Every major city around the world is known for its own set of public transport infrastructure in the form of a mass transit or railway system, and Manila is no exception. Being the capital city in the Philippines where a huge chunk of major economic activities take place, a mass public transport system is a necessity, more than anywhere else in the country. Manila currently has 3 railway lines (not including the PNR), which takes the commuting public around the Metro. It’s a fast alternative to get to any point in Manila without having to endure the city’s infamous traffic jams. 3 railway lines (2 LRT and 1 MRT) may not seem comprehensive, but it’s vast enough to take you to different places and gain access to some areas in the Metro you may find hard to get to by road transport. To help you get around Manila, we’ll take you on a ride around the Metro with LRT 1 and LRT 2 through this guide!

LRT 1

The Manila Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT1), also known as the Green Line is one of the country’s earliest train system and was the second one in South East Asia. This railway stretches from Quezon City to Pasay (and vice versa) with stops in Manila. This train is the main line to and from the city, thus, it’s primarily used by people who move around the city. It’s normally packed with passengers during weekdays as this mode of transport lets commuters skip the horrendous traffic along EDSA. Baclaran This Station is along the last stretches of Taft Avenue in Pasay. [block type="info" title="Nearby establishments"]

• The National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help
• Baclaran Church
• Flea markets (tiangge)[/block]

EDSA Located at the intersection of Taft Avenue and Epifanio de los Santos Avenue. This is among the busiest station in LRT 1 as it provides access to some of the city’s major destinations such as the SM Mall of Asia and Ninoy Aquino International Airports (the nearest stop of airport shuttles). [block type="info" title="Nearby establishments"]

• Metropoint Mall
• Saver’s Square
• Winston Lodge
• SM Mall of Asia (via shuttle)
• Heritage Hotel (via shuttle)[/block]

Libertad Located in Pasay, at the corner of Taft Avenue and Arnaiz Avenue. This station is also known as Antonio Arnaiz LRT or Arnaiz station. [block type="info" title="Nearby establishments"]

• Victory Pasay Mall
• Masagana Citimall
• The Libertad Market
• St. Mary's Academy – Pasay
• Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasay
• Pasay Chung Hua Academy
• The Philippine School for the Deaf
• Roxas Boulevard,
• Department of Foreign Affairs
• Embassy of the United States (Annex),
• The Embassy of Japan
• Cuneta Astrodome
• The Asian Institute of Maritime Studies
• HK Sun Plaza[/block]

Gil Puyat Located along the stretch of Taft Avenue corner Gil Puyat Avenue, San Isidro, Pasay. This station is also known as Buendia LRT station. [block type="info" title="Nearby establishments"]

• Cartimar Shopping Center
• Satellite campus of Arellano University
• Philippine Law School
• Manila Adventist Medical Center
• The Philippine Senate building in the GSIS complex
• World Trade Center Metro Manila
• CCP Complex
• Star City[/block]

Vito Cruz Located at Taft Avenue near P. Ocampo St, in Malate. This station has gained some infamy for the number of suicide attempts that it has seen. To deter more unforeseen events, the LRTA imposed a speed limit on trains entering and leaving this station. [block type="info" title="Nearby establishments"]

• Cultural Center of the Philippines
• Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
• Rizal Memorial Stadium
• De La Salle University
• De La Salle – College of St. Benilde
• St. Scholastica’s Collegep[/block]

Quirino Avenue The 6th station headed for Roosevelt. It’s located at Taft Avenue cor Pres. Elpidio Quirino Avenue, Malate, Manila. Quirino LRT station provides access to buses and jeepneys services around Taft Avenue route and nearby routes. The jeepneys and buses stop near the station and can take you in and around Malate. [block type="info" title="Nearby establishments"]

• Manila Zoo
• Malate Church
• Remedios Circle
• Baywalk
• Plaza Rajah Sulayman
• Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center
• San Andres Sports Complex
• Malate Catholic School
• Saint Anthony School
• Doña Aurora Quezon Elementary School
• Offices of the Bureau of Plant Industry[/block]

Pedro Gil The station serves Ermita in Manila and is located at the corner of Taft Avenue and Pedro Gil Street. It’s the 7th station headed to Roosevelt and 14th if you’re headed for Bacalaran.  This station is also well served by jeepneys and taxis that can take commuters to and from Ermita. [block type="info" title="Nearby establishments"]

