2024 Manila Walk: This is your sign to try the Pasig Ferry (Part 1)

Friday, March 01, 2024

Come with me as I ride the chilliest mode of transportation to get to Manila.

Truth be told, I’ve wanted to try the ferry since 2011. At that time the Pasig Ferry did not have any social media pages and were inconsistent. We went to the Guadalupe station and got disappointed because it wasn’t operational. Fast forward to 2023 and the government revived it full time so far.

Here are some things you need to know:
- You will need a valid ID to get a ticket. 
- Kids 5 and up can ride as long as they have an adult with them.
- Pets with cages are allowed.
- Only 2 bikes per time slot are allowed to board.
- The station is small but comfortable. There is a bathroom as well.
- As of February 2024, rides are FREE.
-  Since fare is free, expect a LOT of people during the weekends.
- Guadalupe to Escolta is about 45 minutes

There is a schedule every hour from Guadalupe. I arrived at the Guadalupe station at 9 AM to catch the 9:30 AM ferry. To my surprise, the next available slot was at 11:30 AM! I stayed in the station and contemplated my options. A couple were inquiring about earliest available tickets and I overheard the ticketing officer say there was only 1 slot left for the 1030 AM ride and I motioned if I could get it. Luckily, I got the last ticket.

Expect to wait and make back-up plans in case your Manila itinerary is time sensitive. You may opt to pass by to get a ticket and spend some time in Rockwell then just come back to the station. 

The ride was the chilliest ride I’ve had going to Manila EVER. It was relaxing. The ferry itself is clean, I’ve ridden in commuter buses that were filthier. The river is relatively clean as well – you don’t smell anything. I spotted birds along the route. There are murals along both sides of the river and you get to see some pretty buildings along the way. Not to glamorize it too much, you will also see trash, dilapidated buildings, and makeshift homes along the way. 

The Escolta station is right by Jones Bridge and in front of the Post Office. The last slots from Escolta were 4:30, 5:00 and 5:30. I dropped by the station at 4 PM to check for tickets and they were sold out already. My friend suggested an alternative route of taking the Carriedo LRT then the Taft MRT instead which was a good alternative.

I took the Pasig Ferry to make my way to Binondo! This is part of the 2024 Manila Walk series. Read up on the other parts here:
Part 3: Escolta



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