(SPOT.ph) Phase 1 of LRT-1 Cavite Extension has finally opened last November 16, introducing five new stations beyond Baclaran in the south. Let’s take a closer look at what this means for commuters.
The new stations—Redeptorist-Aseana, MIA Road, PITX, Ninoy Aquino, and Dr. Santos—increase the total number of LRT-1 stations from 20 to 25. All five are located in Parañaque City.
At every stop, commuters can find upgraded amenities like first aid rooms, lactation rooms, and the standout feature: modern digital boards that show the estimated arrival times of the next two trains. As much as this is a welcome addition, we found on our visit that the displayed time isn’t always accurate.
There’s also plenty to explore at the newly opened stations. Each is strategically located to provide convenient access to key spots in the city, including the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
Also read: From Fernando Poe Jr. to Baclaran: Everything You Need to Know About LRT-1
What to know about LRT-1 Cavite Extension
Here's a quick overview of the basics before we look into each station.
The farther the station, the more expensive the fare will be. Single Journey Tickets will cost between P15 to P45, while using a stored value card like Beep will cost less between P15 to P43.
Here are the operating hours as of November 2024. Note that this may change during holidays or special events.
Your guide to what is at and what is near every LRT-1 Cavite Extension
Let's pick up where we left off from our previous guide on LRT-1 stations. Based on our experience, the train ride from Fernando Poe Jr. Station to Dr. Santos Station took approximately one hour, so plan accordingly when making the trip.
Station 21: Redemptorist-Aseana
Redemptorist-Aseana Station is our first stop for the Cavite Extension, which is located on Roxas Boulevard corner Bradco Avenue.
Immediately, S&R Membership Shopping - Aseana (300 m) and Seaside Market Baclaran come to view (650 m) from the left and right sides of the station.
The Carillon Tower of the Baclaran Church (700 m) is also impossible to miss.
Walk a little further to get to Parqal Mall (800 m), DFA EDSA Carousel Stop, and DFA Office of Consular Affairs (450 m). Those who are up for a challenge can also walk to SM Mall of Asia (2 km).
Station 22: MIA Road
MIA Road is where NAIA Road used to be near Seaside Drive and Entertainment City, which means several office buildings and hotels are scattered around the station.
It might be called MIA Road but don't be surprised to find out the station isn't actually linked to NAIA. You’ll need to hop on a taxi to get to Terminals 2, 3, and 4, unless you’re ready to tackle the 1.9 to 2.6-kilometer walk with luggage in tow.
This is also the closest station to Ayala Malls Manila Bay (950 m) and Palacio de Memoria (600 m). Not much else can be found at this station, but it’s where you can find plenty of jeepneys and buses going south to Sucat, Alabang, Las Piñas, and Cavite.
Station 23: PITX
The PITX station is the busiest out of the five, but there’s no surprise there.
The best of public transportation can be found here, as the nearly five-hectare Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) is directly linked to the LRT-1 Cavite Extension. In fact, the building is right beside it. It’ll only take one escalator ride down to the second floor to reach the giant transportation hub.
As an added bonus, PITX’s food terminal is right at the bottom of the escalator, just turn left. You can stop by here for a wide selection of food choices, from lutong bahay to meryenda, all at affordable prices.
Although the station is smaller compared to the rest—it feels almost cramped at times—it stands out as the only one with an easily accessible footbridge for crossing to the opposite platform.
Station 24: Ninoy Aquino
Flying domestic? Ninoy Aquino Station is the closest stop to NAIA Terminal 1 (2.1 km). There's even more reason to commute to the airport now that the vehicle charge for overnight parking has tripled since October 2024.
You'll find some shopping options nearby like Duty Free Philippines - Fiestamall (1.1 km) and the S&R Membership Shopping - Parañaque (1.1 km). Aside from that, it’s mostly schools that are within the vicinity of Ninoy Aquino Station: Parañaque Science High School (850 m), Santo Niño National High School (650 m), La Huerta Elementary School (400 m), and Polytechnic University of the Philippines Parañaque (800 m).
It’s another small station, with no escalator for going up—but there is an elevator for those who need it.
Also read: Overnight Parking at NAIA Just Got a Lot More Expensive
Station 25: Dr. Santos
Dr. Santos now serves as the southern terminus of the LRT-1—at least until Phase 2 of the Cavite Extension is completed.
The most notable landmark is easily SM City Sucat (650 m), which is a five-minute walk from the station. The journey there is straightforward, thanks to a newly built structure with covered walkways that almost feel like a promenade.
Hospitals like Olivarez General Hospital (1.5 km) and Premier Medical Center (1.3 km) are also nearby.
In the future, Dr. Santos Station will feature a dedicated terminal to streamline intermodal transportation, such as tricycles, jeepneys, taxis, and buses. However, this facility is still under construction.