LRT-1 Stations: Your Ultimate Guide
What's in a station?
(SPOT.ph) Built in 1984, the LRT-1 is the oldest rapid transit line in the Philippines—and it also happens to be the first one in Southeast Asia.
This 20.7-kilometer line has the most number of routes at 20 stops compared to its counterparts, running from Fernando Poe Jr. (formerly Roosevelt) in Quezon City to Baclaran in Pasay City. It’s the second-busiest line that serviced over 215,000 passengers in 2022. If that’s not enough, plans are also underway to extend the north of LRT-1 from its current endpoint at Fernando Poe Jr. Station.
Table of Contents
- Station Details
- Your guide to what is at and what are near every LRT-1 station
- Station 1: Fernando Poe Jr.
- Station 2: Balintawak
- Station 3: Monumento
- Station 4: 5th Avenue
- Station 5: R. Papa
- Station 6: Blumentritt
- Station 7: Abad Santos
- Station 8: Tayuman
- Station 9: Bambang
- Station 10: Doroteo Jose
- Station 11: Carriedo
- Station 12: Central Terminal
- Station 13: United Nations
- Station 14: Pedro Gil
- Station 15: Quirino
- Station 16: Vito Cruz
- Station 17: Gil Puyat
- Station 18: Libertad
- Station 19: EDSA
- Station 20: Baclaran
LRT-1 Station Details
LRT-1 Route Map
Commuters who are new to the LRT-1 might feel a little lost, but there’s no need to fear. Navigating the system is straightforward and can be mastered with a little guidance, starting with knowing the LRT-1’s stops.
LRT-1 Prices
The farther the station, the more expensive the fare will be. Single Journey Tickets will cost between P15 to P30, while using a stored value card like Beep will cost less between P11 to P29.
LRT-1 Operating Hours
Here are the operating hours as of October 1, 2023. Note that this may change during holidays or special events.
Also read: A Look at The New Train Lines in the Works for Metro Manila
Your guide to what is at and what are near every LRT-1 station
Station 1: Fernando Poe Jr.
At the north starting point is Fernando Poe Jr. (formerly Roosevelt), one of the two more recent LRT-1 stations that was opened in 2010.
Fernando Poe Jr. is the most accessible to big malls in Quezon City, so it’s the station to alight on go to SM North EDSA (1 km), TriNoma (1.5 km), and Fishermall (3 km).
WalterMart North EDSA is the closest walk from the Fernando Poe Jr. Station, since the huge supermarket is just right beside it. Further along is the Munoz Market, AMA Computer University, S&R Congressional, and Quezon City General Hospital.
Station 2: Balintawak
Balintawak is the second most recent LRT-1 station, which explains its platform similarities to LRT-2.
Right beside the Balintawak Station is a Puregold branch. There’s a Balintawak bus stop below the station to catch an EDSA Carousel going northbound and southbound. Walk a little further to get to Ayala Mall Cloverleaf, which will take five to ten minutes, but not before passing through the busy Balintawak Market.
There’s also a BPI ATM in Balintawak station in case you’re in need of cash.
Station 3: Monumento
We enter Caloocan City. Monumento is one of the busiest LRT-1 stations given its various landmarks. Below the station are the likes of Jollibee, Chowking, Dunkin Donuts, and other fast-food chains. There’s also the iconic Divisoria sa Monumento and Victory Liner terminals within walking distance.
Monumento Station is also directly linked to two malls: the SM Grand Centrail at the northbound exit and the North Mall at the southbound exit.
Within walking distance from the Monumento Station are Victory Central Mall, Araneta Square Mall, the Caloocan City Public Library, and the Monumento Circle. Feeling adventurous? Malabon Zoo is also in the vicinity (1.3 km).
Station 4: 5th Avenue
5th Avenue Station is quieter than the rest. You’ll discover that the area is full of temples from Buddhist to Taoist, as well as manufacturing factories for car parts. Commuters will usually catch a jeepney or bus to get to other parts of Caloocan City.
Such is the view of C3 from the 5th Avenue Station, which is mainly populated by small commercial businesses.
Station 5: R. Papa
Like 5th Avenue, R. Papa is another one of the quieter stations—the Betty Go-Belmonte of LRT-1, if you will. It’s located on Rizal Avenue Extension. If not the surrounding residential neighborhoods, you’ll spot a few churches, elementary schools, and cemeteries here and there while gazing out of the station.
