Here's your complete transportation and commuting guide for Intramuros.
Called as the Walled City during the Spanish colonization. This historical landmark is now home to famous schools and universities (Lyceum, Letran, Mapua, Manila High School, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, and Colegio de Sta. Rosa) as well as historical landmarks and tourist spots (Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church, Casa Manila, etc.)
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UNDERSTANDING INTRAMUROS
Located south of the Pasig River and east of Manila Bay, the Walled City of Intramuros in Manila City was built by the Spaniards some 400 years ago as their political and military base in Asia. It is one of the top tourist spots in Manila, the capital of the Philippines.
Best Time to Go to Intramuros
While there are destinations in Intramuros that are under a roof, walking or biking around the walled city is still the best way to explore and learn more about its rich history. Here are the best months to take a tour of Intramuros.
Dry Season | December – May
The dry season in the Philippines can mean either cool dry or hot dry, both of which fall between December to May. Both dry seasons are also ideal times to walk around Intramuros because there’s little to no rain.
Though, be cautious of doing it between March to May, or the hot dry season, because it does get crazy hot in the city.
Holidays | September – December
With the majority of the population being of the Catholic faith, the celebration-loving Filipinos go all out for Christmas; so much so, that decorations and Christmas songs abound as early as September. The months leading up to the holidays starting in September are dubbed as the -ber months.
Not only is it fun to marvel at the outrageousness of seeing festive Christmas decorations and lights on full display even before Thanksgiving or Halloween rolls in, but it’s also the best time to visit Intramuros because temperatures are cooler.
What you need to be wary of are the traffic jams even outside of peak hours thanks to the holiday rush and possible inclement weather. After all, September–November are still part of the rainy season.
Places to Not Miss in Intramuros
Here are the tourist spots and IG-worthy places you should visit in Intramuros:
- Fort Santiago and its dungeons
- The 8 Gates (Puertas) of Intramuros
- Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, the Manila Cathedral
- La Cathedral, European-Vibe Rooftop Dining with a Romantic View in Intramuros
Or you can visit 20+ Most Famous Tourist Spots in Manila
For hassle-free and more educational tour, I suggest that you get a DOT Accredited tour guide for your visit to Intramuros. Or you can visit my complete DIY guide to the walled city.
GETTING TO INTRAMUROS
Since it is located in the bustling city of Manila, traveling to, in and out of Intramuros is made easy because of several transportation options available to all its visitors.
Getting to Intramuros by a Private Car / Motorcycle
Bringing your car to Intramuros? No worries! Traveling to Intramuros with your own vehicle is no sweat! Thanks to the online maps and driving apps like Waze and Google Maps, you can now get directions for your trip.
Where to Park in Intramuros?
Yes, I know the hassle of bringing a car, even a motorcycle. This must be your next question - where to park? Here's a map of parking spaces inside the walled city provided by the Intramuros Administration:
Getting to Intramuros by Train
The three main train lines running in Metro Manila can take you near Intramuros: Light Rail Transit (LRT) 1 and 2, and the Manila Metro Rail Transit.
Anyone coming in from nearby cities or provinces can get off the station nearest to them and still reach Intramuros because all three lines are connected.
MRT and LRT1 connect at Baclaran and North Avenue Stations, MRT and LRT2 meet at Araneta-Cubao, and LRT1 and 2 are joined at Doroteo Jose.
The station closest to Intramuros is the LRT1 Central Terminal Station. LRT1 runs from Baclaran to Monumento.
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| LRT1 Central Terminal Station |
Although it is the nearest, you still need to do a big deal of walking to get to the eastern side of Intramuros, that’s why some opt to hail a cab from here.
If you do decide to walk, head to the Manila City Hall first, then take the pedestrian underpass that will help you get across to Padre de Burgos Street.
Upon exiting, you'll see Victoria Street, which will lead you right into Intramuros. From here, you’ll have to walk to reach the western side where many of the sights are located.
