Anyone who regularly travels along EDSA knows how unpredictable Metro Manila traffic can be. A trip that looks short on the map can easily stretch much longer during rush hour.
That’s why MRT-3 remains one of the most useful transportation options in Metro Manila.
The Metro Rail Transit Line 3 runs along the EDSA corridor between North Avenue in Quezon City and Taft Avenue in Pasay City, passing through major business, shopping, residential, and transportation districts along the way. The line is about 16.9 kilometers long and has 13 stations. DOTr-MRT3 says a train can cover the entire line in roughly 30 minutes under normal operating conditions.
For commuters going to places such as Quezon City, Cubao, Ortigas, Mandaluyong, Makati, or Pasay, MRT-3 can save a huge amount of time compared with traveling the same stretch entirely by road.
And there have been several important changes in recent years.
Operating hours were extended, fare discounts were increased for students, senior citizens, and PWDs, four-car trains were introduced to increase capacity, and MRT-3 became the first Metro Manila railway to roll out a cashless fare-payment system accepting options such as GCash QR, NFC, and supported bank cards.
So if you haven’t taken MRT-3 in a while—or you’re riding it for the first time—here’s an updated MRT-3 guide for 2026, including the stations, schedule, fares, discounts, transfers, payment options, and commuting tips.
Updated: August 2026. MRT schedules can change because of maintenance, holidays, severe weather, and special operations. Check the official DOTr-MRT3 channels when your trip is time-sensitive.
Content
What Is MRT-3?
MRT-3 stands for Metro Rail Transit Line 3.
It follows the EDSA corridor from North Avenue in Quezon City south to Taft Avenue in Pasay City.
The official MRT-3 route has 13 stations, serving Quezon City, Pasig, Mandaluyong, Makati, and Pasay.
Unlike LRT-1, which travels largely through the Taft Avenue–Rizal Avenue corridor, MRT-3 follows EDSA for most of its route.
That makes MRT-3 particularly useful for reaching major areas such as:
- North EDSA
- Quezon Avenue
- Cubao
- Ortigas
- Shaw Boulevard
- Boni
- Guadalupe
- Buendia
- Ayala
- Magallanes
- Pasay
The system’s official station map confirms the 13-station alignment from North Avenue to Taft Avenue.
How Many MRT-3 Stations Are There?
There are currently 13 MRT-3 stations.
From north to south, they are:
| # | MRT-3 Station | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Avenue | Quezon City |
| 2 | Quezon Avenue | Quezon City |
| 3 | GMA Kamuning | Quezon City |
| 4 | Araneta-Cubao | Quezon City |
| 5 | Santolan-Annapolis | Quezon City |
| 6 | Ortigas | Pasig |
| 7 | Shaw Boulevard | Mandaluyong |
| 8 | Boni | Mandaluyong |
| 9 | Guadalupe | Makati |
| 10 | Buendia | Makati |
| 11 | Ayala | Makati |
| 12 | Magallanes | Makati |
| 13 | Taft Avenue | Pasay |
DOTr-MRT3’s official station information lists North Avenue, Quezon Avenue, Kamuning, Cubao, and Santolan-Annapolis in Quezon City; Ortigas in Pasig; Shaw and Boni in Mandaluyong; Guadalupe, Buendia, Ayala, and Magallanes in Makati; and Taft Avenue in Pasay.
MRT-3 Schedule 2026
One of the most useful improvements to MRT-3 has been the extension of its weekday operating hours.
DOTr initially tested longer operating hours in 2025 and later announced that the extended weekday schedule would continue indefinitely.
MRT-3 Weekday Schedule
For normal weekday operations, the official MRT-3 schedule currently shows service beginning early in the morning and continuing well into the evening.
First train
From North Avenue: around 4:30 AM
From Taft Avenue: around 5:05 AM
DOTr-MRT3 has cited these as the normal first-trip times when regular service resumes after maintenance periods.
Last train — weekdays
From North Avenue: 10:30 PM
From Taft Avenue: 11:09 PM
These later closing times became the permanent extended weekday schedule after a successful trial in 2025.
MRT-3 Weekend Schedule
Weekends have an earlier last trip than weekdays.
According to MRT-3’s currently published station schedule:
Last train — weekends
From North Avenue: approximately 9:30 PM
From Taft Avenue: approximately 10:09 PM.
The official operating table also shows weekend train operations beginning from around 4:30 AM, with station entrances opening ahead of the first trains.
