Your Ultimate Guide to Getting Around the Heart of Western Visayas.
Navigating Iloilo City has never been easier with the diverse transportation options available to both locals and visitors. From traditional jeepneys that showcase the city’s cultural heritage to modern ride-hailing services and innovative electric taxis, Iloilo offers multiple ways to explore its vibrant streets, historic landmarks, and bustling business districts.
Whether you’re a tourist wanting to discover Iloilo’s cultural treasures or a local commuter looking for the most efficient way to travel across the city, this comprehensive guide covers every transportation option available in 2025, complete with pricing, routes, and practical tips.
Current Transportation Landscape in Iloilo City
Iloilo City’s transportation scene has transformed dramatically, especially with Grab Philippines formally launching their GrabCar service in March 2023 after several months of temporary operation. Currently, 900 out of the 1,200 TNVS (Transport Network Vehicle Service) slots allocated in Western Visayas are held by Grab.
The city now boasts a mix of traditional and modern transportation options, creating a dynamic ecosystem that serves different passenger needs and budgets. Following the LTFRB Board Resolution opening 1,600 TNVS slots in Region 6 (Western Visayas) for 2024, new players like UTOL have entered the market, providing more options for commuters.
Ride-Hailing Services
1. Grab Philippines
Status: Fully operational since March 2023
Coverage: Iloilo City and Iloilo Airport transfers
Office Location: 2nd Floor, The Grid, Atria Rotunda, San Rafael, Mandurriao, Iloilo City
Services Available:
- GrabCar (4-seater and 6-seater options)
- GrabTaxi (available since 2015)
- GrabFood (food delivery)
- GrabExpress (package delivery)
Pricing Examples:
- City to Airport: ₱500 for 4-seater GrabCar, ₱700 for 6-seater
- Taxi to Airport: ₱333-₱408 (USD 6.00-7.33)
Key Features:
- Upfront pricing with no hidden charges
- 100% vaccinated driver-partners
- GPS tracking and safety features
- Cashless payment options
- Vehicles must be booked through the app and cannot pick up passengers from the street
How to Book:
- Download the Grab app
- Enter pickup location and destination
- Select vehicle type
- Confirm booking and track your driver
2. UTOL (Unified Transport Operations League)
Status: Launched in Iloilo City on July 27, 2024
Company: All-Filipino Transport Network Company Office
Location: 14A Blk 2 Lot 15, Bankers Village, Brgy. Quintin Salas Jaro, Iloilo City
Contact: 09668610750, 09085409409
Mission: “A Better Option with A Better Price” – aiming to benefit consumers, drivers, and merchants
Key Advantages:
- All-Filipino owned and operated
- Competitive pricing model
- Focus on underserved provincial markets
- Aims to educate both riding public and driver operators about TNC services
Coverage: Currently expanding across Western Visayas region
3. Traditional Taxi Services
Light of Glory Transport Services Inc.
Contact Information:
- Website: lightofglorytaxi.com
- Phone: 330-1514, 320-3500
- Mobile: 0906-763-6315
Services:
- Marketed as “the safest and cleanest taxi in Iloilo”
- Airport transfers
- City tours (though primarily transportation service)
- Recently resumed operations following weather-related suspension
Other Established Taxi Companies
Traditional Taxi Operators:
- Multiple taxi companies listed in the Iloilo Business Directory, with locations in Jaro and Villa Anita areas
- Several transport companies offer local city tours and transportation to nearby provinces like Carles and Guimaras
Service Characteristics:
- Reliable and punctual service with well-presented drivers
- Vehicles may be older models but well-maintained
- Fair pricing for local transportation needs
4. Electric Taxis - The Future is Here
Breaking News: Iloilo City is pioneering e-taxi services in Western Visayas with the region’s first electric taxis
Details:
- Quarry Taxi is the first operator in Region 6 to introduce EVs for taxi services
- Initial deployment of 5 electric units, with 3 more expected in coming months
- Currently undergoing permitting process with LTFRB
- Environmental-friendly and sustainable transportation option
Public Transportation System
1. Jeepney Network - The Heart of Iloilo Transport
Iloilo City operates 25 numbered jeepney routes (1-25) covering the entire city, making it one of the most comprehensive public transport systems in the Philippines.
Enhanced Local Public Transport Route Plan (ELPTRP)
Current Status:
- The city has implemented its enhanced LPTRP, reorganizing 17 existing city routes and adding 8 new routes
- Total of 2,142 vehicles cleared for city routes: 520 modernized and 1,622 traditional consolidated jeepneys
- Only 25% of consolidated first-town jeepneys from Iloilo Province can enter the city
Major Jeepney Routes
Route 1: Barrio Obrero, Lapuz to City Proper Loop
- Covers: Everlasting St., Margarita St., Rizal St.
