The traffic metropolis of Metro Manila is the heartbeat of the city and is intertwined with its Metro Rail Transit (MRT) system. As a first-time commuter, going into this place can be quite exciting and daunting especially since there are over three hundred thousand commuters who use this as their go-to transportation mode every day. The MRT stations can be considered the epicenter of the city serving people from all walks of life– students, professionals, families, and tourists.

Navigating the MRT stations requires a blend of mindfulness and adaptability. As you make your way through the station, you should quickly observe the flow of the crowd, because in MRT, securing your spot in a swiftly approaching train is a must, or else you’ll get stuck in the throng of people who are also hurrying to go into their own destinations.

Well, you can ride cars, buses, and other land-based vehicles, but MRT is highly recommendable in terms of safety and speed. Plus, you don’t have to deal with traffic jams as it has its own dedicated route and railway tracks. And it’s cheap, imagine going from Quezon City to Pasay City (a distance of 16 kilometers) and paying only more than twenty-five pesos.

Note that MRT in this article refers to the MRT Line 3 (MRT-3). The MRT3 train departs from North Avenue station and ends at Taft Ave station. Now, for your information, here is the list of all the 13 MRT stations so you will be able to get accustomed to the train system and use it properly and easily.

MRT Line-3 Schedule

MRT-3 provides service every day from Monday through Sunday.

North Avenue to Taft Avenue Station

• First train departure: 4:36 AM
• Last train departure: 9:30 PM

Taft Avenue to North Avenue Station

• First train departure: 5:18 AM
• Last train departure: 10:11 PM

MRT Line 3 Stations (Northbound Direction)

1. North Avenue- Starting station located in Quezon City.

• Location: EDSA, Bagong Pag-asa, Quezon City.

In Diliman, Quezon City, the first train leaves from the North Avenue station. This station is one of the busiest stations during rush hour. It is close to the SM City North EDSA mall, and, is connected to the Ayala TriNoma shopping center. Visitors and transients from the north, including Caloocan City and Bulacan, are drawn to the station.

2. Quezon Avenue- Follows North Avenue station.

• Location: EDSA, Pinyahan and South Triangle, Quezon City.

The Centris Station and Centris Walk malls at Eton Centris are connected to the Quezon Avenue MRT station, which is a short distance from the ABS-CBN Broadcasting Center. For students from UP Diliman and the Philippine Science High School, the station serves as a key transportation center.

3. GMA-Kamuning- Follows Quezon Avenue station.

• Location: EDSA, Pinyahan, Quezon City.

If ABS-CBN, has Quezon Avenue, GMA has the Kamuning station. The Kamuning MRT station is your entryway to Timog Avenue, the center of Quezon City’s entertainment district, which is only a short stroll from the GMA Network Center. The nearby barangay of Kamuning is the source of the station’s name.

4. Araneta Center- Cubao- Follows GMA-Kamuning station.

• Location: EDSA, Socorro, Quezon City.

Getting to the Araneta Center- Cubao MRT station by train is typically required to get to the Araneta Coliseum. This station is a favorite transit stop for commuters traveling east or west on the LRT-2 line.

5. Santolan-Annapolis- Follows Cubao station.

• Location: EDSA, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

The intersection of Santolan Road and Annapolis Street, where this station is located, gave the station its name. Most people who travel to Camp Crame and Camp Aguinaldo, the headquarters of the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, respectively, get off at this station.

6. Ortigas Avenue- Follows Santolan-Annapolis station.

• Location: EDSA, Wack-Wack Greenhills, Mandaluyong City.

You depart from the Ortigas MRT station and proceed to the Ortigas Central Business District, which is home to the SM Megamall and Robinsons Galleria. The Wack Wack Golf and Country Club is also nearby.

7. Shaw Boulevard- Follows Ortigas Avenue station.

• Location: EDSA, Highway Hills and Wack-Wack Greenhills, Mandaluyong City.

Shaw Boulevard, an elevated station in the Mandaluyong section of Ortigas, is regarded as the MRT-3 line’s central terminal. The station serves the Ortigas Central and Greenfield business districts and is connected to the Shangri-La Plaza and Starmall EDSA- Shaw retail malls.

8. Boni Avenue- Follows Shaw Boulevard station.

• Location: EDSA, Barangka Ilaya and Malamig, Mandaluyong City.

The nearby Boni Avenue, which bears the name of the former mayor of Mandaluyong Bonifacio Javier, gave birth to the name of the Boni MRT station. Large condominium complexes including the GA Twin Towers, Pioneer Woodlands, and Robinsons Cybergate are all adjacent to the station.

9. Guadalupe- Follows Boni Avenue station.

• Location: EDSA, Guadalupe Nuevo, Makati City.

If you want to take the Pasig River Ferry, the Guadalupe MRT station, which is also connected to the Guadalupe Commercial Complex, will take you to the ferry terminal. The Power Plant Mall, Makati City Hall, and the University of Makati are all within walking distance of this station.

10. Buendia- Follows Guadalupe station.

• Location: EDSA, Forbes Park, and Urdaneta, Makati City.

