Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has four (4) terminals:
- Terminal 1 – is the international terminal for ALL foreign airlines except All Nippon Airways (ANA), which uses Terminal 3. It is located along the Ninoy Aquino Avenue from the NAIA Road.
- Terminal 2 – also called the Centennial Terminal because it opened in the year the Philippines celebrated 100 years of proclamation of independence from Spain (1998). It is used exclusively by Philippine Airlines (PAL) for both international and domestic flights. International flights use the north wing while domestic ones use the south wing. Recently, PAL transferred several domestic flights to Terminal 3, retaining only major domestic destinations at Terminal 2 (e.g., Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Bacolod, etc.). For a complete list on which domestic flights are on T2 or T3, one can consult the PAL website. Terminal 2 is located at the end of NAIA Road.
- Terminal 3 – the newest of the three main terminals, it is located beside Villamor Air Base (actually part of it was carved out of the base) and across from the Resorts World Manila complex. It is used mainly by Cebu Pacific (Ceb Pac), currently the country’s largest airline, for both international and domestic flights. Other airlines using Terminal 3 are ANA and Airphil Express, which is a budget subsidiary of PAL. The terminal is located along Andrews Avenue at the end of Sales Road (from Fort Bonifacio).
- Domestic Terminal – now also called Terminal 4, it is the old terminal along the Domestic Road that used to be called the Manila Domestic Terminal where PAL, Cebu Pacific and other airlines used to operate domestic flights. At present, it is used by Zest Air and Seair.
More detailed information on these terminals may be found at the website of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA).
It is quite easy to transfer between domestic and international flights if you happen to fly Ceb Pac since all flights operate out of Terminal 3 and the airline provides assistance through its transfer desk. The same used to be the case for PAL when all flights were out of Terminal 2. But then after PAL transferred flights to Terminal 3, many passengers would now have to travel between Terminals 2 and 3. The most inconvenient cases are for travelers transferring to or from international flights at Terminal 1. Terminal 2 is quite near and can easily be reached via shuttle bus. The more challenging transfer is between Terminals 1 or 2 and Terminal 3. Shuttle buses would have to go through the NAIA Road, the Domestic Road the Airport Road
There are no internal connections between the 4 terminals operating within the NAIA complex such as AGTs, monorails. There are shuttle buses that travel between these terminals but they use the public roads rather than an internal road exclusive for the airport. As such, these shuttles are subject to traffic congestion and possible delays. The MIAA website states that using the shuttle buses are free but I saw a sign at Terminal 3 showing that there is a flat rate of PhP 20. While the fare would probably cover fuel, maintenance and other costs, it can also be argued that this service should be free at least for passengers and covered by airport authorities as part of the services they provide to travelers. Perhaps passengers can present their tickets before boarding the bus. Others may be required to pay the PhP 20 fare.
Bus station/stop at the NAIA Terminal 3 – the station is located at ground level (arrivals) beneath one of the overpasses (departure level) and across from the airport taxi stand (shown in the photo). Shuttle buses are scheduled to depart every 15 minutes according to the sign.
–
Caught (up) in traffic 
How to get terminal 4 to terminal 2 ? Is it enough 2 hours time for transferring from terminal 4 to terminal 2 ?
Terminal 4 is the old domestic terminal. There is a shuttle bus going around the terminals. Not sure about the schedule but it shouldn’t take you more than 1 hour if the roads are congested. Better check with airport staff about terminal transfers.
What’s the best thing to do with going from terminal 2 to terminal 3. I have a connecting flight from SIngapore to manila then to cagayan. PAL is telling me that theres no way for the baggage to go all the way to domestic. What a pain in the a**s I will have kids with me. my layover is 3hr and 50 minutes. Lucky I dont arrive at night time.
