Free Inter-Terminal Shuttle Bus at Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) (Departing from Terminal 3 / Departing from Terminal 2)
Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport has four terminals, from 1 to 4, each located a significant distance apart. Since walking between terminals is not feasible, you’ll need to use either a taxi or the free shuttle bus service.
This article provides information based on my actual experience using the shuttle bus during my visit to the Philippines in August 2024.
If you combine this article with another article about walking from outside the airport to the hotel area via the Runway near Terminal 3, it should be helpful for those staying at airport-adjacent hotels during a transit and using a terminal other than Terminal 3.
Transferring from Terminal 3 to Terminal 2
Getting to the Shuttle Bus Stop
On the first floor of Terminal 3, follow the “Terminal Transfer Bus” signs and walk to the end of the terminal.
Before reaching the shuttle bus stop, there’s a security check where your hand luggage will be inspected.
This photo shows the security checkpoint and the shuttle bus reception counter after passing through security. Once you pass through, the reception counter will be on your left.
Check-in Procedure
At the reception, you need to state which terminal you are going to. It’s convenient if you can do an online web check-in beforehand and download your boarding pass. (Having your boarding pass will allow for quicker verification when entering the next terminal. The previous year, when I traveled from Manila to Cebu, I hadn’t checked in online, and showing my reservation confirmation email was problematic because it was in Japanese, causing me difficulties.)
Furthermore, they also asked for the boarding pass from my flight that arrived in Manila. Be careful not to lose it. After completing the check-in, you’ll be instructed to wait in the waiting room.
The Ride
I waited for about 20 minutes in the waiting room. When the bus arrived, staff members opened the door for us.
When boarding the bus, large luggage can be placed on a dedicated rack. The driver will assist you.
After departing Terminal 3, the bus first stopped at Terminal 4, then Terminal 2. Since I was transferring to Terminal 2 this time, I alighted there.
Please double-check that you are getting off at the correct terminal.
Transferring from Terminal 2 to Terminal 3
After clearing customs and exiting, you’ll see a sign like the one below directly in front of you. Follow the signs to the bus stop.
Unlike Terminal 3, you’ll exit the building first. Even outside, there are signs on pillars to guide you. Exit the building, turn right, and when you see the sign below, cross the pedestrian crossing. The bus stop will appear on your left.
At the bus stop, there’s an attendant and chairs provided. The attendant will ask which terminal you want to go to and what your departure time is. The bus can have a waiting time of up to about 20 minutes, so if they deem you don’t have enough time, they will direct you to the taxi stand further ahead.
This time, the bus arrived after about a 15-minute wait. After departing Terminal 2, the next stop was Terminal 4, and then Terminal 3 (the reverse order of transferring from Terminal 3 to Terminal 2).
Upon arrival at Terminal 3, the bus drop-off point will be at the “Bay 5” sign. After getting off the bus, cross the pedestrian crossing and enter the terminal building.
At this point, your airline ticket or boarding pass and passport will be checked. Make sure to have them ready in English. There was no luggage security check when entering the building this time.
Summary
Advantages of the Shuttle Bus
- Free: There is no charge for using it.
- 24-hour operation: You can use it even for early morning or late-night flights.
- Regular service: It operates at relatively short intervals.
Important Notes
- Operating Intervals: Service intervals vary depending on congestion and time of day.
- Luggage: If you have large luggage, it’s a good idea to speak to the bus staff.
- Wrong Terminal: Double-check the name of your destination terminal to avoid boarding the wrong bus.
While the shuttle bus is free, the procedures, waiting times, and travel itself took a fair amount of time. If you are short on time, it’s better to take a taxi directly to your departure terminal. Reserve the shuttle bus for when you have ample time in your schedule.