• Philippine General Hospital
• University of the Philippines Manila
• Saint Paul University Manila
• Philippine Christian University
• Philippine Women's University
• Philippine Science Centrum
• Robinsons Place Manila
• Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila
• Julio Nakpil Street, formerly Vermont Street (known for its tattoos services)[/block]

United Nations This LRT station is the 8th stop going to Rooselvelt or 13th if you’re headed to Roosevelt. It’s located at Taft Avenue Cor. General Luna St. and United Nations Avenue, Ermita, Manila. This station is heavily served by jeepneys and taxis, thus, other public transport is within easy access. It’s also the main stop to many major landmarks in Manila. [block type="info" title="Nearby establishments"]

• Rizal Park
• Supreme Court of the Philippines and the Court of Appeals
• Department of Tourism
• Department of Justice
• National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)
• Insurance Commission
• World Health Organization (WHO)
• Western Pacific regional headquarters
• Instituto Cervantes de Manila
• Adamson University
• Philippine Normal University
• Technological University of the Philippines
• U.P. Manila College of Arts and Sciences
• Santa Isabel College Manila
• Emilio Aguinaldo College
• Araullo High School,
• Manila Science High School
• The National Library
• National Museum of Anthropology
• Paco Park
• Philtrust Bank headquarters
• YWCA of Manila
• Waterfront Manila Pavilion Hotel
• The Pearl Manila Hotel
• Central United Methodist Church (Manila)
• Cathedral of Praise
• Manila Doctors Hospital
• Medical Center Manila [/block]

Central Terminal As the name suggests, it’s a major transportation hub not just for LRT passengers but for all commuters. It sits beside a bus terminal with many jeepneys and taxis plying the route. This is also one of the four railway terminals that allow LRT passengers to transfer to a train going in the opposite direction without having to tap out to change platform due to its layout. [block type="info" title="Nearby establishments"]

• Mehan Gardens
• Manila Metropolitan Theater
• Manila City Hall
• Manila Central Post Office
• Manila Hall of Justice
• Liwasang Bonifacio
• National Museum of Fine Arts
• SM City Manila.
• Colegio de San Juan de Letran
• Philippine Normal University
• Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
• Mapúa Institute of Technology
• Lyceum of the Philippines University [/block]

Carriedo The 10th station for trains headed to Roosevelt and the 11th if you’re headed to Baclaran. It’s located at Rizal Avenue, cor. Carriedo St. Santa Cruz and Quiapo, Manila. [block type="info" title="Nearby establishments"]

• Quiapo Church
• Escolta Street
• Plaza Lacson (the former hub of Manila's business activities)
• Ongpin Street (home to many Chinese stores)
• Arroceros Forest Park
• Liwasang Bonifacio
• Manila Central Post Office
• Philippine Postal Corporation
• FEATI University [/block]

Doroteo Jose This LRT station is located in Santa Cruz in Manila, on Rizal Avenue and slightly past Doroteo Jose Street. It’s the 11th station headed to Roosevelt and 10th if you’re headed for Baclaran. This is also the transfer station between LRT 1 and LRT 2 via a crossway going to the Recto station of LRT-2. Nearby transportation links include provincial buses which go to Northern Luzon. [block type="info" title="Nearby establishments"]

• Manila City Jail
• Fabella Memorial Hospital
• Isetann Cinerama Recto
• Quiapo Bargain Center
• University Belt [/block]

Bambang Located at 1367 Rizal Avenue cor. Bambang St., Santa Cruz, Manila. This is the 9th station from Roosevelt and 12th from Baclaran. Jeepney, tricycles, and taxis towards Santa Cruz, Sampaloc, and Tondo are easily accessible around the LRT station. [block type="info" title="Nearby establishments"]

• San Lazaro Hospital
• Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center
• Metropolitan Medical Center
• Saint Stephen's High School
• Doña Teodora Alonzo High School
• Hope Christian School
• Francisco Balagtas Elementary School
• University of Santo Tomas [/block]

Tayuman Located at 1921 Rizal Avenue Cor. Tayuman Street, Santa Cruz, Manila.  It’s the 8th station towards Baclaran and 13th headed to Roosevelt, and one of the five LRT station in Sta Cruz District. Commuters can easily hail jeepneys, buses, and taxis around this station, which frequently ply the area and routes out of it. [block type="info" title="Nearby establishments"]

