Philippines

Brief History

Rail transportation in the Philippines began in the late 19th century with the establishment of the Manila Railway Company, building a line from Manila to Dagupan. In 1964, Philippine National Railways (PNR) was established. In the following years, PNR faced challenges including damage from natural disasters and lack of government support. However, in the early 21st century, efforts were made to rehabilitate and develop railroad infrastructure, including line rehabilitation and the launch of new projects such as the North-South Commuter Railway. Currently, PNR is working to expand its network and restore freight and passenger transportation.

General Information and Statistics

Philippine National Railways (PNR) is a state-owned railroad company in the Philippines. PNR doubled the number of passengers served from 3.8 million in 2021 to 8.25 million in 2022.

From a peak of 1,100 km, the country currently has 533.14 km of railroads of which only 129.85 km are in service as of 2023. PNR MC (Philippine National Railways) train has 22 stations departing from Biñan Pnr and ending at Tutuban Pnr.

A total of 54.15 km of railroad tracks were electrified.

What connections to other countries there are.

The Philippine National Railways (PNR) primarily operates domestic routes within the Philippines. PNR's main focus has been on developing and improving its domestic rail network, especially in and around Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

Are trains fast in Philippines in general? How much time to cross the country?

Train speeds in the Philippines are varied and depend on the type of service and the condition of the railroad infrastructure. Commuter trains typically travel at 40-80 km/h, while long-distance trains can reach speeds of up to 100 km/h. The national government is working to improve the rail network to increase speed and passenger comfort.
The journey from Tutuban to Alabang takes 1:00 hours.

What railway companies are available?

The main railroad company in the Philippines is Philippine National Railways (PNR), which operates both commuter and long-distance trains. PNR is the main operator of the country's rail network, serving routes in Metro Manila and connecting the various provinces of Luzon Island.

What train types are available in Philippines

There are three train lines in the Philippines: light rail transit (LRT), metropolitan rail transit (MRT), and Philippine National Railways (PNR). Each of them has different stopping points, so be sure to choose the right train depending on your destination.

Are there high-speed-trains available?

The Philippines has no operational high-speed trains. The country's railroad network consists mainly of conventional trains, both commuter and long-distance. These trains run at different speeds, but none of them can be considered high-speed in the sense that some other countries do.

Most important train stations / hubs.

The main railway stations in Philippines are Tutuban, Blumentritt, Alabang, San Pedro.

Websites to buy train tickets for Philippines?

No possibility to buy tickets online.

Mobile apps to buy train tickets in Philippines?

No option to purchase tickets via mobile app.

Possible to buy a ticket at a railway station in Philippines?

The only way to buy tickets in the Philippines is to buy them at the train station ticket office.

Can I buy my ticket by phone?

There is no possibility to purchase tickets by phone call.

Return the ticket.

GENERAL RULES ON TICKET REFUND
For Passengers waiting at the station
In case that the scheduled passenger trip is cancelled or delayed, passengers may opt to refund the payment. Passengers may proceed to the ticket seller for validation and refund;
In case that the passenger/s opt not to refund the payment, he/she must proceed to the ticket booth for validation. Validated ticket can be used within three (3) days from purchase.

For Passengers inside the train
If the train is at the station and fails to continue its trip, riding passengers may opt to take another mode of transportation. He/she must proceed to the ticket booth for validation. Due to the reason that the tickets can only be refund to origin stations, validated ticket can be used within three (3) days from purchase to board the train in any station.

Train ticket prices

To travel on the LRT and MRT, you must buy a single trip ticket at a kiosk at the station. A single ticket costs between 0.19 € and 0.39 € depending on the distance to your destination. If you plan to stay in Metro Manila for a longer period of time, you can purchase a sound card that can be reloaded to avoid long lines at the station.

For PNRs, there is a small table at the station where you can purchase a ticket that starts from 0.24€  and goes up to 0.97€. This rail line is ideal for traveling to destinations outside Metro Manila.

Cheapest train to the closest nearby country?

There are currently no international train connections to other countries.

Where to find timetables.

Find train schedules on https://pnr.gov.ph/northbound-southbound-timetable.html

Buying tickets in advance or right before the train

Buy your tickets at any train station in advance. In the middle of the week, the train was about 30% full.

