Beginner Commuter’s Guide to MRT Stations, Fares, and More

Despite long station lines, congested cars, and notorious signaling problems that force hundreds of passengers to disembark and end their ride, the MRT, or the Manila Metro Rail Transit System (MRTS), is one of the most important public transportation systems in the Philippines. The rail infrastructure started operation in 1990, and three more stations, Ayala, Magallanes, and Taft Avenue, were added in 2000.

The Metro Rail Transit is often confused with the Light Rail Transit. Both are crucial transportation systems and serve different parts of Metro Manila. While the MRT runs through EDSA, the LRT has two lines that run north-south and east-west across Metro Manila.

Metro Manila MRT Schedule 2026

The Metro Manila MRT-3 is one of the most important rail lines in the capital, connecting North Avenue in Quezon City to Taft Avenue in Pasay. It serves major business districts, shopping areas, transport hubs, and residential communities in Quezon City, Mandaluyong, Makati, and Pasay.

For commuters and travelers, knowing the MRT-3 schedule, first and last trips, station opening hours, and train frequency can make getting around Metro Manila much easier.

MRT-3 Schedule 2026

The MRT-3 operates on different schedules depending on whether you are traveling on a weekday, Saturday, Sunday, or holiday.

Day	First Train from North Avenue	First Train from Taft Avenue	Last Train from North Avenue	Last Train from Taft Avenue
Monday–Friday	4:36 AM	5:18 AM	9:30 PM	10:11 PM
Saturday	4:37 AM	5:18 AM	9:30 PM	10:08 PM
Sunday/Holiday	4:38 AM	5:19 AM	9:30 PM	10:09 PM

Important: These first and last train times refer to departures from the line’s terminal stations. Individual stations have different train arrival and departure times.

MRT-3 Train Frequency

MRT-3 operates more frequently during weekday rush hours when thousands of commuters travel between residential areas and business districts.

Period	Operating Time	Train Headway
Morning	4:30 AM–6:30 AM	4.5–7 minutes
AM Peak	6:30 AM–9:30 AM	About 4 minutes
Off-Peak	9:30 AM–4:30 PM	About 5.5 minutes
PM Peak	4:30 PM–7:30 PM	About 4 minutes
Night	7:30 PM–10:30 PM	4.5–7 minutes

During the busiest periods, trains are scheduled to arrive approximately every four minutes.

MRT-3 Stations

MRT-3 has 13 stations running from North Avenue to Taft Avenue.

No.	Station
1	North Avenue
2	Quezon Avenue
3	GMA-Kamuning
4	Araneta Center-Cubao
5	Santolan-Annapolis
6	Ortigas
7	Shaw Boulevard
8	Boni
9	Guadalupe
10	Buendia
11	Ayala
12	Magallanes
13	Taft Avenue

The line provides convenient access to major destinations, including Trinoma, Quezon Avenue, Araneta City, Ortigas Center, Shaw Boulevard, Bonifacio Global City, Makati CBD, Glorietta, and Pasay.

MRT-3 Station Opening Times

Station entrances open at different times depending on the station and direction of travel.

On weekdays, the North Avenue southbound entrance opens at around 4:20 AM, while the Taft Avenue northbound entrance opens at approximately 4:55 AM. Other stations open progressively as the first trains approach.

Passengers should avoid arriving too early, as station entrance opening times do not necessarily align with the first train departure from the terminal.

MRT-3 Last Train Schedule

The last trains do not leave all stations at exactly the same time. Since trains travel through the entire line after departing from their terminal station, passengers at intermediate stations should plan to arrive before the scheduled last-train time.

Direction	Weekday Last Train
North Avenue ? Taft Avenue	10:30 PM
Taft Avenue ? North Avenue	11:09 PM

Weekend last-train schedules are generally earlier.

MRT-3 Fare Rates 2026

The MRT-3 fare matrix ranges from PHP 13 to PHP 28, depending on the origin and destination stations.

From	To	Fare
North Avenue	Quezon Avenue	PHP 13
North Avenue	Cubao	PHP 16
North Avenue	Ortigas	PHP 20
North Avenue	Ayala	PHP 24
North Avenue	Taft Avenue	PHP 28
Cubao	Shaw Boulevard	PHP 16
Cubao	Ayala	PHP 20
Cubao	Taft Avenue	PHP 24
Ayala	Taft Avenue	PHP 13
Ortigas	Taft Avenue	PHP 20

Fares may be subject to official government adjustments, so passengers should check the latest fare matrix before traveling.

Best Time to Ride the MRT-3

If you want a more comfortable ride, avoid the busiest weekday periods.

Morning Rush Hour

6:30 AM to 9:30 AM is one of the busiest periods, particularly for passengers traveling toward major employment centers in Makati and Ortigas.

Afternoon and Evening Rush Hour

The 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM period is another busy window as workers and students head home.

During these periods, trains run at shorter intervals, but platforms and trains can still become crowded due to high passenger demand.