Are you transferring to a PAL domestic flight? If so, then they should be able to provide transfer assistance. If not (Cebu Pacific to Cagayan?) then you really would have to take all your luggage and then take a taxi or shuttle bus from Terminal 2 to 3. There are free airport shuttle buses between the terminals so you only need to walk to the stop at Terminal 2 to wait for and board a bus. Your more than 3 hours layover is safe for you to comfortably travel from T2 to T3. Just do the online check-in so you can just do the baggage drop when you arrive at T3.
hello,
I will be landing in manila NAIA 1 at 4:35am from sg and i need to transfer to NAIA 3 for my flight to seoul which takes off that 7:10am (2hrs 30mins transfer). Do i have enough time to transfer via yellow taxi to NAIA 3.
How long will the taxi journey be at that timing?
Is immigration at NAIA 1 fast?
Thanks in advance!
Sorry for the very late reply but I hope you had no problems with the transfer from NAIA T1 to T3. That early, there should have been no serious traffic problems between the two terminals and you could avail of the airport shuttle instead of the taxi.
Hi.. how can i get from terminal 2 at 1:20 pm arrival to terminal 4?
Theres a regulat shuttle serving the airport terminals. You can hop on one of those buses at terminal 2 to go to 4. The other option is to take a taxi.
Hi,
I arrive at NAIA T1 on a Qantas flight and then have 3 hours before catching a United flight also from T1 to Palau. Will that be enough time to pick up luggage/clear customs and checkin at the United desk? Many thanks.
I think you will have enough time to pick up your luggage and clear customs since it is the same terminal. I recall there was a transfer desk at the airport for passengers in transit so that might also help.
I will arrive in terminal 3 on Tuesday at 6:10pm via Cebu Pacific, my flight to Singapore via Tiger Air Terminal 1 is at 10:10pm. Is the time enough for transfer? I have no check in baggage, only hand carry. Thanks!
That’s a 4 hour difference and you still need to check-in and go through immigration for an international flight. Ceb Pac being notorious for delays, you’re still likely to make your Tiger flight.
Good day im going to arrived late at 11 pm i dont have any relative to catch me at the naia terminal 1 and im scared to travel alone at night my plan is wait until morning to go home in laguna, is there any place in terminal 1 to sleep like in terminal 3.thank you
unfortunately, there are no accommodations in NAIA T1. Perhaps what you can do is go to NAIA T3 using the free shuttle bus service connecting the terminals. Then you can stay at NAIA T3 overnight.
Hello. I will be arriving at T2 at 6pm via PAL from Fukuoka and taking off again at 6am via PAL to Singapore.
Must I pick up my luggage / clear customs and come back to the airport again in the morning? Or must I wait in the airport for 12 hours.
If you intend to leave the airport and comeback the following morning then you have to take your luggage and clear customs. If you choose to stay then you can just make arrangements with the airline since that will be a case of a connecting flight via manila.
Hello,
I have a planned landing at 1315 in terminal 4 and 1500 departure in terminal 3. Do you think this transfer is possible on a Sunday afternoon?
Yes thats possible since T4 is closer to T3 than to the other 2 terminals. But if your transferring to an international flight at T3, then it will be very tight. Are you traveling light? Waiting for your bags and checking them in will also take time. I also suggest you do online check in so you dont hve to line up for the longer queues at T3 counters.
We are arriving via China Airlines at 0940, so I believe that will be in Terminal 1? How long does it take to travel from there to Terminal 2 (PAL domestic) or Terminal 4 (Cebu Pac domestic)? Please help. Greatly appreciated! =)
It should be less than 10 minutes travel time between T1 and T2 as they are close to each other and shuttles need not take the outer public roads to get from T1 to T2 (there’s a road linking them). Cebu Pacific is at Terminal 3 and that should take at least 30minutes in the late morning as you will use public roads. There are also free shuttle service between the terminals.
I am traveling Singapore-Manila-Bacolod and v.v. all sectors with PAL (conncting flights). In Manila all arrivals/departures are in T2. But one flight is international one is domestic.
Q1: Do I pass the immigration in MNL or in BCD (is there any?)?
Q2: Is it possible to check-through the baggage from SIN to BCD v.v. or should I have to pickup the baggage in MNL and make there a customs clereans?
A1. You will likely go through immigration in Manila and not in Bacolod (only international flights direct to or from BCD have their passengers go through immigration there last time I checked).
