Complete Guide To MRT-3 Stations From North To South In Metro Manila

Complete Guide To MRT-3 Stations From North To South In Metro Manila. Metro Manila busy urban landscape can be challenging to navigate, especially when congested streets and congested thoroughfares are present. There is, however, the Manila Metro Rail Transit System (MRT-3), which provides a 13-station lifeline for a 16.9-kilometer journey in a quicker and more convenient manner. Knowing the MRT stations from North to South enhances the convenience of your commute, allowing you to position yourself near your destination as you approach it, minimizing the risk of missing your stop.

It is important to note that Metro Manila’s 300,000 daily commuters are benefiting from MRT-3 trains because they provide a convenient, efficient, and cost-effective alternative to crowded buses and taxis, especially along EDSA. With other MRT lines still in construction, MRT Line 3 currently stands as the only operational route, capable of accommodating 23,000 passengers per hour per direction, with trains running at a speed of 65 kilometers per hour. From Taft Avenue to North Avenue, the MRT-3 usually takes around 30 minutes to complete the full journey from Taft Avenue to North Avenue.

What is MRT-3?

MRT-3, also known as the Blue Line, stands out with several key differences from LRT-1 and LRT-2. Here’s how it compares:

• MRT-3 primarily operates along EDSA, a major thoroughfare, catering to the heavily populated east-west corridor.
• The train system can accommodate a high volume of passengers, transporting up to 23,000 passengers per hour in each direction, with the potential to expand to 48,000 passengers per hour.
• Unlike LRT-2, which serves the route from Recto to Antipolo, MRT-3 provides a more extensive metro rail service along EDSA.
• The distance between MRT-3 stations is typically 1,300 meters, though it ranges from 730 meters to 2,210 meters in some areas.
• MRT-3 offers integration with other modes of transport, such as buses and jeepneys.
• It also features advanced infrastructure, including:
  • Articulated, air-conditioned rail cars
  • Automated fare collection systems
  • Safety enhancements like closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance

List of MRT-3 Stations from North to South

In the metro Manila area, traveling along the streets can be quite challenging, thanks to the sheer number of vehicles on the road that result in extreme congestion and gridlock on the roads. With the advent of the MRT-3 trains, commuters now have a more convenient and faster means of transportation. This guide provides information on the MRT-3 stations, guiding you from the northern terminus to the southern endpoint, in order to assist you in navigating the city without having to navigate through traffic.

North Avenue Station

North Avenue Station, which is located at the northern terminus of the MRT-3 line, serves as a gateway to Metro Manila’s key districts. It is located in Quezon City and connects commuters from Valenzuela and Bulacan with the metro’s transportation network. Additionally, it provides convenient access to the following popular destinations in the north:

• Department of Agriculture (DA)
• Quezon City Science High School
• Quezon Memorial Circle
• Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife
• SM City North EDSA
• TriNoma
• Veterans Memorial Medical Center
• Vertis North

Quezon Avenue Station

The station is located near Quezon Avenue, a busy thoroughfare frequently used by students and professionals alike. Commuters traveling to and from these prominent institutions can take advantage of the Quezon Avenue Station as a convenient transportation hub:

• ABS-CBN Network
• Court of Tax Appeals
• Eton Centris
• Fairview
• Lung Center of the Philippines
• Office of the Ombudsman
• PAGASA Complex
• Philippine Science High School
• UP-Ayala Land Technohub
• University of the Philippines-Diliman

Kamuning Station

The station is located close to Barangay Kamuning and offers easy access to Timog Avenue and several government offices. Commuters have easy access to destinations such as:

• Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)
• GMA Network
• Land Transportation Office (LTO)
• Philippine Heart Center
• Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)
• Quezon Memorial Circle (QMC)

Araneta Center – Cubao Station

Araneta Center-Cubao Station, a bustling transfer station for commuters, connects passengers to the LRT-2 line and serves as a gateway for shopping and entertainment destinations in the area, making it a popular stop for locals as well as tourists. There are a number of nearby landmarks, including:

• Ali Mall
• Araneta Coliseum
• Cubao Expo
• Farmer’s Plaza
• Gateway Mall
• SM Cubao

Santolan – Annapolis Station

The Santolan-Annapolis Station is situated between Annapolis Street and Santolan Road and provides access to Katipunan and Eastwood City. There are several destinations that commuters can easily reach, including:

• Camp Aguinaldo
• Camp Crame
• Greenhills Shopping Center
• Philippine National Police (PNP) Headquarters
• Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)
• Department of National Defense (DND)

Ortigas Station

The station is strategically located at the heart of the Ortigas Business District and provides convenient access to daily commuters. Furthermore, it provides access to a number of important landmarks, including:

• Robinson’s Galleria
• SM Megamall
• Asian Development Bank (ADB)
• The Podium
• EDSA Shrine
• Asian Development Bank
• St. Francis Square
• Philippine Stock Exchange Commission (PSEC)
• MERALCO Theater
• The Medical City
• Holiday Inn
• Crowne Plaza

