Intramuros is one of the top tourist destinations for international tourists in transit in Manila and a popular spot for entertaining balikbayans who might be home for the holidays. If you don’t mind the heat going around, Intramuros is compact and easy enough to navigate by foot. If you’re not in a rush, you can easily walk to sights that are 10 to 15 minutes away from each other. Some streets have been pedestrianized, some sites have accessibility ramps for persons with disabilities (PWDs), and a better bike-lane network is now in place.
If you don’t want to walk, you can take public transport within the Walled City or charter different vehicles for private tours. Here’s a guide to the standard rates for public transportation options within Intramuros.
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Kalesa
For first-time tourists and groups looking for a fun, old-fashioned trip around Intramuros, kalesas or horse-drawn carriages, popularly used in the 18th century, are the most iconic way to explore. The kutsero (kalesa driver or coachman) can also serve as a guide to explain sights on tours. Kalesas can accommodate up to six passengers, with rates good for every tour hour (and not per person). Drivers must advise passengers that the one-hour period of the tour has lapsed and may not charge passengers for exceeding time without the group’s permission.
- P 1,000 per hour (regular rate)
- P 800 per hour (discounted rate for senior citizens, PWDs, and students)
Tranvia
Did you know you can charter historic street cars for special tours? Tranvias or trams were the old streetcar systems that served Manila and its surrounding cities during the early years of the 20th century. If you’re traveling with a large group, you can rent tranvias for nostalgia-fueled trips around the Walled City. This is a fun transport option for clan gatherings, team building, and group sightseeing tours. Reservations for tranvia rental are required at least five days before the actual use date.
The rental fees include the tranvia use, driver, and fuel only. Tour guides are not included. Clients can decide on the route they want to take, provided they stay within Intramuros and follow restrictions in case there are any events or functions affected by the suggested route.
- P 1,200 per hour
- P 4,000 for 4 hours
- P 8,000 for 8 hours
Pedicabs
Pedicabs are pedal-operated cycle rickshaws with side compartments attached to one side of the bike that can easily pass through inner, narrower roads. These can fit up to one to two people only. You can find pedicab terminals everywhere in Intramuros, and many drivers offer sightseeing tours to key spots around the old Walled City aside from regular rides.
- P20 (regular trip per passenger)
- Intramuros Tour: P400 (regular), P320 (discounted, only applies if one or both passengers are either students, senior citizens, or PWDs) for every hour of the tour
E-trike
Aside from the pedal-powered pedicabs, you can also find modern three-wheeled electric vehicles (EVs) called e-trikes. For its regular route, it covers about 13 main stops from 7am to 7pm. The stops include Round Table, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, San Diego Gardens, the office of the Department of Labor and Employment, San Agustin Church, Manila Cathedral, Plaza Roma, Lyceum of the Philippines University, Mapua University, Manila High School, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, National Press Club, and the office of Bureau of Immigration.
The modern EVs can also be chartered for customized tours around the historical landmarks of Intramuros with a maximum of eight passengers per e-trike. Tours come with a dedicated e-trike, driver, and optional tour guide upon request. The pickup point is at Plaza de Roma in front of Manila Cathedral.
- P25 per passenger (regular), P20 (students w/ID), P17.50 (seniors)
- P800 per hour (E-Trike Intramuros Tour)
You can also book e-trike rides through a new Pickapp e-tricycle ride-hailing app.
Bamboo bicycles
Bike rentals and guided tours on bamboo bicycles are also available from private operator Bambike, with their fleet of bikes made by the ‘Bambuilders’ of Gawad Kalinga. For active travelers, going around Intramuros on a bamboo bicycle can be a fun way to learn about the Walled City’s cultural landmarks and historical sites, especially with the addition of a 9.35km dedicated bike lane around some streets.
- P50/hour (student with ID) or P100/hour (regular) – Bike rental rate for walk-ins + P50 for reservation fee if making advance online reservations (daily and holidays)
- P999 – Express Tour (9:30am and 3pm)
- P1,699 – Intramuros Experience (9:30am and 3pm)
- P1,799 – Sunset Tour (4:30pm)
- P1,700 Night Tour (5pm)
E-chariot
If you don’t know how to bike but still want a different way to explore Intramuros, you can also rent “e-chariots.” White Knight Hotel inside the Plaza San Luis Complex offers e-Chariot Tours using Electric Chariots (or segways) to explore the historic old Walled City.
- P450 – Budget Tour (30 minutes)
- P900 – Grand Intramuros Tour (1 hour)
Where to park in Intramuros
Willing to brave the traffic and drive going here? Those with private vehicles can park in designated areas including Fort Santiago, Postigo, PC Barracks, and Puerta Real. Areas managed by Intramuros Administration charge a flat rate of P50. Private parking areas can also be found near Puerto Real Gardens and near Ristorante delle Mitre. Check out Intramuros Administration’s parking map below.
If you don’t want to take a private vehicle to avoid traffic and parking problems, here’s how to get to Intramuros by public transportation.
While construction is still ongoing on some sections of the Pasig River Esplanade, the area has become a lively place to walk around. We're really hoping to see better pedestrian access in some areas and more convenient links to mass transit hubs in the future.
