If you’re looking for a different way to explore the city or want a somewhat scenic ride to get to Binondo or Intramuros from Pasig or Makati, you might want to try using the Pasig River Ferry Service.
While this water-based transport service has been around for years under different management bodies, it’s not widely used by the commuting public. Many people are unaware of the ferry’s schedules or unsure if the service is still operational. But with the heavy traffic in the city, any alternative form of transport is welcome. And in case you're wondering, rides are still free.
We recently tried riding the ferry from Guadalupe to Escolta to see how efficiently the ferry service runs and verify their schedules. Here’s all you need to know about the Pasig River Ferry as of February 2025.
What is the Pasig River Ferry Service?
The Pasig River Ferry Service is a public water bus service based in Metro Manila. Operated by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), it’s currently the only water-based transportation in Metro Manila that cruises the Pasig River from Pinagbuhatan in Pasig City to Escolta in Manila City.
How much is the fare?
As of February 2025, the Pasig River Ferry still offers free rides for all passengers.
Where are the stations located?
The Pasig River Ferry currently has 13 stations in the cities of Pasig, Makati, Mandaluyong, and Manila, listed below:
Pasig City
- Pinagbuhatan
- San Joaquin
- Maybunga
- Kalawaan
Makati City
- Guadalupe
- Valenzuela
Mandaluyong City
- Hulo
Manila City
- Lambingan
- Santa Ana
- PUP
- Lawton
- Quinta
- Escolta
Here are their exact terminal locations and landmarks.
- Pinagbuhatan (Eusebio Avenue, Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City): near the Coast Guard Station at C6 Bridge.
- Kalawaan (R. Castillo Street, Barangay Kalawaan, Pasig City)
- San Joaquin (San Bernardo Street, San Joaquin, Pasig City): near Sumilang and Bambang Bridge
- Maybunga (Dr. Sixto Avenue, Pasig City): beside Maybunga Barangay Hall
- Guadalupe (J.P. Rizal Extension, Makati City): near MRT Guadalupe Station
- Valenzuela (A. Bonifacio Street, Valenzuela, Makati City): near Bonaventure Garden Homes, Riverside Studios, and LTO Makati District Office
- Hulo (Coronado Street, Hulo, Mandaluyong City): near Parish of our Lady of Abandoned
- Lambingan (F. Manalo Street, Punta Santa Ana, Manila City): in front of Tomas Earnshaw Elementary School
- Santa Ana (Pedro Gil Street, Santa Ana, Manila City): near Sta. Ana Public Market, and Liwasang F. Calde
- PUP (Anonas Street, Santa Mesa, Manila City): beside the Philippine Coast Guard Station
- Quinta (Carlos Palanca Street, Quiapo, Manila City): behind the Quinta Market, near the Quiapo Church
- Lawton (Muelle Del Rio Street, Arroceros, Manila City): near the Quezon Bridge, Plaza Lawton, and Post Office
- Escolta (Muelle Del Rio Street, Intramuros, Manila City): Behind the Bureau of Immigration
What are the operating hours of the Pasig River Ferry?
The ferry service operates from 7am to 7pm from Monday to Saturday only. There is no ferry service on Sundays or any night trips. Coming from Guadalupe, there are 11 trips daily at mostly hourly intervals going downstream to Escolta, starting at 7am with the last trip at 4:30pm. From Escolta going back to Guadalupe, the first trip is at 8:30am while the last trip is 5:30pm.
What’s the schedule of the Pasig River Ferry?
Here’s the full Pasig River Ferry Schedule and timetable as shared on MMDA’s website. While their FAQ Page says the schedule was last updated on June 7, 2022, this is still being followed as of January 2025. The same schedule is posted inside the Guadalupe Ferry Terminal.
What are the ferry terminals like?
We only got to check out the stations in Guadalupe and Escolta, but all of the stations are said to be equipped with restrooms, CCTV cameras, and Wi-Fi. Guadalupe Station was clean, air-conditioned, comfortable, well-maintained, and decorated with plants, with the schedules posted outside and inside the station.
Escolta Station is smaller, so it can feel a bit cramped and crowded inside. It’s next to Plaza Yuchecnco, which has a small linear park with benches, native trees, and a good view of the Post Office.
How long do trips take?
It depends on where you’re coming from, but based on our riding experience, it took less than an hour (56 minutes) to get from Guadalupe Station in Pasig to Escolta Station in Manila, with one minor delay due to a barge crossing. The average travel time is about 45 minutes to an hour. This excludes waiting time if you missed the ferry schedule.
