If you’ve ever spent what feels like forever sitting in traffic along EDSA, the appeal of the EDSA Carousel is pretty easy to understand.
Instead of moving together with private cars through some of Metro Manila’s worst traffic, EDSA Carousel buses use a largely dedicated busway along the center lanes of EDSA. The route connects PITX in Parañaquee with Monumento in Caloocan, passing major transportation and business areas including Mall of Asia, Taft Avenue, Makati, Ortigas, Cubao, Quezon Avenue, North EDSA, and Balintawak.
For thousands of commuters, it’s basically the bus alternative to MRT-3—and in some cases, it’s actually more convenient.
You can ride directly between PITX and many parts of Metro Manila, use the Carousel after MRT-3 has stopped operating, connect to LRT-1 at several locations, or travel to areas that aren’t served directly by a train station.
The system also continues to improve. The government reported that the EDSA Busway handled 66.7 million passengers in 2025, while new and upgraded stations have continued opening in 2026.
In March 2026, the new Kamuning Station and footbridge opened with elevators, wheelchair lifts, and a covered walkway. Then in April, the upgraded Ortigas/SM Megamall access opened, providing a direct covered connection between the busway and SM Megamall.
So if you’re commuting in Metro Manila, it’s worth knowing how this system works.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to the EDSA Carousel in 2026, including the complete route, northbound and southbound stops, fares, operating hours, train connections, payment options, and practical tips for first-time passengers.
Updated: August 2026. EDSA Busway stations, fares, bus availability, and access arrangements can change because of construction and transport-policy updates. Check current DOTr, LTFRB, MMDA, and PITX advisories before an important trip.
Content
What Is the EDSA Carousel?
The EDSA Carousel, also known as the EDSA Busway, is a bus rapid-transit-style system running primarily along dedicated lanes on EDSA.
It was launched in 2020 and is jointly overseen by government transportation agencies including the Department of Transportation and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.
Unlike ordinary city buses that frequently move in the same lanes as private vehicles, Carousel buses use the innermost lanes along much of EDSA.
Most of the stations are therefore located in the center or median of the road.
That setup helps buses avoid a large portion of the traffic in the regular lanes.
The complete route stretches between:
PITX, Parañaque
and
Monumento, Caloocan
with stops serving major areas across Metro Manila.
EDSA Carousel Route 2026
The simplest way to understand the route is:
Northbound
PITX → Monumento
Southbound
Monumento → PITX
Along the way, buses pass through or near:
Parañaque → Pasay → Makati → Mandaluyong/Ortigas → Quezon City → Caloocan
The northbound and southbound routes aren’t perfectly identical because a few stops and access points differ depending on direction.
As of the current 2026 route guide, there are:
23 northbound stops
and
24 southbound stops.
EDSA Carousel Northbound Stops
If you’re heading toward Monumento, you’re traveling northbound.
The current northbound route is:
| # | EDSA Carousel Stop | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | PITX | Parañaque |
| 2 | City of Dreams | Parañaque |
| 3 | DFA Aseana | Parañaque |
| 4 | SM Mall of Asia | Pasay |
| 5 | Roxas Boulevard | Pasay |
| 6 | Taft Avenue | Pasay |
| 7 | Ayala | Makati |
| 8 | Buendia | Makati |
| 9 | Guadalupe | Makati |
| 10 | Ortigas | Mandaluyong |
| 11 | Santolan | Quezon City |
| 12 | Main Avenue | Quezon City |
| 13 | Nepa Q-Mart / Mega Q-Mart | Quezon City |
| 14 | Kamuning | Quezon City |
| 15 | Quezon Avenue | Quezon City |
| 16 | Philam QC | Quezon City |
| 17 | North Avenue | Quezon City |
| 18 | SM North EDSA | Quezon City |
| 19 | Fernando Poe Jr. / Roosevelt | Quezon City |
| 20 | Kaingin Road | Quezon City |
| 21 | Balintawak | Quezon City |
| 22 | Bagong Barrio | Caloocan |
| 23 | Monumento | Caloocan |
This current sequence is reflected in the updated 2026 EDSA Carousel route guide.