For instance, there’s Manila Chinese Cemetery (700 m) and La Loma Catholic Cemetery (1.6 km).
Station 6: Abad Santos
Alight on Abad Santos Station to get to the small roads of Tondo and Santa Cruz. Near the station are several furniture stories to shop from. There are plenty of tricycles available outside the station.
Meanwhile, Ospital ng Tondo is also walkable (800 m).
Station 7: Blumentritt
The buzz of Blumentritt Station is apparent from the moment the train stops. Within walking distance is SM San Lazaro, Obrero Public Market, and Chinese General Hospital. Several taxis and jeepneys are available to get you to your destination.
Pretty much everything can be found near Blumentritt Station: banks, fast food chains, grocery stores, flea markets, barbershops, and repair shops. You’ll also immediately spot the PNR Blumentritt Station upon crossing the street from the LRT-1, which goes south to Makati City and Taguig City.
Take a look at the PNR tracks:
Station 8: Tayuman
Urban markets and churches populate the area near the Tayuman Station. Right beside the station is Tayuman Center Mall.
Tayuman Station is most notable for commuters who want to visit the Dangwa Flower Market (800 m). Other places that are easy to reach by walking is the Dapitan Market, Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, Espirito Santo Church, and the Department of Health.
Station 9: Bambang
Bambang Station is full of life—literally. It’s the go-to hub for medical supplies, especially since it’s only a walking distance to several hospitals like Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center, Metropolitan Medical Center, and San Lazaro Hospital.
The narrow streets are lined up with pharmaceuticals, general merchandise shops, and hardware stores. Students at the University of Santo Tomas are also frequent commuters at this stop with only a kilometer of walk to get to the school.
Do take note that the northbound entrance to Bambang Station is a little challenging to find, but it’s tucked right beside the more visible LBC Express.
Station 10: Doroteo Jose
Doroteo Jose is the station to be at to transfer to LRT-2’s Recto Station. Take note that it is going to be a tiring walk, including three flights of stairs and a long overpass, to cross the bridge to get to the LRT-2. See for yourself:
There are plenty of provincial bus terminals in the area. For example, there’s Bataan Transit, Genesis Transport Service, and Philippine Rabbit Bus Lines—all within walking distance from Doroteo Jose Station. Other notable landmarks include Far Eastern University and Manila Grand Opera Hotel.
This station is also for people looking to bargain can easily commute to Tutuban Center Mall (1.3 km), 168 Shopping Mall (1.3 km), and Divisoria Mall (1.7 km). Of course, there’s also the more established Lucky Chinatown (1.3 km).
Also read: 10 Tried-and-Tested Tips for Shopping in Divisoria
Station 11: Carriedo
Carriedo is easily one of LRT-1’s busiest stations given its proximity to Chinatown. All things Quiapo and Santa Cruz can be easily accessed through the Carriedo Station. The southbound exit of Carriedo Station is also linked to Isetann Mall.
Catholics have the Santa Cruz Church and Quiapo Church, both of which are within a short walking distance that won’t take more than five minutes. Searching for more? Walk towards the stately BPI building seen from outside Carriedo Station, then you’ll find yourself in Escolta Street.
Those who are into arts and culture should drop by HUB: Make Lab, which is a creative hub selling stickers, antiques, and other cool finds that can’t be found anywhere else.
Also read: Escolta 101: How to Save a Historic Street
Station 12: Central Terminal
Looking for some respite from the busy Metropolitan stations? Central Terminal Station is the place to be.
A few steps from the Central Terminal exit is the Arroceros Forest Park, which is commonly referred to as “Manila’s last lung” as the city’s only nature park. Entrance is free for the 2.2-hectare park.
The outside of Arroceros Forest Park is just as relaxing. Open spaces are everywhere, with a fountain to complete the scene. Right next to Arroceros is the Manila Metropolitan Theatre, which is only a two-minute walk from the station.
Further along are Old Manila classics like Liwasang Bonifacio (1.1 km) and Fort Santiago (2.1 km).
Central Terminal Station is also the close to the University Belt, so prepare to see flocks of students from various institutions like Philippine Normal University, Mapua University, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, and Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
Also read: Finally, Manila's Arroceros Forest Park Is Here to Stay
Station 13: United Nations
There’s a lot to explore in the United Nations Stations, some easily reached by foot.
