It’s been a month since the EDSA Busway–SM Megamall Station in Ortigas Avenue finally opened to the public. This new concourse, unveiled last April 1, 2026, now connects the EDSA Carousel directly outside SM Megamall’s main mall entrance to a transport hub, improving mobility for commuters.
Where is the new busway station located?
For those unfamiliar with commute routes or not used to taking public transportation, the Ortigas Station can now be found directly across the entrance to SM Megamall Building A, linked by a safe elevated walkway.
Also known as the EDSA Busway–Ortigas Station, it provides access to the EDSA Carousel platform, serving northbound trips to Monumento and southbound to SM Mall of Asia (MOA) and the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX). Check out our full EDSA Busway guide for fares and commuter tips.
We recently rode the EDSA Carousel from Kamuning Station to the Ortigas Station for a mall meetup and to see what the new station looks like. The ride proved convenient, comfortable, and cost-efficient compared to driving or using ride-hailing services. Granted, we rode the bus mid-week and not during the rush hour, but we were pleasantly surprised by the developments in the area.
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What does the Ortigas Station and concourse look like?
Similar to the upgrades and design elements seen in the SM North EDSA Station, the new concourse in Ortigas provides better accessibility for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and other commuters. From the busway, the covered walkway now has working escalators and elevators, and ramps, making it more accessible for those with wheelchairs and strollers.
Clear signs, maps, and directional arrows can be found all around the premises, indicating where to go. There’s even a large sign inside Megamall, so it’s pretty hard to miss.
The Ortigas Station is clean, airy, and lined with a few potted plants. Uniformed guards were visible, adding a sense of security to the area. If your destination is SM Megamall, the bus option is more convenient than taking the MRT-3.
While there are two train stations nearby, crossing from these stations into the mall typically feels like a chore, especially coming from the north. The closest train stops are the MRT-3 Ortigas Station, roughly five minutes from Building A, and the MRT-3 Shaw Boulevard Station, near Shangri-La and Megamall Building B. Both require climbing up and down stairs to get to the right side of EDSA and a bit of a walk to access the mall entrance.
Before the construction of the walkway, commuters using the busway also had to access the EDSA Carousel through the MRT-3 footbridge. This longer and less convenient route contributed to congestion for both bus and train users.
Why should you consider taking the EDSA Carousel
In terms of travel time and costs, taking the bus also beats driving. By private vehicle, getting from Quezon City to the Ortigas area can easily take an hour or more, depending on the traffic and route. You’ll also need to allot extra time to find parking once you get there. Taking cabs and ride-hailing services can be convenient, but expensive. Taking motorcycle taxis is often cheaper and faster, but can be uncomfortable, especially with the summer noontime heat.
By the EDSA Carousel bus, it was a quick 15-minute ride from Kamuning Station in an air-conditioned bus, where I was able to sit down comfortably the whole time.
Since the bus can bypass all the private vehicles and traffic, the ride was much quicker. The stops to load and unload passengers were pretty quick, and buses passed frequently. In terms of fare, I was charged P15 for the trip from Kamuning to Ortigas (but only P14 on the return trip). With the ongoing Net Service Contracting Program, the fare on buses may be discounted.
Unlike the MRT-3, the EDSA Busway also provides 24/7 access, making it a game changer for commuters based in Ortigas, Pasig, and Mandaluyong.
In case you want to save on fuel costs or don’t want to drive through traffic and deal with parking problems for mall errands and meet-ups in SM Megamall, I highly recommend making use of the bus.
Where else should busway services be improved in the metro? Sound out below.