- Key stops: Bo. Obrero Multi-purpose Gym, City Proper
Route 3: Ungka to Iloilo City Proper via CPU
- Key stops: Central Philippine University, City Proper
- Major landmarks: UPV Campus, CPU area
Route 4: Ungka to City Proper via B. Aquino Ave./Festive Walk
- Covers: Business district, modern commercial areas
Route 5: Festive Walk to City Proper via B. Aquino Ave. and SM City
- Key stops: Festive Walk Transport Hub, SM City, Zuri Hotel, Plazuela, Smallville
Route 10: Buntatala/Tagbak Terminal to City Proper Loop
- Airport connection route
- Key stops: Tagbak Terminal, MacArthur Dr., Ceres Terminal
Route 11: Ticud, La Paz to City Proper Loop
- University route serving ISAT and other educational institutions
2. Jeepney Modernization Program
Progress Update:
- 241 modernized jeepneys currently servicing various routes as of late 2023
- Target of 1,767 modernized jeepneys by end of 2023
- Additional 95 units delivered in February 2023, starting operations March 7, 2023
Modern Jeepney Features:
- Air-conditioning for passenger comfort
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Closed-circuit television for security
- GPS tracking system
- Automated fare collection system
- PWD-friendly accessibility
Pricing:
- Traditional jeepney fares: Starting from ₱13-15 for regular routes
- Modern jeepney fares: Slightly higher but with enhanced comfort and safety
3. Tricycles and Local Transport
Coverage: Neighborhood and short-distance transportation
Typical Routes: Residential areas to main roads, short city transfers
Pricing: ₱10-30 for short distances within barangays
Airport Transportation Guide
1. Shuttle Van Service (Most Popular)
Route: SM City Iloilo to Airport Pricing:
- ₱100 per person from SM City to airport
- ₱50 return trip (discounted)
- ₱80 for drop-off at Megaworld Festival Walk
Important Notes:
- Van departs SM City only when full – arrive at least 3 hours before flight
- Can request drop-off at Jaro Plaza
2. Premium Point-to-Point (P2P) Service
Route: Connects Iloilo Airport to Iloilo Business Park and hotels
Pricing:
- ₱80 per person for Megaworld Festival Walk Mall
- ₱200 for bus ticket + hotel transfer
- No additional luggage fee
3. Budget Option: Jeepney + Multicab
Step 1: From Benigno Aquino Avenue, ride jeep bound for Calinog, Janiuay, Cabatuan, or Sta. Barbara Cost: ₱16 (USD 0.30) for jeepney ride
Step 2: Get off at Bangga Dama, Sta. Barbara (Total Gas Station/Mercury Drug area) Step 3: Take multicab to airport from terminal across Mercury Drug Cost: ₱10 (USD 0.18) for 10-minute multicab ride
Total Budget: ₱26 (less than USD 0.50)
Note: Multicabs only leave when full – may wait 1-2 hours
4. Taxi Services
Regular Taxi: ₱333-₱408 (USD 6.00-7.33) for 20km/20-minute journey
Grab: ₱500 (4-seater), ₱700 (6-seater)
5. Private Transfer Services
Klook: Starting at USD 11.79 for 2 passengers
Local Services: Around ₱1,500 (USD 27) for one-way trip to city
Inter-City and Provincial Transportation
1. Bus Terminals and Services
Ceres Terminal (Jaro)
- Routes to provinces across Panay Island
- Connection to Antique, Capiz, Aklan
Ungka Terminal (Jaro)
- Regional buses and jeepneys
- Gateway to various Iloilo towns
2. Ferry Services
Iloilo-Guimaras Route
- Guimaras RORO Terminal accessible via Route 10 jeepneys
- Regular ferry connections to Guimaras Island
Iloilo-Bacolod Ferry
- Iloilo-Bacolod Ferry Terminal accessible via city jeepneys
- Alternative to flying for Negros Occidental destinations
Transportation Tips for Tourists
Getting Around Major Tourist Areas
City Proper (Heritage District)
- Recommended: Walking + occasional jeepney/taxi
- Key Sites: Jaro Cathedral, Molo Church, Calle Real
- Best Routes: Route 3 (Ungka to City Proper via CPU) and Route 5 (Festive Walk to City Proper)
Business District (Mandurriao)
- Recommended: Grab/taxi for convenience
- Key Sites: SM City Iloilo, Megaworld Business Park, Festive Walk
- Best Routes: Route 5 for Festive Walk area, Route 4 for B. Aquino Avenue
University Belt
- Recommended: Jeepneys (very accessible)
- Key Sites: University of the Philippines Visayas, Central Philippine University
- Best Routes: Route 3 (CPU area), Route 11 (La Paz to City Proper)
Tourist-Friendly Transportation Apps
Essential Downloads:
- Grab App – For ride-hailing services
- UTOL App – Alternative ride-hailing option
- Maps.me or Google Maps – For offline navigation and jeepney route planning
Safety and Convenience Tips
For First-Time Visitors:
- Jeepneys, taxis, and ride-hailing services are readily available, making it simple to get around
- Always negotiate taxi fares beforehand or use metered taxis
- Grab provides transparent pricing and safety features
- Keep small bills for jeepney fares (₱13-15 typical)
- Download offline maps as backup navigation
Cultural Experience:
- Jeepneys offer an authentic Filipino cultural experience while being practical for city navigation
- Modern jeepneys provide comfort while maintaining cultural authenticity
- Traditional jeepneys are colorful and iconic but less comfortable
Transportation Hubs and Terminals
SM City Iloilo Transport Hub
- Services: Airport shuttles, jeepney terminus, Grab pickup point
- Routes: Route 5 (Festive Walk to City Proper via SM City)
