Once you're in the Philippines, you don't have to worry too much about transportation, as there are many ways and means to get around the country. Tourists can pick and choose the mode of transportation that they prefer, depending on the destination, the distance and their
budget.

Getting around Towns and Cities
A number of bus routes are operated by Metro Manila Transport using conventional vehicles, including double-deckers. Most journeys, however, are made by jeepneys, of which there are an estimated 30,000 in Manila alone. The Metro Railway Transit (MTR) connects North Avenue in Quezon to Taft Avenue in Pasay City, traveling the length of Epifanio delos Santo Avenue (EDSA). The Light Railway Transit (LRT), a light rail transit link, runs from Baclaran terminal in the south to Caloocan terminal in the north. Tricycles (motorbikes with sidecars) and pedicabs (bicycles with a sidecars) are a cheaper alternative for shorter distances around towns. Calseas (horse-drawn carriages) are popular with tourists and are a common sight in downtown Manila.

Getting around By Air
Transportation around the Philippines normally starts and ends in the country's capital, Manila. Even within the country, flying is popular because it is fast, convenient and inexpensive. Furthermore, the country's domestic airlines such as Philippine Airlines, Grand Air International, Cebu Air, Aerolift and Air Philippines cover the whole country with their routes.

Philippine Airlines, the country's major carrier runs a regular service to and from 43 domestic points while the second national carrier, Grand Air International flies to Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro and Tacloban. These two airlines face stiff competitions from other domestic airlines like the Cebu Pacific Air, Aerolift, Air Philippines, Air Ads and Asian Spirit. Cebu Pacific Air flies twice a day to Cebu, Davao, Tacloban, Iloilo and Cagayan de Oro City. Aerolift services Daet, Cebu, Boracay, Bohol, Dipolog, Lubang and Busuanga. Air Philippines covers other destinations like Subic, Iloilo, Zamboanga and Puerta Princesa daily. Air Ads flies to Busuanga, Caticlan and Lubang and Asian Spirit serves Calbayog, Catarman, San Jose, Virac and other destinations.

Note: If you're planning to travel during the Easter and Christmas holiday seasons, it is advisable to make reservations in advance as these are the times when people are on the move.

Getting around by Water
Boat is yet another mode of transportation to travel around the archipelago. Wherever you go, there's always a boat waiting to take you to the next island. Most of the time, outrigger boats or 'pumpboats' are used for short trips. However, tourists are warned that inter-island boat traveling is only suitable for those who are prepared to rough it out.

For travelers who feel that this is not for them, they can have the option of taking the fast ferries. The introduction of the fast ferries has greatly improved the inter-island services, especially in the Visayas region. These fast ferries are actually air-conditioned ships, mostly catamarans that are fitted with aircraft seats, a small bar and video screens that come with names like Island Jet, Supercat, Bullet Xpress and Water Jet. Unlike smaller boats, this mode of transportation is a real alternative to flying as it is comfortable and less expensive.

Getting around by Road
Roads spread among the islands, with highways on the Mindanao, Visayas and Luzon island groups. Further roads are currently being constructed. Traffic drives on the right. Driving off the main highway at night is dangerous and should be avoided. Bus: There are bus services between the towns and also widely available jeepneys. These are shared taxis using jeep-derived vehicles equipped to carry up to 14 passengers on bench seats. Fares are similar to buses. Taxi: Taxis are available in the cities and in many towns. Make sure meters are used, as some taxi drivers will set an exorbitant and arbitrary rate. Car hire: Car rentals are available in Manila and in major cities. The minimum age is 18. Documentation: International Driving Permit required, together with a national driving license.

Journey Times
The following chart gives approximate travel times (in hours and minutes) from Manila to other major cities/towns in the Philippines.

Air - Road - Sea
Batangas - 2.00 -
Cagayan de Oro 1.25 - 48.00
Laoag 1.25 7.00 -
Palawan 1.10 - 24.00