MRT Stations – List In Order from Taft Avenue to North Avenue

MRT Stations. Whether you’re a newcomer to Metro Manila or a long-time city resident, there’s one reliable acronym that can help you navigate the bustling capital MRT. Despite its flaws, this rapid transit system remains the preferred choice for over 300,000 daily commuters. Yes, it can get crowded, but it offers a significant advantage: bypassing the often unbearable traffic jams in Metro Manila.

If you’re unfamiliar with the MRT, especially if you’re an expat or a first-time visitor, learning how it works will greatly improve your commuting experience. This comprehensive guide provides a detailed MRT station list in order and shares practical tips to make your journey more efficient, safer, and more comfortable.

To be specific, this article focuses solely on MRT Line 3 (MRT-3) currently the only fully operational MRT line serving Metro Manila.

What Is the MRT Line 3?

MRT Line 3, also known as Metrostar Express, is a rapid transit system that runs along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA). It spans 13 stations from North Avenue in Quezon City (northern terminal) to Taft Avenue in Pasay City (southern terminal).

• Total number of stations: 13
• Length of the route: Approximately 16.9 kilometers
• Average travel time from end to end: 30 to 40 minutes
• Operating hours: 4:30 AM – 10:00 PM (subject to change)

MRT Stations List in Order

The MRT stations along EDSA serve as vital arteries in the heart of Metro Manila’s public transport system. Currently, there are 13 MRT stations strategically located along this major highway, covering the cities of Pasay, Makati, Mandaluyong, San Juan, and Quezon City. Understanding the layout of these stations can help commuters plan their trips more efficiently, whether they’re traveling to work, school, or any important destination across the metro.

Below is a detailed MRT stations list in order, including major nearby landmarks to guide you on where to board or exit depending on your travel plans.

Taft Avenue Station – Pasay City

Located in Pasay, Taft Avenue Station is the first MRT stop for many commuters. It’s also a major transfer point for passengers switching to LRT-1, heading either to Baclaran or Roosevelt.

This station is conveniently close to several provincial bus terminals such as Victory Liner, Five Star, and Philtranco. These buses serve routes heading to Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija, and Pampanga, making it a critical hub for travelers from the provinces.

Nearby landmarks

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

Magallanes Station – Makati City

Commuters coming from the southern part of Metro Manila often disembark at Magallanes Station. Positioned close to the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), it provides access to key areas such as Chino Roces Avenue and Dasmariñas Village.

This MRT station is ideal for travelers looking to transition from private vehicles or buses to the rail system while entering the Makati area.

Nearby landmarks

• Asia Pacific College
• Assumption College San Lorenzo
• Don Bosco Technical Institute Makati
• Colegio San Agustin – Makati
• Alphaland Southgate Mall and Tower

Ayala Station – Makati Central Business District

Ayala Station is regarded as one of the busiest MRT stations due to its proximity to the Makati Central Business District (CBD) and Bonifacio Global City (BGC). It serves as a primary entry point for thousands of office workers and students.

The station has an elevated walkway system that links it to SM Makati, Glorietta, and Ayala Center, ensuring a seamless walking experience in the bustling commercial zone.

Nearby landmarks

• SM Makati
• Glorietta Mall
• Greenbelt Mall
• Ayala Triangle Gardens
• The Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) Tower
• Headquarters of major banks: BPI, RCBC, Citibank, and China Bank
• Makati Shangri-La Hotel
• The Peninsula Manila

Buendia Station (Gil Puyat Station)

Commonly referred to as Gil Puyat Station, Buendia Station is one of the only two underground stations on the MRT Line 3, the other being Ayala Station. This station is a strategic stop for professionals and students commuting to the heart of Makati’s Central Business District (CBD). Its central location makes it a favored drop-off point for those working in government offices or attending educational institutions in the area.

Key Nearby Landmarks

• Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
• MMDA (Metropolitan Manila Development Authority) Offices
• Makati Avenue
• Jupiter Street
• Century City Mall
• Metrobank Headquarters
• Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP)

Guadalupe Station

Located near one of Metro Manila’s busiest bridges, Guadalupe Station serves as a major transit hub for commuters heading toward eastern Makati, Fort Bonifacio, Pateros, and Mandaluyong. From here, you can easily catch a jeepney, bus, or even a ferry via the Pasig River Ferry Service. The station’s proximity to the Guadalupe Bridge notorious for heavy traffic makes the MRT an essential alternative for faster travel.