EDSA Carousel Southbound Stops
If you’re heading toward PITX, you’re traveling southbound.
The current route is:
| # | EDSA Carousel Stop | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Monumento | Caloocan |
| 2 | Bagong Barrio | Caloocan |
| 3 | Balintawak | Quezon City |
| 4 | Kaingin Road | Quezon City |
| 5 | Fernando Poe Jr. / Roosevelt | Quezon City |
| 6 | SM North EDSA | Quezon City |
| 7 | North Avenue | Quezon City |
| 8 | Philam QC | Quezon City |
| 9 | Quezon Avenue | Quezon City |
| 10 | Kamuning | Quezon City |
| 11 | Nepa Q-Mart / Mega Q-Mart | Quezon City |
| 12 | Main Avenue | Quezon City |
| 13 | Santolan | Quezon City |
| 14 | Ortigas | Mandaluyong |
| 15 | Guadalupe | Makati |
| 16 | Buendia | Makati |
| 17 | One Ayala | Makati |
| 18 | Tramo | Pasay |
| 19 | Taft Avenue | Pasay |
| 20 | Roxas Boulevard | Pasay |
| 21 | SM Mall of Asia | Pasay |
| 22 | DFA / Aseana area | Parañaque |
| 23 | Ayala Malls Manila Bay area | Parañaque |
| 24 | PITX | Parañaque |
The additional southbound stop is one reason you shouldn’t assume the route is exactly identical in both directions.
Important EDSA Carousel Stops Explained
Let’s look at the most useful stops in a little more detail.
PITX
PITX is the southern terminal of the EDSA Carousel.
If you’re coming from Cavite or another province through the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange, the Carousel is one of the easiest ways to continue north into Metro Manila.
PITX currently assigns Gate 10 on the ground floor to the EDSA Busway.
This means you can arrive on a provincial bus and transfer to the Carousel for destinations such as:
- MOA
- Taft
- Makati
- Ortigas
- Cubao area
- Quezon Avenue
- North EDSA
- Monumento
PITX is also directly connected to LRT-1 PITX Station, so you now have both train and bus options from the terminal.
City of Dreams
The northbound route includes a stop around City of Dreams Manila.
This is convenient for passengers heading toward the Entertainment City and Aseana area.
It’s a curbside stop rather than one of the center-island EDSA stations.
DFA Aseana
The DFA Aseana stop is useful if you’re going to the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Aseana offices or nearby establishments.
If you have a passport appointment at DFA Aseana, this can be one of your public-transport options depending on where you’re coming from.
The stop is also along the curbside portion of the route rather than in the center of EDSA.
SM Mall of Asia
Yes, the EDSA Carousel serves SM Mall of Asia.
This is especially useful because MOA doesn’t currently have a direct MRT or LRT station.
Both northbound and southbound Carousel services now include MOA in the updated route, although boarding locations can differ depending on direction.
From MOA, you can ride north toward:
- Taft
- Makati
- Ortigas
- Quezon City
- Monumento
or south toward:
- Aseana
- PITX
depending on your boarding point.
Roxas Boulevard
Roxas Boulevard is the first major median busway station after the MOA/Aseana section when traveling north.
It’s useful for passengers connecting toward different parts of Pasay and the Roxas Boulevard corridor.
Because this is a median station, expect to use a pedestrian-access structure to reach the platform.
Taft Avenue
Taft Avenue is one of the most useful EDSA Carousel stations.
Why?
Because you can connect to two train lines nearby:
MRT-3 Taft Avenue Station
and
LRT-1 EDSA Station.
The current route guide identifies both train connections at the Carousel’s Taft Avenue stop.
This makes Taft a major transportation interchange.
From Taft you can transfer to MRT-3 for:
- Magallanes
- Ayala
- Buendia
- Guadalupe
- Ortigas
- Cubao
- Quezon Avenue
- North Avenue
Or transfer to LRT-1 for:
- Gil Puyat
- Vito Cruz
- Pedro Gil
- UN Avenue
- Central Terminal
- Carriedo
- Doroteo Jose
- Monumento
and south toward:
- Baclaran
- PITX
- Dr. Santos
If you’re figuring out Metro Manila commuting, Taft is one of the interchange points worth remembering.