Types of tickets.

The following types of tickets are available on trains in the Philippines:
    • Regular Fare: This is the standard price of a train ticket. The price depends on the distance and type of train.
    • Senior Citizen Fare (Senior Citizen Fare): Senior citizens are entitled to a 20% discount on the ticket price. To receive the discount, you must present a valid identification document.
    • Preferential Tickets for Students (Student Fare): Students are entitled to a 20% discount on the ticket price. A valid student ID or proof of enrollment is required to receive the discount.
    • Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) Discount Tickets: Persons with disabilities are entitled to a 20% discount on the ticket price. To receive the discount, you must present a valid disability document.

Interrail/Eurail Passes in Philippines

Interrail/Eurail Passes are not available in Philippines.

Saver price.

Saver price tickets are not available on Philippine trains.

Is it cheaper to buy round-trip?

Buy single tickets, not return tickets. This will give you more flexibility if you need to change your travel plans. It is not cheaper to buy return tickets.

Flexible tickets.

Flexible tickets are not available on Philippine trains.

Rules of boarding.

There is no official information on the need to show an identity card to board a train in the Philippines.

Discounts for group travel.

Group travel discounts are not available on Philippine meals.

Age groups and discounts.

    • Senior Citizen Fare (Senior Citizen Fare): Senior citizens are entitled to a 20% discount on the ticket price. To receive the discount, you must present a valid identification document.
    • Preferential Tickets for Students (Student Fare): Students are entitled to a 20% discount on the ticket price. A valid student ID or proof of enrollment is required to receive the discount.

Age limitations for minors.

Children in Metro Manila were not allowed to take public transport, even if accompanied by their parents or guardians. This decision was made despite the increased capacity for passengers on public vehicles to 70 percent. There were no specific guidelines from transportation authorities regarding children's access to public transport.

Handicapped passengers.

Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) Discount Tickets: Persons with disabilities are entitled to a 20% discount on the ticket price. To receive the discount, you must present a valid disability document.
There is a separate page with information for people with disabilities, but it is empty (https://pnr.gov.ph/rene-k-limcaoco/20-menu-pages/73-riders-with-disabilities).

Seat reservations in trains in Philippines.

Seat reservation is not available, you sit in the seat you like best.

Comfort classes on the trains.

Each train is equipped with modern amenities such as comfortable seating, air conditioning, sound systems, sanitary facilities and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Food and drink in trains / train restaurant in Philippines.

Eating, drinking and smoking are prohibited on Philippine trains.

Night trains in Philippines?

There are no night trains in the Philippines for August 2023.

Important train routes in Philippines.

August 2023

Tutuban – Blumentrit / 0:05 hours / from 0.19 EUR 
Tutuban – Nichols / 1:00 hours / from 0.26 EUR 
Tutuban – Golden City 1 / 2:00 hours / from 0.52 EUR 
Tutuban – Biñan / 1:50 hours / from 0.58 EUR 
Tutuban – Calamba / 2:45 hours / from 0.78 EUR

International train routes.

There are no international trains in the Philippines.

Tourist / scenic routes in Philippines.

No tourist / scenic routes in the Philippines by train were found.

Luggage information.

Large luggage larger than 12 "x18 "x18" is prohibited. Smaller luggage is allowed on Philippine trains
Exception to the above luggage restriction are those uploaded in Biñan.

Bicycle on the train.

Bicycles, skateboards and other similar items that may harm or interfere with passengers are prohibited
Exception to the above luggage restriction are those uploaded in Biñan.

Ski or snowboard on the train.

Bicycles, skateboards and other similar items that may harm or interfere with passengers are prohibited
Exception to the above luggage restriction are those uploaded in Biñan.

Luggage lockers on the stations in Philippines.

Unfortunately, there are no luggage lockers at train stations in the Philippines. But there are separate companies that handle luggage storage in major cities.

Lost and Found Items.

There is no special section on lost and found items on Philippine trains.

Pets on the trains.

Only small dogs and cats may be carried on LRT-2 and MRT-3 trains if they are diapered and enclosed in a carrier or cage no larger than two feet by two feet. 
Animals are not allowed on PNR trains.