As a way to combat the traffic in the metro, the Pasig River Ferry System continues to offer FREE rides for the whole year starting January 2023. This is currently the only water-based transportation in Metro Manila that cruises along the Pasig River from Pinagbuhatan in Pasig to Escolta in Manila. The route passes through several cities including Pasig, Mandaluyong, Makati, and Manila.
One of the best things about this route is that bicycles, both folding and full-size versions, are permitted on the Pasig River Ferry, making it easier for bike commuters as well as leisure bikers who want to combine their trips with a river ferry ride to get to the Escolta or Intramuros area from other parts of the metro.
The route was revived in 2019 and continues to offer free rides as of 2023, with previous social distancing restrictions now lifted. Here are the latest updates on the river ferry route based on news reports and official MMDA updates:
- There are a total of 5 ferry boats plying this route.
- One boat has a capacity of 36 people, while four can carry 52 persons.
- All ferry stations are equipped with restrooms, closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, and free Wi-Fi for passengers waiting to board the ferry.
- The ferry service currently operates from Monday to Saturday. There is no ferry service on Sundays.
- It can transport passengers from Guadalupe to Manila from 45 minutes to an hour, which is less than half the travel time by land.
- Pets are not allowed on the ferry.
Pasig River Ferry Station Route Map
Check out this clickable route map of the Pasig River Ferry stations for easier reference.
Pasig River Ferry Stations
As of January 2023, the ferry currently stops at 13 stations in the cities of Pasig, Makati, Mandaluyong and Manila. Here are the terminal stations and nearby landmarks for reference:
- Pinagbuhatan (Eusebio Avenue, Pinagbuhatan in Pasig City) – Near the Coast Guard Station at C6 Bridge.
- Kalawaan (R. Castillo St. Brgy. Kalawaan Pasig, Metro Manila)
- San Joaquin (San Bernardo Street, San Joaquin Pasig) – Near Sumilang and Bambang Bridge
- Maybunga (Dr. Sixto Avenue, Pasig) – 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) – In front of Tomas Earnshaw Elementary School
- Sta. Ana (Pedro Gil Street, Sta. Ana, Manila City) – Near Sta. Ana Public Market and Liwasang F. Calde
- PUP (Anonas Street, Sta. Mesa, Manila) – Beside the Philippine Coast Guard Station
- Quinta (Carlos Palanca St., Quiapo, Manila) – Behind the Quinta Market, near the Quiapo Church
- Lawton (Muelle Del Rio Street, Arroceros Manila) – Near the Quezon Bridge, Plaza Lawton and Post Office
- Escolta (Muelle Del Rio Street, Intramuros, Manila City) – Behind the Bureau of Immigration
Pasig River Ferry Schedule
The PFRS operates from Monday to Saturday, daytime only.
Downstream Schedule: Pinagbuhatan to Escolta
Upstream Schedule: Escolta to Kalawaan
Guadalupe to Maybunga and vice versa
Distance and Travel Time between stations
Fare Matrix
The Pasig River Ferry Service remains free of charge to the public in 2023. The MMDA has yet to determine the fare matrix for the regular run.
Service Disruptions
The PFRS may suspend its operations during a storm or other environmental disturbances. For the latest updates and announcements, visit the MMDA or PFRS Facebook Pages.
Sources:
- Sakay.ph. Pasig River Ferry Service Guide (2023)
- Philstar.com. MMDA: Pasig River Ferry still free in 2023
- MMDA: Pasig River Ferry Service.