Ayala / One Ayala
Makati’s EDSA Carousel setup differs by direction.
Northbound
Passengers use the Ayala stop.
Southbound
Passengers use One Ayala, the large transportation hub beside Ayala MRT Station.
The updated route guide lists One Ayala as the southbound terminal-style stop and MRT-3 Ayala as the nearest train connection.
This is one of the most convenient Carousel stops because One Ayala also connects passengers with numerous:
- city buses
- P2P buses
- UV Express services
- jeepneys
- other commuter routes
If you’re going to Makati CBD, this is likely one of the most useful stops on the route.
Buendia
Don’t confuse the EDSA Carousel Buendia stop with LRT-1 Gil Puyat/Buendia on Taft Avenue.
They’re in different locations.
The Carousel Buendia stop is along EDSA and connects conveniently with MRT-3 Buendia Station.
From here, you can continue toward different areas of Makati using jeepneys, taxis, buses, or ride-hailing services.
Guadalupe
The Guadalupe Carousel station sits beside the same EDSA corridor served by MRT-3 Guadalupe.
It’s an important transfer area for people heading toward different parts of:
- Makati
- Taguig
- BGC
- Pateros
depending on the onward route.
If your final destination isn’t immediately along EDSA, Guadalupe has numerous local transport connections.
Ortigas / SM Megamall
Ortigas received a significant accessibility upgrade in 2026.
The SM Megamall EDSA Busway access opened on April 1, 2026, creating an elevated covered walkway connecting the busway platform with SM Megamall Building A. The project includes escalators, an elevator, and sloped access designed to make the station easier to use.
The Carousel stop itself serves:
Northbound → Monumento
and
Southbound → PITX.
This is particularly useful if your destination is:
- SM Megamall
- Ortigas Center
- Robinsons Galleria
- nearby corporate offices
- parts of Mandaluyong and Pasig
Before the improved walkway opened, commuters often had to rely on the MRT-3 pedestrian infrastructure to reach the Carousel platform. The new connection is designed to reduce that inconvenience.
Santolan
The Santolan Carousel stop connects closely with MRT-3 Santolan-Annapolis Station.
This is one of the useful stops for reaching the Greenhills area and nearby portions of Quezon City and San Juan through onward transportation.
Don’t confuse this with the old LRT-2 Santolan terminal area farther east.
Main Avenue
Main Avenue serves the Cubao area.
It’s commonly useful if you’re going toward parts of:
- Araneta City
- Cubao commercial district
- bus terminals
- shopping malls
- nearby hotels
The stop isn’t directly integrated into MRT-3 Araneta-Cubao in the same way Taft and some other stations connect, so some walking may be required.
The government has also planned a new or upgraded Cubao EDSA Busway station as part of additional 2026 improvements, together with projects at Magallanes and PITX.
Nepa Q-Mart / Mega Q-Mart
The Nepa Q-Mart stop is another Quezon City median station.
It’s situated between Main Avenue and Kamuning.
This can be useful for neighborhoods and commercial areas between Cubao and Kamuning.
Kamuning
Kamuning is one of the most noticeably improved stations in 2026.
The new Kamuning footbridge and station concourse opened in March 2026, replacing the infamous old steep pedestrian bridge often nicknamed “Mt. Kamuning.”
The new facility includes:
- lower stairs
- elevators
- wheelchair lifts
- covered pedestrian access
to make the station more accessible.
It also connects conveniently with MRT-3 GMA-Kamuning Station.
Quezon Avenue
Quezon Avenue is another major transfer stop.
The station connects with MRT-3 Quezon Avenue and serves many commuters heading toward areas including:
- Quezon Avenue
- West Avenue
- Timog area
- government offices
- surrounding Quezon City neighborhoods
The 2026 route guide also lists free public Wi-Fi at this station.
Philam QC
Philam QC is one of the newer stops added to improve accessibility between Quezon Avenue and North Avenue.
