How to get from Manila to Legazpi
Why visit Legazpi?
Legazpi is the capital of Albay province in the Philippines’ Bicol region. It is home to the iconic Mayon Volcano, renowned for its perfect conical shape. The volcano is a sight to behold — that is, if you are lucky to visit on a good day. Mayon is known to be a shy volcano, and most times it is partly hidden by clouds.
Driving an ATV is a popular way to get close to Mt. Mayon and get past the volcanic backroads of Legazpi. We also recommend a visit to Daraga Church and Cagsawa Ruins.
What are the 2 ways to travel from Manila to Legazpi?
There are 2 ways to travel the 500 kilometre (311 miles) distance from Manila to Legazpi. You can choose between the bus and flight. The journey takes 2 to 13 hours and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 1,550 PHP ($25.50).
Where to stay in Legazpi?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Legazpi at the bottom of this page.
Manila to Legazpi by Flight
Flying is the fastest way to get from Manila to Legazpi, so it’s a good option if you’re short on time. Try to book your flight early, though! Airfares become significantly more expensive as the travel date nears.
You’ll be arriving at Bicol International Airport, from here you can take a taxi or tricycle to Legazpi City.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: Manila city to Manila Airport
The easiest way to get to Manila Airport from anywhere in Metro Manila is by Grab car. Rates start from 230 PHP ($3.80) to Terminal 3 and 370 PHP ($6.10) to Terminal 2, depending on where you’re coming from. You can also hail a taxi from the street. Just make sure the driver turns on the meter!
If you want to pre-book your transfer, Klook offers private rides with prices from 1,170 PHP ($19.30) for a 4-seater.
Alternatively, UBE Express operates point-to-point buses from several locations across Metro Manila to Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Here are the ticket prices:
- 150 PHP ($2.50) – from Pasay, Parañaque and Robinsons Manila
- 200 PHP ($3.30) – from Araneta City and Alabang
Check out our guide for Manila Airport for more details.
Step 2: Manila to Bicol International Airport by Flight
Flying from Manila to Legazpi takes 1h 10m. Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines (PAL) offer multiple trips for this route on a daily basis. Fares start from 1,480 PHP ($24.50) for a one-way ticket.
Note that rates can go higher during peak season and when you book near the travel date. To lock in the best deals, try to book at least two months ahead.
For this route, Cebu Pacific departs from Manila Airport Terminal 3, and PAL departs from Terminal 2. All flights arrive at Bicol International Airport.
Step 3: Airport to Legazpi City by Taxi
From the airport, you can take a taxi or tricycle to your next destination in the city.
We recommend booking a Grab car, which is an efficient way to go around Legazpi. Grab fares from the airport to Legazpi City start from 300 PHP ($5). There are also taxis waiting at the airport, but they’re usually more expensive.
If you want to travel like a local or have difficulty booking a Grab car, you can take a tricycle with fares from 200 PHP ($3.30), good for up to 3 persons with luggage.
Manila to Legazpi by Bus
Flights can get much more expensive closer to the departure date, sometimes three to four times higher. Don’t mind sitting on a bus for around 9 hours 45 minutes to 13 hours? You can save a night on accommodation with the bus. Ticket prices start from 1,550 PHP ($25.50).
Buses depart from various terminals in Metro Manila
When taking the bus from Manila to Legazpi, pick the terminal nearest to where you’re staying. This will allow you to save time and avoid extra travel. Some bus companies operate from multiple terminals, but most buses leave from these main stations in Metro Manila:
Bus schedule from Manila to Legazpi (from PITX)
Bus schedule from Manila to Legazpi (from Cubao)
Which bus to take from Manila to Legazpi?
For this route, it’s not about the company, but the type of bus you pick. There are different types of buses to choose from.
- Standard – Cheapest option with basic reclining seats. Not the comfiest for long trips. Rates from 1,280 PHP ($21).
- Skybus – Spacious buses with an onboard toilet. A good step up in comfort. Fares start from 1,550 PHP ($25.50).
- Seater 41 –Air-conditioned, with toilet and standard reclining seats. Decent value for longer rides. A seat costs 1,560 PHP ($26).
- VIP or Lazyboy – Plush reclining seats with footrests. Great for a more relaxed ride. A ticket costs 1,800 PHP ($30).
- Elite – Offers lazyboy seats, but even more spacious and luxurious. Extra comfort if you’re happy to pay a bit more. Fares start from 2,060 PHP ($34).
- Sleeper – Fully flat bunk beds with mattresses and curtains. Ideal for overnight journeys. A ticket costs 2,620 PHP ($43.50).
Other departure stations
Makati is the go-to spot for most travellers staying in Metro Manila, and from here you can easily reach the bus stations by Grab or taxi for 250 PHP ($4.10).
Some buses also depart from these stations:
- Pasig – Only 5 km from Makati, Pasig is great if you’re coming from Ortigas or the eastern side of Metro Manila.
- Pasay – About 6 km from Makati, it’s super convenient if you’re staying near the airport or in areas like Makati and BGC.
- Ermita – Around 9 km from Makati, Ermita is a solid option if you’re based in Manila city centre.
- Alabang – This is a great alternative if you’re coming from southern Metro Manila.
Arrival station
All buses arrive at Grand Central Terminal in Legazpi City, near Ibalong Centrum for Recreation.
From the terminal, you can reach your accommodation via Grab. Rides within Legazpi cost about 120 PHP ($2), while trips to Daraga cost around 165 PHP ($2.70) for a 4-seater. For a cheaper option, GrabTrike fares start at 50 PHP ($0.80).
Best places to stay in Legazpi
The choice of accommodation isn’t that great in Legazpi. There’s no point spending a lot of money as the standard simply won’t reach what you can get in other places in the Philippines.
Still, we recommend two great options, with one offering views of Mayon Volcano and the other in a very convenient location in town. Check them out below.
Hotel Sentro Legazpi - Mid Range
Area: Legazpi city centre
If you want to be at the centre of the action in Legazpi, you can’t get a much better location than this. The rooms are modern, clean and spacious, offering everything you could want during your stay.
And if you need anything the staff are super friendly and helpful here!
- Central location
- Modern and clean rooms
- Amazing staff
- Breakfast included
Double rooms cost $30-$50 per night
Balai Tinay Guesthouse - Budget Friendly
Area: Legazpi city centre
Balai Tinay Guesthouse is like a home away from home, except that you have views of Mayon Volcano from your backyard here. Waking up to this view every morning is pretty spectacular.
The rooms are clean and cosy. The best part? Every room has a TV with Netflix, so it really does feel like home. The common areas are beautifully designed with pops of colour and plants everywhere.
- Views of a volcano
- Cosy and clean rooms
- Great common areas
- Friendly hosts
Double rooms cost $15-$30 per night
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Manila to Legazpi. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Frequently Asked Questions about Manila to Legazpi
What is the distance from Manila to Legazpi?
The distance from Manila to Legazpi is 500 kilometre (311 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Manila to Legazpi?
The fastest way to get from Manila to Legazpi is by flight and takes 2 hours.
What is the cheapest way to get from Manila to Legazpi?
The cheapest way to get from Manila to Legazpi is by bus with ticket costs starting from 1,550 PHP ($25.50).
Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She’s loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand’s beaches also have a special place in her heart.
Faye is a writer and full-time mom. She loves planning trips to the beach, tasting new cuisines and discovering gems in the Philippines. But if she had to choose, London is her favourite place in the world and she can't wait to travel there again with her hubby and baby!
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