Getting to Intramuros by Bus
Buses are the best way to get to Intramuros, Manila if you’re coming from farther places, although there are also bus lines that loop just around Metro Manila.
Keep in mind that there is no public transportation that stops directly in front of the gates itself, so you still need to do some walking from the closest unloading areas.
From NAIA
You can take the Airport Loop buses in any of the NAIA terminals. Stops include Baclaran, Pasay Rotonda, and Taft Avenue stations of the LRT and MRT. You can ride the LRT line from any of these stations and get off at Central Station to get closer to Intramuros.
From Clark and other neighboring provinces
Nearby provinces all have bus lines that stop or pass through Manila. Many of them may not directly have a stop close to Intramuros, but you can always take a cab or jeep, or get off at the nearest LRT station, to get to Intramuros.
Getting to Intramuros by Jeepneys (PUJs)
Jeepneys are the KINGS of Manila's road. Of course, there's a jeepney route to Intramuros, too! Here are different routes you can take from several points in Metro Manila:
From Caloocan:
Route 1: LRT1-Jeep
- Take the LRT1 to Doroteo Jose station.
- Ride a jeep to Baclaran/Mabini, and get off at Intramuros. Landmarks are Manila City Hall, National Museum, and Philippine Normal University.
Route 2: LRT1-Jeep
- Take the LRT1 to Carriedo station.
- Ride a jeep to Pier, and get off at Intramuros. Landmark is Palacio del Gobernador.
Route 3: LRT1-Jeep
- Take the LRT1 to Carriedo station.
- Ride a jeep to Lawton/SM City Hall, and get off at Manila City Hall.
- Cross the street using the underpass, away from Manila City Hall towards Intramuros.
Route 4: LRT1
- Take the LRT1 to Central terminal station.
- Follow the LRT1 along A. Villegas until you get to Natividad Almeda-Lopez (2 blocks). Landmarks are SM City Manila, Manila City Hall, and Philippine Veterans Affairs Office.
- Turn right at Natividad Almeda-Lopez, and walk past Manila City Hall towards Padre Burgos (1 block).
- Cross Padre Burgos towards Intramuros.
From Cavite:
- From Dasmarinas Bayan, ride a bus/FX to Lawton/SM City Hall, and get off at Manila City Hall.
- Cross the street using the underpass, away from Manila City Hall towards Intramuros.
From Makati:
Route 1: MRT-LRT1
- Take the MRT to Taft terminal station.
- Walk through the connecting foot bridge towards LRT1-EDSA station.
- Take the LRT1 to Central terminal station.
- Follow the LRT1 along A. Villegas until you get to Natividad Almeda-Lopez (2 blocks). Landmarks are SM City Manila, Manila City Hall, and Philippine Veterans Affairs Office.
- Turn right at Natividad Almeda-Lopez, and walk past Manila City Hall towards Padre Burgos (1 block).
- Cross Padre Burgos towards Intramuros.
Route 2: Bus
- From Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. (Buendia), Makati Ave., or Ayala Ave., ride a PVP Liner bus to Lawton/Taft, and get off at Manila City Hall.
- Cross the street using the underpass, away from Manila City Hall towards Intramuros.
Route 3: Jeep
- From Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. (Buendia), ride a jeep to LRT-Taft, and get off at Taft Ave.
- Ride a jeep to Lawton/SM City Hall, and get off at SM City Hall.
- Cross the street using the underpass, away from Manila City Hall towards Intramuros.
From Mandaluyong/Pasig:
- Take the MRT to Taft terminal station.
- Walk through the connecting foot bridge towards LRT1-EDSA station.
- Take the LRT1 to Central terminal station.
- Follow the LRT1 along A. Villegas until you get to Natividad Almeda-Lopez (2 blocks). Landmarks are SM City Manila, Manila City Hall, and Philippine Veterans Affairs Office.
- Turn right at Natividad Almeda-Lopez, and walk past Manila City Hall towards Padre Burgos (1 block).
- Cross Padre Burgos towards Intramuros.
