Metro Manila is served by 2 metropolitan rail systems, the Manila Light Rail Transit System, popularly known as the LRT and the Manila Metro Rail Transit System, popularly known as the MRT, Metrostar Express or Metrostar.

The LRT by itself consists of two lines: the Yellow Line (LRT-1) and the Purple Line (LRT-2). The Yellow Line consists of eighteen stations in a general north-south direction over 15 kilometres of fully elevated track and the Purple Line consists of eleven stations in a general east-west direction over 13.8 kilometres of mostly elevated track, with Katipunan station lying underground.

The MRT consists of one line: the Blue Line (MRT-3) and serves 13 stations on 16.95 kilometres of line. It is mostly elevated, with some sections at ground or underground level.

Although the LRT and MRT are completely different systems, passengers can transfer between lines at the interchange stations.

The MRT is open from 5:30 a.m. until 10:30 p.m

Both lines of the LRT are open from 5:00 am until 9:30 pm for the Yellow Line and until 10:00 pm for the Purple Line. On weekends, the Purple Line operates on a shortened schedule from 6:00 am until 8:00 pm.

Both the LRT and MRT are open every day except the week before Easter when they are closed for maintenance.

Fair Structure

MRT: 10-15 Pesos. Children under 1.02m travel for free.LRT: 12-15 Pesos.

Transferring from any of the Yellow, Purple or Blue Lines will mean leaving the paid area for that line and purchasing a new ticket from the line you just transferred to or you may use a Flash Pass.

A Flash Pass is a pass for use on all three rapid transit lines in the Metro Manila area. The pass costs 250 pesos and may be used for multiple rides on any of the metro lines for one week.

Future Projects

LTR-1 North Extension, a 5.4 km elevated line from Monumento station in LRT-1 to North Avenue station in Metro Rail Transit MRT-3. (Construction has already begun - Completion date 2010)

LRT-1 South Extension, from Baclaran station to Bacoor, Cavite, a length of 11.7 kms. with eight stations, with an option for two additional stations. (Construction has already begun - Completion date 2011)

MRT-7 Line, a 22 km elevated line running from Tala station in Novaliches to North Avenue station in Metro Rail Transit MRT-3 (Construction will begin late 2008 - Completion date 2011)

For a Map of the Manila Metro lines and stations, please click here