How to get from Legazpi to Manila
Why visit Manila?
Manila is the capital of the Philippines — an old city often disregarded by travellers who use it only as a gateway to the country’s more visually appealing islands. But if you have an extra day in your itinerary, we think Manila’s colourful history is a great way to kick off your trip.
Explore the walled city of Intramuros, Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church — all of which were first built in the late 1500s. Art and anthropology also attract many locals to Manila. You will find here the National Museum, a complex of three museum buildings that tell the story of the Filipinos.
What are the 2 ways to travel from Legazpi to Manila?
There are 2 ways to travel the 500 kilometre (311 miles) distance from Legazpi to Manila. You can choose between the bus and flight. The journey takes 2 hours 10 minutes 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 1,440 PHP ($24).
Where to stay in Manila?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Manila at the bottom of this page.
Legazpi to Manila by Flight
Flying is the quickest way to travel from Legazpi to Manila, making it a great choice if you’re in a hurry. Just make sure to book your ticket early — flight prices tend to increase significantly the closer you get to your travel date.
You have two airlines to choose from — Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines — both flying out of Bicol International Airport. Fares, including airport transfers, start from 2,050 PHP ($34).
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: Legazpi City to Bicol International Airport by Taxi
We recommend booking a Grab car to get to Bicol International Airport from the city centre. Taxis are also available, but drivers in Legazpi are known for overpricing tourists. Grab fares to the airport start at around 300 PHP ($4.90).
If you’re up for a more local experience or having trouble booking a Grab car, you can take a tricycle that can fit up to 3 persons with luggage for around 200 PHP ($3.30).
Step 2: Bicol International Airport to Manila by Flight
Cebu Pacific usually offers the lowest fares on this route, with one-way tickets starting from 1,600 PHP ($26.50) if you book at least two months in advance. Travel time takes around 1h 20m.
Philippine Airlines (PAL) also offers a few flights daily, but it’s usually more expensive.
Planes depart from Bicol International Airport and land at Terminal 2 or 3 of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). The terminal depends on which airline you pick.
TIP: Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines offer many promotions annually. Keep an eye out for these promos so you can book cheap flights for this route!
Step 3: Manila Airport to the City Centre
The easiest way to get from Manila Airport to anywhere in Metro Manila is by Grab car. Rates start from 230 PHP ($3.80) from Terminal 3 and 370 PHP ($6.10) from Terminal 2, depending on where you’re heading in the city. Taxis are also available at the airport, just make sure you travel with an accredited taxi!
If you want to pre-book your transfer, Klook offers private rides with prices from 1,170 PHP ($19.20) for a 4-seater.
Alternatively, UBE Express operates point-to-point buses from several destinations across Metro Manila to Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Here are the ticket prices:
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- 150 PHP ($2.50) – to Pasay, Parañaque and Robinsons Manila
- 200 PHP ($3.30) – to Araneta City and Alabang
Check out our guide for Manila Airport for more details.
Legazpi to Manila by Bus
The bus from Legazpi to Manila takes around 10 to 13 hours. We recommend taking a night bus so that you won’t waste a day travelling, and you could also save a night on accommodation.
Fares start from 1,440 PHP ($24) for a regular tourist bus from Legazpi to Manila.
Departure and arrival station
All buses depart from Grand Central Terminal within Legazpi city centre.
Penafrancia Tours and Bicol Isarog park at Parañaque Integrated Terminal, about 9 km southwest of Makati. Other bus companies have terminals in Cubao, Pasig, and Alabang.
Double-check your bus company’s drop-off and endpoints to know which one is the best option for your destination in Metro Manila.
Bus schedule from Legazpi to Manila
Which bus to take from Legazpi to Manila?
All of the companies mentioned above are trusted operators for the Legazpi to Manila route, so it doesn’t really matter which company you travel with. It will be more important to pick the right bus type.
There are several bus types available, each offering a different level of comfort — from basic seats to fully flat beds.
