The best alternate way going around Metro Manila!

The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has brought the Pasig River Ferry Service back in operation, serving an alternative way to those traveling in Manila, Mandaluyong, Makati, and Pasig City.

Free Ferry Ride

Addressing the persistent issue of traffic congestion in the country, the national government is actively fulfilling its responsibilities by introducing traffic-alleviating measures, including the provision of free rides on the Pasig River Ferry.

Originally introduced in the 1990s, the Pasig River Ferry service aimed to present a viable alternative mode of transportation for commuters in Metro Manila.

However, financial constraints and operational challenges led to the suspension of the Pasig River Ferry system in 2011.

RELATED GUIDE: Arcovia City Transport Hub: Pasig Bus Terminal (Schedule Guide)

Inside Pasig River Ferry Passenger Seat

In a renewed effort to alleviate traffic congestion in the capital region, the Pasig River Ferry stations resumed operations in 2019. The ferry boats are now operated and managed by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), marking a significant step in providing commuters with a convenient and efficient mode of transportation.

The service spans a distance of over 26 kilometers and uses seven ferry boats, two of which can carry up to 57 passengers while others are much smaller.

Watch my ferry tour / cruise over the Pasig River:

Pasig River Ferry Stations

Currently, there are 11 terminals: five of them are in Manila, one in Mandaluyong, two in Makati, and three in Pasig. Ferry stations have CCTV cameras, restrooms, and FREE wi-fi.

Pasig River Ferry Free Rides

Pinagbuhatan

Location: Eusebio Avenue, Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City
Landmark: near the Coast Guard Station at C6 Bridge

San Joaquin

Location: San Bernardo Street, San Joaquin, Pasig City
Landmark: near Sumilan and Bambang Bridge.

Maybunga

Location: Dr. Sixto Avenue, Maybunga, Pasig City
Landmark: next to Maybunga Barangay Hall

Guadalupe

Location: J.P. Rizal Extension, Makati City
Landmark: near the MRT Guadalupe Station

Valenzuela

Location: A. Bonifacio Street, Valenzuela, Makati City
Landmark: near Bonaventure Garden Homes, LTO Makati District Office, and Riverside Studios.

Hulo

Location: Coronado Street, Hulo, Mandaluyong City
Landmark: near the Parish of our Lady of Abandoned.

Lambingan

Location: F. Manalo Street, Punta Santa Ana, Manila
Landmark: along Tomas Earnshaw Elementary School.

Sta. Ana

Location: in Pedro Gil Street, Sta. Ana, Manila City
Landmark: near Sta. Ana Public Market and Liwasang F. Calde.

PUP

Location: Anonas Street, Sta. Mesa, Manila
Landmark: next to the Philippine Coast Guard Station.

Lawton

Location: Muelle Del Rio Street, Arroceros Manila
Landmark: near the Quezon Bridge, Plaza Lawton, and the Post Office

Escolta

Location: Muelle Del Rio Street, Intramuros, Manila
Landmark: along the Bureau of Immigration.

Not all ferries straddle the entire length of the service. Most terminate at Guadalupe Station, splitting the system into two legs: Escolta to Guadalupe and Guadalupe to Pinagbuhatan.

Where to Go in Manila

Here are best tourist spots in Manila:

Pasig River Ferry Schedule

The Pasig River Ferry Service operates Monday to Saturday, daytime only. These are the timetables released by MMDA.

FERRY TRIP SCHEDULE DOWNSTREAM (Pinagbuhatan to Escolta)

Pasig River Ferry Trip Schedule Downstream (Pinagbuhatan to Escolta)

FERRY TRIP SCHEDULE UPSTREAM (Escolta to Kalawaan)

Pasig River Ferry Trip Schedule Upstream (Escolta to Kalawaan)

How to Avail the Free Pasig River Ferry Ride

You have to present a valid ID to avail the free ride. Kids must be accompanied by a guardian.

Additional guidelines as of 2022:

ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN MANILA

Important Reminders

You must remain seated in the entire duration of the journey. The crew will signal when it’s time to stand and disembark.
You must go through bag checks before boarding.
Remember the location of the life vests (most likely at the bottom of the seats).
No pets allowed, except for guide dogs for the blind and elderly.
No smoking.
No firearms, deadly weapons, or dangerous materials.
No littering. Don’t throw garbage into the river.
No taking of photos or videos within the Malacanang Restricted Area (between Lawton and PUP Stations).
Children must have an adult companion when using the service.

OTHER FERRY OPERATORS IN THE PH

OTHER TRANSPORTATION INFO IN PH

How to Get FREE RIDE from Pasig River Ferry (Schedule and Stations Guide in 2024)