Within the central Makati area — the Ayala Center, Greenbelt, Glorietta, and Salcedo Village — walking is entirely practical. The pavements are well maintained by Philippine standards, and the covered walkways connecting the malls are air-conditioned, which matters in the heat. The various Ayala malls are linked by pedestrian bridges, making it possible to move between Greenbelt, Glorietta, and Landmark without stepping outside.
Jeepneys run along the main arteries including Ayala Avenue, Buendia, and Makati Avenue, and are the cheapest way to move short distances along fixed routes. Routes can be confusing for first-time visitors, but the fares are minimal and any Filipino nearby will help point you in the right direction.
Grab is by far the most convenient option for longer trips or when you need to reach a specific address. Prices are shown upfront, surge pricing applies during rush hours, and drivers are generally easy to communicate with in English. Avoid flag-down taxis unless there is no alternative — the meter is not always used and negotiating fares is an unnecessary hassle.
The MRT Line 3 runs along EDSA between North Avenue and Taft Avenue, with Ayala Station in the heart of the business district and Buendia Station a few stops south. The trains are often crowded but air-conditioned and run frequently during the day. This is the fastest way to reach Ortigas, Quezon City, or Pasay during peak traffic hours, when EDSA can be gridlocked.