From Manila:
Route 1: Jeep
- From Quiapo, ride a jeep to Pier.
- Get off at Intramuros. Landmark is Palacio del Gobernador.
Route 2: Jeep
- From Rizal Ave. or Divisoria, ride a jeep to Baclaran/Mabini or Lawton/SM City Hall.
- Get off at Intramuros. Landmarks are Manila City Hall, National Museum, and Philippine Normal University.
Route 3: Jeep
- From Quiapo, ride a jeep to Lawton/SM City Hall, and get off at Manila City Hall.
- Cross the street using the underpass, away from Manila City Hall towards Intramuros.
Route 4: Jeep
- From UST-Dapitan/Blumentritt, ride a jeep to Lawton/SM City Hall, and get off at Manila City Hall.
- Cross the street using the underpass, away from Manila City Hall towards Intramuros.
ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN MANILA
Klook.comFrom Muntinlupa:
- From Manuela Metropolis Alabang (Metropolis Mall), ride a bus to Lawton/SM City Hall, and get off at Manila City Hall.
- Cross the street using the underpass, away from Manila City Hall towards Intramuros.
From Paranaque/Pasay:
Route 1: LRT1
- Take the LRT1 to Central terminal station.
- Follow the LRT1 along A. Villegas until you get to Natividad Almeda-Lopez (2 blocks). Landmarks are SM City Manila, Manila City Hall, and Philippine Veterans Affairs Office.
- Turn right at Natividad Almeda-Lopez, and walk past Manila City Hall towards Padre Burgos (1 block).
- Cross Padre Burgos towards Intramuros.
Route 2: Jeep
- From Taft Ave., ride a jeep to Lawton/SM City Hall, and get off at Manila City Hall.
- Cross the street using the underpass, away from Manila City Hall towards Intramuros.
From Quezon City:
Route 1: Jeep
- From Cubao, ride a jeep to Lawton/SM City Hall, and get off at Manila City Hall.
- Cross the street using the underpass, away from Manila City Hall towards Intramuros.
Route 2: Jeep
- From Philcoa, Cubao, Aurora Blvd., or Quezon Ave., ride a jeep to Quiapo, and get off at Quiapo.
- Ride a jeep to Pier, and get off at Intramuros. Landmark is Palacio del Gobernador.
Route 3: Jeep
- From Philcoa, Cubao, Aurora Blvd., or Quezon Ave., ride a jeep to Quiapo, and get off at Quiapo.
- Ride a jeep to Lawton/SM City Hall, and get off at Manila City Hall.
- Cross the street using the underpass, away from Manila City Hall towards Intramuros.
Route 4: LRT2-Jeep
- Take the LRT2 to Recto terminal station.
- Walk through the connecting foot bridge towards LRT1 Doroteo Jose station.
- Ride a jeep to Baclaran/Mabini, and get off at Intramuros. Landmarks are Manila City Hall, National Museum, and Philippine Normal University.
From Taguig:
- From Net2, Market! Market!, or the Fort Open Field, ride the Fort bus/shuttle to Ayala, and get off at MRT-Ayala station.
- Take the MRT to Taft terminal station.
- Walk through the connecting foot bridge towards LRT1-EDSA station.
- Take the LRT1 to Central terminal station.
- Follow the LRT1 along A. Villegas until you get to Natividad Almeda-Lopez (2 blocks). Landmarks are SM City Manila, Manila City Hall, and Philippine Veterans Affairs Office.
- Turn right at Natividad Almeda-Lopez, and walk past Manila City Hall towards Padre Burgos (1 block).
- Cross Padre Burgos towards Intramuros.
ACTIVITIES AND TOURS IN MANILA
Getting around Intramuros
Despite its relatively small land area (approximately 67 hectares), it can still get tiring to explore the entirety of Intramuros in one day on foot.
While you can definitely walk to sights that are at least 10 to 15 minutes away from each other, such is still quite a feat if you’re planning to explore different locations in a day, especially under the sweltering heat.
