MRT Stations List in Order: From North to South (North Ave. to Taft)

MRT Stations List in Order: From North to South. On paper, it’s a straightforward path—North Avenue to Taft, a string of stops lined up neatly across Metro Manila.

But for anyone who’s ever stepped into the rush to ride the MRT trains, these stations are more than waypoints. They’re markers of the city’s pulse, each one holding a story of where people are coming from and where they’re heading next.

From the office crowd packed into Cubao to shoppers streaming out of Ayala, to students making their way home past Quezon Avenue, the MRT is both a routine and a reminder: life in the metro is always in motion. And while the line might just look like a map, it’s actually a timeline of the day—north to south, morning to night, destination to destination.

So as we break down the MRT Line 3 stations in order, from North Avenue all the way to Taft, think of this not just as a commuter’s guide, but as a journey through the city itself. Each stop is a pause, a choice, and a chance to see how Metro Manila connects, one station at a time.

What is MRT?

The MRT, or Metro Rail Transit, is one of the busiest commuter train systems in Metro Manila. Running along EDSA, it connects the northern and southern parts of the city through key business, shopping, and residential districts, providing a faster and more affordable alternative to road travel.

MRT 3 stations list in order from north ave to taft

MRT Stations List in Order: From North to South (MRT Line 3 North Avenue to Taft Station)

1. North Avenue Station

Located in Quezon City, North Avenue is the first station of MRT-3. It connects directly to Trinoma Mall and is close to SM North EDSA, two of the largest malls in the Philippines. Commuters from northern areas like Bulacan and Pampanga often pass through this station to continue their journey.

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Trinoma
  • Solaire Resort North
  • Vertis North
  • SM City North Edsa
  • Quezon City Science High School
  • Veterans Memorial Hospital

2. Quezon Avenue Station

Quezon Avenue Station provides easy access to government offices, universities, and commercial areas along Quezon Avenue. It is close to Centris Station mall, ABS-CBN, and the iconic Quezon Memorial Circle. This stop is popular among students, employees, and visitors heading to cultural and commercial establishments.

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Eton Centris / Centris Station / Centris Walk shopping complexes
  • ABS-CBN Broadcasting Center
  • DILG-NAPOLCOM Center
  • PAGASA Complex
  • Power Center (NGCP / TransCo / NPC)
  • Office of the Ombudsman
  • Court of Tax Appeals
  • Lung Center of the Philippines
  • University of the Philippines-Diliman
  • UP-Ayala Land Technohub
  • Philippine Science High School
  • Triangle Park
  • Bantayog ng mga Bayani (Monument/Memorial)

3. Kamuning Station

Kamuning Station serves nearby residential and business districts along Timog and Kamuning roads. It’s close to GMA Network Center, Timog Avenue’s restaurant strip, and several TV studios. The station is popular among employees, media workers, and commuters traveling to entertainment and office hubs in the area.

Nearby Landmarks:

  • GMA Network Center
  • Timog Avenue entertainment district
  • Philippine Heart Center (via East Avenue)
  • Land Transportation Office (LTO)
  • DPWH – Quezon City 2nd District Engineering Office
  • Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)
  • Sacred Heart Parish Shrine

4. Cubao (Araneta Center) Station

Cubao Station is one of the busiest MRT stations, directly connecting to LRT Line 2 and providing access to Gateway Mall, Smart Araneta Coliseum, and nearby bus terminals. This station serves as a central hub for travelers heading to shopping, entertainment, and major transport connections across the city.

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Smart Araneta Coliseum
  • Farmers Plaza
  • Gateway Mall
  • Ali Mall
  • Aurora Tower
  • Art in Island (3D art museum)
  • Cubao Expo (indie shops, food & nightlife)
  • Manhattan Garden City / Manhattan Parkway Residences
  • Bus Terminals:
    • Victory Liner
    • Five Star
    • Bicol Isarog
    • Partas

5. Santolan-Annapolis Station

Santolan-Annapolis Station is located between San Juan and Quezon City. It provides easy access to Camp Aguinaldo and Camp Crame, the headquarters of the Armed Forces and Philippine National Police. The area also features Greenhills Shopping Center nearby, making it convenient for both commuters and shoppers.

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Camp Crame — Philippine National Police headquarters
  • Camp Aguinaldo — Armed Forces of the Philippines headquarters
  • Greenhills Shopping District (Greenhills Shopping Center, Promenade Mall)

6. Ortigas Station

Ortigas Station is situated near SM Megamall and Robinsons Galleria, connecting commuters to the city’s daily rush. A short walk also leads to The Podium and several bustling office towers. It’s a stop that blends work and leisure—where business meetings meet coffee breaks, and city life keeps moving.

