How to get from Manila to Banaue

Manila to Banaue is a classic Cordillera journey. Most travelers ride an overnight bus straight to Banaue; others charter a private car/van, self-drive for full flexibility, or fly to the nearest airports (Cauayan/Tuguegarao) and continue by road. Pick what fits your budget, comfort, and timing—details and step-by-steps below.

At A Glance (Manila to Banaue)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚌 Direct Night Bus (Manila/Cubao → Banaue)	~9–11h overnight	Good value, direct to town
🏷️ Cost: ~PHP 700–1,100 one-way (class/date) » compare buses | CODA schedule (official) | Ohayami (official)
✈️🚐 Flight to Cauayan (ISU) or Tuguegarao (TUG) + Van/Bus	~1h10 flight + ~3.5–5h road	Daytime travel, limited nights
🏷️ Cost: Flight ~PHP 1,800–5,000 + road leg » search flights | Trip.com (MNL→ISU)
🚐 Private Car/Van Charter (Door-to-Door)	~8–10h (stops/traffic-dependent)	Groups, lots of gear, max flexibility
🏷️ Cost: ~PHP 12,000–22,000 per vehicle » get quotes
🚘 Self-Drive (Expressways + Mountain Roads)	~8.5–10.5h (with breaks)	Scenic stops, independent travelers
🏷️ Cost: Car ~PHP 1,800–3,500/day + fuel/tolls » compare rentals | Trip.com car hire

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest with simplest planning: Direct night bus—sleep on board, arrive early in Banaue.
• Daylight travel / can’t do overnights: Fly to ISU/TUG + van/bus for a shorter, daylight road leg.
• Door-to-door comfort for families/groups: Private charter from your Manila hotel/airport.
• Most scenic & flexible: Self-drive via Dalton Pass with photo/rest stops.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Reserve early (weekends/holidays): Compare seats/departures on 12Go or book direct with Ohayami / CODA Lines.
• Manila transfers: Use Grab for station/airport hops; for fixed long-distance door-to-door, check GetTransfer.
• Pack for mountain weather: Light jacket, rain cover, motion-sickness meds; buses can be cold with strong A/C.
• Luggage storage: If you’re sightseeing pre-departure, stash bags via Radical Storage Manila.
• Stay steps from the action: In Banaue/near Batad, compare stays on Booking.com or Trip.com.
• Tours & local guides: Book rice-terrace treks and transfers on GetYourGuide or Klook (hotel pickup often available).

🚌 Option #1 — Direct Night Bus (Most Popular, Good Value)

Low cost Direct to Banaue Overnight ride

• Overview: Comfortable A/C coaches run nightly from Manila/Sampaloc (Ohayami) and Cubao (CODA Lines) to Banaue town. Typical travel time is ~9–11 hours with rest stops.
• How to book (with price): ~PHP 700–1,100 one-way depending on seat class/date. Compare on 12Go or book direct at Ohayami (official) / CODA Lines (official schedules).
• Pros: Cheapest straightforward option; early morning arrival maximizes your day. Cons: Overnight timing; motion on mountain roads near the end.

Step-by-step: Direct Night Bus

1. Choose your departure point: Ohayami Trans Terminal (Lacson Ave, Sampaloc) or CODA Lines Terminal (Monte de Piedad, Cubao). Use Grab to reach your chosen terminal 45–60 minutes before departure.
2. Reserve seats online via Ohayami / CODA Lines or compare on 12Go; bring e-ticket/ID.
3. Board, keep a jacket handy (strong A/C), and prepare cash for rest-stop snacks. Expect a dawn arrival at Banaue Bus Terminal.
4. On arrival, arrange a tricycle/jeepney to your homestay or onward to Batad/Sagada (local transport desks near the terminal).

Getting to the main embarking points (Manila Terminals)

• Ohayami Trans Terminal (Sampaloc): Along Lacson Ave near UST/Sampaloc—best reached by Grab/taxi from most Manila districts.
• CODA Lines Terminal (Cubao): Monte de Piedad cor. Maryland St., Quezon City (near HM Transport)—short walk from Aurora Blvd.; Grab/MRT + short ride works well.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

✈️🚐 Option #2 — Flight to Cauayan (ISU) or Tuguegarao (TUG) + Van/Bus (Daytime Route)

Shorter road time Avoid overnights Two-step trip

• Overview: Fly Manila→Cauayan (ISU) or Tuguegarao (TUG), then continue by van/bus or hired car to Banaue. Road legs are typically ~3.5–5 hours depending on the airport and connections.
• How to book (with price): Flights from ~PHP 1,800–5,000 each way. Compare on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com (MNL→ISU). Arrange the van/bus at the airport transport desks or prebook a car via GetTransfer.
• Pros: Travel mostly by day; less time on winding roads than the full Manila→Banaue bus. Cons: Flight schedules can be limited; you’ll still need a ground transfer.