Key Nearby Landmarks

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

Boni Station

If you’re heading to Mandaluyong, especially the Pioneer area, Boni Station is the ideal place to get off. It is a preferred stop for students, condo dwellers, and media professionals. Like Ayala, Boni Station caters to a wide demographic due to its accessibility to residential towers, educational institutions, and office buildings.

Key Nearby Landmarks

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

Shaw Boulevard MRT Station

Serving the bustling Mandaluyong area, Shaw Boulevard Station is a vital part of the MRT-3 network. Unlike other stations, it functions as a central terminal and is uniquely designed with two tracks, allowing for more efficient train handling and passenger flow. It is the ideal stop for commuters heading to Ortigas Center or the Greenfield District.

Notable Places Near Shaw Boulevard Station

• Shangri-La Plaza
• Pavilion Mall
• Starmall Shaw
• Capitol Commons
• San Miguel Corporation Headquarters
• Department of Education (DepEd)
• University of Asia and the Pacific
• Lourdes School
• St. Paul College Pasig
• PhilSports Arena
• Wack Wack Golf and Country Club
• Ynares Sports Arena

Ortigas MRT Station

Next on the MRT station list in order Ortigas, this stop is a gateway to one of Metro Manila’s busiest commercial zones. Ortigas Station primarily serves the Ortigas Business District and is the final MRT stop within Mandaluyong City for trains arriving from the south. It’s also a highly convenient access point for major shopping centers and corporate offices.

Key Landmarks Around Ortigas Station

• Asian Development Bank (ADB)
• Robinsons Galleria
• SM Megamall
• The Podium Mall
• Francis Square
• Philippine Stock Exchange
• Meralco Theater
• EDSA Shrine
• The Medical City
• Holiday Inn
• Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria

Santolan-Annapolis MRT Station

Situated between Santolan Road and Annapolis Street, this station is often referenced as a landmark for government agencies and military institutions. It’s a useful transit point for travelers heading toward Katipunan or Eastwood City.

Nearby Institutions and Locations

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

Araneta Center-Cubao MRT Station

One of the busiest MRT stations, Araneta Center-Cubao ranks second in daily foot traffic. It’s a major junction for passengers transferring to the LRT-2 and also functions as a hub for provincial buses coming from the northern parts of Luzon. The station is integrated with multiple shopping malls and lifestyle hubs, making it a high-traffic area.

Popular Attractions and Malls Nearby

• Araneta Coliseum (Smart Araneta)
• Farmer’s Plaza
• Gateway Mall
• Ali Mall
• Cubao Expo

Kamuning MRT Station

Named after Barangay Kamuning, this station provides access to one of Quezon City’s popular entertainment districts along Timog Avenue. It’s a key point for commuters working in media, government agencies, and medical institutions.

Major Locations Near Kamuning Station

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

Quezon Avenue MRT Station

One of the busiest MRT stations along the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 is the Quezon Avenue station. It serves as a daily transport hub for thousands of passengers, particularly students and professionals commuting to academic and government institutions nearby. Strategically positioned, this terminal is closest to the University of the Philippines – Diliman, making it a preferred stop for many college students.

Key Nearby Landmarks

The surrounding area of Quezon Avenue MRT station is packed with educational institutions, government offices, and media centers, including:

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

North Avenue MRT Station

Serving as the northernmost terminal of the MRT Line 3, the North Avenue station—often referred to simply as “North” by daily commuters—acts as a major gateway for travelers heading to and from the northern parts of Metro Manila. It is a popular station for residents from Valenzuela, Bulacan, and other nearby northern provinces.

The station is directly linked to TriNoma Mall, a massive shopping and entertainment complex, and is a key intermodal point connecting various modes of transport, including buses, jeepneys, and taxis.

Key Nearby Landmarks

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

New MRT Stations Under MRT-7: What You Need to Know

If you’re familiar with the existing MRT stations in order, you might be curious about the new line that’s soon to reshape public transportation in Metro Manila MRT Line 7. This major infrastructure project promises to ease traffic congestion and cut travel times significantly across key areas in the capital region and neighboring provinces.

What is MRT-7?

MRT-7, short for Metro Rail Transit Line 7, is an upcoming rail transit line that stretches from the northeastern part of Metro Manila down to the southeast. Specifically, this line will start in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, and terminate at North Avenue in Quezon City. The route strategically connects the expanding suburbs of Bulacan to the bustling central business districts of Metro Manila.

