It connects the districts of Ermita and San Miguel, passing over the western tip of Isla de Convalecencia.

It carries Circumferential Road 1 (C-1) and National Route 180 (N180), linking Ayala Boulevard in Ermita to P. Casal Street in San Miguel.

Its current form is attributed to a 1930s reconstruction, during which it was decided to unify the bridge in a singular route.

Ayala Bridge was closed to the public in early 2015 to undergo rehabilitation and structural repairs to ensure its integrity.

[4] Every January 9 of the year since 2020, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has closed the bridge for use as procession route during the Feast of the Black Nazarene.