• University of Santo Tomas
• San Lazaro Hospital Compound
• Department of Health central offices
• Dangwa flower market
• Espiritu Santo Church
• Avida Towers San Lazaro
• Celadon Manila Park
• Residences and Vertex BPO Towers [/block]

Blumentrit Located at Rizal Avenue Cor. New Antipolo and Blumentritt Road. It’s the 7th station headed for Baclaran and the 14th for trains headed to Roosevelt. It’s just a walking distance from the Philippine National Railway (PNR), thus it’s a transfer point for people taking that train line. Meanwhile, jeepneys and taxi frequently ply along Rizal Avenue and a transportation terminal is also nearby. [block type="info" title="Nearby establishments"]

• Roque De Manila Parish
• Blumentritt flea market
• Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center
• San Lazaro Hippodrome/ SM City San Lazaro
• Avida Towers
• Celadon Residences
• Vertex One
• Manila North Cemetery
• La Loma ("Lechon Capital of the Philippines) [/block]

Abad Santos Located at Rizal Avenue Cor. Abad Santos Avenue, Brgy. 208 Zone 019 Manuguit, Tondo, Manila. The 6th station for LRT-1 trains headed for Baclaran and as the 13th station for trains headed to Roosevelt. [block type="info" title="Nearby establishments"]

• Manila Chinese Cemetery
• San Jose Manggagawa Church [/block]

R. Papa Located at 3405 Rizal Avenue Extension cor. R. Papa Street, Brgy. 190 Obrero, Tondo, Manila. It’s the 6th LRT station from Roosevelt and 16th stop from Baclaran. Tricycles and jeepneys are easily available outside the station. It also shares some key destinations as with the Abad Santos station due to their close proximity. [block type="info" title="Nearby establishments"]

• Manila Chinese Cemetery
• St. Pancratius Chapel
• Old La Loma Church in La Loma Catholic Cemetery
• Barrio Obrero Elementary School
• Marulas Elementary School [/block]

5th Avenue This LRT station stands beside the 5th Avenue or C-3 road, thus borrowing its name from. It serves as the 5th stop towards Baclaran or 17th if you’re headed towards Roosevelt.  Jeepney and taxis are also accessible outside the station. [block type="info" title="Nearby establishments"]

• La Loma Catholic Cemetery
• Thai To Taoist Temple Pagoda
• Ung Siu Si Buddhist Temple
• Northern Rizal Yorklin Chinese School
• Philippine Cultural College (Annex) [/block]

Monumento The station is located at 706 Rizal Avenue Extension, Grace Park East, Caloocan. It’s the 4th station towards Baclaran and 18th towards Roosevelt. It was recently renovated and relaunched as Yamaha Monumneto LRT Station. This station is a transportation hub as it houses a terminal and transfer point for buses and jeepneys going to Caloocan, Malabon, Valenzuela, and Novata via Samson Road and Samson Highway. [block type="info" title="Nearby establishments"]

• Monumento Circle
• Victory Central Mall
• Araneta Square Mall
• Puregold Caloocan
• Puregold Monumento
• Our Lady of Grace Shrine
• Caloocan City Public Library
• Malabon Zoo [/block]

Malvar The first of two recent additions to the Green Line, it answered people’s calls for a closer station to Balintawak market and its many transportation options. Located at 317 Epifanio de los Santos Avenue corner n. Malvar Street, Brgy. 136 Zone 12, Bagong Barrio West. [block type="info" title="Nearby establishments"]

• Banks (Banco de Oro, East West Bank and Metrobank)
• Bureau of Internal Revenue
• Social Security System Caloocan district office
• St. Mary's Academy of Caloocan City
• Notre Dame of Greater Manila
• World Citi Colleges Caloocan campus
• Manila Central University
• Philippine Cultural College Annex [/block]

Balintawak It is the 2nd stop for trains heading to Baclaran, and the 20th for trains headed to Roosevelt. Located at 1179 Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, Brgy. Apolonio Samson, Balintawak, Quezon City, in front of the Balintawak Market. Several provincial buses headed to the north can be accessed around this station, same goes for jeepneys.  While not exactly nearby, a shuttle service from this station ferries commuters to Ayala Malls Cloverleaf and vice versa. [block type="info" title="Nearby establishments"]

• Balintawak Market
• Balintawak Interchange
• Cry of Pugad Lawin Monument
• St. Joseph the Worker Parish Church
• Wilcon Builders Depot
• Balintawak Home Depot.
• Ayala Malls Cloverleaf [/block]

