grab small booth at T1 and also T3 where the staff will book one for prospective patrons.

Do you need a Grab account to request a booking from these staff?

If not, that'd be really good for the run of the mill passenger.

 

[Melburnian1]

Do you need a Grab account to request a booking from these staff?

No: the staff arrange it. Passengers are given a document that shows the fare to be charged. IIRC, one pays the driver: I've always used cash.

 

[hwy]

What is the Airside Shuttle Bus in Manila International Airport, NAIA?
Airside Shuttle Bus - Provided by NAIA airport, these buses transfer passengers through internal roads to terminals 1, 2, 3, and 4 - free of charge. It operates 24/7 and runs every 15 minutes. You can find the “Shuttle buses pick-up passengers/drop-off point” at the ramp area on each terminal.

To cut down the time of transfer, these buses use the internal road inside the airport complex for passengers who have connecting flights departing from another terminal. Before riding the airside transfer shuttle, it is a must to clear the Immigration and Customs first. Note also that the shuttle bus has a distinctive white colour.

This is what I used T3 to T1 at 2am in the morning. Took 25 mins including a long stop to drop off passengers and pick up nobody at T2.

 

[pussycato]

What is the Airside Shuttle Bus in Manila International Airport, NAIA?
Airside Shuttle Bus - Provided by NAIA airport, these buses transfer passengers through internal roads to terminals 1, 2, 3, and 4 - free of charge. It operates 24/7 and runs every 15 minutes. You can find the “Shuttle buses pick-up passengers/drop-off point” at the ramp area on each terminal.

To cut down the time of transfer, these buses use the internal road inside the airport complex for passengers who have connecting flights departing from another terminal. Before riding the airside transfer shuttle, it is a must to clear the Immigration and Customs first. Note also that the shuttle bus has a distinctive white colour.

This is what I used T3 to T1 at 2am in the morning. Took 25 mins including a long stop to drop off passengers and pick up nobody at T2.

Great info thank you.