Manila is the bustling capital of the Philippines and the most densely populated city in the world. Despite the constant traffic and noise, Manila remains a popular tourist destination due to its variety of attractions. Its modern skyline contrasts with the history of the historic center of Manila, where Spanish colonial architecture stands out, represented in various churches and a fort. There is history and culture, museums, shopping centers, restaurants and a pleasant promenade. When urban congestion overwhelms you, you can visit one of the many idyllic destinations in the Philippines. Baguio is one such place. It is located in the mountains and is a bustling city that has nothing to do with Manila. Known as the summer capital of the Philippines, Baguio is popular with tourists and locals for its cool climate and attractions such as parks and interesting architecture. In addition, it is a good communication point with the northern areas, where you often go with a backpack. If you feel like exploring this place, read on to find out how to get from Manila to Baguio.
Manila Traffic © aldarinho / Shutterstock.com
Travel options from Manila to Baguio
Baguio is north of Manila and the two cities are connected by road. The asphalt route covers approximately 245 kilometers and although the roads are quite good at first, they become more and more winding as you approach the mountains. Therefore, the journey is longer than you think, especially if you are taking a bus, because buses run slower to get around safely. Still, buses are a good option to get from Manila to Baguio at a low cost, while taxis take less time but are much more expensive. For now, you can only travel from Manila to Baguio by bus or taxi, even though there is an airport in Baguio. Loakan Airport is very small and is currently closed although it may reopen in the future. It is not yet known if there will be commercial flights from Manila to Baguio, but we will be keeping a close eye on the news.
Bus from Manila to Baguio
Baguio Bus Station © Etienne Hartjes / Shutterstock.com
With multiple bus companies serving the Manila-Baguio route, tickets are cheap and there are plenty of options to choose from. Compared to some of the epic Southeast Asian bus tours you may have heard of, the journey between the two cities is relatively quick, despite the twists and turns of the mountainous area. The duration of the tour is usually between 4 and 5 hours, depending on where you start your trip in Manila and what time you leave the capital. Rush hour traffic can be quite heavy if you choose to go out during this time.
As we said, competition between different companies keeps bus fares low. Also, since there are so many companies, there are several daily departures you can choose from.
Website 12Go.asia is a good site to book a bus ticket from Manila to Baguio. They have established cooperation with a reputable bus company, The winning liner, sell tickets from Manila to Baguio, so it’s easy to compare schedules, read other travelers’ reviews and book with instant confirmation. When you book with 12Go, you can also see the different departure locations. When you look around Manila, you will see many options such as Sampaloc (near downtown), Pasay (south of downtown Manila) and Cubao (in Quezon, northeast of the city). This way you can choose the place that is closest to your accommodation. During the day you can find other departure points in the city.
Almost all buses depart from Cubao. The first leaves at 2:00 AM and arrives in Baguio at 6:05 AM, this is a good time to have breakfast and start exploring the city. There are also buses at 4:00 AM, 5:00 AM, 6:00 AM and the rest of the day, with the last scheduled departure at 11:30 PM. All their buses are modern and air-conditioned.
Booking with 12Go is easy and fast, especially since you can compare different options. But if you want to take a look at other companies, Joy Bus and Philippine Rabbit also operate the Manila to Baguio route.
From Manila to Baguio by Taxi
View from the passenger seat of a taxi in Manila © Spectral-Design / Shutterstock.com
With so many bus options and very low prices, tourists often take the bus from Manila to Baguio. But depending on the circumstances, a taxi may also be a good option.
If you are traveling with friends or family, hiring a taxi to get from Manila to Baguio will allow you to cover the mountains in less time. In addition, it will take you to the door of your hotel in Baguio, which the bus cannot do. But of course taxis are more expensive, especially if you are traveling alone or with several adventure companions. You pay a fixed price for a taxi, so it becomes a cheaper option for groups who can hire a van for 9 passengers. Splitting the total cost between everyone, this is a good option given the flexibility and privacy it offers.
Private taxis from Manila to Baguio can also be booked on the 12Go website. These taxis are operated by Anis Transport and will be able to pick you up at your hotel door in Manila and drop you off at your accommodation in Baguio. The journey is shorter than by bus.
With these transportation options to get from Manila to Baguio, it’s understandable why buses are so popular. Tickets are cheap and there are many daily departures from different parts of the city which usually outperform a taxi due to its price.