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Robinsons Galleria
  • EDSA Shrine (Mary, Queen of Peace Shrine)
  • Department of Migrant Workers (DMW, former POEA)
  • Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
  • SM Megamall
  • The Podium Mall
  • Saint Pedro Poveda College
  • Meralco Theater
  • The Medical City

7. Shaw Boulevard Station

Shaw Boulevard Station sits between Mandaluyong and Pasig, linking commuters to one of the metro’s busiest crossroads. It’s surrounded by Shangri-La Plaza, SM Megamall, and Ortigas Center’s corporate blocks. From here, the city unfolds—malls, offices, and transit routes all converging in a steady stream of movement and purpose.

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Shangri-La Plaza Mall — directly connected via walkways
  • Starmall EDSA-Shaw
  • Greenfield District (including Greenfield Pavilion
  • SM Megamall — reachable via short walk
  • Ortigas Center (business & commercial district)
  • Department of Education (head office)
  • University of Asia and the Pacific
  • San Miguel Corporation Building
  • PhilSports Arena
  • Ynares Sports Arena
  • Wack Wack Golf and Country Club
  • PCSO Main Office

8. Boni Station

Boni Station stands in Mandaluyong City, surrounded by a mix of residential towers, offices, and local eateries. It’s steps away from Robinsons Forum and Pioneer Center. This stop connects workers, students, and residents to nearby business districts, making it a convenient link between neighborhood living and city opportunities.

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Robinsons Cybergate Complex
  • SMDC Light Residences & Light Mall
  • Go Hotels Mandaluyong
  • Victor R. Potenciano Medical Center
  • GA Twin Towers
  • TV5 Media Center
  • Pioneer Woodlands Condominium
  • Paragon Plaza Building
  • Philippine Red Cross National Headquarters
  • Globe Telecom Plaza
  • Rizal Technological University

9. Guadalupe Station

Guadalupe Station lies in Makati City, connecting the business district, schools, and nearby communities. From here, you can hop on a jeepney, bus, or ferry to Bonifacio Global City, Pateros, or Mandaluyong. Near Rockwell Center and the Pasig River, it serves as a vital link between north Metro Manila and Makati.

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Power Plant Mall — upscale shopping
  • Rockwell Center
  • Guadalupe Ferry
  • Guadalupe Shopping Center / Public Market linked to station via elevated walkway
  • Our Lady of Guadalupe Minor Seminary
  • San Carlos Seminary
  • Nuestra Señora de Gracia Church (Guadalupe Church)
  • Guadalupe Nuevo Cloverleaf Park
  • University of Makati
  • Makati City Hall

10. Buendia Station

Buendia Station is also known as Gil Puyat Station. It’s one of only two underground stops on the MRT line aside from Ayala Station. It stands at the crossroads of Makati’s busy streets, surrounded by offices, shops, and transit stops, keeping the city’s daily rhythm moving from morning to night.

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Petron Megaplaza — prominent office skyscraper along Gil Puyat Avenue
  • Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
  • Century City Mall
  • Metrobank Plaza Building
  • Development Bank of the Philippines Building

11. Ayala Station

Ayala Station is one of the MRT’s busiest stops, serving employees, students, and travelers bound for Makati central business district. It’s connected to Glorietta, Greenbelt, and SM Makati through elevated walkways. It stands as a central access point for offices, malls, and the nonstop movement of the city’s financial hub.

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Glorietta Mall – major shopping & entertainment complex.
  • SM Makati – departmental store, food, retail shops.
  • Greenbelt Mall (wings 1-5) – upscale boutiques, restaurants & gardens.
  • Philippine National Bank Building
  • Ayala Triangle Gardens – green space in the CBD for relaxation away from the streets.
  • The Philippine Stock Exchange
  • Manila Peninsula
  • G.T. International Tower – office skyscraper along Ayala Avenue.
  • Rufino Pacific Tower – landmark office building, part of Makati’s financial skyline.
  • RCBC Plaza – a large office complex, which includes towers and nearby educational institutions.
  • BPI, China Bank, and Citibank Headquarters
  • Shangri-La Hotel

12. Magallanes Station

Magallanes Station sits near Pasong Tamo and the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), making it a convenient stop for those traveling south. It’s close to residential villages, offices, and shopping spots in Makati and Pasay, offering an easy link between the city’s business areas and southern Metro Manila.

Nearby Landmarks:

  • San Lorenzo Place Mall
  • Dasmariñas Village & Ecology Village residential areas
  • Alphaland Southgate Mall & Tower
  • Assumption College San Lorenzo
  • Colegio San Agustin Makati
  • Don Bosco Technical Institute Makati
  • Embassy of India, Manila

13. Taft Avenue Station

Taft Avenue Station is the final stop of MRT-3, directly connected to LRT Line 1 ( either Baclaran or Roosevelt station). It links commuters to the Mall of Asia, NAIA, and major provincial bus lines like Victory Liner, Five Star, and Philtranco—gateway routes to Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija, and Pampanga.

Nearby Landmarks:

  • SM Mall of Asia (MOA)
  • Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)
  • Ninoy Aquino International Airport
  • National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help

MRT Travel Guide in 2025

If you’re taking the MRT 3, here’s everything you need to know.