Quick MRT-3 Schedule
| Schedule | North Avenue | Taft Avenue |
|---|---|---|
| First train – regular service | ~4:30 AM | ~5:05 AM |
| Last train – weekday | 10:30 PM | 11:09 PM |
| Last train – weekend | 9:30 PM | 10:09 PM |
Because holiday schedules sometimes differ, don’t automatically assume these times apply to Christmas, New Year, Holy Week, or other special operating days.
MRT-3 Train Frequency
You don’t normally need to memorize a timetable for individual MRT trains.
Instead, trains run repeatedly throughout the day.
During regular weekdays, MRT-3’s published operating plan shows approximate headways of:
- 3.5 minutes during morning peak
- 3.5 minutes during afternoon/evening peak
- around 5–5.5 minutes during many off-peak periods
- longer intervals late at night during extended operations.
The system lists up to 19 trains during weekday peak periods under its regular operating schedule.
Of course, actual waiting time can be affected by operational conditions.
MRT-3 Fare 2026
MRT-3 uses a distance-based fare system.
The farther you travel, the more you pay.
According to MRT-3’s current official fare matrix, regular fares range from:
₱13 to ₱28
depending on your origin and destination.
Examples of regular fares
| Trip | Regular Fare |
|---|---|
| North Avenue → Quezon Avenue | ₱13 |
| North Avenue → Araneta-Cubao | ₱16 |
| North Avenue → Ortigas | ₱20 |
| North Avenue → Ayala | ₱24 |
| North Avenue → Taft Avenue | ₱28 |
| Cubao → Ortigas | ₱13 |
| Cubao → Ayala | ₱20 |
| Guadalupe → Ayala | ₱13 |
| Ayala → Taft Avenue | ₱13 |
These amounts come from the fare matrix currently published by DOTr-MRT3.
So even an end-to-end trip remains relatively inexpensive compared with many alternative transportation options along EDSA.
MRT-3 Discounted Fares
Students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities currently receive a 50% fare discount on the railway.
The current discounted MRT-3 fare matrix ranges from approximately:
₱6 to ₱14.
For example:
| Trip | Discounted Fare |
|---|---|
| North Avenue → Quezon Avenue | ₱6 |
| North Avenue → Cubao | ₱8 |
| North Avenue → Ortigas | ₱10 |
| North Avenue → Ayala | ₱12 |
| North Avenue → Taft Avenue | ₱14 |
Students began receiving a 50% Single Journey Ticket discount in June 2025, while the 50% train-fare discount for senior citizens and PWDs was also officially implemented in 2025.
Bring the appropriate valid ID or supporting document when claiming the discount.
For students, MRT-3 says a valid student ID, registration form, or enrollment form may be presented for the Single Journey Ticket discount.
How Do You Pay for MRT-3?
You now have more payment choices than before.
The traditional options remain:
Single Journey Ticket
Best for occasional riders.
You purchase a ticket for your particular trip and use it to enter and exit the system.
Beep Card
Better for regular commuters.
A Beep Card stores value that you can use for repeated railway trips without lining up for a new Single Journey Ticket every time.
MRT-3’s automatic fare-collection system uses contactless payment media and calculates fares based on the distance traveled.
But MRT-3 now also offers newer cashless options.
GCash, QR and Card Payments on MRT-3
This is one of the biggest recent changes.
DOTr-MRT3 rolled out its new cashless fare-payment system in July 2025, and in February 2026 the agency was recognized for the digitalization project.
At supported turnstiles, commuters can use options including:
- GCash QR
- GCash Tap-to-Pay on compatible NFC Android phones
- GCash Card
- Supported Visa cards
- Supported Mastercard cards
DOTr says passengers using GCash QR can open the Commute feature in GCash, generate a QR code, scan it at the entry turnstile, and scan again when exiting.
Supported debit and credit cards can also be tapped directly at designated readers.
DOTr said there was no additional fare charge for using these cashless options; the fare is treated similarly to a regular Single Journey Ticket.
That’s particularly convenient if you’ve forgotten your Beep Card.
MRT-3 Stations Guide
Now let’s go through the line from north to south.
1. North Avenue Station
North Avenue is the northern terminus of MRT-3.
It’s one of the busiest stations because it serves the North EDSA area.
Major destinations around the station include:
- Trinoma
- SM North EDSA
- North Avenue
- EDSA transportation connections
- nearby Quezon City offices and residential areas
If you’re heading south toward Cubao, Ortigas, Makati, or Pasay, North Avenue is where the full southbound journey starts.