What’s the seating capacity of the ferries?
Ferry boats have varying passenger capacities, ranging from 36 to 55 passengers. Coming from Guadalupe, they only accepted 30 passengers, as they had to allot seats for those coming from other stations downstream.
What should I bring when riding the ferry?
- You need to present a valid ID at the counter for the passenger manifest and fill up a registration form, which will serve as your ticket.
- Wear comfortable clothing.
- Bring a tumbler of water for the trip.
- During the rainy seasons, an umbrella may come in handy.
Who can benefit from using the Pasig River Ferry Service?
The ferry service is ideal for tourists who aren’t in a rush to get to their destination, those who want to take advantage of free rides, or advocates of alternative transport. When I rode, other passengers included some workers on their way to Quiapo, a few foreign tourists coming from Poblacion on their way to Quiapo and Escolta, and students getting to and from PUP.
Are there any guidelines for riding the ferry?
- Passengers are not allowed to eat inside the ferry.
- Pets are not allowed.
- You can’t take photos or videos in the vicinity of Malacañang Palace for security reasons, but you can take photos and videos in other areas.
- If you plan to travel with kids, only children aged five and up are allowed and must be accompanied by parents or guardians.
What are some notable landmarks along the route?
- Riverside murals
- Circuit Makati
- Malacañang Palace (no photos allowed here)
- Hospicio de San Jose
- Manila Central Post Office
- Jones Bridge
- Pasig River Esplanade
What’s the nearest ferry station to a train line?
If you’re taking the MRT-3, the Guadalupe Ferry Station is the closest station to the MRT-3 line. It’ll take about five to eight minutes to walk from the MRT station to the Guadalupe ferry station. The Escolta Ferry Terminal, which is currently the last stop, is relatively near the LRT-1 Carriedo Station and the LRT-1 Central Station.
Tip: For tourists staying in Makati and Poblacion, Hulo is the most convenient station to get to Binondo (Escolta) and Quiapo (Quinta). Smaller boats stationed at the park near Museo ng Makati offer river crossings to get to the Hulo station.
Can cyclists bring bikes on the ferry?
Yes. Both folding and full-size bicycles are allowed on the Pasig River Ferry. However, only two bikes are allowed per trip on the smaller boats. There are bike racks outside the Guadalupe Ferry Terminal.
Are there any more planned stations along the Pasig River Ferry Route?
According to news reports, there are plans to build three additional stations in Intramuros (which formerly had a station in Plaza Mexico), Bridgetowne in Pasig, and Marikina City. However, these stations are not yet operational as of this writing. Since the Marikina River is shallow, the stations in Pasig and Marikina can only be constructed once the Marikina River becomes “navigable” after dredging activities.
Is the Pasig River Ferry Service reliable?
While the ferry generally offers safe and reliable service, trips may be canceled due to weather conditions such as heavy rains or floods. Check the operator’s Facebook page for updates during inclement weather or holidays.
Based on our experience and accounts of other commuters who ride this, departure times are not strictly followed. The trip we took left earlier than expected, so it’s best to arrive early to secure a seat. Schedules may also change based on holidays and special events.
Passengers can only ride on a first-come, first-served basis, so if the ferry is full, you may end up having to wait another hour for the next trip. The ferry does not allow reservations, though they do accept private tours by prior arrangement.
The route may also be cut short due to events happening in Malacañang Palace. It’s best to check the MMDA’s PRFS Facebook page for real-time updates and operational hours.
They post announcements regarding trip cancelations and half-day operations.
For a more detailed firsthand experience, travel tips, and notable landmarks near each station for sightseeing purposes, check out this article.
How can I get in touch with the Pasig River Ferry Service?
Stay updated on trip schedules from MMDA’s PFRS Facebook Page. For schedules of specific stations, here’s a list of their contact numbers.
- Guadalupe Station – 09683209727
- Escolta Station – 09687334805
- Valenzuela Station – 09222999508
- PUP Station – 09778551977
- Santa Ana Station – 09631645419
- Lawton Station – 09228383292
- Pinagbuhatan Station – 09918221707
- San Joaquin Station – 09219342451
- Kalawaan Station – 09473105128
- Quinta Station – 09267705809
- Hulo Station – 09687052877
- Lambingan Station – 09761780921
Passengers can call during working hours (7am to 6pm) from Monday to Saturday.