- Facilities: Large parking, shopping, dining
Festive Walk Transport Hub
- Services: Dedicated transport hub in Megaworld Business Park
- Routes: Multiple jeepney routes, taxi/Grab services
- Area: Modern business district with hotels and restaurants
Tagbak Terminal (Jaro)
- Services: Route 10 (Buntatala/Tagbak Terminal to City Proper)
- Coverage: Airport connection route
- Area: Near residential and commercial zones
People’s Terminal and Mohon Terminal
- Services: Regional and city routes
- Coverage: Provincial buses and city jeepneys
Pricing Comparison Guide
Ultra Budget (₱10-30)
- Jeepney rides within city
- Tricycle for short distances
- Multicab connections
Budget-Friendly (₱50-150)
- Modern jeepneys
- Airport shuttle van
- Taxi for short distances
Mid-Range (₱200-500)
- Grab rides within city
- Private transfers
- Tourist-oriented taxi services
Premium (₱500+)
- Airport Grab transfers
- Private car hire with driver
- Luxury transfer services
Future Transportation Developments
Electric Vehicle Integration
- Electric taxis pioneering sustainable transport in Western Visayas
- Potential expansion of e-taxi fleet
- Environmental sustainability initiatives
Transportation Modernization
- Continued rollout of modernized jeepneys with target of 1,767 units
- Enhanced digital payment systems
- Improved route efficiency and scheduling
Technology Integration
- Expanded ride-hailing services
- Smart traffic management systems
- Digital payment integration across all transport modes
Transportation Etiquette and Cultural Notes
Jeepney Riding Tips
- Wait for jeepney to come to complete stop
- Pass fare forward to driver through other passengers
- Say “Sa Lugar” or tap coin to signal stop
- Give priority to elderly, pregnant women, and PWDs
- Modern jeepneys offer passenger assistance officers and improved accessibility
Taxi and Ride-Hailing Courtesy
- Be ready at pickup location for Grab rides
- Confirm driver identity and license plate
- Report any violations immediately – ride-hailing cars are banned if they violate regulations
- Tipping is optional but appreciated (10-15%)
Traffic Patterns and Peak Hours
- Morning Rush: 7:00-9:00 AM (school and office hours)
- Evening Rush: 5:00-7:00 PM (office closing time)
- Weekend Shopping: Saturday afternoons at malls
- Festival Periods: Expect heavy traffic during Dinagyang and other major events
Accessibility and Special Needs Transportation
PWD-Friendly Options
- Modern jeepneys are PWD-friendly with enhanced accessibility features
- Grab vehicles can accommodate passengers with mobility needs
- Airport assistance services available through JODOGO for wheelchair users and special needs passengers
Senior Citizen Considerations
- Priority seating in public transport
- Discounted fares for qualified senior citizens
- Grab and taxi services preferred for convenience and safety
Emergency Transportation Information
Emergency Services
- Police: 117
- Fire: 116
- Medical Emergency: 911
Transportation Assistance
- UTOL Customer Service: 09668610750, 09085409409
- Light of Glory Taxi: 330-1514, 320-3500
- Grab Customer Support: Available in-app
Iloilo City’s transportation network in 2025 represents a perfect blend of traditional Filipino culture and modern convenience. From the iconic jeepneys that have served the city for decades to the cutting-edge electric taxis now pioneering sustainable transport in Western Visayas, the city offers options for every traveler’s needs and budget.
With its comprehensive 25-route jeepney system, modern ride-hailing services, and efficient airport connections, exploring Iloilo City has never been more accessible. Whether you’re a tourist wanting to experience authentic Filipino transportation culture or a commuter seeking the most efficient way to navigate the city, Iloilo’s diverse transport ecosystem ensures you can reach your destination safely, comfortably, and affordably.
The ongoing modernization of public transport, combined with the introduction of new ride-hailing services and sustainable transportation options, positions Iloilo City as a forward-thinking destination that honors its heritage while embracing innovation. As new players like UTOL expand their services and established operators like Grab continue to enhance their offerings, commuters and tourists can expect even more convenient and competitive transportation options in the months ahead.
Plan your journey with confidence, knowing that Iloilo City’s transportation network is designed to get you where you need to go, whether you’re heading to a business meeting in Megaworld Business Park, exploring the heritage sites of the City Proper, or catching a flight at Iloilo International Airport. The heart of Western Visayas beats with the rhythm of its diverse transportation options, each one ready to carry you on your next Iloilo adventure.
Planning to start a transportation business in Iloilo? Looking for logistics services or want to be listed in our directory? Visit our business directory to connect with transportation providers and explore opportunities in Iloilo’s growing mobility sector.
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