The station opens for southbound passengers before the first 4:30 AM service. MRT-3’s current schedule lists the North Avenue entrance opening at around 4:20 AM.
2. Quezon Avenue Station
The next stop south is Quezon Avenue.
This is a useful station for commuters traveling around Quezon Avenue and surrounding areas of Quezon City.
The station also provides access to road-based public transportation along EDSA and Quezon Avenue.
It’s one of those stations where the actual destination may still require a jeepney, bus, taxi, or ride-hailing connection after getting off the train.
3. GMA Kamuning Station
GMA Kamuning serves the Kamuning and Timog-area side of Quezon City.
It’s useful for destinations around:
- Kamuning
- Timog Avenue
- East Avenue area
- nearby television and government-office districts
The official MRT map places GMA Kamuning between Quezon Avenue and Araneta-Cubao.
4. Araneta-Cubao Station
This is one of the most important MRT-3 stations.
Araneta-Cubao serves the huge Cubao commercial and transportation district.
The area contains:
- shopping malls
- restaurants
- bus terminals
- hotels
- entertainment venues
- jeepney and city-bus connections
More importantly, this is your MRT-3 stop for transferring toward LRT-2’s Araneta Center-Cubao Station.
LRT-2 also serves Cubao as part of its route toward Manila on one side and Marikina/Antipolo on the other.
Transfer here if you’re going toward:
- Katipunan
- Anonas
- Marikina
- Antipolo
or, in the opposite direction:
- V. Mapa
- Pureza
- Legarda
- Recto
This makes Cubao one of Metro Manila’s most useful railway interchange areas.
5. Santolan-Annapolis Station
Don’t confuse Santolan-Annapolis MRT Station with the former Santolan terminal associated with LRT-2.
They’re different stations.
Santolan-Annapolis is located along EDSA and serves areas around:
- Annapolis
- Camp Aguinaldo vicinity
- Camp Crame vicinity
- Greenhills connections
It sits between Cubao and Ortigas on the MRT-3 route.
If your destination is Greenhills, you’ll usually need an additional ride after leaving the station.
6. Ortigas Station
Ortigas Station serves one of Metro Manila’s largest business districts.
It’s particularly useful for commuters working around the Ortigas Center area.
The station provides access toward destinations around:
- Ortigas Avenue
- business offices
- hotels
- malls
- corporate centers
Ortigas Station is located between Santolan-Annapolis and Shaw Boulevard on the official MRT-3 route.
Because of the number of offices in the area, expect heavy passenger traffic during weekday rush hours.
7. Shaw Boulevard Station
Shaw Boulevard Station is another major transport and commercial stop.
It serves the Shaw Boulevard/EDSA intersection and parts of both Mandaluyong and the greater Ortigas area.
It’s useful for reaching areas around:
- Shaw Boulevard
- Greenfield District
- malls and offices
- jeepney and UV Express connections farther east or west
The station also sits near one of the densest business and residential corridors in Metro Manila.
DOTr-MRT3 identifies Shaw Boulevard as one of its two Mandaluyong stations, along with Boni.
8. Boni Station
Boni Station serves another busy section of Mandaluyong.
The area around Boni has grown considerably with:
- condominiums
- offices
- malls
- restaurants
- residential developments
The station can also be useful for passengers heading toward areas around Pioneer Street and nearby parts of Mandaluyong.
It’s located directly between Shaw Boulevard and Guadalupe on the MRT route.
9. Guadalupe Station
Guadalupe is an important transfer point for commuters going between EDSA and other parts of Makati or Taguig.
The area has many:
- jeepneys
- buses
- local transport routes
- commercial establishments
It’s also one of the stations used by workers traveling toward different parts of Makati and BGC through onward road connections.
Guadalupe is the first of several MRT-3 stations officially listed within Makati City when traveling south.
10. Buendia Station
Buendia MRT Station sits along EDSA near Senator Gil Puyat Avenue.
Don’t confuse this with LRT-1 Gil Puyat Station, which is on Taft Avenue.
They are not the same station and they aren’t directly beside each other.
MRT-3 Buendia is useful for commuters heading toward parts of:
- Makati CBD
- Gil Puyat Avenue
- Jupiter area
- nearby offices and residential districts
You’ll normally need another ride if your destination is farther west along Buendia toward Taft Avenue.
The station is officially listed between Guadalupe and Ayala.
11. Ayala Station
If you work or shop in Makati, this may be the MRT station you know best.