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| Intramuros Map Guide |
Pedicabs
Pedicabs are almost similar to tricycles, but think bicycle instead of a motorcycle. They are comparable to rickshaws, with a side compartment attached on one side of the bike. And, like tricycles, pedicabs are often used to pass through inner, narrower roads.
In Intramuros, pedicab terminals are everywhere. If there’s a line, line up and wait for your turn to be serviced. You can also hail and ride if you happen to spot one while strolling, as long as there’s no passenger in it, of course.
Kalesa
Horse-drawn carriages or kalesa/karwahe were prominent in the 18th century. Understandably, today, it isn’t the most efficient land transportation anymore; and so, these remnants of the past are now mainly used for tourism purposes only.
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| Kalesa spotted along Muralla St. |
Riding a kalesa is perfect for a leisurely, old-fashioned trip around Intramuros. Similar to pedicab drivers, the kalesa’s coachman can also guide you to the sights you want to visit when you book a kalesa tour in Intramuros. Kalesas can accommodate 1–3 passengers.
E-trike
If the kalesa ride lets you experience the golden years of the humble carriage, then a ride in the modern e-trike should snap you right back into the present time. The three-wheeled electric vehicles (EV) were launched in 2016 and stop at 13 spots with the trip spanning around in 25 minutes.
The stops are as follows: Round Table, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, San Diego Gardens, the office of the Department of Labor and Employment, San Agustin Church, Manila Cathedral, Plaza Roma, Lyceum of the Philippines University, Mapua University, Manila High School, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, National Press Club, and the office of Bureau of Immigration.
Bambike
While it does sound like fun to roam around Intramuros on a bike—one made of bamboo, to boot—the only way to do so is to join an Intramuros tour. Bambike Ecotours offers this one-of-a-kind bamboo bike tour in Intramuros that is both exciting and educational.
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| Bambike (bike rental) |
Bambike is a socio-ecological enterprise, with the bicycles being made by the “Bambuilders” of Gawad Kalinga, a community development organization for the poor.
On foot
Lastly, if you’re up for the challenge, grab an Intramuros map and do a walking tour from one attraction to another. Aside from the unpredictable weather, you also need to mind the cars passing by, as some streets almost have no pavements for pedestrians to walk on. This means that you have to share the road with automobiles.
For those who are looking for a professional and private tour guide, visit - List of Intramuros Tour Guides in Manila (Accredited by DOT)
Where to Stay in Intramuros
Here's a list of hotels and accommodation inside and nearby Intramuros:
- Octagon Mansion Hotel - Check Rates and Availability!
- Bayview Park Hotel - Check Rates and Availability!
- Go Hotels Ermita - Check Rates and Availability!
- City Garden Suites Hotel - Check Rates and Availability!
- Pearl Manila Hotel - Check Rates and Availability!
- Sunny Bay Suites - Check Rates and Availability!
MANILA TOUR
Some other attractions to see and things to do near Intramuros:
- Visit Arroceros Forest Park
- Food crawl in Binondo
- Visit the Dolomite Beach in Manila Bay
- Have fun at Star City
- Have a relaxing staycation at SMDC Breeze Residences
- Go shopping in Divisoria
IMPORTANT NOTE: The rates, contact details and other information indicated in this post are accurate from the time of writing but may change without IMFWJ's notice. Should you know the updated information, please let us know by leaving a message in the comment box below. how to go to intramuros via lrt 1 how to go to intramuros from central station how to go to intramuros from fairview how to go to intramuros via jeepney how to get to intramuros from cubao how to go to intramuros from commonwealth how to get to intramuros from taft avenue how to go to intramuros from megamall Intramuros map Feedback where to go in intramuros at night how to go to intramuros what to do in intramuros intramuros tour package intramuros tourist spot intramuros travelogue fort santiago parking mapua.intramuros parking where to park in manila manila cathedral parking where to eat in intramuros recoletos parking intramuros where to park in binondo
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