- Standard – Cheapest option with basic reclining seats. Not the comfiest for long trips. Rates from 1,440 PHP ($24).
- Skybus – Spacious buses with an onboard toilet. A good step up in comfort. Fares start from 1,580 PHP ($26).
- Seater 41 – Air-conditioned, with toilet and standard reclining seats. Decent value for longer rides. A seat costs 1,590 PHP ($26.50).
- VIP or Lazyboy – Plush reclining seats with footrests. Great for a more relaxed ride. A ticket costs 1,840 PHP ($30.50).
- Elite – Offers lazyboy seats, but even more spacious and luxurious. Extra comfort if you’re happy to pay a bit more. Rates from 2,110 PHP ($35).
- Sleeper – Fully flat bunk beds with mattresses and curtains. Ideal for overnight journeys. A ticket costs 2,680 PHP ($44).
Best places to stay in Manila
Manila is a bustling metropolitan city that can be slightly overwhelming at first. Not just because of the busy streets and towering skyscrapers, but also because of the number of hotels to pick from. There are a lot!
No matter your price range, we’ve found some great places to stay in the best locations so you don’t have to do that research.
Before you start reading about our favourite stays, it’s good to know a bit about the best areas to stay in Manila. That way, you’re picking the best accommodation in the area that’s right for you.
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- Makati is our favourite area to stay in Manila, and where most of our favourite stays are. It’s one of the most upscale areas in Manila and is known for its shopping malls, restaurants, and nightlife.
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- Bonifacio Global City (BGC) is a newer development in Manila and is known for its modern architecture, restaurants and shopping centres.
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- Malate is a lively area known for its bars, nightclubs and restaurants. It’s also close to several tourist attractions, such as Rizal Park and Intramuros.
Somerset Central Salcedo Makati - Treating Yourself
Area: Makati City centre — approx. 10-minute walk to shopping malls and business centre
As soon as you step into Somerset Central, you forget about the hustle and bustle going on outside the doors. Inside the hotel you’re met with luxury, relaxation and a chance to rejuvenate yourself in the gym or outdoor pool.
The grandeur of the hotel continues in the rooms, decorated in a stylish and modern design. The highlight of the room are the beds. They’re huge and super comfortable, guaranteeing you a great night’s sleep.
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Gym
- A la carte restaurant
- Continental breakfast included
Double rooms start from $50 per night
Hotel 101 Manila - Mid Range
Area: Along Mall of Asia complex — approx. 10-minute drive to shopping malls and airport
Hotel 101 Manila has everything you could ask for from a city hotel. It has a refreshing outdoor pool, a delicious on-site restaurant and it’s close to the airport — perfect if you’re flying in or out of Manila.
The rooms are large, comfortable and exceptionally clean. With their incredible hospitality, the staff make you feel like you’re staying in a 5-star hotel.
- Outdoor swimming pool
- On-site restaurant
- Amazing staff
- Great and convenient location
Double rooms cost $30-$50 per night
Hop Inn Hotel Makati Avenue - Budget Friendly
Area: Makati City centre — approx. 5-minute drive to nearest shopping mall
Only passing through Manila? Hop Inn Hotel is perfect for those spending just a few nights in the busy city. It’s clean, modern and has all of the basic amenities that you could possibly need.
Modern minimalism would be a good way to describe this place. Plus you won’t be spending too much time in your room as you’re located in Makati, one of the best neighbourhoods in Manila.
- Clean and modern rooms
- Great location
- Air conditioning
- Helpful staff
Double rooms cost $15-$30 per night
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Legazpi to Manila. 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 Legazpi to Manila
What is the distance from Legazpi to Manila?
The distance from Legazpi to Manila is 500 kilometre (311 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Legazpi to Manila?
The fastest way to get from Legazpi to Manila is by flight and takes 2 hours 10 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Legazpi to Manila?
The cheapest way to get from Legazpi to Manila is by bus with ticket costs starting from 1,440 PHP ($24).
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.
