You Can Now Ride Around Intramuros for Free on This E-Tranvia

 (SPOT.ph) Intramuros is great and all—until you remember the full experience usually involves a lot of walking under the sun. It’s hard to enjoy it when you’re already uncomfortable. Luckily, there’s now a free ride that lets you get around the Walled City with less effort.

Starting March 22, visitors can cut down on walking by hopping on the E-Tranvia for free, which loops through 10 stops around the Walled City. Fun fact: The tram was even built and designed by Filipino engineers. It runs on electricity, with touches like abaca woven into its design.

The ride runs daily, Monday to Sunday, with two boarding windows: 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.—so if you miss the morning run (or it fills up fast), you’ve got another shot in the afternoon. Each ride can only take up to 18 passengers, so it’s still strictly first-come, first-served.

Boarding starts at Plaza Roma, which is right in front of Manila Cathedral, so it’s easy enough to work into whatever Intramuros itinerary you already had in mind. From there, the route takes you past familiar stops like Fort Santiago, Baluarte de San Diego, and Plaza España. Do note that it’s not a full guided tour, so it won’t replace walking if you really want to explore every corner.

Still, the route is actually pretty solid if you want a sampler of what Intramuros has to offer.

Also read: Here’s How Much It Costs to Visit Intramuros' Historical Sites

The tour begins at Plaza Roma, which already puts you within easy reach of Manila Cathedral and the Ayuntamiento—a strong opening if your idea of sightseeing involves old stone facades and pretending, briefly, that Manila traffic does not exist.

From there, the tranvia heads to Fort Santiago. That stop gives visitors access to history through Plaza Moriones, the Rizal Shrine, the dungeons, and the Pasig River Esplanade. The next stop, Centro de Turismo Intramuros, shifts the trip toward museums and memorial spaces. You can visit Museo de Intramuros, Foro de Intramuros, and Memorare-Manila 1945 if you want your Intramuros day to feel a little more reflective.

The tranvia reaches the President’s Gallery next, which is arguably the most photogenic stretch of Intramuros. You’re right by Plaza San Luis Complex, Casa Manila Museum, and San Agustin Church—the iconic stretch with cobblestones, capiz windows, and that very “old Manila” look.

Then the ride moves toward Baluarte de San Diego, where the old fortifications are the main draw, but not the only one. Nearby are the Cinematheque and the Light and Sound Museum.

At General Luna Gap, the route starts edging toward the boundaries of Intramuros. From here, you’re already within reach of places that sit just outside the walls, like NMP/Luneta, Puerta Real, and Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila—so it’s a good jump-off point if you’re planning to extend your day beyond Intramuros.

Then comes Victoria Gap, which feels a little more mixed in the best way. Around here, you’ve got The Bayleaf Hotel, SM Manila/City Hall, the Intramuros Golf Course, and Mapúa University. The route continues through Parian Gate, where the nearby stops include Lyceum of the Philippines University, ASEAN Garden, and Tiendas del Parian.

After that, the tranvia reaches Letran, which gives access to Plaza Lawton, before ending at Plaza España, where passengers can head to the Pasig River Esplanade for a beautiful sunset walk to end the experience.

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