It’s a median station serving surrounding neighborhoods and offices.
Unlike North Avenue, it doesn’t have a direct train interchange.
North Avenue
North Avenue is another major rail connection.
The Carousel stop is near MRT-3 North Avenue, the current northern terminus of MRT-3.
This makes it convenient for transfers between buses and trains.
Nearby destinations include:
- Trinoma
- SM North EDSA
- North Avenue
- various Quezon City government and commercial areas
SM North EDSA
An improved EDSA Busway concourse serving SM North EDSA opened in 2025 and remains part of the route in 2026.
The stop is separate from the North Avenue Carousel stop.
That’s worth remembering.
If your destination is specifically SM North EDSA, check which stop provides the easiest access rather than automatically getting off at North Avenue.
Fernando Poe Jr. / Roosevelt
This stop is particularly useful because of its connection with LRT-1 Fernando Poe Jr. Station, formerly called Roosevelt Station.
From here, you can transfer to LRT-1 and continue south through:
- Monumento
- Manila
- Pasay
- PITX
- Dr. Santos
depending on your destination.
Kaingin Road
Kaingin is another Quezon City median station between Fernando Poe Jr. and Balintawak.
It’s mainly useful for nearby communities rather than as a major train interchange.
Balintawak
Balintawak connects conveniently with LRT-1 Balintawak Station.
The area also serves as an important road connection around:
- NLEX
- A. Bonifacio Avenue
- northern Quezon City
- nearby Caloocan communities
Bagong Barrio
Bagong Barrio is the second-to-last stop before Monumento when traveling north.
It’s a median station serving the Caloocan area.
Monumento
Monumento is the northern terminus of the EDSA Carousel.
It also connects with LRT-1 Monumento Station.
From Monumento, other road transportation can take you deeper into:
- Caloocan
- Malabon
- Navotas
- Valenzuela
- other northern Metro Manila areas
If you’re riding the Carousel from PITX all the way north, this is the end of the route.
EDSA Carousel Fare 2026
The EDSA Carousel is not free under normal operations.
The latest published DOTr standard fare matrix introduced in October 2025 shows a:
₱15 minimum regular fare
and an end-to-end fare of approximately:
₱74.50 from PITX to Monumento or Monumento to PITX.
The exact amount depends on how far you travel.
Basic fare range
| Trip Distance | Approximate Standard Fare |
|---|---|
| Short trip | Starts at ₱15 |
| Longer trips | Increases with distance |
| PITX ↔ Monumento | ₱74.50 |
The official fare is distance-based, so don’t assume every Carousel trip costs the same amount.
What Happened to the 20% Fare Discount in 2026?
You may have seen or experienced discounted Carousel fares earlier in 2026.
Starting April 15, 2026, the government implemented a Land-Based Service Contracting Program that included EDSA Busway vehicles and gave participating passengers a 20% fare discount.
However, that particular land-based program ended at 11:59 PM on May 22, 2026, according to the LTFRB.
So for an August 2026 trip, don’t automatically expect the temporary 20% Service Contracting discount.
Follow the fare matrix posted in the bus or at the station.
EDSA Carousel Discounts for Students, Seniors and PWDs
Under the standard fare structure, eligible:
- Students
- Senior citizens
- Persons with disabilities
receive the applicable statutory public-transport discount.
The October 2025 EDSA Busway matrix showed a ₱12 discounted minimum fare compared with the ₱15 regular minimum, reflecting the standard 20% concession.
Bring the appropriate valid identification if you want to claim your discount.
Students are entitled to their public-transport student discount even on weekends and holidays under the rules reflected in the current fare guide.
How Do You Pay on the EDSA Carousel?
Cash remains the safest payment option to have with you.
Updated route information also lists GCash as an accepted payment method on the busway as of late 2025/early 2026.
However, payment setup can vary between buses and operators.
My practical advice?
Even if you plan to pay digitally, carry some small bills.
That way, you’re not stuck if:
- your mobile data isn’t working
- GCash is unavailable
- the bus’s payment system has an issue
- your phone battery dies
Is the EDSA Carousel Open 24 Hours?