A2. I think you can check-in your baggage for SIN-BCD since its the same airline. Worst case scenario isn;t too bad since PAL provides for transfer service between their international and domestic flights. Just ask their attendants or go to the transfer desk as the terminal.
Do we have enough time to transfer if we do not have bags to pick up?
301 PHILIPPINE AIR LINES
11:15 AM
HKG
Departs March 16
1:30 PM
MNL
Arrives March 16
Transferring to
MANILA to CORON (BUSUANGA)
FLIGHT NUMBER: DG 6055
Departure
16 Mar 2017, Thu • 1450 H (2:50 PM)
What is your arrival time and the departure time of your next flight? I cannot tell if you have enough time because you didn’t mention any details.
Based on your itinerary, you might have some trouble if the arrival in Manila is delayed. Also, since you’re taking Philippine Airlines, the plane will arrive at Terminal 2. Your flight from Manila to Coron is at Terminal 4 so you will have to travel between the 2 terminals. Depending on traffic (because you will use the roads and the airport shuttle as there is no direct connection between Terminals 2 and 4), you might not be able to make your flight to Coron. You’re schedule is too tight. I suggest you get an earlier flight from HK or a later flight to Coron.
Hi!
Me and my friend is flying from Bali to Manila with Philippine Airlines PR 538 in terminal 2, arriving there at 5.25 AM 25th of June. Then we have to catch a flight to El Nido in Terminal 4, thats leave at 9.55AM, but check in clozed at 9.10.
Do you know by change if we can pay for the prepaid baggage at the airport to Airswift?
And do you know if arriving in Manila at 5.25AM in june is rush hour?
Do you know if you will make it to our flight to El Nido?
And if the only option is to take taxi from Terminal 2 to Terminal 4 to go fast? 🙂
Thank you so much in advance for your reply, kinds regards
– Nina
Since you are arriving at 5:25 AM and check-in closes at 9:!0 AM, you have more than enough time to travel between Terminal 2 and Terminal 4. That’s still early in the morning so perhaps it won’t even take 30 minutes between the terminals and you can take the shuttle bus connecting them. Traffic becomes bad perhaps from 7:00 AM so you’re safe. I’m sorry but I am not familiar with Airswift and its baggage policies. Kindly check their website or contact them directly to inquire about your baggage concerns.
Hello, I am arriving at NAIA T2 from Vancouver via PAL 8:55AM. My flight to Naga City via Cebu Pac is at 12:55PM at NAIA T4. So I have about 4 hours. Is that enough time to go through customs, pickup luggage and transfer? Also, is there a place to grab food at T4? Thanks!
Yes. That’s more than enough time to clear customs, get your luggage, transfer terminals and check-in at T4. There are small concessionaires at T4 where you can grab a quick snack or light meal.
hi,
been searching high and low or this, and i finally found this, thank god.
here’s my situation, I am travelling from Papua New Guinea (16/6/2017) with philipine airline (PAL) and arrive in Manila at 1pm that day (Terminal 2), and my next flight, which is 2 hours away (3.05pm) at Terminal 1 (Malaysia Airline) to Kuala Lumpur. will there be enough time to transfer to the next flight? is there a fastest way to transfer between the terminals? and btw, i only have a carry-on luggage.
I bought another ticket with Airasia just in case (4 hours away at 5PM), at terminal 3. I bought the MAS ticket before I knew the terminal transferring problem at NAIA airport. I ask the above question bcos if there is enough time, I may take the 3pm flight, so that i arrive earlier. if not.. i will just take the 5pm flight.
thanks for help
There should be enough time to travel from terminal 2 to 1 since they are close. Does MAS have an online check in feature that will be helpful considering you only have carry on luggage? Good luck with the immigration lines though. Theyre pretty bad for terminal 1.
thx for the reply. i can check in right here in PNG if i am not mistaken, get my boarding pass right away. the security check in is my main concern.. long queues.. so, lets just see how it goes. if i cant make it, i will just head to terminal 3 for the other flight. btw, is walking to terminal 1 a good idea? i might just walk if the traffic is bad
The security check in manila is quite efficient. Its the immigration line that might delay you. But thats already after youve checked in so your airline might just help you along. Theres a free shuttle connecting T2 and T1 so you can spre yourself the walk.
for the free shuttle, wont there be traffic congestion? i heard the traffic there is horrible at times. if thats not the case, then my problems is pretty much solved
T2 and T1 are near each other but with the cargo terminal between them. Vehicles dont need to pass the congested roads. Its T3 thats quite a distance from 1 and 2.
