Mabalacat Clark Layover Guide (CRK)

What are you looking for in CRK?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Clark Airport (CRK) is an international airport located in Mabalacat, Pampanga, Philippines. It’s situated about 80 km (50 miles) from Metro Manila. The airport originally served as a U.S. military base before its conversion to civilian use. Clark is part of the thriving Central Luzon region, known for its growing business hubs and tourism. The area offers a mix of natural attractions, cultural sites, and a rapidly developing infrastructure.

Can you leave Clark Airport (CRK) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
You can exit Clark Airport during a layover by passing through immigration and customs. Travelers from visa-exempt countries enjoy up to 30-day free entry; others must secure a Philippine visa in advance. Ensure you hold an onward ticket and meet passport validity requirements. Always check airline transit rules before departure. (more info)

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Clark Museum & 4D Theater Delve into the region’s volcanic heritage and local history through interactive exhibits and immersive 4D films at Clark Museum. It offers engaging displays and multimedia presentations for visitors of all ages. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi, 10-minute ride.)
• Nayong Pilipino Clark Experience Filipino culture through scaled replicas of famous landmarks, traditional dances, crafts and performances at the cultural village operated by Nayong Pilipino Foundation. A vibrant showcase of heritage and artistry. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Free shuttle or taxi, 12-minute ride.)
• Zoocobia Fun Zoo Meet and interact with exotic and native animals, ride ziplines and enjoy hands-on feeding sessions at Zoocobia Fun Zoo, nestled within Clark Freeport Zone for an adventurous family outing. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Jeepney or taxi, 15-minute ride.)
• Mimosa Leisure Estate Stroll along scenic lakeside walkways, relax at al fresco cafés, shop for souvenirs and dine at international restaurants within Mimosa Leisure Estate’s stylish entertainment complex. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Free shuttle or taxi, 8-minute ride.)
• Hot Air Balloon Experience Soar above Clark’s lush landscapes in a tethered hot air balloon for panoramic views of Mt. Arayat and surrounding plains during early morning flights at Clark Parade Grounds. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi, 5-minute ride.)
• Puning Hot Springs & Mud Spa Unwind in therapeutic hot springs and mineral-rich mud baths at Puning, believed to relieve muscle tension and revitalize skin in a tranquil natural setting near Mt. Pinatubo. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi, 20-minute ride.)
• Aeta Cultural Village Tour Learn about the indigenous Aeta community’s traditions, crafts and cuisine through guided village tours, cultural shows and interactive workshops at the foothills of Mt. Pinatubo. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Tour van pickup, included in package.)
• Angeles City Heritage Walk Explore historic churches, heritage houses and bustling street markets on foot in the charming heritage district of nearby Angeles City, rich with colonial architecture and local flavors. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi, 15-minute ride.)

Things to Do in Clark Airport (CRK)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Clark International Airport hosts two main pay-per-entry lounges: Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal 2 (09:00–02:00 daily) offers hot and cold buffet, beverage bar, showers, workstations, private pods, smoking room, prayer area and Wi-Fi. Marhaba Lounge near Gate 9 provides premium dining, comfy seating, nap pods (for a fee) and business services. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Several hotels within a 20-minute drive cater to Clark Airport guests: Clark Marriott, Hilton Clark Sun Valley Resort and Quest Plus Conference Center feature free shuttles, comfortable rooms, dining outlets, swimming pools and fitness centers. Budget travelers can choose Fave Hotel or Eurotel Angeles, both offering airport transfers, free Wi-Fi and basic amenities for restful stays. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Designated rest areas are limited—Terminal 2 has charging benches near gates and massage chairs. For sleeping, travelers can book nap pods in lounges. Floor seating is available but not cushioned. Quiet zones are scarce; many passengers improvise by using window ledges or reclining benches near boarding gates during off-peak hours.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Clark Airport provides free public Wi-Fi powered by DITO Telecommunity. Connect to the “CRK free Wi-Fi” network and register your details via captive portal for one 240-minute session. High-speed access supports streaming and work; charging stations and SIM vending machines are available throughout terminals to maintain connectivity throughout your stay.

SIM/eSIM Card: Prepaid SIM cards from Globe, Smart and DITO are sold at arrival-level booths, vending machines and kiosks. Packages start at ₱50 daily for data and calls. eSIM profiles can be purchased online before departure via telco websites. Both physical SIMs and eSIMs support 4G/5G networks for seamless mobile connectivity in the Philippines. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Metered taxis queue outside the arrival halls of Terminal 2. Standard flag-down rate applies with metered increments. Ride-hailing services like Grab also operate here; pickup points are designated near Arrivals. Fares to Angeles City average ₱300–₱350, while rides to Metro Manila cost around ₱2,000 depending on traffic and distance.

Train: Currently under construction, the North-South Commuter Railway’s Clark station will link CRK to Tutuban, Calamba and New Clark City by 2027. Future services promise direct, efficient rail connections across Luzon’s major urban centers, reducing road travel time. more info

Bus: There is a dedicated bus terminal outside Terminal 2 offering Genesis Transport and Victory Liner P2P services to Trinoma, NAIA and Baguio. Air-conditioned Point-to-Point buses run every hour from 04:00–22:00, with fares from ₱100–₱900 depending on destination. more info

Shuttle: CRK provides free hotel shuttle arrangements for accredited properties within the Freeport Zone; schedules must be pre-booked with hotels. Additionally, a Loop Bus service circulates between the terminal and nearby SM City Clark and Dau Bus Terminal, offering ₱20-per-ride tickets on a fixed schedule, ideal for short local transfers.

Car rentals: International firms (Avis, Hertz, Sixt) and local agencies (MDR, Sean Angel) operate 24/7 counters in the arrivals hall. Vehicles range from compact cars to SUVs; insurance and highway toll coverage are available. Advance online booking guarantees pick-up, while on-site walk-ins depend on availability and may attract higher day-rates. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Four parking zones (P1–P4) serve departures and arrivals; P1 is short-term, P2–P4 for long-stay. Rates begin at ₱40/hour and ₱200/day. Payment options include automatic machines via cash or credit card. Free first 15 minutes for drop-off zone; monthly parking passes can be arranged through the airport parking office.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Official luggage storage lockers are not yet available. However, valet and baggage holding services can be arranged through Plaza Premium Lounge for a fee. Alternatively, external left-luggage counters at the SM City Clark in-town check-in facility provide secure storage. Always confirm operating hours before relying on third-party options. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Clark Airport (CRK) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks