Expat’s Guide to LRT-1 Stations in Manila
Update as of July 30, 2019: To make way for system upgrading works, the schedule for the last trip from LRT-1 Baclaran northbound and Roosevelt southbound is adjusted starting July 29.
From originally 10 p.m. every day, the last train will now leave Baclaran station at 9:30 p.m. while the last train at Roosevelt station will depart at 9:45 p.m. daily. On the other hand, the schedule for the first train on both stations remain at 4:30 a.m.
Popular in other countries, the light rail transits (LRT) are almost the same here in Manila, though there are fewer options to go for. They are, more often than not, the easiest and fastest way to go from one place to the other. Here’s a quick guide to LRT-1 Stations in Manila:
Also read: A Guide to the MRT, LRT and the PNR
THE GREEN LINE. It used to be the Yellow Line, but most people just refer to it as Line 1. (Image gabbed from LRTA website)
The earliest light rail in the country is the Manila Light Rail Transit Line 1, or the Green Line.It’s the second light rail in South East Asia and goes through the cities of Pasay and Manila with stops in Caloocan and Quezon City.
LATEST MAP. It shows all 3 lines, but let’s focus on the Green Line for now. (Image grabbed from Lrta Dotc Line II Facebook page)
Though it’s usually packed, it’s still considered the fastest way to move around the city, especially with the current state of traffic in Metro Manila. Here’s a handy list of stations for any would-be traveler looking to use the Green Line:
LRT1 Single Journey Fare Matrix
Also read: Expats’ Guide: What is a beep™ card?
Baclaran
It’s the start of what used to be the Yellow Line, because of the dominance of the color yellow on its trains. It’s close to the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) Office and Baclaran Church.
EDSA
One of four connecting stations for the Green Line, it’s a good choice for people who want to head for the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) or hitch a ride at the Metro Rail Transit Taft Avenue Station, known today as the Yellow Line. It’s also a good choice for anyone going to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, as it is one of the stops for their shuttle buses.
Also read: Expats’ Guide: MRT Stations
Libertad
If you’re headed to the Cuneta Astrodome, Japanese Embassy or Department of Foreign Affairs, Libertad station is the right station to get off of.
Gil Puyat
Gil Puyat Station gets you close to Pasay City’s transport hub for buses headed to Laguna and Batangas. It’s also the best alternative if you miss EDSA and you want to go to MOA.
Vito Cruz
People headed for the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Rizal Memorial Stadium, De La Salle University, De La Salle – College of St. Benilde, or St. Scholastica’s College should get off at Vito Cruz.
Quirino
It’s your best bet if you’re looking to visit the Manila Zoo, Malate Church, or Remedios Circle.
Pedro Gil
Looking to visit someone at the Philippine General Hospital? Studying at the University of the Philippines – Manila? Or maybe you just fancy a trip to Robinsons Place Manila? Pedro Gil is the station for you. UBE Express is also accessible if you go to Robinsons Place Manila (read more about UBE Express here).
United Nations
Conveniently placed along United Nations (UN) Avenue, it’s the best place if you’re looking to go to any of the following: Rizal Park, National Library, National Museum, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Manila Police District Headquarters, Adamson University, or the Philippine Normal University.
Central Station
Once the last stop for the Green Line (1984), it’s now placed in the middle of the Green Line. This is where you want to get off if you want to visit SM City Manila, the Metropolitan Theater, Central Post Office, Manila City Hall, or get real close to Intramuros. It’s also the closest station to the Pasig River Ferry’s Lawton port.
Carriedo
If you’ve heard of Quiapo or Chinatown, then you’ve certainly heard of Carriedo. It’s the closest station if you want to get close to Quiapo and Binondo, along with the iconic Plaza Miranda and Plaza Lacson.
Doroteo Jose
This is probably the one where you’d find the most students getting on and off, as it is the station closest to the University Belt. It’s also close to Isetann, an old mall still frequented by many a mall-goer. If you’re looking to use the Blue Line, it’s connected directly to Recto Station.
Also read: Expats’ guide: LRT2 Stations
Bambang
There’s not much to look forward to at Bambang Station unless you’re headed for the University of Santo Tomas (UST). You can still get off at Doroteo Jose, but Bambang is more convenient for UST students.
Tayuman
It’s closest to SM City San Lazaro, the headquarters of the Department of Health, and the ever-popular Dangwa Flower Market.
Blumentritt
Named after Dr. Jose Rizal’s friend and mentor while in Europe, Blumentritt Station is close to Chinese General Hospital and the Manila North Cemetery, where several Philippine Presidents and historical figures are buried.
Abad Santos
It’s the best station to catch a glimpse of the Chinese Cemetery or to pay a visit to Tondo, Manila.
R. Papa
Another station where you can get as close as possible to Tondo. It’s also the last of the stations for Manila.
5th Avenue
It’s close to the La Loma Cemetery, as well as a good place to get off if you’re looking to go deep into Caloocan City.
Monumento
It used to be the last stop of the Green Line until it was extended to the next two stations. It’s close to the Caloocan Cathedral and the Bonifacio Monument and used to be the closest station to Balintawak.
Balintawak
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.
Roosevelt
Currently the last stop for the Green Line, this station puts you as close as possible to SM City North EDSA without going through the hassle that is EDSA. If you plan to take a P2P Bus, you can access one going to Ayala at SM North EDSA.
Also read: P2P Bus Service Guide for Expats
North Avenue
The station is still under construction and is set to open in the last quarter of 2019. It is a central station that will link LRT1 to MRT3, it will also connect to MRT7 which is slated to open in 2020.
Also read: Expats’ Guide: PNR Stations
Photo/s from: LRTA website, Lrta Dotc Line II Facebook page