It’s where most of Metro Manila’s tourist spots are in close proximity to. There’s the National Museum of Natural History (250 m), the National Museum of Anthropology (500 m), the National Museum of Fine Arts (600 m), the National Library of the Philippines (600 m), Rizal Park (600 m), Planetarium (900 m), and Manila Ocean Park (1.4 km). The list goes on.
United Nations Station is near the home of several government offices like the National Bureau of Investigation (900 m), the Supreme Court (900 m), and the US Embassy (900 km). You’ll also see a flock of students alight on this station to get to University of the Philippines, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, and Adamson University.
Station 14: Pedro Gil
Hotels and restaurants abound in Pedro Gil Station, the most popular being Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila. Commuters looking to explore Ermita can alight at this station.
It’s also another station that is highly populated with students, but there are places worth visiting here. For example, Paco Park, Robinsons Place Manila, and the Philippine General Hospital are all within reach from the Pedro Gil Station.
Station 15: Quirino
Get off Quirino Station to get anywhere to Taft Avenue, San Andres Street, and of course, Adriatico Street, which is lined up with restaurants and bars in the Korea Town of Manila. It’s where night life is up and alive.
Within walking distance are Manila Zoo, Malate Church, and Remedios Circle. Jeepneys and buses near Quirino Station can also be used for trips in and around the greater Malate area.
Station 16: Vito Cruz
Vito Cruz is swarming with De La Salle students from both De La Salle University and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. The station is surrounded by a plethora of fast-food chains, convenience stores, and coffee shops that scream student life: Dunkin’ Donuts, National Bookstore, 7-Eleven, and Coffee Project are just the tip of the iceberg upon exiting Vito Cruz.
Beyond that, this station is also where the Rizal Memorial Sports Coliseum (1.2 km), Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (1.7 km), the Cultural Center of the Philippines (2.2 km), and the Folk Arts Theater (2.7 km) can be found.
Station 17: Gil Puyat
We enter Pasay. Gil Puyat is the go-to station for workers on the way to Makati City, given that it is between Buendia and Taft Avenue.
It’s also near some of the most important buildings in Metro Manila such as the World Trade Center (1.2 km), the Philippine International Convention Center (2 km), Senate of the Philippines (2.1 km). There’s also Star City (1.7 km) and the Upside Down Museum (1.3 km) for the fun of it, too.
Also read: 10 Amusement Parks In and Around Metro Manila for Your Weekend Drive
Station 18: Libertad
Libertad offers a wide range of shops and restaurants that the best of Roxas Boulevard can offer, the closest of which are Victory Pasay Mall and Cartimar Shopping Center. Further along is HK Sun Plaza (1.2 km) and Dampa Seaside (1.5 km).
All things foreign affairs can also be accessed from the Libertad Station like the U.S. Embassy (Annex), the Japanese Embassy, and the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Station 19: EDSA
EDSA is one of the busiest LRT-1 stations since it serves as a transfer hub for many commuters. There are several bus terminals within reach of this station, including Victory Liner and Philtranco. EDSA Station is also linked to Metro Point Mall. You can’t miss it.
More importantly, this is also where commuters can switch to MRT-3’s Taft Avenue Station. There’s a visible walkway circling the Metro Point Mall leading up to the other rail transit line as seen below. You’ll have to go up and down a high flight of stairs to get there, though.
This is also the station to alight from if going to SM Mall of Asia (2.7 km) and the Dessert Museum (2.7 km), both of which are just one jeepney ride away.
Station 20: Baclaran
You’ve reached the end of LRT-1. Now prepare to see tiangge at every street and corner in Baclaran. See for yourself:
Besides the flea markets, other places that are easily walkable from Baclaran Station are the New Galleria Mall and the Baclaran Church. It’s also possible to commute to City of Dreams (1.7 km), Blue Bay Walk (1.8 km), Ayala Malls Manila Bay (2.3 km), Solaire Resort and Casino (2.9 km), and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (3.2 km) from this station.
Most importantly, the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) is only 20-minute ride from Baclaran Station, which is where jeepneys, buses, and UV express vans going to Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao can be found under one roof.
Also read: The SPOT.ph Guide to Navigating PITX
UPDATED (October 2, 2023): This article was updated to reflect Roosevelt's station name change to Fernando Poe Jr. and the LRT-1's new operating hours.