The MRT-7 project is currently under development and is being spearheaded by San Miguel Corporation (SMC). Once operational, the line will span 22 kilometers and feature 14 stations, each designed to support the growing number of commuters. The entire line will operate with 108 modern train cars, ensuring high capacity and frequency.

According to projections, MRT-7 is expected to be fully operational by 2025, bringing a game-changing addition to the region’s transportation network.

MRT-7 Stations in Order

For those tracking the construction progress or planning future commutes, here’s a complete list of MRT-7 stations in order from North Avenue to San Jose del Monte:

MRT-7 Station	Remarks
North Avenue Joint Station	Also known as the Common Station that will interconnect LRT-1, MRT-3, and MRT-7
Quezon Memorial Circle	Located in Quezon City, near the park and government offices
University Avenue	Serves students and residents near the University of the Philippines
Tandang Sora	Positioned along Commonwealth Avenue for residential accessibility
Don Antonio	Key stop near Don Antonio Heights
Batasan	Serves the Batasang Pambansa Complex area
Manggahan	Mid-point station for residential commuters
Doña Carmen	Serves local subdivisions and communities
Regalado	Located in the busy Fairview area
Mindanao Avenue	Serves the Mindanao Avenue commercial strip
Quirino	Named after President Elpidio Quirino; serves mixed residential areas
Sacred Heart	Key stop for local churchgoers and commuters
Tala	Close to the Tala Hospital and residential zones
San Jose del Monte	Final station in Bulacan, serves as a key provincial access point

These MRT-7 stations will dramatically improve commuting times and transport reliability between Bulacan and Quezon City.

Metro Manila Subway (MRT-9)

While MRT-7 is nearing completion, another major project is also underway: the Metro Manila Subway, designated as MRT-9. This ambitious line is expected to become the Philippines’ first-ever fully underground rail system and is designed to alleviate traffic on some of the region’s busiest routes.

According to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Metro Manila Subway (MRT-9) is slated to become operational by the end of 2029. When completed, this line will provide a fast, underground commute across major cities and districts, from Valenzuela to NAIA Terminal 3.

Metro Manila Subway (MRT-9) Station List

Here is the confirmed list of MRT-9 stations in order:

Metro Manila Subway Station	Key Area Covered
East Valenzuela	Northernmost station, serves Valenzuela City
Quirino Highway	Close to Novaliches and major road intersections
Tandang Sora	Connection point with MRT-7
North Avenue	Interchange station; links MRT-3 and MRT-7
Quezon Avenue	Near business offices and residential zones
East Avenue	Close to hospitals and government buildings
Anonas	Near Katipunan Avenue and educational zones
Katipunan	Access to Ateneo de Manila and residential areas
Ortigas	Key CBD access; commercial and office hubs
Shaw	Important station for Mandaluyong commuters
Kalayaan Avenue	Serves parts of Makati and surrounding areas
Bonifacio Global City (BGC)	Direct link to Taguig’s business district
Lawton	Connects with other transport modes downtown
Senate-DepEd	Nearby government complexes and offices
FTI	Near Food Terminal Inc. area in Taguig
Bicutan	Southern residential area
NAIA Terminal 3	Direct access to the airport’s terminal

This line is designed to move over 500,000 passengers daily, drastically improving the Metro Manila public transportation system.

MRT Train Fare

The cost of an MRT ride depends on where you’re starting and your destination. Ticket prices usually range from PHP 13.00 to PHP 28.00.

Types of MRT Tickets

There are several ticket options available for MRT commuters:

• Single Journey Ticket – Valid for one trip only.
• Single Journey Discount Ticket – A discounted version for eligible passengers.
• Stored Value Ticket – A reloadable card for multiple rides.
• Stored Value Ticket Discount – A discounted version of the stored value card.
• Beep Card – A convenient, reloadable smart card used across multiple transport systems.

MRT Train Schedule

The MRT trains follow specific schedules for weekdays and weekends:

Weekday Schedule (Monday to Friday)

• 15 trains are in operation.
• From North Avenue Station:
  • First trip: 4:59 AM
  • Last trip: 9:10 PM
• From Taft Avenue Station:
  • First trip: 5:50 AM
  • Last trip: 10:10 PM

Weekend Schedule (Saturday and Sunday)

• 12 trains run during the weekend.
• From North Avenue Station:
  • First trip: 4:59 AM
  • Last trip: 9:10 PM
• From Taft Avenue Station:
  • First trip: 5:51 AM
  • Last trip: 10:01 PM

MRT Operating Schedule

The MRT stations operate every day of the week, providing consistent and timely service for commuters. To ensure a smooth travel experience, it’s important to be aware of the first and last train timings so you can plan your trips accordingly.