For a more relaxed journey, consider traveling during the late morning or early afternoon when passenger volumes are generally lower.

MRT-3 Travel Tips

Arrive before the last train. Don’t plan to arrive at a station exactly at the published closing time. Give yourself enough time to enter the station, pass security, and reach the platform.

Expect queues during rush hour. Major stations such as Cubao, Ayala, Shaw Boulevard, and Taft Avenue can become particularly busy during weekday peak periods.

Keep your fare ready. Having your payment method ready can speed up the entry process.

Watch your belongings. Keep your phone, wallet, bag, and other valuables secure, especially in crowded trains.

Check service advisories. Train schedules may change due to maintenance, technical issues, special events, or other operational requirements.

Allow extra travel time. Even with frequent trains, queues and crowding can add considerably to your overall journey.

Final Thoughts

The MRT-3 remains one of the fastest and most affordable ways to travel across Metro Manila, particularly between Quezon City, Mandaluyong, Makati, and Pasay.

For 2026, the line operates from early morning until late evening, with trains running approximately every four minutes during weekday peak periods. Fares range from PHP 13 to PHP 28, making the MRT-3 an economical option for daily commuters and visitors exploring the capital.

For important appointments or late-night trips, always check the latest MRT-3 advisory and allow extra time for queues and possible service changes.

List of MRT Stations

North Avenue

Sometimes called North Station, North Avenue is connected to TriNoma, one of the largest shopping malls in Quezon City. The station is mainly used by passengers from Valenzuela and Bulacan.

Location: Bagong Pag-asa, Quezon City, Metro Manila

North Avenue Station Nearby Landmarks and Establishments:

• TriNoma
• SM City North EDSA
• Quezon Memorial Circle
• Veterans Memorial Medical Center
• Department of Agriculture
• Quezon City Science High School
• Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife

Quezon Avenue

Being the closest station to the University of the Philippines-Diliman and various government hospitals and offices, Quezon Avenue is frequented by students and workers alike.

Location: EDSA Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila

Quezon Avenue MRT Station Nearby Landmarks and Establishments:

• Philippine Science High School
• University of the Philippines-Diliman
• ABS-CBN Network
• PAGASA Complex
• Office of the Ombudsman
• Court of Tax Appeals
• Lung Center of the Philippines
• Eton Centris
• UP-Ayala Land Technohub
• Fairview

GMA-Kamuning

Located near Timog Avenue, a popular nightlife district in Quezon City, GMA-Kamuning is named after a broadcast complex of a radio and television network in the country, as well as a nearby barangay.

Location: Samar Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila

GMA Kamuning Station Nearby Landmarks and Establishments:

• GMA Network
• Land Transportation Office
• Department of Public Works and Highways
• Philippine Statistics Authority
• Philippine Heart Center
• Quezon Memorial Circle

Araneta Center-Cubao

The busiest MRT station, second only to Ayala Station, Araneta Center-Cubao, is where passengers transfer to LRT 2 or take a bus heading north.

Location: EDSA Avenue, Cubao, Quezon City, Metro Manila

Araneta Center Cubao MRT Station Nearby Landmarks and Establishments:

• Araneta Coliseum
• Farmer’s Plaza
• Gateway Mall
• Ali Mall
• Cubao Expo

Santolan-Annapolis

Aptly named after Santolan Road and Annapolis Street, Santolan-Annapolis Station is located close to Eastwood City, Katipunan, and the Philippine National Police Headquarters.

Location: EDSA Avenue, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, Metro Manila

Santolan Annapolis Station Nearby Landmarks and Establishments:

• Camp Aguinaldo
• Camp Crame
• Armed Forces of the Philippines
• Department of National Defense
• Philippine National Police
• Greenhills Shopping Center

Ortigas

Ortigas provides service to most of the Ortigas Business District.

Location: Wack-Wack Greenhills, Mandaluyong, Metro Manila

Ortigas MRT Station Nearby Landmarks and Establishments:

• Asian Development Bank
• Robinson’s Galleria
• SM Megamall
• The Podium
• Francis Square
• Philippine Stock Exchange
• Meralco Theater
• EDSA Shrine
• Philippine Stock Exchange
• The Medical City
• Holiday Inn
• Crowne Plaza

Shaw Boulevard

Shaw Boulevard is the only two-track station and serves the greater Mandaluyong area. Passengers off to Ortigas Center and the Greenfield District get off at this station.

Location: Wack-Wack Greenhills, Mandaluyong, Metro Manila

Shaw Blvd Station Nearby Landmarks and Establishments:

• Shangri-La Plaza
• Pavillion Mall
• Starmall Shaw
• Capitol Commons
• San Miguel Corporation
• Department of Education
• The University of Asia and the Pacific
• Lourdes School
• St. Paul College Pasig
• PhilSports Arena
• Wack Wack Golf and Country Club
• Ynares Sports Arena

Boni

Commuters going to Mandaluyong and students from Rizal Technological University often get off at Boni Station.

