Cheap flights from Adelaide (ADL) to Manila (MNL)

Fly from Adelaide to Manila to drop into a world where jeepneys painted like moving murals crawl past Spanish colonial churches and gargantuan malls. Start in Intramuros, tracing cobbled lanes through Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church, then switch gears in Makati and BGC with rooftop bars, murals and buzzing nightlife. Hungry? Dive into Binondo’s dumplings, street skewers by Manila Bay, or sizzling sisig with an ice-cold San Miguel. Got more time? Day trips to Tagaytay’s Taal Volcano or jungle boat rides to Pagsanjan Falls show off the Philippines’ wilder side. 

Which airlines fly direct from Adelaide to Manila? 

There aren’t any nonstop flights from Adelaide to Manila just yet, but you’ve got a solid spread of one-stop options through Asia’s busiest hubs. Whether you’re chasing full-service comfort or flying on a budget, here’s who’ll get you there with a single connection.

• China Southern (via Guangzhou) : A SkyTeam member offering full-service perks: meals, checked baggage, and Sky Pearl Club points. Choose from shorter or overnight layovers in Guangzhou depending on your preference.
• Qantas (via Sydney): Australia’s homegrown full-service pick. Baggage, meals and seatback entertainment are all part of the deal. Qantas Frequent Flyers will rack up points on both legs, and connections from Adelaide are usually smooth.
• Cathay Pacific (via Hong Kong): Hong Kong’s polished flagship. Meals, baggage and Asia Miles are included, with consistently good service and a relatively painless transit through HKG.
• Malaysia Airlines (via Kuala Lumpur): A reliable full-service pick with meals, baggage and Enrich Miles included. Short layovers in KL make this a time-efficient option.
• Jetstar (via Perth): The low-cost way to go. Base fares are wallet-friendly, but you’ll need to add baggage, meals and seat selection. Long layovers and overnight transits are common on this route.

Flight time from Adelaide to Manila?

No direct hops from Adelaide to Manila just yet, so you’ll be looking at one-stop routes through hubs like Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Guangzhou or Sydney. The quickest journeys land in just under 13 hours, but longer layovers – especially overnights – can stretch your travel time well past 20 hours. Pick your path wisely if time’s tight.

Average price of flights between Adelaide and Manila

Return fares on the Adelaide–Manila route typically sit between A$840 and A$2,750, with current deals starting from AU$602. To land the best value, aim to book 1–3 months ahead and keep tabs on big Traveloka sales like Click Frenzy Travel, EOFY, and Boxing Day.

Cheapest time to fly to Manila

The cheapest month to fly from Adelaide to Manila is usually March. Cheapest fares dip as low as AU$602 and typically sitting between A$840–1,100. March and May are generally the sweet spots for shoulder-season savings. On the flip side, December is the most expensive time to go, with fares peaking around A$2,750 thanks to Christmas, school holidays and holiday-season demand. For the best bang for your buck, stick to the off-peak months and keep an eye on Traveloka’s major sales.

Where is the airport in Manila?

Flights to Manila from Adelaide land at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), located about 7 km south of the city. Depending on the notorious Manila traffic, travel into central areas like Makati or Manila Bay typically takes 30–60 minutes.The easiest option is a Grab rideshare or airport taxi, with most trips taking around 30–45 minutes. 

If you're after a budget-friendly ride, the UBE Express buses go to major hubs like Ortigas, Alabang, and Robinsons Place Manila. Travel times range from 45 to 90 minutes, depending on the stop and traffic. City buses, jeepneys, and minibuses are also available, connecting to areas like Baclaran, EDSA, and Taft Avenue MRT Station. They’re the cheapest option but slower, with journeys of 60–90 minutes or more.

Visa and passport requirements for Australians flying to Manila

Aussies can visit the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days. All you need is a passport valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date, plus proof of onward or return travel. Planning to stay longer than a month? You’ll need to arrange a visa extension through the Philippine Bureau of Immigration once you’re there.

Time difference between Adelaide and Manila

Manila is 1.5 hours behind Adelaide during standard time (April to early October). When daylight saving kicks in (early October to early April), the gap extends to 2.5 hours. No need to do the maths — your flight arrival time is already shown in local time.

Our tips to getting the best price on flights

• Book early: Aim to lock in fares 1–3 months ahead of your Manila trip – it’s your best bet for snagging deals before peak holiday demand sets in.
• Set up a Flight Alert: Let Traveloka do the tracking – you’ll get notified when prices drop.
• Watch our promo page: Sales like Boxing Day, EOFY and Click Frenzy Travel often unlock bonus coupons and discounts.
• Compare inclusions: Budget tickets to the Philippines can add up once you tack on baggage and meals – sometimes full-service wins out.
• Travel midweek: Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be cheaper than weekend flights – more pesos for halo-halo, lechon or day trips to Taal Volcano.

Why trust Traveloka with your flight booking

• Everything in one spot: Flights, hotels in Makati or Manila Bay, even attraction tickets, can be booked all in one go.
• Aussie-loved promos: Tap into EOFY, Boxing Day, and Click Frenzy deals to stretch your peso further.
• Flexible payments: Use PayLater to book now and chip away at it in instalments – perfect if you’re planning a big Filipino family reunion.
• No nasty surprises: See the final price upfront – with baggage, meals and extras clearly shown.
• Perks for travellers: Some Manila routes include free SIM cards, airport transfers, or app-only discounts to get you sorted on arrival.

Ready for your Manila adventure?

Flights are just the beginning. With Traveloka, you can lock in the perfect stay in Manila – from boutique hotels in Makati to bayside views near Roxas Boulevard. You can also book attraction tickets, guided tours and day trips to spots like Tagaytay or Pagsanjan Falls, all in one place. Less admin, more adventure.

Other popular destinations in the Philippines from Adelaide you might want to check out:

• Adelaide – Cebu
• Adelaide – Davao
• Adelaide – Bohol
• Adelaide – Boracay
• Adelaide – Iloilo

Flying in the other direction?

Here’s everything you need to know for the Manila to Adelaide journey.

Sources

https://guidetothephilippines.ph/articles/ultimate-guides/manila-travel-guide

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/philippines/manila

https://thepartyingtraveler.com/2025/01/24/ultimate-backpacker-travel-guide-manila-philippines/

https://www.qantas.com/travelinsider/en/explore/asia/philippines/manila/insider-tips-to-manila.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ninoy_Aquino_International_Airport 

https://www.philippinestravelpackage.com/blog/manila-airport-guide/

https://www.universalaviation.aero/location-downloadables/rpll/Philippines-RPLL-Manila-Arrival-Departure-Guide.pdf

https://www.ana.co.jp/en/us/travel-information/airport-and-city-info/manila/ 

https://guidetothephilippines.ph/articles/ultimate-guides/manila-airport-philippines-guide 

https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/philippines