Expat’s Guide to LRT-1 Stations in Manila
Inaugurated in December 1984, the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line-1 is considered the first and the oldest rapid transit line in the Philippines. It is also the second light rail in Southeast Asia and goes through the major cities of Manila, with stops in Makati, Pasay, and Quezon City, among others.
They are, more often than not, the easiest and fastest way to go from one place to the other.
IMAGE from LRTA website
Though it’s usually packed, it’s still considered the fastest and cheapest way to move around the city, especially with the current state of traffic in Metro Manila. Here’s a quick guide to the LRT-1 Stations from Dr. Santos (formerly Sucat) to Fernando Poe Jr. Station (formerly Roosevelt).
Dr. Santos (former Sucat) [NEW since November 16, 2024]
Dr. Santos Station, formerly Sucat Station, will be the link to the Las Pinas Station, Zapote Station, and Niog Station in Bacoor, Cavite, once the second phase of the LRT-1 Expansion Project took place.
Ninoy Aquino Avenue [NEW since November 16, 2024]
Need to get to NAIA Terminal 1 fast? The Ninoy Aquino Avenue Station will get you there as it is the closest stop to the airport.
PITX [NEW since November 16, 2024]
LRT-1’s PITX Station is linked to the Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) where you can take a bus going to neighboring provinces. You may also go to the airport terminals using this station.
MIA Road [NEW since November 16, 2024]
City of Dreams, Okada Manila, and Solaire are just within reach when you ride the MIA Road Station. You can also get easy access to Ayala Malls Manila Bay through MIA Road.
Redemptorist-Aseana [NEW since November 16, 2024]
Finally, Aseana City in Paranaque is just a stop away as the LRT-1 Redemptorist-Aseana station opens. If you want to visit PARQAL or other retail and dining destinations in ASEANA City, this station is for you.
Baclaran
Baclaran Station is close to the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) Office and Baclaran Church. It also provides access to shopping centers, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, and SM Mall of Asia.
EDSA
One of four connecting stations, 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. 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, Japan Embassy, or Department of Foreign Affairs, Libertad station is the right station to get off of. It is also ideal for those who want to explore Pasay City.
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 SM Mall of Asia and World Trade Center.
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.
Fernando Poe Jr. (former 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
New Routes and Fare Matrix
With the LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project, five new routes were added at LRT-1 starting November 16, 2024. New routes include Redemptorist-Aseana, MIA Road, PITX, Ninoy Aquino Avenue, and Dr. Santos (formerly Sucat). Meanwhile, Roosevelt Station was renamed to Fernando Poe Jr. Station.
Tickets range from Php 15 to Php 45 depending on your destination and operates starting from 4:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. from Dr. Santos Station and 10:15 p.m. from Fernando Poe Jr. Station (formerly Roosevelt) during weekdays.
During weekends and holidays, LRT-1’s first train will start operating at 5:00 a.m., while the last train will take you from 9:30 p.m. from Dr. Santos Station and 9:45 p.m. from Fernando Poe Jr. Station.
LRT 1 Route Map / IMAGE from Light Rail Manila Corporation
LRT1 Single Journey Fare Matrix / IMAGE from Light Rail Manila Corporation
For locals and foreigners who want to explore the Metro’s best restaurants, tourist destinations, and more, LRT-1 has a mobile application called ikotMNL Mobile App that gives you real-time updates regarding the station’s crowd situation, the train’s arrival and departure, and the nearest restaurants, malls, and destinations worth the visit.
You may download the ikotMNL Mobile App through Google Play Store or App Store.
LRT-1 Expansion Project
According to the Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC), LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project will cover “several major cities including Quezon City, Caloocan, Manila, Pasay, and Paranaque, all the way to Bacoor, Cavite.” From 20 stations, this expansion will yield 28 station in total and can accommodate around 800,000 passengers daily.
IMAGE from Light Rail Manila Corporation’s Website
Further, LRMC shared that the project will lessen the travel time of passengers coming from Pasay City going to Cavite. This will allow passengers to travel “from an hour and half to just 25 to 30 minutes,” said LRMC.
Also Read: Your Ultimate Guide to MRT, LRT, and PNR
Sources: LRTA website, Lrta Dotc Line II Facebook page, ltoportal.ph