The EDSA Busway operates on a 24/7 basis, but there’s an important distinction:
The busway may be open 24 hours, but not every operator has the same number of buses running all night.
Current commuter guidance says most buses are concentrated roughly between:
4:00 AM and 11:00 PM
while fewer vehicles operate during the very early morning hours.
That means you may technically be able to use the system late at night, but:
11:00 PM–4:00 AM service can be much less frequent.
This is one of the biggest advantages of the Carousel over MRT-3.
MRT-3 eventually closes for the night.
The EDSA Busway continues providing late-night transport, although you may wait longer for a bus.
EDSA Carousel Schedule
Unlike a provincial bus, the Carousel doesn’t operate on a simple timetable such as:
Bus 1 — 6:00 AM
Bus 2 — 6:30 AM
Bus 3 — 7:00 AM
Buses run continuously.
So instead of checking for a specific departure time, you’ll normally:
- Go to the station.
- Wait for the next bus.
- Board when passengers are allowed in.
During busy periods, buses are usually more frequent.
Late at night or very early in the morning, waiting times can be longer.
Is the EDSA Carousel Faster Than MRT-3?
Not necessarily.
MRT-3 usually has the advantage of being a railway system with fewer stops and predictable rail movement.
But the Carousel has several advantages.
EDSA Carousel
Good if:
- your destination is closer to a Carousel stop
- MRT is extremely crowded
- you’re traveling after MRT operating hours
- you’re coming from PITX
- you’re going to MOA
- you prefer not to make multiple train transfers
MRT-3
Good if:
- your origin and destination are directly beside MRT stations
- speed is your biggest priority
- you don’t need MOA or PITX
- trains are operating normally
In fact, published fare comparisons show that MRT-3 can also be cheaper for certain comparable trips. A North EDSA–Taft journey, for example, has historically cost less by MRT than an equivalent long-distance Carousel ride.
The best option really depends on your origin and destination.
EDSA Carousel vs. MRT-3 Stops
The two systems overlap heavily, but they’re not identical.
| Area | EDSA Carousel | MRT-3 |
|---|---|---|
| Monumento | ✅ | ❌ |
| Balintawak | ✅ | ❌ |
| FPJ/Roosevelt | ✅ | ❌ |
| North Avenue | ✅ | ✅ |
| Quezon Avenue | ✅ | ✅ |
| Kamuning | ✅ | ✅ nearby |
| Cubao | Main Avenue | Araneta-Cubao |
| Santolan | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ortigas | ✅ | ✅ |
| Shaw | ❌ | ✅ |
| Boni | ❌ | ✅ |
| Guadalupe | ✅ | ✅ |
| Buendia | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ayala | ✅ | ✅ |
| Magallanes | Project planned | ✅ |
| Taft | ✅ | ✅ |
| MOA | ✅ | ❌ |
| PITX | ✅ | ❌ |
This is why the two systems complement each other rather than completely duplicate one another.
EDSA Carousel and LRT-1 Connections
The Carousel also connects with LRT-1 at several useful points.
Monumento
Transfer to:
LRT-1 Monumento
Balintawak
Transfer to:
LRT-1 Balintawak
Fernando Poe Jr.
Transfer to:
LRT-1 Fernando Poe Jr.
Taft Avenue
Transfer to:
LRT-1 EDSA
PITX
Transfer to:
LRT-1 PITX
These connections make it possible to combine buses and trains when one line doesn’t take you directly where you need to go.
PITX to Monumento via EDSA Carousel
Want to travel the entire route?
Ride a northbound EDSA Carousel bus at PITX.
You’ll pass through the Aseana/MOA area, Pasay, Makati, Ortigas, Quezon City, and eventually arrive in Caloocan.
The standard full-route fare under the latest published matrix is approximately ₱74.50.
It’s a long ride, but because much of the route uses dedicated bus lanes, you’re not simply crawling together with ordinary EDSA traffic for the entire journey.
PITX to Makati
If you’re going from PITX to Makati, ride northbound.
