Find cheap flights to Manila

Manila is a busy and sprawling city with a fairly well developed public transportation system. The best way to get around in the city is to rely on the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) that connect most of the popular tourist attractions and shopping destinations in the city. Fares are based on distance traveled, and range from ₱15.00 PHP – ₱25.00 PHP. When exploring Manila, remember that as long as you can see an MRT or LRT line, you will not be lost.

Metered taxis are available everywhere and you can hail a taxi anywhere on the streets. You can also rely on the app-based services such as Uber. To cover shorter distances, try a ride in one of the colorful jeepneys which are one of the key modes of public transportation in the Philippines. Jeepney fares start at ₱7.50 PHP for the first 4 kilometers. With constant traffic jams, gridlocks, and aggressive driving style of locals, it is best if you can avoid driving in the city and rely on other modes of transportation.

U.S. citizens do not need a visa to visit Philippines for up to 30 days. For foreign nationals, please check the Republic of the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs website.

Do I need a passport or visa to fly to Manila?

Traveling as a US citizen to Manila in the Philippines, you will be required to present a passport. The passport must be in the same name as the boarding ticket. Your US passport must be valid for at least six months after your planned departure date from the Philippines. As for the visa requirements to enter Manila, US citizens must obtain a visa prior to entry in the Philippines. The tourist visa allows you to stay in the Philippines for up to 60 days. The process of obtaining it takes about 10 business days and requires paying a fee.

Things to do and places of interest in Manila

Manila, also called the ‘Pearl of the Orient’, is a typical Asian megacity that moves at a hectic pace. The newer and developed parts of the city feature glossy high-rises and contemporary architecture which stand in stark contrast to the shanty towns in the less developed parts of the city. However, its rich culture and heritage reflects in its many monuments, museums and parks, which are a ‘must-see’ when you travel to Manila.

• Visit the popular tourist attractions such as Malacañang Palace, Greenbelt Chapel, Ayala Museum, National Museum of The Philippines, Museum of the Filipino People, National Library of the Philippines, and Manila Metropolitan Theatre.
• Admire the architectural styles of old Roman Catholic churches such as Quiapo Church, San Sebastian Church, and San Agustin Church.
• Enjoy a stroll in the Washington Sycip Park or put on your hiking boots and enjoy the beautiful trails of Arroceros Forest Park.
• If you’re traveling with kids, visit Rizal Park, Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden, Museo Pambata children’s museum, and Manila Ocean Park.
• Go on a walking trip to the Intramuros to explore the historic sites within the walled Spanish settlement.
• Stroll along the lively seaside promenade, The Baywalk, in Malate, and stop by for a drink or meal at the open-air cafés and eateries that line the promenade.
• Indulge in retail therapy at Bonifacio High Street in Fort Bonifacio or Glorietta mall or Greenbelt mall, both housed in the Ayala Center complex. Also make a trip to street markets such as Divisoria Market, San Andres Market, and Baclaran Market.

Tips and tricks for visiting Manila

Travel safe

Manila is a developing city and certain parts of the city are prone to petty thefts. Try to stay within the tourist-friendly locations, watch out for your personal belongings in crowded, public places, and if you are out in the night, try to avoid secluded, unlit streets. Avoid drinking tap water and ice from street vendors. It’s best if you purchase bottled water at your hotel as well as when you move around exploring the city.

Which airlines fly directly from the USA to Manila?

Currently, there is only one airline that offers direct flights to Manila from the United States. This airline is Philippine Airlines and has journeys from the United States daily. The direct flights with Philippine Airlines to Manila depart from John F Kennedy International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport and San Francisco International Airport. These flights to Manila depart from their city of origin at different times of the day. Due to the extensive time difference, the flights always arrive in Manila the following day.

What are the stopover options between the US to Manila?

If you’re not able to get one of the direct flights to Manila from the United States, there are various options with one or two layovers in between. Depending on where you’re departing from, choosing a flight with at least one layover may make your ticket cheaper. For example, if you fly from Los Angeles to Manila on the more affordable airfare, you’ll have a layover in Doha International Airport. However, this option adds about 20 hours to your total journey. You can also find trips from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) that fly with Japan Airlines and have a stopover in Tokyo Narita Airport. These flights are about 20 hours long including the stopover time in Japan.