Cheap Flights to Manila

Manila is the gateway to the Philippines' 7,000+ islands -- Intramuros, the 16th-century walled Spanish city with Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church, Rizal Park, Binondo's Chinatown established in 1594 (the world's oldest), and quick connections to Palawan's beaches, Cebu's diving, and Boracay's white sand define this capital that is both a destination and a launchpad. The food scene from lechon to halo-halo reflects a unique Spanish-Asian culinary heritage. Manila is one of the most densely populated cities on earth with over 1.8 million people in just 43 square km.

December through April is the dry season with the best weather for sightseeing and island connections. May is hot but brings colorful festivals like Pahiyas. June through November is the rainy season and typhoon period with the cheapest flights. January is the coolest month. Book early for Christmas and Chinese New Year when domestic travel peaks. October is typically the wettest month. The Ati-Atihan festival in January offers a unique cultural experience.

Philippine Airlines operates from Manila with international and domestic networks to North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Cebu Pacific is the largest budget carrier with extensive regional routes. AirAsia Philippines provides budget domestic and Asian connections. Qatar, Emirates, and Turkish Airlines connect via their hubs. Delta, United, and ANA serve Manila from the US and Japan. Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines connect via their hubs. PAL Express covers smaller domestic airports.

Airports Serving Manila

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) is 7 km from the city center with four separate terminals (T1, T2, T3, T4) that are not directly connected -- transfer between them requires terminal shuttle buses or taxis. T1 handles international, T2 is Philippine Airlines domestic and international, T3 is the main terminal for most airlines, T4 handles some domestic. A new terminal (NAIA Terminal 5) and the Bulacan Airport (MMIC) are under development. Taxis and Grab reach Makati in 20-30 minutes depending on traffic, which is notoriously bad. The LRT Line 1 has a station near T3 via a shuttle bus.

Manila is one of Asia's most affordable capitals -- street food at carinderias costs 50-100 PHP (-2). The LRT and MRT cover key areas for under 30 PHP per ride. Intramuros is walkable and mostly free except for entrance fees to Fort Santiago (75 PHP) and San Agustin Church (200 PHP). Jeepneys (shared minibuses) cost 13-20 PHP per ride and are an iconic Filipino experience. Book domestic flights on Cebu Pacific during seat sales for under $20 USD one-way to Palawan or Cebu. Eat at Binondo for the best dumplings and Chinese-Filipino cuisine under 200 PHP.

• Intramuros -- The 16th-century walled city built by the Spanish with Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church, and cobblestone streets with horse-drawn carriages.
• Binondo -- The world's oldest Chinatown established 1594 with the best dumplings, hopia pastries, and hole-in-the-wall Chinese eateries.
• Rizal Park -- A 58-hectare urban park with the Rizal Monument, Chinese and Japanese gardens, and a planetarium where Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal was executed.
• National Museum of Fine Arts -- A grand neoclassical building with Juan Luna's Spoliarium and the most important collection of Philippine art.
• Tagaytay Ridge -- A 60 km drive from Manila to a ridge overlooking Taal Volcano in the middle of a lake, with cool climate and stunning views.

Manila has the LRT (Lines 1 and 2) and MRT (Line 3) covering the metro area with fares from 20-30 PHP per ride. The LRT Line 1 runs north-south along Taft Avenue, the MRT runs along EDSA, and LRT Line 2 runs east-west. Be aware of rush hours when trains are extremely crowded. Grab ride-hailing is the most reliable transport option for tourists at 100-400 PHP for most trips. The EDSA Carousel bus has dedicated lanes on the main highway. Jeepneys are the iconic Filipino transport at 13-20 PHP per ride but can be challenging for first-time visitors. Taxis are metered but Grab is preferred to avoid scams. Manila traffic is notorious -- allow double the time you think you need for any trip. The PNR railway serves the southern suburbs. Walking in Manila is challenging due to heat, lack of sidewalks, and aggressive traffic but Intramuros and Rizal Park are walkable.

Makati offers the main business district with high-end hotels, shopping, and restaurants from $70-150 USD per night. Bonifacio Global City (BGC) provides a modern, walkable district with upscale hotels from $120-200 USD. Malate and Ermita offer budget accommodations near the bay with hostels from $5-25 USD. Quezon City provides affordable hotels from $40-80 USD with good transport connections. Intramuros offers boutique hotels near the historic sites from $60-100 USD. Budget hostels in Makati and Malate from $5-15 USD.