Shaw Boulevard Station

The Shaw Boulevard Station serves as a popular central terminal for students and professionals alike who are heading to the following destinations from the station:

• Capitol Commons
• Department of Education (DepEd)
• Greenfield District
• Lourdes School
• Ortigas Center
• Pavillion Mall
• PhilSports Arena
• Shangri-La Plaza
• St. Paul College Pasig
• Starmall Shaw
• San Miguel Corporation (SMC)
• University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P)
• Wack Wack Golf and Country Club
• Ynares Sports Arena

Boni Station

Boni Station is located in Mandaluyong, an area that is popular among students as well as residents of condominium buildings. Local residents benefit from the convenience of this hub as it serves as a transportation hub. In addition, the following landmarks are easily accessible from the hotel:

• Rizal Technological University (RTU)
• SM Light Residences
• Robinson’s Cybergate
• TV5 Media Center
• Victor R. Potenciano (VRP) Medical Center
• GA Twin Towers
• Paragon Plaza

Guadalupe Station

The Guadalupe Station provides commuters with convenient access to a variety of landmarks around the metropolis, including Makati’s eastern part, Fort Bonifacio and Mandaluyong. This makes Guadalupe Station a vital transportation hub for commuters traveling within the metropolis. The following attractions are located nearby:

• Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila
• Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary
• San Carlos Seminary
• University of Makati
• Makati City Hall
• Rockwell Center
• PowerPlant Mall

Buendia Station

Buendia Station is also known as Gil Puyat Station and is a popular stop for business travelers, commuters, and professionals traveling to:

• Makati Avenue
• Metrobank Headquarters
• DBP Headquarters
• Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Offices
• Jupiter Street
• Century City Mall
• Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
• Makati Central Business District (CBD)

Ayala Station

With a bustling workforce and a growing student population, Ayala Station is a popular destination among commuters and shoppers alike. The following are easily accessible from the building:

• SM Makati
• Glorietta
• Greenbelt
• Makati Shangri-La Hotel
• BPI Headquarters
• China Bank Headquarters
• RCBC Headquarters
• Citibank Headquarters
• Ayala Triangle Gardens
• The Philippine Stock Exchange
• Manila Peninsula
• Makati Central Business District (CBD)
• Bonifacio Global City (BGC)

Magallanes Station

Near the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), Magallanes Station provides easy access to many major points in the metro, including commuters who are traveling to the following destinations:

• Alphaland Makati
• Makati Central Business District (CBD)
• Dasmarinas Village
• Asia Pacific College
• Assumption College
• Don Bosco Technical Institute (DBTI)
• Colegio San Agustin-Makati (CSA)

Taft Avenue Station

The Taft Avenue Station is located in Pasay and serves as an important transfer point for commuters connecting to the LRT-1 line. Due to its convenient location, it is frequently used by tourists and shoppers, as it offers easy access to:

• Manila Tytana College
• World Trade Center
• San Juan de Dios Hospital
• Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA)
• SM Mall of Asia (MOA)
• SMX Convention Center
• Ninoy Aquino International Airport

MRT-3 Stations – Video guide

MRT-3 Stations Map

Types of Tickets

There are several types of tickets available for commuters on the MRT:

• Beep Card
• Stored Value Ticket
• Single Journey Discount Ticket
• Single Journey Ticket
• Stored Value Ticket Discount

Fees

The MRT-3 fares are calculated based on distance, ensuring that passengers only pay for the length of their journey. The system is designed to be fair and affordable for commuters on a daily basis.

Payments

Multiple payment methods are available for MRT-3 in order to make commuting convenient for everyone. There are several options available, including:

MRT Train Timetable

MRT trains operate according to the following schedules:

Additional Stations / Future Expansions

The MRT-3 system is continually evolving to provide better service to its passengers. Future expansions and additional stations are set to improve connectivity.

Proposed Stations: The expansion will focus on further north and south, with provisions for MRT-4, -5, -7, -8, -10, and -11. These planned expansions aim to meet the increasing transportation demands and improve Metro Manila’s connectivity.

• MRT-4 will connect Ortigas Center in Pasig to Taytay in Rizal, helping to reduce traffic congestion along Ortigas Avenue and offering commuters a reliable transit option in eastern Metro Manila.
• MRT-5, also known as the Makati Subway, is designed to serve key areas within Makati City, enhancing accessibility and reducing travel time within the busy business district.
• MRT-7 will link North Avenue in Quezon City to San Jose del Monte in Bulacan, significantly improving access for residents in northern Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
• MRT-8 is a proposed line connecting Cubao in Quezon City to San Mateo in Rizal, providing an alternative route for commuters between these areas and reducing dependence on road transport.
• MRT-9, or the Diliman-Quirino Line, is a line intended to connect the vibrant districts of Diliman in Quezon City to several strategic locations, including major educational institutions, business hubs, and densely populated residential areas, extending to the historic area of Quiapo in Manila. This expansion aims to reduce travel times, alleviate road traffic congestion, and provide a reliable transit option for commuters.
• MRT-10 is planned to connect Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City to Rodriguez (formerly Montalban) in Rizal, addressing transportation needs in growing suburban communities.
• MRT-11 is a proposed line intended to connect northern Metro Manila to Bulacan, further extending the MRT system’s reach and improving transit options for commuters in these regions.