Ayala Station serves the Makati Central Business District and is one of the busiest stops on MRT-3.
The surrounding area includes:
- Ayala Center
- major shopping malls
- offices
- hotels
- business towers
- bus terminals and city-transport connections
Ayala is also a useful jumping-off point for other parts of Makati and nearby areas.
Because thousands of office workers use the station, rush hour can be very crowded.
If you’re traveling purely for leisure, avoiding the evening office rush can make the experience much more comfortable.
12. Magallanes Station
Magallanes Station serves the southern part of Makati near the Magallanes interchange.
It’s useful for passengers going toward:
- Magallanes
- Chino Roces Avenue
- nearby commercial areas
- transportation toward southern Metro Manila
The official MRT route places Magallanes between Ayala and Taft Avenue.
13. Taft Avenue Station
Taft Avenue is the southern terminus of MRT-3.
This is one of the line’s most important stations because it connects MRT-3 passengers with LRT-1 EDSA Station.
LRMC identifies EDSA Station as the LRT-1 interchange for MRT-3.
Transfer here for LRT-1
From MRT-3 Taft Avenue, follow the pedestrian connection toward LRT-1 EDSA Station.
From there, LRT-1 can take you north toward:
- Manila
- Doroteo Jose
- Carriedo
- Central Terminal
- Monumento
- Fernando Poe Jr.
or south toward:
- Baclaran
- Redemptorist-Aseana
- MIA Road
- PITX
- Ninoy Aquino Avenue
- Dr. Santos
This makes Taft/EDSA one of the most important rail-transfer points in Metro Manila.
Important MRT-3 Transfer Stations
If you’re new to the railway system, remember these.
Araneta-Cubao
Transfer toward: LRT-2
Useful for traveling toward:
- Manila/Recto
- Katipunan
- Marikina
- Antipolo
The two systems have stations serving the Cubao area.
Taft Avenue
Transfer to: LRT-1 EDSA Station
Useful for traveling toward:
Northbound LRT-1
- Vito Cruz
- Pedro Gil
- United Nations
- Central Terminal
- Carriedo
- Doroteo Jose
- Monumento
- FPJ
or:
Southbound LRT-1
- Baclaran
- PITX
- Dr. Santos
LRMC identifies EDSA Station as the MRT-3 interchange.
MRT-3 Northbound vs. Southbound
It’s easy once you remember the terminal stations.
Southbound
Toward:
Taft Avenue
Typical sequence:
North Avenue
→ Cubao
→ Ortigas
→ Makati
→ Taft
Northbound
Toward:
North Avenue
Typical sequence:
Taft
→ Makati
→ Ortigas
→ Cubao
→ North Avenue
Always look for the terminal station shown on directional signs.
If you’re standing at Ayala and want to go to Cubao, for example, you need the North Avenue-bound side.
If you’re in Cubao and going to Makati, choose Taft Avenue-bound.
How Long Does an MRT-3 Trip Take?
DOTr says MRT-3 trains have a maximum operating speed of approximately 65 kilometers per hour and can cover the full 13-station line in roughly 30 minutes, including normal station dwell times.
Your actual experience may be longer because of:
- waiting for the next train
- station queues
- crowding
- operational delays
- walking between entrances and platforms
Still, compare that with driving all the way along EDSA during a bad rush hour and you can understand why the railway is so valuable.
MRT-3 During Rush Hour
MRT-3 is heavily used by commuters.
DOTr reported in 2025 that the line was serving an average of around 380,000 passengers per day at the time it announced expanded train deployment.
Crowds are typically heavier around:
Morning
Approximately 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM
Evening
Approximately 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
MRT-3’s own operating plan treats these as peak periods and deploys more trains, with target headways of around 3.5 minutes.
If you can travel outside rush hour, the difference can be significant.
Four-Car MRT-3 Trains
Many commuters remember MRT-3 primarily as a three-car train system.
That has started changing.
In 2025, MRT-3 began deploying four-car trains during peak periods to increase capacity. DOTr said a four-car Czech train could accommodate around 1,576 passengers, compared with the smaller capacity of a standard three-car configuration.
Later that year, MRT-3 also extended four-car train deployment to weekends as part of efforts to improve passenger capacity.
You don’t need to do anything differently when one arrives—just follow platform instructions and boarding markings.
MRT-3 Cashless Payment: How It Works
If you don’t have a Beep Card, MRT-3’s newer fare-payment system can be very convenient.
Using GCash QR
- Open GCash.