Useful stops include:
Ayala
Best for:
- Ayala Center
- Glorietta
- Greenbelt
- Makati CBD
Buendia
Best for destinations near:
- Gil Puyat Avenue
- northern Makati CBD
Guadalupe
Useful for:
- northern/eastern Makati
- onward trips toward BGC or Taguig
PITX to Ortigas
Ride the Carousel northbound and get off at Ortigas.
The station now has improved access through the SM Megamall concourse, which opened in April 2026.
This is especially convenient if you’re going to:
- SM Megamall
- Ortigas Center
- Robinsons Galleria
- nearby Mandaluyong and Pasig offices
PITX to Cubao
There isn’t currently an EDSA Carousel stop literally named Araneta-Cubao like the MRT station.
For many Cubao destinations, use Main Avenue.
From there, walk or take a short local ride depending on where exactly you’re going.
The government has been working on a dedicated/upgraded Cubao Busway station as part of the three-station 2026 improvement program.
PITX to SM North EDSA
Ride northbound and get off at:
SM North EDSA
The newer busway concourse provides a more direct connection to the mall area than older access arrangements.
Don’t confuse this with the separate North Avenue stop.
PITX to Monumento
Simply remain on the northbound bus until the final stop.
Monumento also gives you access to:
LRT-1 Monumento
and numerous jeepney/bus routes serving northern Metro Manila.
Monumento to MOA
Board a southbound Carousel bus.
Stay aboard through:
- Balintawak
- North EDSA
- Quezon Avenue
- Cubao area
- Ortigas
- Makati
- Taft
and get off at SM Mall of Asia.
The southbound route includes MOA before continuing through Aseana toward PITX.
Monumento to PITX
This is the entire southbound route.
Your last stop is PITX.
From PITX you can transfer to:
- Cavite buses
- Tagaytay buses
- Batangas buses
- Bicol buses
- provincial transportation
- modern jeepneys
- LRT-1
PITX’s current transport directory places the EDSA Busway at Gate 10, Ground Floor.
Free Wi-Fi at EDSA Carousel Stations
One nice improvement in 2026 is expanded connectivity.
DICT and DOTr launched free public Wi-Fi across many EDSA Busway stations in January 2026.
The government initially announced free Wi-Fi at 17 stations, with further expansion planned.
Updated commuter guides list Wi-Fi at many stops including:
- MOA
- Roxas Boulevard
- Taft
- Ayala
- Buendia
- Ortigas
- Main Avenue
- Nepa Q-Mart
- Kamuning
- Quezon Avenue
- Philam
- North Avenue
- SM North
- FPJ
- Kaingin
- Balintawak
although coverage and actual connection quality can vary.
It’s helpful—but I wouldn’t depend on station Wi-Fi for something critical like an urgent work call.
Accessibility Improvements
One of the biggest criticisms of the original EDSA Busway was station accessibility.
Because many stops sit in the middle of EDSA, commuters sometimes had to climb high pedestrian bridges or navigate train-station infrastructure to reach them.
That’s gradually changing.
Kamuning
The new 2026 station includes:
- elevators
- wheelchair lifts
- lower stairways
- covered walkway
designed to improve access for PWDs, seniors, pregnant passengers, and other commuters.
Ortigas / SM Megamall
The 2026 upgrade includes:
- elevator
- escalators
- ramps/sloped access
- covered pedestrian walkway
connecting directly toward SM Megamall.
Similar upgrades are part of the broader effort to make the Busway easier to use.
New EDSA Busway Stations and Improvements in 2026
The system isn’t finished evolving.
DOTr announced three additional major station projects for 2026:
- Cubao
- Magallanes
- PITX
The projects were targeted for completion within 2026 and are intended to improve accessibility and passenger movement.
Construction activity around these sites may temporarily affect access, traffic, or boarding arrangements.
So if you commute through one of these areas regularly, keep an eye on DOTr and PITX advisories.
How to Ride the EDSA Carousel for the First Time
Never used it?
The process is pretty simple.
Step 1: Determine Your Direction
Ask yourself:
Am I heading toward Monumento?
Use the northbound side.
Am I heading toward PITX?
Use the southbound side.
