Philippines is a country that is made up of over 7,100 islands and islets, and so obviously, travel has a lot to do with transportation . Rest assured that options are endless for getting around, some typical and others quite unique.

The undisputed 'King of the Philippine Roads' is the jeepney! Try it - it does ensure an unforgettable time!

This Philippines transportation page will tell you all you need to know about travelling in and around Philippines. Use our Philippines Destination Guide or our Philippines Country Guide for more helpful information for your holiday. For more local information check out our Boracay Transportation page.

Philippines Transportation Guide

Air Travel

If you have decided to travel to the Philippines, the best way to reach it is by air. The Philippines has international airports at Manila, Cebu, Subic Bay, Davao, Clark and Laoag. The best bet is of course the Ninoy Aquino International Airport at the Capital Manila, with the Mactan International Airport at Cebu coming a close second. More than 30 airlines fly to different parts of the world from here. In terms of air traffic, all the international airports specialise in flights from particular circuits.

Philippine Airlines (PAL), the national flag carrier, is the country's largest airline company and connects Philippines to the world. It has the largest number of international flights from the Philippines apart from a series of domestic flights. Around 14 cities across 8 countries are linked to Manila by PAL and it also operates domestic flights to 41 destinations outside Manila. The other airline services in Philippines include Air Philippines, Cebu Pacific, South East Asian Airlines, Asian Spirit Airlines, Laoag International Airlines and Pacific Airways - they ply across a host of tourist destinations and are quite economical as well. Chartered flights could be another unique way of experiencing the Philippines. Small air companies like Airspan Corporation, Aerolift Philippines, and A. Soriano Aviation offer services in this segment.

Airports and Flights

- Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila: All over the world
- Mactan International Airport, Cebu: Japan, Singapore and Australia, Hong Kong, US
- Davao International Airport, Davao: Indonesia and Singapore
- Diosdado Macapagal International Airport and Subic Airfield, Luzon: Chartered and cargo planes
- Laoag International airport, Ilocos Norte: Taiwan and Macau

By Boat

The 7000 odd islands of the Philippines are connected by an intricate system of ferries, cargo ships and boats. You can set sail on one of the many cruises available from Manila and get a taste of the sea from close quarters. Most of these cruises are luxury yachts in their own rights but cruises to suit every budget are available. The SuperFerry Program, launched by WG & A Lines, is the latest addition to the waterways offering a convenient and economical alternative to other ship lines.

There's nothing like lounging on a boat deck and sipping a chilled glass of Margherita. So bon voyage!

By Train

The Metrotren is the most popular train for long haul journeys, connecting far flung areas in one convenient network. This is run by the Philippines National Railways and is an affordable means of transportation for the masses with consistent standards. Local trains are also available within the cities. For instance, in Manila the LRT (Light Railway Transit) is your best bet.

By Road

Once you are in the Philippines, internal transport is much better with trains and roads offering very well connected options. Also, the Philippines has some unique contraptions plying the roads that are sure to catch your attention, luring you to go off the beaten track and do something you've never done before.

Travelling in the Philippines by road allows you to get in touch with the real countryside and mingle with the local population. The national highways provide an intricate network of links between all the major cities, towns and villages within an island. The hinterland of Philippines beckons you on these road journeys and you can set off on a variety of indigenous means of transportation such as the jeepneys, trikes, pedicabs and calesas besides buses and taxis.

Although buses seem the most obvious choice for short distances do try some of Philippines' very own unique vehicles. If holidays are all about soaking in the local flavour and letting your hair down, then you sure will relish this! So get set for the rough and tumble of a jeepney which has an interesting history of its own. These were originally the GI jeeps, brought in by American soldiers, that invaded the landscape during the post war era almost 6 decades ago. The enterprising Filipinos recycled these engines to create a low cost vehicle for mass transportation and today it has become a signature symbol of the Philippines. Dubbed the "King of the Philippine Roads," the jeepneys with their vivid and colorful designs and highly embellished bodies are indeed a unique sight.

A trike - a motorcycle with a sidecar - is another charming option. You can hire one of these at most marketplaces and cruise through the town with your companion. Another way of combining travel with some exercise is the Pedicab, a cycle with a sidecar that would help you burn off those extra calories from the delicious coastal Filipino cuisine. The trike and the pedicab are especially useful on rugged roads, arterial lanes on which buses or jeepneys don't ply often and in adverse traffic conditions.

Another quaint option is the Calesa, a horse carriage that is a remnant of Spain's colonisation of Philippines. Ideal for short distance travel, it is a favourite with many tourists for sightseeing at a relaxed pace.

Filipino Road transport at a glance

Jeepney: An improvised four wheeler with the engine of a jeep and a highly decorated and embellished body

Calesa: A horse carriage

Trike: A motorcycle with a sidecar

Pedicab: A cycle with a sidecar