- Select the Commute option.
- Generate the QR code.
- Scan it at a supported MRT turnstile.
- Ride the train.
- Scan again when exiting.
The system calculates your fare based on the trip.
Using an NFC Phone
Passengers with a compatible NFC-enabled Android phone can use GCash’s Tap-to-Pay feature at supported turnstiles.
Using a Debit or Credit Card
Supported Visa and Mastercard cards can also be tapped directly at designated MRT readers.
DOTr said these cashless methods do not carry an additional train-fare surcharge.
That’s especially useful for occasional passengers who don’t want to purchase a stored-value card.
Beep Card vs. GCash vs. Single Journey Ticket
Which should you use?
Beep Card
Best for:
- frequent commuters
- daily riders
- people transferring between compatible transport systems
Main advantage:
Tap and go.
GCash / Contactless Payment
Best for:
- occasional riders
- people who forgot their Beep Card
- commuters who prefer cashless payment
Main advantage:
No need to buy a physical Single Journey Ticket.
Single Journey Ticket
Best for:
- first-time riders
- occasional passengers
- people without Beep or cashless payment options
Main advantage:
Simple and familiar.
None is universally “best.” It depends on how often you commute.
MRT-3 Rules: What Can’t You Bring?
MRT-3 maintains security rules regarding prohibited items.
Its 2026 passenger references list items including:
- firearms and ammunition
- explosives
- certain bladed or pointed weapons
- flammable or hazardous substances
- illegal drugs
- improperly secured animals
- large or oversized objects
- certain bulky luggage
among items restricted from the railway.
MRT-3 also specifies size restrictions for particularly bulky luggage and rules for bicycles, including requirements regarding folding bicycles and wheel size.
Security personnel may inspect your bags when entering the station.
Can You Bring a Bicycle on MRT-3?
MRT-3’s current passenger rules say bicycles generally need to be folded, with wheels not exceeding the specified size under the railway’s rules.
If you regularly combine cycling and MRT travel, check the latest MRT-3 rules before bringing your bicycle because operational policies can be updated.
MRT-3 Accessibility
DOTr-MRT3 says stations provide commuter and accessibility facilities including:
- elevators
- escalators
- public crossings
- passenger amenities
across the system.
Passengers who need assistance can approach station personnel.
Senior citizens and PWDs also receive the current 50% discounted fare, subject to the appropriate eligibility requirements.
Tips for Riding MRT-3
1. Avoid rush hour if you can
If you’re sightseeing, shopping, or attending a flexible appointment, don’t voluntarily join the 5:30 PM office crowd unless you need to.
Traveling even an hour earlier or later can make a big difference.
2. Know which direction you’re going
Remember:
North Avenue = northbound
Taft Avenue = southbound
Check before entering the paid area.
3. Load your Beep Card ahead of time
Don’t discover you need to reload when you’re already rushing to work.
4. Try cashless payment if you don’t have Beep
GCash QR or supported contactless card payment can save you from lining up for a Single Journey Ticket at participating turnstiles.
5. Let passengers exit first
Standing directly in front of an opening train door slows everyone down.
Move to the side and allow passengers to get off.
Then board.
6. Move inside the train
Passengers tend to cluster by the doors.
If you’re traveling several stations, move farther inside when there’s space.
7. Secure your belongings
Keep your phone, wallet, and valuables secure, especially when trains and platforms are crowded.
8. Prepare before your transfer station
If you’re transferring at Cubao or Taft, don’t wait until the doors open to figure out where you’re going.
Know your next line before arriving.
9. Don’t wait for the last train unless necessary
The official closing time isn’t a goal.
If possible, ride earlier.
Station entrances close before the final train reaches or departs certain stations, according to MRT-3’s published schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions About MRT-3
How many MRT-3 stations are there?
There are 13 MRT-3 stations, from North Avenue in Quezon City to Taft Avenue in Pasay.
What are all MRT-3 stations in order?
From north to south:
- North Avenue
- Quezon Avenue
- GMA Kamuning
- Araneta-Cubao
- Santolan-Annapolis
- Ortigas
- Shaw Boulevard
- Boni
- Guadalupe
- Buendia
- Ayala
- Magallanes
- Taft Avenue.
What time does MRT-3 open?
Normal service begins early in the morning. MRT-3 has cited regular first train departures at approximately 4:30 AM from North Avenue and 5:05 AM from Taft Avenue.
What time is the last MRT-3 trip on weekdays?
