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Finding a car rental in Manila is simple with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of suppliers around the Philippines with no booking fees. Pick up your Manila car rental at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) or in the city center, including Makati and BGC, and choose from economy cars, SUVs and vans from international and local brands. Book a bit ahead for low prices and consider a city pick up to avoid airport surcharges.
Key Rental Locations and Options
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) |
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| Manila City Center |
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| Makati/BGC Business Districts |
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Car Rental Prices
Saving Tips
- Pick up in the city, not NAIA to avoid airport surcharges of about 10-15%. Add the cost of a taxi/Grab to see if the city pickup still wins.
- Book early only for peak Manila dates like Holy Week, Christmas and long weekends. Off-peak, keep comparing and rebook if prices drop.
- Compare provider types and car sizes. Local firms often price economy cars around PHP 1,500-2,500 per day vs PHP 2,500-3,500 with big internationals. Smaller cars also save fuel.
- Look for weekly rates. Week-long bookings often unlock discounted daily pricing, sometimes up to 30% off.
- Avoid add-on fees. Return during business hours to skip PHP 500-1,000 after-hours charges. Keep it to one driver to avoid about PHP 500 per extra driver.
- Plan around Manila’s number coding. Ask the rental which day the plate is restricted. If it lands during your stay, shorten the rental or use ride-hailing that day to avoid paying for idle time. Also pick hotels with free guest parking to dodge mall rates.
Car rental prices in Manila 2025/2026
Parking Tips
Parking in Metro Manila
- Shopping malls: Secure but paid spots with hourly rates
- Business districts: Limited street spaces, commercial buildings available
- Hotels: Valet service available at most hotels (often free for guests)
- Tourist attractions: Limited dedicated spaces; consider taxi/ride-hailing services
- Residential areas: Street spaces may be restricted or monitored by barangay (local district) security
Payment Systems
- Shopping malls: Ticket system where you pay at automated stations before returning to vehicle
- Commercial buildings: Mix of ticket systems and prepaid cards
- Street spots: Some areas have attendants collecting fees; others use meters
- Valet services: Available at upscale establishments
Local Driving Rules
- Drive on the right-hand side of the road
- Seatbelts mandatory for front passengers
- Motorcycle helmets required for all motorcycle riders
- Mobile phone use while driving prohibited
- Child seats required for children under 12 years old (though enforcement varies)
- Number coding scheme: Vehicles restricted one day per week based on license plate ending number
Number Coding System
- Restricts vehicles in Metro Manila on specific weekdays, 7 AM to 8 PM
- Based on the last digit of your license plate
- Monday: 1 and 2; Tuesday: 3 and 4; Wednesday: 5 and 6; Thursday: 7 and 8; Friday: 9 and 0
- Tourists should confirm current rules, as they change periodically
Why rent a car in Manila
Book a rental to easily:
- Tagaytay – Taal Volcano view
- Batangas (Anilao) – dive sites, beaches
- Subic Bay
- Baguio
- Metro Manila districts – Makati, BGC, Quezon City
FAQs
Is it advisable to self-drive in Manila as a tourist?
Driving yourself in Manila can be tricky because of the heavy traffic, confusing road systems and local driving habits. You might want to rent a car with a driver at first. Or, you could limit your driving to quiet times and less busy areas until you feel comfortable. Many tourists choose to rent a car that comes with a driver to explore the city.
How does the number coding scheme affect tourists?
The number coding scheme means you can't drive your car in Metro Manila on one day of the week. This is based on the last number of your license plate. As a tourist, you'll need to plan around this rule or choose routes that are not in the restricted zones on your car's coding day. The rental company will usually tell you what your car's restricted day is.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Manila?
You'll need a valid driver's license. You'll also need an International Driving Permit if your license isn't in English. You also need a major credit card for the security deposit, your passport and possibly a second form of ID. The requirements can change between rental companies, so make sure you check with them when you book.
Are there any destinations near Manila that are particularly suitable for a rental car day trip?
You can take great day trips to places like Tagaytay to see the Taal Volcano, Anilao for diving or beaches in Batangas and Subic Bay. They are all about 2-3 hours from Manila. You can get to these places by taking simple routes on well-kept expressways, and you'll find plenty of parking at the main attractions.
How do I handle toll roads around Manila?
You will need to pay tolls on most expressways around Manila. Usually, you take a ticket when you enter and pay at the exit based on how far you've driven. You can pay with cash at many toll booths. However, many drivers use RFID systems like Autosweep and Easytrip, and some lanes might only accept RFID. Make sure you have small amounts of Philippine Pesos ready. You should also ask the rental company if your car has a working RFID tag with enough credit.
