Driving in the Philippines: Traffic, Number Coding and the Cars People Buy

The first thing most visitors notice in Manila is the traffic. At the same time, new car sales keep climbing, and owning a car is still a goal for many Filipino families. This guide looks at the numbers and the rules behind the Philippine car scene.

2025: a record year for car sales

According to industry data from CAMPI and TMA, about 491,000 new vehicles were sold in the Philippines in 2025, a record. Electrified vehicles, including hybrids and EVs, reached about 59,000 units, roughly 12% of the market.

Toyota is the clear leader with around half of the market, far ahead of second-placed Mitsubishi. Japanese brands are trusted, and most cars on the road come from Japanese makers.

How bad is Manila traffic?

The TomTom Traffic Index 2025 puts the average time to drive 10 km in central Manila at about 31 minutes 45 seconds. Drivers lose around 143 hours a year to rush-hour congestion.

Traffic is heaviest on weekday mornings and evenings, Friday nights, payday weekends and throughout the Christmas season. The trip from the airport to Makati or BGC can take more than an hour at the wrong time.

Number coding: the weekday driving restriction

To ease congestion, Metro Manila restricts cars by the last digit of the license plate. The official name is UVVRP, but everyone calls it number coding.

• Monday: plates ending in 1 and 2

• Tuesday: 3 and 4

• Wednesday: 5 and 6

• Thursday: 7 and 8

• Friday: 9 and 0

The restriction applies from 7 to 10 a.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. on weekdays, except holidays. Makati has its own rule that runs from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., so check before you drive there. Electric vehicles are exempt.

The most popular types of cars

SUVs, MPVs and pickup trucks are the favorites, shaped by road conditions and big families who travel together. Seven seats or more is a real advantage. Among wealthy families and companies, luxury minivans with comfortable rear seats have become the standard way to move VIPs.

Drive yourself, or hire a driver?

In the Philippines, it is common for families and businesses to employ a driver. With traffic, parking and coding rules to manage, a car with a driver lets you work or rest on the way. Most travelers and business visitors do not self-drive; they use ride-hailing apps or a private car service.

Tips for travelers and business visitors

• Leave early for the airport and allow for traffic

• Schedule meetings and dinners outside the morning and evening rush

• Check number coding before driving in Makati

• On busy days, book a car and driver by the hour

About 1% DRIVE

1% DRIVE offers a private Toyota Alphard with a professional driver in Manila, from NAIA airport transfers to meetings in Makati and BGC and full-day bookings. Rates start at 7,000 PHP for 3 hours and 24,000 PHP for 12 hours. Book on WhatsApp at +63 945 314 3440 or through the form on our site.