The current extended weekday schedule has the last train leaving:
North Avenue: 10:30 PM
Taft Avenue: 11:09 PM.
What time is the last MRT on weekends?
MRT-3’s published weekend schedule lists final departures of approximately:
North Avenue: 9:30 PM
Taft Avenue: 10:09 PM.
How much is MRT-3 fare?
Regular fares currently range from ₱13 to ₱28, depending on the stations traveled.
How much is North Avenue to Taft Avenue?
The current regular end-to-end fare is ₱28.
Eligible students, senior citizens, and PWDs pay ₱14 under the discounted fare matrix.
Are students discounted on MRT-3?
Yes.
Students receive a 50% Single Journey Ticket discount. MRT-3 says they should present a valid student ID or registration/enrollment document to claim it.
Do senior citizens and PWDs get a discount?
Yes.
The train fare discount for senior citizens and PWDs was raised to 50% in 2025.
Can I use a Beep Card on MRT-3?
Yes.
MRT-3 operates a contactless automatic fare-collection system using stored-value and journey fare media.
Can I use GCash on MRT-3?
Yes.
The cashless payment system introduced in July 2025 supports GCash QR, and compatible Android phones can also use GCash Tap-to-Pay.
Can I use my credit card on MRT-3?
Supported Visa and Mastercard debit or credit cards can be tapped at designated cashless turnstiles under MRT-3’s payment system.
Which MRT station connects to LRT-1?
Get off at Taft Avenue MRT-3 Station and transfer to EDSA Station on LRT-1. LRMC identifies EDSA as the MRT-3 interchange.
Which MRT station connects to LRT-2?
Use Araneta-Cubao and transfer through the Cubao area to LRT-2’s Araneta Center-Cubao Station. LRT-2 officially includes Araneta Center-Cubao on its service route.
Which MRT station should I use for Makati?
It depends on where you’re going.
The three most commonly useful Makati stations are:
- Guadalupe
- Buendia
- Ayala
with Magallanes serving the southern side of the city. DOTr officially lists all four along the Makati portion of MRT-3.
Which MRT station is closest to BGC?
Many commuters use Ayala or Guadalupe, then transfer to road transportation depending on the specific part of BGC they’re visiting.
There is currently no MRT-3 station directly inside BGC.
Which MRT station should I use for Ortigas?
Depending on your exact destination, use either:
Ortigas Station
or
Shaw Boulevard Station.
Both serve different sides of the wider Ortigas business district.
Which MRT station goes to Cubao?
Araneta-Cubao Station.
How long is the entire MRT ride?
DOTr says the 16.9-kilometer route can be covered in about 30 minutes under normal train operating conditions.
MRT-3 Contact and Official Information
For the most accurate information about:
- schedule changes
- service interruptions
- lost items
- free-ride announcements
- special operating hours
- passenger policies
check the official DOTr-MRT3 website and verified social-media channels.
The current official site also provides downloadable references including:
- Fare Matrix
- Discounted Fare Matrix
- Station Map
- 2026 Citizen’s Charter
- Passenger rules.
This is especially important when traveling during severe weather or major holidays.
Final Thoughts
If you regularly move along EDSA, MRT-3 is still one of the most useful pieces of public transportation infrastructure in Metro Manila.
With just 13 stations, it connects several of the metropolis’s biggest activity centers:
North EDSA → Quezon Avenue → Cubao → Ortigas → Mandaluyong → Makati → Pasay.
The full route is only about 16.9 kilometers, and MRT-3 says trains can complete an end-to-end run in roughly 30 minutes under normal conditions.
For commuters in 2026, the most important details to remember are:
Regular fare: roughly ₱13–₱28.
Discounted student, senior and PWD fares: roughly ₱6–₱14.
Weekday last trip: 10:30 PM from North Avenue and 11:09 PM from Taft Avenue.
And you now have more ways to pay—not just a Single Journey Ticket or Beep Card, but also supported GCash QR, NFC, and debit/credit card payments at MRT-3’s cashless gates.
For first-time riders, the system becomes much easier once you remember two directions:
North Avenue = north
Taft Avenue = south
And remember the two major railway transfers:
Araneta-Cubao → LRT-2
Taft Avenue → LRT-1 EDSA
Learn those basic connections and MRT-3 becomes more than just a train running down EDSA. Combined with LRT-1, LRT-2, buses, jeepneys, and other local transportation, it becomes one of the easiest ways to move between major parts of Metro Manila without spending your entire journey sitting in traffic.