Day	First Train Departure	Last Train Departure
Weekdays	4:30 a.m.	10:30 p.m.
Weekends	4:30 a.m.	10:30 p.m.

Whether you’re traveling early in the morning or heading home late in the evening, the MRT operating hours are designed to accommodate a wide range of schedules.

Number of Trains in the MRT Fleet

Following a significant system upgrade, the MRT has expanded its fleet to 72 operational trains. This upgrade allows the MRT-3 line to transport more passengers efficiently while significantly reducing waiting times and potential delays. The modernized fleet not only enhances commuter capacity but also improves reliability across the network.

How to Ride the MRT: A Beginner’s Guide

If it’s your first time using the MRT, there’s more to it than just knowing the MRT stations list. You need to understand how the whole process works from buying a ticket to reaching your destination. Here’s a simple guide to help you:

Buying a Ticket at the MRT Station Booth

You can purchase a ticket at the ticket booth inside any MRT station. Fares typically range from ₱13 to ₱28, depending on how far you’re traveling. There are two types of tickets available:

• Single-Journey Ticket (SJT) – This ticket is valid for one trip only and can be used only on the day it’s bought. When purchasing, tell the booth staff your intended stop.
• Stored-Value Card (SVC) – Also known as the beep™ card, this reloadable card lets you pay electronically for multiple rides. It saves time since you can skip the booth line and head straight to the turnstile. You can load up to ₱10,000 on this card.

Once you have your ticket:

• Tap it on the automatic gate.
• Enter and wait for the train.
• Get off at your chosen stop.

• If you used an SJT, insert it into the slot at the exit gate.
• If you used an SVC, simply tap the gate again to exit.

Buying a Ticket Through the MRT Ticket Vending Machine (TVM)

You can also use the self-service Ticket Vending Machine (TVM) to buy your MRT ticket. Just follow these steps:

• On the screen, select the type of ticket you want.
• For an SJT, choose your destination, then insert the correct amount using coins or bills.
• For an SVC, just insert your payment note that TVMs do not give change, so make sure to input the exact amount.
• Press the Receipt button to print your ticket.
• Use your ticket to tap the automatic gate and enter.
• Ride the train to your destination.
• To exit:
  • Insert the SJT into the gate slot.
  • Tap your SVC on the sensor if you used that.

MRT Stations Map In PDF

MRT Stations – Video Guide

Why Knowing the MRT Stations in Order Matters

Understanding the MRT station sequence offers multiple advantages:

Time-saving Travel

By knowing the MRT Stations list in order from Taft Avenue to North Avenue, you can calculate your expected arrival time and plan your route ahead.

Efficient Transfers

Many commuters need to switch from MRT to LRT lines, jeepneys, or buses. Knowing interchange stations like Taft Avenue (to LRT-1) and Cubao (to LRT-2) is crucial.

Budget Planning

The MRT remains one of the most affordable transportation options in Metro Manila. Fares range between PHP 13 to PHP 28, depending on your travel distance.

Tips for Commuters on the MRT Line

• Avoid peak hours: 7–9 AM and 5–8 PM are the most congested.
• Use Beep Card: Speeds up your entry and exit.
• Keep small bills: For ticket purchases if you don’t have a card.
• Be alert: Secure your belongings to avoid pickpocketing.
• Board in front/back cars: These tend to be less crowded than the middle.

FAQs About MRT Stations from Taft Avenue to North Avenue

How much is the fare from Taft Avenue to North Avenue?

Ans: The fare ranges between ₱13 to ₱28 depending on the number of stations traveled. A single journey from Taft to North (end-to-end) costs ₱28 as of the latest fare update.

Which stations allow transfers to other rail lines?

Ans:

• Taft Avenue connects to LRT Line 1 (EDSA station)
• Cubao Station connects to LRT Line 2 (Araneta-Center Cubao station)
• These are the two main interchange points on the MRT Line 3.

What are the MRT operating hours?

Ans: The MRT typically operates from 4:30 AM to 10:00 PM every day. However, operating hours may vary during holidays or maintenance activities, so it’s best to check official MRT announcements before traveling.

Conclusion

Getting to know the MRT stations in order from Taft Avenue to North Avenue is more than just a commuter trick; it’s a strategy for smart, safe, and efficient travel across Metro Manila. With modernized ticketing, station upgrades, and planned infrastructure expansions, the MRT continues to be a lifeline for millions of Filipinos.