Manila Airport Guide

MNL Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

What to Expect

Manila Airport (code: MNL) is a busy and often challenging hub with four terminals: Terminal 1 (T1), Terminal 2 (T2), Terminal 3 (T3), and Terminal 4 (T4) allegedly connected by a shuttle bus. However, many travellers report that this bus often doesn’t operate, forcing you to take a taxi at an inflated price. T3 is the largest and newest terminal, and T1 has had some recent renovations.

While travellers do report slight improvements at NAIA from year to year, you can still expect to wait in numerous long lines as you make your way to your flight. The airport has several shops and restaurants, with 24-hour options available in terminals 2 and 3; however, many are cash only, requiring you to find an ATM inside the airport. The airport reputedly offers free WiFi, but many report issues when they actually try to connect. For those looking for added comfort, there are first-class lounges, some of which have showers that economy-class passengers can pay to access.

Sleeping in Manila Airport

Past travellers do not recommend others sleep at Manila Airport unless they absolutely have to. While there are a number of chairs without armrests, most of the seating is made of metal. Terminal temperatures also seem to fluctuate between extremes, making it difficult to know whether you’ll need more layers – or less. If you must sleep here, T3 is apparently more comfortable than the others. Terminal 3, the newest of the four terminals, is your best bet for sleeping and amenities. Terminal 2 has the worst reputation, with few amenities, crowded seats, and no way to access other terminals, even on long layovers. Some travellers report signs prohibiting sleeping in certain areas, with fines for doing so – though we cannot confirm this.

One traveller has reported a free “transit lounge” in Terminal 2, on the ground floor, behind a ticket/security counter. There are firm leather couches and reclining lounge chairs.

If you would prefer to sleep in comfort and privacy, there are sleep rooms in Terminal 3 and several hotels nearby.    See Airport Hotels in the guide below.

Good to Know

Beware of scams and take extra care of your belongings at Manila NAIA. There are a number of reports about bullet-planting scams, demands for bribes, broken CCTVs and general theft.

Read traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Manila Airport Guide.

Airport Hours

NAIA operates 24 hours for landside access across all terminals. Security checkpoint hours vary by terminal and by flight schedule, and airside areas generally close after the last departing flight.

Reported checkpoint hours (subject to change):

• T1: approx. 4:00 AM – 1:00 AM
• T2: approx. 4:30 AM – 11:00 PM
• T3: approx. 4:00 AM – 2:00 AM
• T4: approx. 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Once checkpoints close, overnight sleepers must remain landside.

There have been traveller reports that terminal entry is restricted until three hours before departure. Airport authorities have publicly denied a blanket rule, and enforcement appears inconsistent. In practice, transit passengers and those already airside generally have fewer issues, especially if no terminal transfer is required. Travellers arriving very early should be prepared for possible access restrictions. If this has changed, click here to update this information.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet rooms, or rest zones at Manila Airport. Some terminals have informal seating areas where travellers try to rest, but comfort is limited and these spaces are not designed for sleeping. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Cots

Cots are not offered to stranded travellers at Manila Airport. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.

Manila Airport Hotels & Day Rooms

Quick Facts

• Nearest Hotel:  Within 5 minutes from the airport
• Sleep Cabins & Pods: No
• Day Rooms: Yes
• Nearby Hotels with Free Shuttles: Yes

When the prospect of sleeping on the floor or in a chair is giving you nightmares, there are sleep capsules at Terminal 3.  Otherwise, you may be better off staying at a hotel.

Inside Terminal 3

Wings Transit Lounge Location: Landside, Terminal 3, Level 3. Visitors can choose between capsules, twin rooms, and family rooms are available. Showers are also available. Rates: ₱1,500/$27 USD/3 hours, day rooms. » Read Reviews

Hotels near Terminals 1 and 3

• Belmont Hotel Manila » Check Rates
• Manila Marriott Hotel  » Check Rates
• Holiday Inn Express Manila Newport City   » Check Rates
• Hilton Manila   » Check Rates
• Hotel Okura Manila » Check Rates
• Savoy Hotel Manila » Check Rates
• Sheraton Manila Airport   » Check Rates

For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Manila NAIA Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.