Step-by-step: Flight + Road

1. Head to Ninoy Aquino Intl. (MNL) via Grab or hotel car; fly to Cauayan (ISU) or Tuguegarao (TUG)—pick the airport with better flight times.
2. At ISU/TUG arrivals, check van/bus counters for rides toward Banaue / Lagawe or hire a car on GetTransfer for a direct run.
3. Arrive at Banaue mid/late afternoon; settle in and plan your terrace hikes for the next morning.

Getting to the main embarking points (MNL & ISU/TUG)

• Manila (MNL): Terminals spread out—verify which terminal your airline uses; allow buffer for traffic/security.
• Cauayan/Tuguegarao: Small airports with simple layouts; expect cash payments for vans and intermittent schedules.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #3 — Private Car/Van Charter (Door-to-Door, Most Comfortable)

Door-to-door Flexible stops Higher cost

• Overview: A driver collects you at your hotel/airport in Manila and takes you straight to Banaue with meal/photo breaks en route (Dalton Pass, Nueva Vizcaya view decks).
• How to book (with price): From ~PHP 12,000–22,000 per vehicle (size/time vary). Compare vehicle types and instant quotes on GetTransfer. For short city hops, Grab is cheaper.
• Pros: No transfers; great with kids/elders or lots of luggage. Cons: Cost; long day on the road.

Step-by-step: Private Charter

1. Request quotes with pickup/drop addresses and departure time on GetTransfer; confirm route via Dalton Pass.
2. Verify inclusions (tolls, fuel, night surcharge) and luggage capacity; share your live location on pickup day.
3. Plan 2–3 rest stops; arrive in Banaue by evening and check in to your lodge.

Getting to the main embarking points (Door-to-Door)

• Pickup: Anywhere in Metro Manila/NAIA; early starts (5–6am) help beat city traffic.
• Drop-off: Banaue hotels/terminal or onward to Batad/Sagada by arrangement.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚘 Option #4 — Self-Drive (Scenic, Full Flexibility)

Freedom Photo stops Mountain roads

• Overview: Drive NLEX/SCTEX/TPLEX north, then cross Nueva Ecija/Nueva Vizcaya via Dalton Pass to Ifugao. Roads are paved; expect bends and fog in wet season. Aim to arrive before dark.
• How to book (with price): Rentals from ~PHP 1,800–3,500/day (compact). Compare airport/city pickups on Booking.com Car Rental or Trip.com Car Hire.
• Pros: Stop anywhere, detour to viewpoints or Kiangan. Cons: Long day; cautious driving needed on curves and in rain.

Step-by-step: Self-Drive

1. Pick up your car in Manila/NAIA; ensure comprehensive insurance and an RFID (Autosweep/ETC) or cash for tolls.
2. Navigate NLEX → SCTEX → TPLEX, exit toward San Jose / Dalton Pass; continue to Bayombong – Lagawe – Banaue.
3. Plan fuel/meal breaks every 2–3 hours; carry small bills for roadside stops. Park at your lodge or the town lot in Banaue.

Getting to the main embarking points (Rental Depots & Route)

• Pickup points: NAIA terminals or Makati/Ortigas rental desks—check Sunday/holiday hours.
• Route highlights: Dalton Pass view deck, Nueva Vizcaya farm towns, Ifugao welcome markers.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Manila to Banaue)

Are there direct flights to Banaue?
No. The closest airports are Cauayan (ISU) and Tuguegarao (TUG). From either, continue by van/bus or hired car to Banaue.

How long is the bus ride?
Typically 9–11 hours overnight with rest stops. Expect mountain bends in the final stretch; bring a jacket for strong A/C.

Where do buses drop off in Banaue?
At the Banaue Bus Terminal, near the town center. From there, tricycles/jeepneys can take you to hotels or Batad/Sagada connections.

Is it safe to drive?
Yes for confident drivers—roads are paved but winding near Ifugao. Avoid night driving in heavy rain or fog.

Can I store luggage in Manila before departure?
Yes—use city locations via Radical Storage.

Where should I stay?
Banaue town for easy transport; Batad for amphitheater views (more rustic). Compare options on Booking.com.

Any good tours?
Yes—rice-terrace treks, Batad/Tappiyah Falls, and cultural tours can be arranged on GetYourGuide or Klook.