These expansions are part of a comprehensive effort to enhance transportation efficiency, reduce road congestion, and provide sustainable travel solutions for Metro Manila’s residents. The future MRT lines are integral to modernizing the public transport system, ensuring it meets the demands of a rapidly growing population.

• Upgraded Facilities: Enhanced amenities and safety features
• Increased Capacity: Additional trains and improved infrastructure

Dos And Don’ts for MRT Commuters

Ensure a safe and smooth MRT journey by adhering to these rules and reminders:

• Familiarize yourself with the MRT stations.
• Wear comfortable clothing.
• Obtain a BeepTM Card.
• Avoid traveling during rush hours and busy stations.
• Follow safety instructions from the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
• Always keep an eye on your belongings.
• Be considerate to fellow passengers.
• Eating, drinking, and smoking are prohibited.
• Taking photos within the MRT premises is not allowed.
• Keep a safe distance from the platform edge.
• Do not bring sharp objects or hazardous materials.
• Allow inspectors to check your bags for safety purposes.
• Animals are not permitted in the station.
• Passengers under the influence of drugs or alcohol will not be allowed to board.
• MRT stations are under constant surveillance.
• You can only bring items with a maximum length and height of five feet.
• Except for drinking water, formula, bottled breast milk, medication, PWD beverages, cosmetics, and life-support liquids, no other liquids are allowed.

Features and Amenities at MRT-3 Stations

Each MRT-3 station is equipped with several features to ensure that the daily commuting experience is both comfortable and efficient. Some of these amenities include:

• Ticketing Machines: Automated ticket machines at every station allow commuters to conveniently purchase tickets or load their stored-value cards, minimizing long queues.
• Elevators and Escalators: Elevators and escalators are installed for easier access, especially for people with disabilities, elderly passengers, and those carrying heavy bags.
• Waiting Areas: Comfortable waiting areas are provided for passengers to rest while waiting for their trains, with seating arrangements available.
• Security Systems: CCTV surveillance and security personnel are present in all stations to ensure the safety and security of commuters.
• Restrooms: Clean and functional restrooms are available in major stations, contributing to a more comfortable travel experience.

Challenges Faced by MRT-3 Stations

While the MRT-3 has undoubtedly helped ease transportation in Metro Manila, there are also some challenges that need to be addressed. These include:

• Overcrowding: Due to the high volume of commuters, some stations experience overcrowding, especially during peak hours. This leads to discomfort for passengers and delays in boarding trains.
• Aging Infrastructure: The MRT-3 system has been in operation for several years, and many of the trains and stations are showing signs of wear and tear. Regular maintenance and upgrades are essential to ensure the system’s longevity.
• Service Interruptions: In the past, there have been occasional service interruptions due to technical issues or other concerns. These disruptions often cause frustration among passengers.

FAQs About MRT-3 Stations

What are the operating hours of the MRT-3?

Ans: MRT-3 operates daily, with the first train departing at 4:59 AM from North Avenue Station and the last train leaving at 9:10 PM. On weekends, the first train departs at 5:51 AM from Taft Avenue Station, and the last one leaves at 10:01 PM.

How do I purchase tickets for MRT-3?

Ans: Commuters can use automated ticket machines available at each station to purchase tickets. Stored value cards (Beep Cards) are also available for easy loading, reducing the need to purchase tickets for every trip.

Are the MRT-3 stations accessible for people with disabilities?

Ans: Yes, MRT-3 stations are equipped with elevators, escalators, and other facilities to accommodate persons with disabilities, elderly passengers, and individuals with mobility challenges.

Can I bring food or drinks into the MRT stations?

Ans: No, eating and drinking inside MRT stations are prohibited. Passengers are only allowed to bring water, formula, breast milk, and certain life-support liquids.

How do I avoid overcrowding at MRT-3 stations?

Ans: To avoid overcrowding, it is advisable to travel during off-peak hours. Avoid rush hours and plan your journey in advance to choose a less crowded station.

Conclusion

Navigating Metro Manila’s urban landscape can be a challenge, especially with the heavy traffic and congested streets. However, the MRT-3 stations offer an efficient, cost-effective, and fast alternative for daily commuters. With 13 well-placed stations along a 16.9-kilometer stretch, MRT-3 ensures that passengers can easily reach their destinations without being stuck in traffic.

Despite facing challenges such as overcrowding and aging infrastructure, MRT-3 continues to be a vital part of the city’s transportation system. As the system undergoes expansion and improvements, the future of MRT-3 stations looks even more promising, making it an essential component for a better-connected Metro Manila.