Oh, i see. Then i might just make it to my 1st flight if there is no delays. If there is, i might just go straight to terminal 3 for my second flight.
Or its a better idea if i just go straight to terminal 3 for that other flight? Which do u recommend?
hi, i haven’t been to MNL in 3 years, not sure if traffic has changed..
but i land in MNL at 7:45am in terminal 2 and need to go to terminal 4 for a flight at 11:00am. that means i will need to be at terminal 4 by 10:15am. will i have enough time? i won’t have any check in bags, so i wouldn’t need to go to baggage claim.. anyone with info, would be much appreciated
You will have enough time. Much traffic has been diverted to the NAIA Expressway so there’s less traffic between T2 and T4.
How to get terminal 4 to terminal 1? Is it enough 2 and half hours time for transferring from terminal 4 to terminal 1 international flight??
Theres a shuttle bus connecting the two. 2.5 hours is enough to get from T4 to T1. Just get more info from the airport staff or your airline arrivng at T4.
Hi,
Have a few questions – called PAL and they couldn’t answer me and told me to ask day of which is why I trying to see if anybody knows. If I can get some confirmed answers before my trip, then I can pack accordingly. Thanks.
All flights are by PAL:
SFO to Manila T1, then Manila T2 to Japan. I have 3 hours connecting.
Question 1: For the checkin luggage, do I have to wait for them at baggage claim at T1 and send them to transfer desk myself or they can check through at SFO?
Question 2: How reliable is the shuttle? I’ve read it’s seems like a hit or miss. Seems that they want you to spend the $ and take taxi.
Japan to Manila, Manila to SFO all arrive and depart at T2. I have 4 hours connecting.
Question 1: Do I have to go through immigration since it’s same terminal?
Question 2: For the checkin luggage, do I have to do I have to wait for them at baggage claim at T2 and send them to transfer desk myself or they can check through at Japan?
Your circumstances are quite new to me and appeared to be unusual at first until I figured you were actually heading to Japan through Manila. Anyhow, here are some answers based on what I know and comments from colleagues:
SFO-MNL, MNL-Japan:
1) We think you will have to claim your baggage first and then take them to the PAL transfer desk at T1 before they can help you with your luggage. As for your boarding pass for Japan, we think you can get it at SFO.
2) T1 and T2 are close, and the shuttle should get you to T2 with more than enough time to clear immigration. 3 hours is more than enough time between flights. If you only had carry-on, you can actually walk between the 2 terminals.
[Be sure to talk to PAL’s flight staff, too to get more details.]
Japan-MNL, MNL-SFO:
1) You might not need to go through immigration if you will not exit the airport.
2) You probably will not have to claim your baggage when you arrive from Japan. We think you can check them through in Japan.
I hope the answers are helpful.
Hi, I am flying from Sydney and arriving in Manila (Terminal 2) at 11.15am, flying with PAL. Will i have enough time to collect checked baggage, go through customs and transfer to Terminal 4 for a 2pm flight to El Nido, flying with AirSwift? If not I will have to wait until the next day. Thankyou
You should have enough time for that. Does AirSwift have online checkin? That should save you some time so you just have to drop-off your bags at their check-in counter.
Okay thank you! It says online that you can do a web check-in between 72 hours and 4 hours prior to ETD if you print your boarding pass… so hopefully will be able to move through a bit faster if I do that in advance.
Hi, I am flying from Korea and arriving in Manila (Terminal 1) at 11am, flying with Korean Air. Will i have enough time to collect checked baggage, go through customs and transfer to Terminal 4 for a 2pm flight to Coron via Skyjet? They do not have online check-in, so would I be able to transfer and reach terminal 4 by 1pm?
you should be able to reach T4 before 1PM.