Roosevelt This is currently the last stop for the Green Line (LRT2), and it brings passengers close enough to SM City North EDSA without braving the horrendous EDSA traffic. P2P Buses going to Ayala are accessible at SM North EDSA [block type="info" title="Nearby establishments"]

• Waltermart North EDSA Mall
• Jackman Plaza Emporium Muñoz
• Muñoz Market
• STI College Muñoz-EDSA
• Iglesia Ni Cristo Bago Bantay
• Congressional Arcade Building
• S&R Congressional
• AMA Computer University
• Quezon City General Hospital [/block]

The LRT network in Metro Manila is set to expand its reach even further in the coming year when this station is completed. North Avenue (upcoming) This station is currently under construction and is slated to operate in the last quarter of 2019. It is a centralized station that will link LRT1 to MRT3. It will also be a connecting hub for LRT and MRT 7 which is also currently under construction and is slated for a 2020 opening.  

LRT 2

This train system takes commuters from east to the west side of Manila. It extends from Manila, ending in Makati with a few stops in San Juan and Quezon City. This is the youngest railway system in the country as it was built in 2003, and it’s the shortest as it only carries passengers through the Metro Manila area.  Compared to the other train lines, the LRT-2 or the blue line is the least packed train line, even during peak hours. This train line is only composed of 11 stations, which are the following:   Recto This station is located at Recto Avenue Santa Cruz, Manila. The first of 11 stations if you’re headed for Santolan and it’s connected to the Green Line via Doroteo Jose Station.  It’s also a main transportation hub as all modes of transport are easily accessible in the area and a transportation terminal is also situated near the station. [block type="info" title="Nearby establishments"]

• Isetann Recto
• Odeon Terminal Mall
• Ever Gotesco Manila Plaza
• Arranque Market
• Central Market
• Divisoria
• Old grand central terminal of Tutuban
• Manila Grand Opera Hotel
• Fabella Memorial Hospital
• Manila City Jail (Bilibid Viejo)
• Far Eastern University
• Chiang Kai Shek College
• Arellano High School
• University of the East
• Saint Stephen's High School [/block]

Legarda Located at Legarda Street, San Miguel, Manila and the second station to Santolan from the west side and 10th station if you’re commuting from Santolan. This station is near the university belt, making it popular among students. [block type="info" title="Nearby establishments"]

• University of the East
• San Sebastian College
• San Beda College
• Centro Escolar University
• Victorino Mapa High School
• La Consolacion College
• College of the Holy Spirit
• Arellano University
• Malacañan Palace
• Gothic Basilica of San Sebastian
• Sampaloc Public Market [/block]

Pureza LRT Located along Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard cor. Pureza Street, Santa Mesa, Manila, it is the third station from Recto and ninth from Santolan station. It’s also in close proximity with the Philipine National Railway Station, which is just a short walk from the Pureza LRT station. Other mode of transport available in the area are tricycles and jeepneys in a terminal bound for Tayuman. [block type="info" title="Nearby establishments"]

• AMA Computer College Manila Campus
• De Ocampo Memorial College
• Pio del Pilar Elementary School
• Polytechnic University of the Philippines
• Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish
• Catholic School Nuestra Señora de Salvacion Parish
• Eulogio Amang Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology [EARIST]
• Puregold Sta. Mesa
• Savemore Market
• Philippine National Railway [/block]

V. Mapa LRT This station is located at Magsaysay Boulevard, Santa Mesa, Manila. This is also an alternative stop for commuters (mostly students) heading to PUP, and it’s also nearest to Greenhills and Orgitas business district with buses heading to Cainta and Taytay easily accessible from this station. It’s the 4th station from Rector LRT and the 8th from Santolan. This station also have access to numerous public transport options such as jeepneys, buses, and taxis. [block type="info" title="Nearby establishments"]

• SM City Sta. Mesa
• Mezza Residences
• Hotel Sogo Santa Mesa
• Central Colleges of the Philippines
• Immaculate Heart of Mary College
• University of the East
• Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center [/block]

J. Ruiz LRT Located at Aurora Boulevard Cor. Juan Ruiz Street, Brgy. Ermitaño, San Juan. This is the fifth station from Recto and the 7th from Santolan, and is the only LRT station in San Juan that’s nearby Quezon City before entering Manila. Nearby public transports are easily available around the station, such as jeepneys, buses, taxis, and tricycles. This station primarily serves commuters headed towards the inner areas of San Juan which is mostly a residential area, with a few major destinations nearby. [block type="info" title="Nearby establishments"]

