Complete Transportation Guide to Iloilo City: For Commuters and Tourists 2025

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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