This is the most important thing to get right.
Step 2: Find the Correct Station Entrance
This is sometimes the hardest part.
Because many stations are in the center of EDSA, you’ll need to find the:
- pedestrian overpass
- MRT entrance
- dedicated footbridge
- mall connection
leading to the platform.
Don’t try to cross EDSA at street level just because you can see the bus stop across the road.
Use the designated pedestrian access.
Step 3: Enter the Queue
Some stations can get crowded during rush hour.
Follow:
- barricades
- line markings
- security instructions
- loading queues
Don’t simply walk toward the bus door.
Step 4: Board the Correct Bus
Check that the bus is heading in the direction you want.
Signs typically indicate the route toward:
PITX
or
Monumento.
If you’re unsure, ask the conductor before boarding.
Step 5: Tell the Conductor Your Destination
Your fare is based on distance.
Tell the conductor the stop where you’re getting off.
Pay the applicable fare and keep any ticket or proof of payment provided.
Step 6: Watch for Your Stop
Don’t assume every bus has perfect automated stop announcements.
If you’re unfamiliar with the route:
- use Google Maps
- watch road signs
- ask the conductor
- keep track of the preceding station
If your destination is Ortigas, for example, knowing Santolan comes before it when heading south can help.
When Is the EDSA Carousel Most Crowded?
Like most Metro Manila public transport, weekday rush hours are busiest.
Expect larger crowds around:
Morning
Approximately 6:00 AM–9:00 AM
Evening
Approximately 5:00 PM–8:00 PM
The busiest stations can include:
- PITX
- Taft
- Ayala
- Guadalupe
- Ortigas
- Main Avenue/Cubao
- Quezon Avenue
- North Avenue
- Monumento
If your schedule is flexible, riding outside peak hours can make the trip much more comfortable.
Is the EDSA Carousel Safe at Night?
The busway continues operating late into the night, which makes it useful for workers whose shifts end after MRT operations.
Still, use normal big-city precautions.
At night:
- use designated station entrances
- stay in well-lit areas
- avoid displaying expensive items
- secure your phone and wallet
- wait with other passengers where possible
- use official buses
- be aware of your surroundings outside the station
Remember that your actual concern may not be the bus ride itself but the walk or onward commute after leaving the station.
Tips for Riding the EDSA Carousel
1. Memorize Your Direction
This alone prevents many mistakes.
Monumento = north
PITX = south
2. Check the Stop Before You Leave Home
Some stations aren’t exactly where first-time passengers expect them to be.
Use a map and check pedestrian access first.
3. Bring Small Bills
Even with GCash available in parts of the system, cash is still a useful backup.
4. Avoid Peak Hours if You’re Carrying Luggage
If you’re heading to PITX with a suitcase, riding in the middle of the evening rush isn’t ideal.
Give yourself more space and time if possible.
5. Take Advantage of Rail Transfers
Sometimes the fastest trip is:
Carousel → MRT
or
Carousel → LRT
rather than staying on the bus the entire way.
6. Remember One Ayala Is Southbound
If you’re going south from Makati toward Pasay or PITX, One Ayala is your key stop.
7. Use Main Avenue for Many Cubao Trips
Don’t wait for a station called “Cubao” if you’re already approaching Main Avenue.
8. Don’t Confuse North Avenue and SM North
They’re separate Carousel stops.
Choose based on your destination.
9. Late-Night Buses Can Take Longer to Arrive
The busway operates through the night, but bus frequency is lower during the early morning hours.
Build waiting time into your plans.
10. Check for Construction Advisories in 2026
New station projects at Cubao, Magallanes, and PITX are part of the system’s continuing upgrades.
Temporary access changes can happen.
Frequently Asked Questions About the EDSA Carousel
What is the EDSA Carousel?
The EDSA Carousel is a busway system primarily using dedicated lanes along EDSA and connecting PITX in Parañaque with Monumento in Caloocan.
Where does the EDSA Carousel start and end?
The two terminal points are:
PITX
and
Monumento.
Northbound buses travel toward Monumento, while southbound buses travel toward PITX.
