Pasig River Ferry Guide: Status, Stations and Tips

Featured image: Ganmatthew, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Is the Pasig River Ferry running now?

Treat the ferry as a service that can pause without much notice. MMDA is the agency named in news coverage of the service. Free Wi-Fi was reported across ferry stations and boats on 15 May 2026, which points to an active service this year. Service has still stopped before. It reopened on 17 January 2022 with vaccination rules, and MMDA announced a temporary suspension for April 9 and 10, 2024. Plans to improve the service were discussed in August 2024. Look for a same-week MMDA announcement before you build a plan around the boat. Status notes here were checked November 2026.

• Check MMDA's current announcement for your travel date.
• Pick a station pair that matches your start and end points.
• Work out how you will pay at the pier.
• Plan the walk or ride from the final pier to your destination.
• Have a road or rail backup in case rain or water levels stop the boats.

Pasig River ferry stations and route

Stations named for this service include Intramuros, Escolta, Pasig and Guadalupe, the last serving the Makati side. Intramuros is the stop for the walled city. Escolta puts you near the old Binondo commercial district. Guadalupe is the stop to use for Makati. Station lists have changed over the years, so look up which of these piers are active before you commit to a pair. A pair that looks short on a map can still cost you time if the last mile is a long walk or a Grab queue.

Fares, payment and schedule

No current fare table or timetable is confirmed for this page, so no figures are given here. Check the official MMDA announcement for fares, payment method, first and last boats and weekend service.

Pasig River ferry vs LRT/MRT vs Grab

The ferry only wins when its stations match your trip. Rail and Grab cover far more of Manila. Manila's LRT and MRT lines run on fixed tracks and avoid road traffic. Grab brings a car to your door. Our guide to Grab in Manila covers pickup and pricing. For rail operations, see the Light Rail Transit Authority.

Who the ferry suits and who should skip it

The ferry suits travelers with flexible time and a station pair that fits their route. It also appeals to anyone curious about the river. Skip it if a flight, meeting or booked tour depends on a fixed arrival time. Skip it with large bags or limited mobility, because pier access and boarding steps are not confirmed. Avoid it if your destination sits far from any pier.

• Do not use the ferry as an airport transfer.
• Do not assume a pier sits near your hotel.
• Do not plan a tight connection around a boat schedule.
• Do not forget a road or rail backup.

What to expect onboard

Expect an open-water commuter ride rather than a tour boat. Free Wi-Fi was noted on boats and at stations in May 2026. MMDA began allowing pets on the ferry on 6 February 2023. Current pet, luggage and safety rules may differ, so ask at the pier. Bring water and a hat, because heat and rain affect comfort. You see the Pasig River corridor from the water, including the riverside near Intramuros. Treat it as a way to see the river, not a headline sight.

How the ferry fits a Manila itinerary

Use the ferry as one leg of a day, not the backbone. Our overview of getting around Manila shows how boat, rail and Grab fit together. Intramuros works well as an anchor. Fort Santiago's dungeons have been rehabilitated and are open to the public. The Intramuros Visitors Center inside Fort Santiago is open daily from 8:00AM to 5:00PM. Arriving by air is a separate problem. Our NAIA to Makati route guide covers that leg, and the ferry does not replace it. NAIA terminal operations now run under the New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation, and the Manila International Airport Authority lists current airport details.

Pairing the Ferry With an Intramuros Visit

If you choose the Intramuros station, make the boat only one part of the day. Fort Santiago is a useful fixed point after arrival. Its rehabilitated dungeons are open to the public. The Intramuros Visitors Center is inside Fort Santiago on Sta. Clara Street. It opens daily at 8:00AM and closes at 5:00PM.

Do not treat the ferry as a guaranteed timed connection to a museum visit. Read the boat’s operating announcement before leaving your hotel. Keep rail or Grab as a fallback if the service is suspended. This matters most when you have a tour, dinner, or onward booking after Intramuros.

Arrive with water and sun protection for the walk after the pier. The ferry can add a river view to an Intramuros day, but it should not dictate the whole schedule. If the boat timing does not fit, travel by road or rail and keep Fort Santiago as the day’s anchor.