Your Ultimate Guide To Clark Airport Travel: 5 Things You Need To Know

6 min read By eCompareMo on October 4, 2018

The Clark Airport (CRK) is a great alternative to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport’s (NAIA) busy terminals and congested runways.

The CRK is fast gaining more popularity among wise travelers primarily because of its cheaper airfares compared to airports in Manila. And it’s not even as far as you might think from the metro.

Flights from destinations such as Batanes and Siargao, which are usually at over P10,000 roundtrip, can be at half the price when you book via Clark. There are also international flights you can get on the cheap when you fly out from CRK.

But before you get too excited about discounted flights, here are some things to expect when flying from Clark Airport.

1. Clark has less airport facilities

Everyone who’s been at the Clark Airport always talks about how it’s not as busy compared to NAIA. Unlike these Manila airports though, passengers are not allowed to sleep or even stay inside the terminal.

There is, however, a small area outside the lobby with seats, stores, and a coffee machine where people can stay and kill time. If you have some extra budget, you can also book hotels near CRK.

Note that Clark airport charges P150 domestic terminal fee and a P600 international terminal fee. It’s not like NAIA where some airlines already charge the terminal fee upon booking.

If you need last-minute currency exchange, there’s a Forex Counter inside the airport, by the Check-in area.

2. Clark also has international travel tax

If you happened to book with an airline that did not include the Travel Tax Fees, take note of these rates you might need to prepare and pay for at CRK:

(Read: No More Travel Tax? TIEZA Chief Pushes For A P500 Tourist Fee Instead)

3. Clark has parking areas that you need to pay for

Parking fees are at P30 per hour, and Park and Fly is at P90 per day.

4. There are various ways to commute to Clark

Getting to the Clark Airport (CRK) also known as Diosdado Macapagal International Airport is now easier, with all the available transport buses and P2P. Those who live outside of the Metro also have P2P buses in major routes.

A Metro Manila to Clark, Pampanga commute usually takes two (2) hours.

Always allot around five to six hours of travel time and preparations before your CRK flight. And of course, complete your online check in to avoid the hassle of long queues once you get to CRK. The online check-in also favors those who do not have check-in bags. So, travel light whenever you can.

Tip: While you can take normal buses and get dropped off at Clark city proper, you will need to shell out an additional will force you to shell out P500 for a taxi fare to CRK. There is no public transportation from the city proper to Clark Airport.

(Read:  UBE Express P2P Bus Guide: Travel From The Airport To Almost Anywhere In Manila With This Cheat Sheet)

Below are the transport schedules as lifted off the Clark Airport website, Shuttle Bus and Services page:

Clark Airport Lounge, Trinoma Mall, Quezon City

Where to catch the bus: The lounge is near the MRT North Station, and is open 24/7. It’s complete with a waiting area, luggage counter, and flight status and updates.

Bus fare: P250 each way.

When to catch the bus:

Point-to-Point (P2P) Buses, including trips to NAIA

Where to catch the bus:

• Genesis Bus

• Victory Liner

Bus Fare:

•   For Genesis

Ordinary Bus from Clark To NAIA 3 (and vice versa)

Ordinary Bus from Clark to North EDSA MRT Station/Trinoma (and vice versa)

Joybus Deluxe

• Victory Liner

P2P Subic — Clark Bus Service:

P2P Dagupan — Clark Bus Service:

When to catch the bus:

• Genesis Bus

Manila to Clark

Clark to Manila

• Victory Liner

Subic P2P Schedule:

Dagupan P2P Schedule:

Philtranco Bus

Where to catch the bus: Philtranco buses going to Clark can be caught at the Philtranco terminal in Pasay and the Clark Airport Lounge in Trinoma.

The Philtranco terminal is Pasay is located on EDSA corner Apelo Cruz Street. The Clark Airport Lounge is located on the ground floor of Trinoma between Mercury Drug and Medical City.

Bus fare: P350

When to catch the bus:

5. There are several airlines that fly from Clark Airport to destinations both here and abroad

See if you can get cheaper airfares via Clark for the destination/s you’ve been eyeing. Checkout this list:

Source: Clark Airport FAQ, Clark Airport Shuttle Bus Guide