Going to a Concert at SM Mall of Asia Arena: Gates, Bags and Getting Home

Getting there

EDSA Carousel. The Carousel is the bus that runs in its own lane along EDSA. The government lists SM Mall of Asia among its stops, along with Ayala, Buendia, Guadalupe, Ortigas, Quezon Avenue and Taft Avenue. From Makati, Ortigas or Quezon City this is usually the least stressful way in, because the bus does not sit in car traffic.

MRT-3 plus the Carousel. MRT-3 runs along EDSA and ends at Taft Avenue in Pasay. Ride it south to Taft Avenue, then change to the Carousel at its Taft Avenue stop and ride on to SM Mall of Asia.

Grab or taxi. From BGC, which has no train, most people book a car. Ask to be dropped at the mall or the arena well before gates open, as the roads around the complex slow right down before a big show.

Driving. The arena points drivers to three car parks: the SM Mall of Asia South Wing parking, the Mall of Asia Arena Annex (MAAX) building and the NU Mall of Asia (NUMA) building. The arena says MAAX and NUMA together have over 2,000 slots. On a sold-out night, come early.

Address: SM Mall of Asia Arena, J.W. Diokno Boulevard, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.

Gates, entrances and timing

The arena says it opens two hours before the event and stays open for one hour after, though gate times are the organiser's call. Gates usually open two hours before the start, and the portal doors into the seating bowl usually open one hour before.

There are four ways in: Coral Way, Marina Way, the Bridgeways (which lead to Level 2, the VIP section) and the Premiere Suite entrance. Everyone goes through a security check, and there is no re-entry once you are inside, so bring everything you need on the first trip in.

Show times vary. On SM Tickets, Jason Mraz starts at 8pm on 27 October, while LE SSERAFIM starts at 6pm on 5 December and 5pm on 6 December. Work back from your start time, and check the event page for a gate time.

What you can and cannot bring

Bag size. Bags must be no bigger than 12 by 12 inches. Larger bags can be left at the baggage counters at the Coral Way and Marina Way entrances before you go in.

Not allowed inside, according to the arena's list: cans, bottles and metal, glass or plastic containers; flash photography or videography; oversized banners; flashlights and laser pointers; aerosol cans and flammable liquids; large or pointed umbrellas and folding chairs; professional cameras, DSLRs and audio recording equipment; lighters, candles and fireworks; selfie sticks, monopods and tripods; laptops, tablets and two-way radios; weapons of any kind. Smoking is only allowed in the designated smoking lounge on Level 2, and vaping only in the designated vaping area on Level 2.

Allowed. Phones and smart watches are fine, and you can take souvenir photos and videos without flash. Small foldable umbrellas are allowed if they fit inside your 12 by 12 inch bag. The arena recommends bringing a power bank, as there are only a few outlets inside.

Children. Children of any age can attend, but some events have their own age rules or ask parents to sign a waiver for minors. Those rules are on the event's page and the arena's social accounts.

Tickets and ID. For tickets bought online through SM Tickets, your account, the credit card you used and one valid government ID must all be in the same name, and only the cardholder can claim the tickets. If you still have a ticket to claim on the day, bring that ID.

Accessible seats. For wheelchair users, the arena recommends VIP sections 201, 211, 212 and 222, or Box Premium sections 401, 406, 412 and 417. There are special access lanes and lifts for persons with disabilities, senior citizens and pregnant women.

Food before and during the show

Outside food and drinks are not allowed inside. Inside, the Food Alley on Level 2 sells snacks such as popcorn, corn dogs and nuggets, and has outlets including Starbucks, Sbarro, Auntie Anne's, Wendy's and Cold Stone. Water is sold inside, without the bottle caps. Alcohol is only sold to people who show ID, and only at some events.

For a proper meal, eat in SM Mall of Asia before you queue. It is next to the arena and has far more choice than the stalls inside. After a late show, our guide to late-night food in Manila has places that are still open.

Getting home after the show

This is where most people come unstuck, so plan it before you go.

The trains stop early. MRT-3's last northbound train leaves Taft Avenue at 11:09pm on weekdays and 10:09pm on weekends. An 8pm concert will often still be going at that time, so do not count on the train home, especially at the weekend.

The Carousel. The Carousel stop at SM Mall of Asia is the obvious alternative to the train. After a big show the queue can be long, so give yourself time.

Grab. After a sold-out show, thousands of people try to book a car at the same time. Grab Philippines' head of public affairs has said fares go up when there are more people booking than drivers available. You may pay less, and wait less, if you walk into the mall or away from the arena entrance before you book, or if you wait half an hour for the first rush to clear.

Driving out. The car parks empty slowly after a big show. If you parked in the mall, stay for a while before you leave.

Where to stay

The arena is about 4 kilometres from NAIA, according to the arena itself, which makes it one of the easier venues for people flying in from the provinces.

Conrad Manila sits on top of the S Maison mall at the edge of Manila Bay. The hotel says the arena is two blocks away.

Address: Seaside Boulevard corner Coral Way, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.

Microtel by Wyndham Mall of Asia is a smaller, simpler hotel on the same corner of the complex. Wyndham's page currently says the roof deck and pool are closed for expansion work.

Address: Coralway Avenue corner Seaside Boulevard, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.

Questions people ask

What is the bag size limit at MOA Arena? 12 by 12 inches. Bigger bags go to the baggage counter at the Coral Way or Marina Way entrance.

What time do the gates open at MOA Arena? Usually two hours before the event, with the doors into the seating bowl opening about an hour before. Your organiser sets the exact time, so check your event page.

Can I bring food or water into MOA Arena? No outside food or drinks are allowed. Water and snacks are sold inside, and the Food Alley is on Level 2.

Can I get home by train after a concert? Usually not. MRT-3's last northbound train leaves Taft Avenue at 11:09pm on weekdays and 10:09pm on weekends. Use the Carousel, a booked car or a hotel nearby instead.

Where do I park for MOA Arena? The arena points to the SM Mall of Asia South Wing, the MAAX building and the NUMA building. MAAX and NUMA together have over 2,000 slots.

Can I leave the arena and come back in? No. There is no re-entry once you are inside.

Looking for your next show? See our list of concerts in Manila for the rest of 2026.