MRT-3 Operating Hours and Train Frequency

  • Weekdays (Mon–Fri): 4:20 AM – 10:00 PM / 11:30 PM please see the table below
  • Weekends & Holidays: 4:20 AM – 9:25 PM / 10:00 PM please see the table below
  • Frequency: Every 5–10 minutes during peak hours, every 10–15 minutes off-peak

Always allot extra travel time during rush hours since long queues are common.

MRT Station Entrance Opening Schedule

mrt 3 opening hours weekdays
Photo courtesy: DOTr
mrt 3 opening hours weekends

MRT Station Entrance Closing Schedule

mrt 3 closing time
Phot courtesy: DOTr
mrt 3 closing hours weekend
Photo courtesy: DOTr

Fare Matrix and Ticketing Options

The MRT fare is distance-based and ranges from ₱13 to ₱28. Commuters can choose from:

  • Single Journey Tickets (one-time use)
  • Stored Value Beep Cards (reloadable, can be used on LRT1, LRT2, PNR, and buses)

Beep cards are highly recommended for daily commuters to save time.

Tips for MRT Commuters

  1. Avoid rush hours (7–9 AM and 5–8 PM) when possible.
  2. Keep small bills and coins ready for tickets or reloads.
  3. Use southbound/northbound lanes properly to avoid confusion.
  4. Hold onto your belongings tightly—stations can be crowded.
  5. Stay on the right side of escalators to let others pass.

Connecting Lines: How MRT-3 Links to LRT-1 and LRT-2

MRT-3 connects seamlessly with both LRT-1 and LRT-2, making city travel more convenient for commuters. You can transfer to LRT-1 at Taft Avenue Station via a walkway to EDSA Station, and link to LRT-2 at Cubao Station, connecting you to more routes across Metro Manila’s key districts.

connecting lines of MRT 3 to LRT line 1 and LRT 2
Photo credit: Sumimoto Corp.

Future Plans and Upgrades for MRT Line 3

The Metro Rail Transit system has been undergoing massive rehabilitation to improve safety and efficiency. Led by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), this modernization project includes upgrading train tracks, overhauling old train sets, and enhancing station facilities to provide passengers with a smoother, faster, and more reliable commuting experience.

Ongoing Rehabilitation Projects

  • Replacement of all old rails for smoother rides.
  • Upgrade of electrical systems and signaling equipment.
  • Introduction of new train sets to increase capacity.
  • Refurbishment of stations and elevators/escalators for better accessibility.

Integration with Other Train Lines

The MRT-3 will soon be better integrated with other train lines:

  • North Avenue Station → Future connection to Metro Manila Subway and MRT-7.
  • Cubao Station → Connected to LRT Line 2.
  • Taft Avenue Station → Connected to LRT Line 1.
  • Magallanes Station → Near PNR (Philippine National Railways).

This integration will create a seamless travel experience across the entire metro.

MRT stations list in order from north avenue to taft station

FAQs About MRT Stations:

1. How many MRT stations are there from North Avenue to Taft?

There are 13 MRT-3 stations in total from North Avenue (Quezon City) to Taft Avenue (Pasay City).

2. Which MRT station is closest to Makati?

The closest stations to Makati are Guadalupe, Buendia, Ayala, and Magallanes, all located within or near Makati’s business district.

3. Which MRT station connects to LRT Line 1?

The connection to LRT Line 1 is at Taft Avenue Station (MRT) → EDSA Station (LRT1) via an elevated walkway.

4. Can I use Beep Card in all MRT stations?

Yes, Beep Cards are accepted in all MRT-3, LRT-1, LRT-2, and PNR stations, as well as select buses and UV Express shuttles.

5. What are the MRT operating hours on weekends and holidays?

The MRT runs from 4:20 AM to 10:00 PM during weekends and holidays, slightly later than weekday start times. Check out the complete MRT-3 timetable for each station.

6. Is the MRT safe for tourists?

Yes, the MRT is generally safe. However, tourists should avoid peak rush hours due to heavy crowds and always secure their belongings.

Final Thoughts: Navigating Metro Manila with MRT Line 3

The MRT Stations List in Order: From North to South (North Avenue to Taft) is every commuter’s cheat sheet to surviving Metro Manila. Students rushing to class, office workers chasing time, tourists figuring out the city—all of them share one thing: the MRT, our ticket to skipping EDSA’s notorious traffic.

With 13 stations, mall connections, and long-awaited upgrades, the MRT still holds the city together, one stop at a time. And as future lines like MRT-7 and the Metro Manila Subway start linking in, it feels like the rails of this city are finally learning how to move as one.

Don’t miss reading:

12 Best Pilot Schools in the Philippines

Subscribe to receive FREE posts from us!

Join 1,959 other subscribers

Gabriel holds a bachelor's degree in Computer Science and Information Technology and works as a Software Engineer in the Philippines. He joined Philpad as a content producer focusing on technology, education, and lifestyle. In his free time, he enjoys reading history books and watching detective movies."

error: Content is protected !!