Railways in
the Philippines
Artist’s inpression of part of the Northern Commuter Rail extension to Clark
The first railway in the Philippines opened in 1892 from the capital, Manila, to Dagupan in the north of the island of Luzon. It was 195km in length, and built to 3ft 6in (1067mm) gauge. The line was later extended northwards to San Fernando, and southwards to Legazpi, reaching the latter in 1938. Various branch lines were also constructed.
A number of narrow gauge railways were constructed for the transport of sugar cane. These are known to have existed on the islands of Luzon, Cebu, Negros and Panay, and may have existed on other islands. All had ceased operation by the end of the 20th century.
At its maximum extent the main line network encompassed over 1100km of route. Gradual decline meant that by 2006 only the 480km southern main line from Manila to Legazpi remained; in that year the line was badly damaged by two successive typhoons, resulting in closure. Rehabilitation and reopening is planned, but progress is slow.
In 2009, a provisional service was reinstated between the southern city of Legazpi and Tagkawayan. Operation was erratic for a number of years and frequently changed. a regular service, known as Bicol Commuter, now operates between Legazpi and Sipocot.
In 2014, a commuter service began operating between Manila and Alabang. In 2018, the service was extended to Calamba, and in 2019 to IRRI (the International Rice Research Institute). However, services beyond Alabang were suspended in 2023, pending upgrade and reconstruction of the line to form part of the North-South Commuter Railway.
Construction of the first stage of the North-South Commuter Railway, between Manila and Malolos, began in 2019, essentially a new construction on the line of the previously existing railway. Construction of the second stage, from Malolos to Clark and Clark International Airport, began in 2022.
A regular service between San Pablo and Lucena, known as the Inter-Provincial Commuter, began around 2021.
In 2024, feasibility studies were commissioned for the North Long Haul Railway project. Two sections are proposed: North Long Haul West from a connection with the North-South Commuter Railway at Clark via the route of the former northern main line to La Union, about 175km; and North Long Haul East, branching from North Long Haul West at Tarlac and terminating at Tuguegarao, about 308km.
in 2025, land acquisition began for the construction of a 102km railway Tagum City and Digos City on the island of Mindanao. This is planned to form part of an island network of up to 1500km.
Manila has a light rail metro, the first line of which opened in 1984. An underground heavy rail metro is under construction.
© 2005-2025 Glyn Williams
Image: Philippine National Railways