• San Juan City Hall
• San Juan Medical Center
• Santuario del Santo Cristo
• Pinaglabanan Shrine
• St. John the Baptist Church
• Filoil Flying V Arena [/block]

Gilmore Located at Aurora Boulevard cor Gilmore Avenue, Brgy. Mariana, New Manila, Quezon City, it’s the 6th station to and from Recto and is a famous stop for gadget enthusiasts. It’s also the closest station to one of the major television networks in the country.  Nearby public transport such as jeepneys, taxis, buses, and tricycles are in the vicinity, so heading deep into Quezon City from this station should be easy. [block type="info" title="Nearby establishments"]

• SYKES Asia, Inc. (K-Pointe site)
• Saint Paul University Quezon City
• Aurora Garden Plaza
• Gilmore I.T. Center
• Robinsons Magnolia
• Saint Joseph's College of Quezon City
• St. Luke's Medical Center
• Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish
• Broadway Centrum (Venue for GMA Network's noontime shows Eat Bulaga!)
• Trinity University of Asia(formerly Trinity College of Quezon City)
• San Juan City
• Greenhills Shopping Center
• Xavier School
• Immaculate Conception Academy-Greenhills [/block]

Betty Go-Belmonte Located at Aurora Boulevard Cor. Betty Go-Belmonte Street., Brgy. Immaculate Conception, New Manila, Quezon City. One of the stations that serve Quezon City commuters, it is the 7th station from Recto and the 5th from Santolan. Just like other stations in Quezon City, other modes of public transport are available within the station’s vicinity. [block type="info" title="Nearby establishments"]

• Cubao Cathedral
• Holy Buddhist Temple
• Religious of the Virgin Mary Motherhouse
• Kalayaan College
• Trinity University Asia [/block]

Araneta Center Cubao Located along Aurora Boulevard, Cubao, Quezon City, it is usually just called Cubao LRT.  This station is the 8th station from Recto and the 4th from Santolan. It serves as one of the major stops for commuters as it’s connected to a transport hub, Cubao. Since this stop is a major transportation hub, all sorts of public transport modes can be found here. It’s also the transit point for commuters transferring to the MRT-3 line as it is also connected to the Cubao LRT via the Gateway Mall walkway. [block type="info" title="Nearby establishments"]

• Araneta Center
• Smart Araneta Coliseum
• Gateway Mall
• Ali Mall
• Farmers Plaza [/block]

Anonas Located along Aurora Boulevard Cor. Anonas Street, Cubao, Quezon City. It’s the 9th station from Recto and 3rd from Santolan and brings passengers to a whole host of transportation options that ply the Anonas Ave. and Aurora Blvd. routes. [block type="info" title="Nearby establishments"]

• Saint Joseph Parish
• Saint Joseph Catholic School
• World Citi Medical Center
• Technological Institute of the Philippines,
• Anson Supermart
• Hi-Top Supermart
• Anonas City Center
• Super Metro hypermarket [/block]

Katipunan Located at Aurora Boulevard Cor. Katipunan Avenue (C.P. Garcia Avenue) Loyola Heights, Quezon City.  This station is the 10th station from Recto and 2nd from Santolan, which mainly serves students from Ateneo De Manila and UP who wants to avoid the traffic jam going into the university. Other modes of public transport are also abundant in the area which is primarily there to help students move from the LRT station to the different universities in the locale. [block type="info" title="Nearby establishments"]

• Philippine School of Business Administration
• Ateneo de Manila University
• Miriam College
• University of the Philippines Diliman [/block]

Santolan This LRT station is the last stop in the east and the first stop if you’re headed west (to Recto). It’s located along Marcos Highway, Calumpang, Marikina City. While there aren’t many major destinations in this area, this station, however, provides easy access to major business districts such as Eastwood City, Ortigas Center, Makati Central Business District, Fort Bonifacio Global City as well as NAIA and SLEX. Taking taxis from this area to the mentioned destinations would cut your travel time drastically and let you avoid Metro Manila’s infamous traffic. [block type="info" title="Nearby establishments"]

• Marikina River
• BFCT East Metro Manila Transport Terminal
• SM City Marikina
• Riverbanks Center
• Bali Oasis
• Noah's Ark Paper Mills in Marikina[/block]

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