The Department of Tourism is launching its very first Transit Tour Program starting early next year. The curated four-hour guided experience for eligible international transit passengers with at least an eight-hour layover at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is set to begin on January 16, 2026.
The transit tour will allow transiting passengers to clear immigration and experience key heritage sites, including Intramuros and the National Museum, alongside modern lifestyle destinations near the airport to “enhance the overall airport-to-city experience.”
Here’s what to expect from the layover tour.
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What is the DOT Transit Tour Program?
There’s no denying that first impressions of a country often start at the airport. For many travelers with connecting flights in Manila, killing time in the airport has pretty much been the norm.
The program aims to turn transit time into a meaningful introduction to the country, giving passengers a chance to enjoy Philippine culture, heritage, and lifestyle in key sites near the airport during short layovers.
Through this Transit Tour, eligible travelers can leave the terminal, explore nearby attractions, and return in time for their next flight. All tours come with proper guidance, transport, and a fixed schedule for safety (which is a necessity given Metro Manila’s notorious traffic).
According to the DOT, the Transit Tour is “designed to create positive first impressions of the Philippines and encourage travelers to return for longer visits.”
Who can join the DOT Transit Tour?
The DOT Transit Tour will be open to international transit passengers from visa-free countries or those holding valid Philippine visas. They must have an 8-hour layover, carry-on luggage only, and a connecting flight from the same terminal to ensure timely returns.
Where are the DOT Transit Tour Program routes?
The program features curated four-hour routes that showcase both the Philippines’ heritage and modern city experiences.
- Morning tour: Intramuros, Manila, or the National Museum
- Afternoon tour: Entertainment and shopping experiences at Okada Manila or Solaire Resort, leisure hubs in Pasay and Parañaque
Tours will reportedly run from Friday to Sunday with a specific destination per tour schedule.
How long do the tours last?
The tour duration is four hours, consisting of one hour of travel from the airport terminal to the destination, two hours of touring (one hour with a guide and one hour of free time), and one hour for travel back to the terminal. All tours are designed to fit within the layover period, ensuring that passengers return to the airport with ample time for boarding.
How much do the tours cost?
The Transit Tour costs $50 (about P2,900 at the time of writing) for the guided experience, inclusive of transport via a 49-seater, air-conditioned tour bus. The fee also covers all entrance fees, a DOT-accredited tour guide, travel insurance, on-ground assistance, a police officer onboard, and light refreshments.
How to avail of the DOT Transit Tour Program?
Starting January 16, 2026, eligible transit passengers may join the program through the following methods:
Book online (end of December) via:
- LovePH Tourism – https://lovephtourism.gov.ph
- Philippine Airlines (PAL) – https://www.philippineairlines.com
- Registering on-site at the Transit Tour Concierge Desk at NAIA Terminal 3
- Booking through DOT partner tour operators (end of December)
Ongoing improvements to NAIA
While the program is welcome and similar to layover programs we’ve seen in other destinations abroad, personally, we hope that enhancing the overall airport-to-city experience would also focus on providing more efficient and direct transportation and mobility options to and from NAIA from key hubs, particularly for domestic and frequent travelers.
We all know that there are still lots of improvement that needs to be done in NAIA to encourage tourists to explore. However, it’s worth noting that NAIA is undergoing other gradual improvements, which we’ve seen at NAIA Terminal 3 during recent flights in December 2025.
In case you didn’t know, biometric e-gates and facial recognition systems have been rolled out to hasten check-ins, security checks, immigration processes, and boarding.
Facilities are being upgraded for comfort and efficiency, including seating, air-conditioning systems, restrooms, and Wi-Fi services. Old equipment at the airports are also being restored. We also spotted a Dignitaries Lounge and new dedicated OFW counters and lounges (at Terminal 3), which should hopefully improve comfort and fast-tracking departures for Overseas Filipino Workers.
Better signage and a more structured ride-hailing and TNVS hub at Terminal 3, with dedicated lanes and parking slots for Grab and other services, make passenger pickups a bit more orderly.
There are better dining options as well, which make arrivals a bit more pleasant compared to the past. Three new food halls opened at Terminal 3, including the All-Filipino Tambayan Food Hall, a Mezzanine Food Hall, and a Food Village, with dozens of mall-like dining options to pick from.
So if your flight arrives during rush hour, we recommend heading to the food halls first and getting a good meal while waiting for traffic to subside for shorter rides home.