The Buendia station serves the Makati Central Business District and is one of two underground stations on the MRT-3 line (the only one with an island platform). Passengers can exit at this port and travel to the EDSA Carousel’s Buendia bus stop. One of the wealthiest localities in this country, Forbes Park, is where the station is situated.

11. Ayala- Follows Buendia station.

• Location: EDSA, San Lorenzo and Dasmariñas, Makati City.

The Ayala MRT station, which is also underground like Buendia, has direct access to SM Makati as well as the Glorietta and Greenbelt malls of Ayala Center. Due to its convenient location in the Makati Central Business District and close to Bonifacio Global City, it is one of the busiest stations on the MRT-3 line. Because of the presence of a commercial mall inside, the station is distinctive.

12. Magallanes- Follows Ayala station.

• Location: EDSA, Makati City.

Magallanes is typically the first MRT station that commuters from the south can access because of its close proximity to the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX). The Southgate and San Lorenzo Place malls are connected to the Magallanes MRT station, and you can walk to the EDSA train station to board a PNR train.

13. Taft Avenue – Follows Magallanes station and serves as the terminus station.

• Location: EDSA, San Roque, Pasay City.

Taft Avenue is Pasay City’s sole MRT station and is located on the MRT-3 line’s last station (or first, depending on where you came from). The station serves as a transit hub for commuters traveling to Manila and Caloocan City because it is close to the LRT-1 EDSA station. Additionally, the Victory, Partas, and Five Star line bus terminals are nearby.

How To Ride The MRT Train?

MRT rider for the first time? Of course, you need to familiarize yourself with the complete commute process in addition to remembering the order of the MRT stations. Here is an MRT guide that you may follow:

The MRT Station Ticket Booth: How to Purchase a Ticket?

Step 1: Purchase a ticket at the MRT station. Depending on your destination, a train ride can cost you anywhere between 13 and 28 pesos. There are two tickets available for selection:

• Single-journey ticket (SJT): This ticket is good for just one ride. This is only good for the day it was purchased. Tell the ticket seller where you are going before you purchase one.
• Stored-value card (SVC): Also known as the “beep card” the SVC is a reloadable card that you can use to pay for several MRT rides online. You can bypass the line at the ticket desk and go directly to the automatic gate as long as this card is loaded. The price of a stored-value card is P100 (P100 for the initial load balance plus P30 for the card’s issuing fee). The load amount is between P20 to P10,000.

Step 2: Using your ticket, tap the automatic gate.

Step 3: Board the train.

Step 4: Get off at the station where you’re going. Put an SJT into the gate’s intake if you’re using one. To leave if you’re using an SVC, tap the gate.

The MRT Ticket Vending Machine (TVM): How to Purchase a Ticket?

Step 1: Pick the ticket you want to purchase from the TVM’s screen.

Step 2: Choose your destination and insert your cash or coins if you wish to purchase an SJT. Simply insert your cash or coins to purchase an SVC. Please be aware that the TVM does not issue changes to SVCs.

Step 3: Get the ticket by pressing the Receipt button.

Step 4: Using your ticket, tap the automatic gate.

Step 5: Board the train.

Step 6: Get off at the station where you’re going. Put an SJT into the gate’s intake if you’re using one. To leave if you’re using an SVC, tap the gate.

Safety Tips When Riding The MRT Train For The First Time

When riding the MRT train for the first time, it’s important to prioritize your safety. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

Tip 1: Be Aware of Surroundings.

• Stay vigilant and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Be cautious of your belongings and avoid displaying expensive items like jewelry, gadgets, or cash.

Tip 2: Secure Your Belongings.

• Keep your bags, wallets, and other personal items close to your body, preferably in front of you. Use zippers or buttons to secure your bags and avoid leaving them unattended.

Tip 3: Avoid Rush Hours.

• If possible, avoid riding during the rush hours when trains are most crowded. Crowded trains can make it easier for pickpockets to operate.

Tip 4: Stay in Groups.

• If you’re traveling with friends or family, stick together. Traveling in a group can deter potential thieves.

Tip 5: Be Cautious with Phones.

• While using your phone, be mindful of your surroundings. Keep a firm grip on your device and avoid using it near open train doors.

Tip 6: Hold On Securely.

• The MRT can experience sudden stops and starts. Hold onto handrails or grab bars to maintain your balance while standing.

Tip 7: Mind the Gap.

• Pay attention to the gap between the train and the platform when boarding and exiting the train. Step carefully to avoid tripping.

Tip 8: Stay Calm in Crowds.

• If you’re caught in a crowd, stay calm and composed. Use your body to protect your belongings, and try to exit at the next station if possible.

As a first-time commuter on the MRT, your experience might have been a mix of excitement, curiosity, and perhaps a touch of nervousness. Of course, there were moments of slight discomfort due to the crowds during peak hours, but the speed at which trains arrive and depart, coupled with the ease of purchasing tickets or using contactless payment methods, made the entire process smooth and hassle-free. We hope that this article was able to help you a little with your newfound experience with urban transportation!