Airport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program.

Airline Lounges

If you are a First or Business Class traveller, you may have access to the lounges listed below. No walk-in or pay-at-the-door rates available. For more information, check the airline’s website.

Drinking Water

Free drinking water refill stations have been reported airside at the following locations:

• T1: near Gate 5
• T2: near Gate 15
• T3: near Gates G108 and H3
• T4: near Gate 104

Availability and functionality may vary.

Landside options are limited; travellers typically rely on restroom taps (where potable) or bottled water purchased from convenience stores such as 7-Eleven in Terminal 3 (Level 2).

Food & Drinks

Food outlets operate on varying schedules by terminal. A small number of options are reported to operate 24 hours:

• T2: Denny’s (Arrivals Area 3–4)
• T3: McDonald’s (Departures Area) • Denny’s (Mezzanine) • Wendy’s (Arrivals, Level 1)

⚠️ Hours are subject to change, especially overnight. Travellers arriving late should expect limited choices and consider eating before arriving or carrying snacks.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Luggage and More offers left-luggage storage with reported rates:

• ₱200 (first 4 hours, small items)
• ₱350 (per day)
• ₱1,800 (per week)
• ₱6,500 (per month)

Locations & hours (unconfirmed):

• T2: Departures Area — 3:00 AM–9:00 PM
• T3: Departures Area near Gate 4 — 2:00 AM–10:00 PM
• T3: Arrivals Area, South Wing — 24 hours

Rates and hours should be reconfirmed, as third-party operators adjust pricing and schedules.

Mobile Charging

Charging stations have been reported airside at:

• T1: near Gate 7
• T2: near Gate 10
• T3: near Gates G105 and H5
• T4: near Gate 102

Landside access to outlets is limited, particularly outside Terminal 3. Bring a power bank and appropriate adapters, as outlets may be occupied or non-functional.

Showers

Freshen up before your flight. Showers are available in these locations: T1 – PAGSS Premium Lounge (airside, ₱1,800/$32 USD entry, shower included) • T3 – Plaza Premium Lounge (airside, ₱2,000/$36 USD, shower included) • Wings Transit Lounge (airside, ₱500/~$9 USD shower only). No public standalone showers are available outside of the lounges.

Freshen up before your flight. Showers are available only within select lounges:

• T1: PAGSS Premium Lounge (airside) — approx. ₱1,800 / $32 USD (lounge access with shower)
• T3: Plaza Premium Lounge (airside) — approx. ₱2,000 / $36 USD (lounge access with shower)
• T3: Wings Transit Lounge (airside) — approx. ₱500 / $9 USD (shower only)

There are no public, standalone showers available outside of lounges.  Prices and access rules should be confirmed directly with the lounge.

WiFi/Internet

Free WiFi is available throughout Manila Airport. Connect to the “NAIA Free WiFi” network. Travellers frequently report slow speeds, dropped connections, or difficulty connecting.

As of 2024, some users report modest improvements, particularly in Terminal 3, though connectivity remains inconsistent in Terminals 2 and 4. No registration is required, but reliability is still questionable.

Security & Safety

Airport staff are generally tolerant of overnight sleepers. That said, we have received many reports of sketchy behaviour in the airport, including non-travellers hanging around landside areas, perhaps looking to make a buck, steal some luggage, or worse.  CCTVs have broken or gone offline, missing serious crime incidents. In the past, there was an ongoing scam involving airport staff planting bullets in travellers’ luggage, so keep your bags close by at all times.

More recent traveller reports highlight friendlier staff experiences. However, sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s essential to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

• Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
• Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
• Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Please don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
• Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

Pro-tip: If you sleep in the public zone, don’t be surprised if you receive an early morning wake-up call. Security is known to make the rounds, waking people up as travellers arrive for morning flights.

More Airport Information