Location: Barangka Ilaya, Mandaluyong, Metro Manila

Boni Station MRT Nearby Landmarks and Establishments:

• Robinson’s Cybergate
• Victor Potenciano Medical Center
• GA Twin Towers
• SM Light Residences
• TV5 Media Center
• Paragon Plaza
• Rizal Technological University

Guadalupe

Passengers headed to neighboring cities and nearby sights often get off at Guadalupe, or “Guada,” station. Jeepney, bus, and ferry terminals are close to the station, bound for Fort Bonifacio, Pateros, and eastern Makati.

Location: EDSA Avenue, Guadalupe Nuevo, Makati, Metro Manila

Guadalupe MRT Station Nearby Landmarks and Establishments:

Rockwell Center

• PowerPlant Mall
• Makati City Hall
• University of Makati
• San Carlos Seminary
• Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary
• Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila

Buendia

Also known as Gil Puyat Station, Buendia is often used by students and workers traveling to the Makati Central Business District.

Location: EDSA Avenue, Forbes Park and Urdaneta, Makati, Metro Manila

Buendia Station Nearby Landmarks and Establishments:

• Department of Trade and Industry
• MMDA Offices
• Makati Avenue
• Jupiter Street
• Century City Mall
• Metrobank and DBP Headquarters

Ayala

Perhaps the most popular and busiest MRT station, Ayala Station, is linked to Ayala Center and SM Makati. Students and workers also use the station regularly as it is close to the Makati Central Business District and Bonifacio Global City.

Location: EDSA Avenue, San Lorenzo and Dasmariñas, Makati, Metro Manila

Ayala MRT Station Nearby Landmarks and Establishments:

• SM Makati
• Glorietta
• Greenbelt
• Ayala Triangle Gardens
• The Philippine Stock Exchange
• BPI, China Bank, RCBC, and Citibank Headquarters
• Makati Shangri-La Hotel
• Manila Peninsula

Magallanes

Magallanes Station is conveniently located near stops headed to and from the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), Chino Roces Avenue, and Dasmarinas Village.

Location: EDSA Avenue, Magallanes, Makati, Metro Manila

Magallanes Station Nearby Landmarks and Establishments:

• Asia Pacific College
• Assumption College
• Don Bosco Technical Institute
• Colegio San Agustin-Makati
• Alphaland Makati

Taft Avenue

The only MRT station in Pasay, Taft Avenue, is the transfer point for passengers taking LRT 1 to Baclaran or Roosevelt Station. Taft Avenue is also close to provincial bus terminals serving Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, and Pangasinan, including Victory Liner, Five Star, and Philtranco.

Location: EDSA Avenue, San Rafael, Pasay, Metro Manila

Taft Avenue MRT Station Nearby Landmarks and Establishments:

•  Ninoy Aquino International Airport
• SM Mall of Asia
• SMX Convention Center
• San Juan de Dios Hospital
• Manila Tytana College

MRT 3 Fare Matrix

Ticketing

There are two types of tickets:

• Single Journey – Single-journey tickets are valid on the day of purchase, while stored-value cards are valid for three months.
• Stored Value Cards / Beep Card – For passengers’ convenience, they can get a Beep card, a contactless smart card used since 2015 on all Manila LRT and MRT lines. The Beep stored-value cards are valid for 4 years from the date of purchase.

How to top up / load your Beep card

You may load your Beep card through the following options:

• Train teller booths and ticket vending machines.
• Beep kiosks.
• Beep partner merchants.
• BPI Online.
• Shopeepay.
• GCash.
• Maya.
• Ministop.

Important Safety Tips

• If commuting via MRT becomes part of your daily routine, opt for a stored-value card or a beepTM card instead of buying single-journey tickets. This saves commuters time by avoiding the line at the teller’s booth.
• Watch out for personal belongings. It’s common for passengers to put their bags in front of them. Make sure that loose change and beepTM cards are secured.
• Avoid rush hours. Try to travel before or after rush hours; choose the less crowded MRT stations like GMA-Kamuning, Buendia, and Magallanes; and avoid the Araneta Center-Cubao and Ayala stations.
• Wear light and comfortable clothing. Even with the air conditioning, the cars can feel hot and humid, especially during rush hours. Refrain from wearing slippers or high heels to avoid tripping or getting stepped on.
• Memorize the stations. It can be challenging to read the station signs, especially when the car is packed.
• To learn more about MRT and get the latest updates, follow MRT 3’s Official Facebook Page and check out their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does MRT operate?

A: The First trip starts at North Avenue Station at 4:36 AM, while the first trip from Taft Avenue Station is at 5:18AM. The last trip from North Avenue is at 9:30 PM, while the last trip from Taft is at 10:11 PM.

What time is the last trip of MRT today?

The last trip or closing hour of the MRT today is at 9:30 PM.

What time does MRT Taft close?

MRT Taft closes at 9:10 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

What time does the MRT North South line run?

The MRT North-South Line operates from approximately 5:30 AM to around midnight daily.

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