Cheap flights from Manila Ninoy Aquino to Mactan-Cebu International

Manila Ninoy Aquino to Mactan Cebu International

If you’re planning a vacation in the Philippines, you’re in for a remarkable experience in one of the most beautiful and unspoiled regions of the world. You do need to plan adequately to make sure that your trip runs smoothly, however. Here’s information to keep in mind for when you need to travel from Manila, the capital, to the vibrant and beautiful island of Mactan, home to the city of Metro Cebu.

Flying out of Manila

Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International, or NAIA, is a large airport with multiple terminals, numbered T1 through T4. Located 7 km south of downtown Manila and close to the town of Makati, the airport is considered the official air transport hub serving Manila. In reality, however, there is Clark International Airport not far away, as well, that is used by the low-cost airlines.

Flying domestic at NAIA can be a very different experience from flying international. Depending on the airline and destination, you need to use T4, the oldest of the terminals (buses and stairs, not jet bridges), terminal three, the newest and most modern of the terminals, terminal two if you’re flying Philippine Airlines terminal one is only used for foreign airlines flying international routes.

Getting to the airport isn’t hard, because it is close to the city, and is served by forms of transportation. There are bus routes, jeepney services (a jitney cab run on a jeep), a shuttle bus, and an efficient rail service -- the Baclaran station of the Manila LRT Line 1 serves the airport. Taking a regular taxi or driving to the airport is always an option as well.

Whatever method transportation you take, you need to make sure that you know which terminal your flight uses. These terminals are spread out, and if you get to the wrong one, correcting your mistake can be time-consuming. You need to make sure that you arrive well in time, as well. Unless you’re using the modern and efficient T3, making your way through any of these airport terminals is bound to be hard. They have security checks at multiple points, and each one takes time.

Arriving at Mactan Cebu International

Located on Mactan Island and serving the city of Metropolitan Cebu, this airport, which serves both as civilian terminal and Air Force base, is the second busiest in the Philippines.

As busy as this airport is, it’s an old, single terminal building. Nevertheless, there are great dining options here, including an outlet of the city’s well-loved Jollibeel restaurant. Since these food options tend to be expensive, you may choose one of the many vending machines, as well. The airport is open 24 hours a day, and you might try spending the night on one of the many benches, but it’s important to remember that security can be very tight, and if you hope to be able to camp out at the airport on the night that you arrive, you may or may not be able to actually carry through with your plan. You do need a backup, then -- a hotel reservation would be very good idea. Skyscanner’s tool can be a great way to find deals.

It’s important to remember that this airport is somewhat old-fashioned, and you won’t find many places to plug in your electronic devices. If you need to pay a baggage fee, an airport tax for departures or anything else, you will not be able to use your credit card. There is no air-conditioning, so you will need to prepare to be a bit uncomfortable.

Getting from the airport to the city, the taxi is your best bet, even if it you’ll need to struggle to find one from the very crowded sidewalk outside the airport. With a little time, and patience, however, the on your way.

Having fun around Metro Cebu

Cebu, of course, is a wonderful tropical paradise, you’ll see a great deal of evidence of it once you leave the airport. Whatever form of natural beauty you may wish to treat yourself to -- waterfalls, islands, wildlife areas – you have your pick. There is so much beauty here, it can be staggering.