An Expats’ Guide to LRT-2 Stations
Updated May 10, 2019
In most countries, including the Philippines, monorails are quite popular and are considered as one of the easiest forms of transportation. In the Philippines, there are three lines that you can use to get to your destination of choice. This guide will help you through the Manila Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 2 or simply put, the LRT-2.
An LRT-2 train bound for Recto
Opened in 2003, the LRT-2 is otherwise known as the Blue Line and has the shortest routes among the existing LRTA monorails. The LRT-2 is a way of going through the Metro from East to West starting in Manila and ending in Marikina with stops along Quezon City and San Juan City.
The route of the LRT-2
The LRT-2 is the youngest among the current LRTA monorails and is one of the least packed modes of transportation that will provide you with easy access to and from Manila. Two of their stations, Recto and Araneta-Center Cubao connects to the LRT-1 and the MRT-3, respectively.
The latest fare matrix of the LRT-2
Stations of the LRT-2
Recto
The first station of the LRT-2 is Recto. Located in Manila, it’s connected to LRT-1 or the Green Line’s Doroteo Jose Station. This is the station of the LRT-2 that will get you to Binondo where you can sample some of the best Chinese food in the country. If you’re also looking to go to Divisoria and Quiapo Church, the Recto station the one that you’ll have to stop at.
Legarda
Legarda is the closest station to the Malacañang Palace, the country’s Seat of Presidency. It’s also the nearest station to the University Belt where you can access colleges such as San Beda College, Centro Escolar University, National University and the University of the East. You can also access the Mendiola Peach Arch when you drop off at Legarda station. You can also access the beautiful San Sebastian Church through Legarda station.
Pureza
From the Pureza station, you can easily access the Mabini Shrine which is a shrine dedicated to Apolinario Mabini who is known as the Brains of the Philippine Revolution. You can also easily access the Polytechnic University of the Philippines since the Mabini Shrine is located within the university. Pureza also provides access to the Sta. Mesa Station of the Philippine National Railway (PNR) and the PUP Pasig River Ferry Port.
V. Mapa
If you’re looking for a place to shop, you can stop by SM Sta. Mesa, the second SM Supermall ever built. You can also access the Central Colleges of the Philippines through this station.
J. Ruiz
If you’re thinking of stopping at San Juan City, J. Ruiz is the lone stop in the city. Through this station, you’ll be able to access the Filoil Flying V Arena where games of the Philippine Basketball Association are held. The historical Pinaglabanan Shrine can also be accessed through this station which makes it the perfect place to go to if you want to learn a little bit about the days of the revolution without spending too much money. You can also access the Museo ng Katipunan and the Santuario del Santo Cristo through this station.
Gilmore
If you’re looking to go shopping at the Greenhills Shopping Center, the Gilmore station is your closest stop if you’re taking the LRT-2. It’s also a frequent stop where you can get the latest and most affordable gadgets. The station is also the nearest to the Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel that’s located in New Manila and is just a short walk away from the station. Universities such as St. Paul University Quezon City and the Trinity University of Asia are also near the station.
The Gilmore Station with St. Paul University Quezon City on the left / IMAGE Feliz Grace Bueno
Betty Go-Belmonte
Named after the late wife of former House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr., the Betty Go-Belmonte station is near the Cubao Cathedral and the Holy Buddhist Temple. You can also access the Religious of the Virgin Mary Motherhouse through the station. There are also jeepneys near the station that can take you to Fairview.
Araneta Center-Cubao
Cubao is one of the Metro’s transport hubs where the Araneta Center Bus Terminal and other bus terminals are located. It’s also connected to the MRT-3 or the Yellow Line via the Araneta Center-Cubao Station. It’s also a shopping hub or a one-stop-shop type of destination where you can get almost anything ranging from clothes to groceries as well as vintage items. The Farmers Market is a place where you can get fresh fish as well as groceries for your home. You can also stop by the Farmers Garden where you can get plants and fresh flowers. The Cubao Expo is also a popular spot where you can get some good eats, vintage stuff, and a few drinks.
The station is also near the Smart Araneta Coliseum and New Frontier Theater which are usually spots that concerts are held at.
Anonas
The Anonas station is the closest stop to the Technological Institute of the Philippines and the St. Joseph Parish. The station is also near some thrift shops that you can go through if you’re in the mood to do some thrift shopping.
Katipunan
The Katipunan station is the stop for students of Ateneo de Manila University and Miriam College. You can also access the University of the Philippines – Diliman through the station. Katipunan is also a popular destination for foodies as it is home to some creative and delicious restaurants.
The University of the Philippines – Diliman’s most known landmark, the Oblation / IMAGE Faye Almazan
Santolan
The Santolan station is the last station of the Blue Line. It’s also the closest stop to the popular Riverbanks Center. You can also find the largest pair of shoes, recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records in Marikina. You can also access The Philippine Science Centrum, the House of Miniatures and the Joey Velasco Gallery through the station.