How many EDSA Carousel stops are there?
The current 2026 route has:
23 northbound stops
and
24 southbound stops.
Is EDSA Carousel free in 2026?
No, not under normal operations.
The latest standard fare matrix starts at ₱15, with the full PITX–Monumento trip costing approximately ₱74.50.
The temporary 20% Service Contracting discount implemented in April 2026 ended on May 22, 2026.
How much is the minimum EDSA Carousel fare?
The standard regular minimum fare is ₱15 under the latest published DOTr fare matrix.
How much is PITX to Monumento?
The latest published end-to-end regular fare is approximately ₱74.50.
Is EDSA Carousel open 24 hours?
Yes, the Busway provides 24/7 service, although many buses are concentrated between roughly 4:00 AM and 11:00 PM and service becomes less frequent during the early-morning hours.
Can I ride EDSA Carousel from PITX?
Yes.
PITX is the southern terminal, and the terminal currently assigns the EDSA Busway to Gate 10 on the ground floor.
Does EDSA Carousel stop at MOA?
Yes.
SM Mall of Asia is included on both the current northbound and southbound routes.
Does EDSA Carousel stop at Ayala?
Yes.
Northbound buses use the Ayala stop, while southbound passengers use One Ayala.
Does EDSA Carousel stop at SM Megamall?
The Ortigas EDSA Busway station now has a direct elevated connection to SM Megamall Building A, opened in April 2026.
Which EDSA Carousel stop should I use for Cubao?
Main Avenue is useful for many Cubao destinations.
A further upgraded Cubao Busway station is also part of the government’s 2026 improvement program.
Does EDSA Carousel stop at SM North?
Yes.
There is a dedicated SM North EDSA stop, separate from North Avenue.
Does EDSA Carousel connect to MRT-3?
Yes.
Several Carousel stops are located beside or close to MRT-3 stations, including:
- North Avenue
- Quezon Avenue
- Kamuning
- Santolan
- Ortigas
- Guadalupe
- Buendia
- Ayala
- Taft Avenue
depending on station access.
Does the Carousel connect to LRT-1?
Yes.
Useful LRT-1 interchange areas include:
- Monumento
- Balintawak
- Fernando Poe Jr.
- Taft/EDSA
- PITX
with some requiring short pedestrian connections.
Can I use GCash on the EDSA Carousel?
Updated 2026 route information lists cash and GCash as accepted payment methods, although individual bus equipment can vary.
Carry cash as a backup.
Is there free Wi-Fi at EDSA Busway stations?
Yes.
DICT and DOTr rolled out free public Wi-Fi at numerous EDSA Busway stations beginning in January 2026.
Final Thoughts
The EDSA Carousel has quietly become one of the most important commuting options in Metro Manila.
It isn’t just a replacement for traditional EDSA buses.
It now works as part of a larger transportation network connecting:
PITX → MOA → Taft → Makati → Ortigas → Cubao → Quezon Avenue → North EDSA → Monumento
while providing transfers to:
LRT-1
MRT-3
provincial buses
city buses
jeepneys
and other local transportation.
The Busway served 66.7 million passengers in 2025, and the government has continued investing in station upgrades and accessibility improvements throughout 2026.
For commuters, the biggest things to remember are simple:
Northbound = toward Monumento
Southbound = toward PITX
The latest standard fare starts at ₱15, while a full PITX-to-Monumento trip costs around ₱74.50.
And while service is available around the clock, you’ll generally find far more buses during the daytime and evening than in the middle of the night.
The system isn’t perfect. Some stations still involve a fair amount of walking and stair climbing, and getting to the correct platform can be confusing the first time.
But accessibility is improving.
The new Kamuning station, the SM Megamall/Ortigas connection, and planned improvements at Cubao, Magallanes, and PITX show where the Busway is headed.
Once you become familiar with the stops and interchange points, the Carousel becomes surprisingly useful.
And when you’re sitting comfortably in a bus moving along the dedicated lane while the regular EDSA lanes beside you are barely moving, you’ll probably understand exactly why so many Metro Manila commuters have made it part of their daily routine.
