How to get from Banaue to Pagudpud

Why visit Pagudpud?

Pagudpud is a beach town in the province of Ilocos Norte, Philippines. The so-called “Boracay of the North” boasts white-sand beaches and pristine waters. But it’s quite a long journey from Manila, and we think it’s only worth visiting when you’re already in one of the provinces in the north.

If you’re into surfing, you’ll be happy to know that Pagudpud offers great waves from August to November. And it’s not a popular surfing spot so you will have more waves to yourself! Make your trip worthwhile by also checking out the Bangui Windmills, Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, and Secret Green Hills — all within an hour’s drive from Pagudpud.

The bus is the only suitable way for travellers to cross the distance of 430 kilometre (267 miles) from Banaue to Pagudpud. The journey takes around 11 hours 30 minutes to 12 hours 30 minutes, and ticket prices start from 1,090 PHP ($18.50).

There is no direct transport from Banaue to Pagudpud. The trip requires using a combination of different transport options, including a jeepney and two buses.

First, you’ll have to take a jeepney bound for Bagabag Junction. This leaves from Banaue’s Municipal Tourist Centre. If you get lost, just ask a local to point you to where the jeepneys are parked.

Sometimes the jeepneys only go to Lagawe. In that case, you’ll need to transfer to another jeepney heading to Bagabag.

The trip from Banaue to Bagabag takes about 2 hours and costs around 150 PHP ($2.60).. You can inform the driver that you wish to be dropped off near GV Florida Bus Stop.

It’s a little tricky to catch a bus to Tuguegarao. Sometimes you have to wait a while, as the buses going to Tuguegarao originate from Manila. With luck, you should only have to wait 15-30 minutes.

The bus ride from Bagabag to Tuguegarao costs about 470 PHP ($8) and the trip takes 4h 30m. You can hop on a GV Florida bus, which stops at Florida Bus Terminal.

GMW Trans offers bus trips to Pagudpud, which depart from Florida Bus Terminal. If you rode with a different bus company to Tuguegarao, you may need to switch terminals.

It won’t be too far, though. All bus terminals in this city are located along the Diversion Road.

All buses bound for Vigan, Laoag, and Abra pass by Pagudpud. The bus ride costs 465 PHP ($7.90)  and it takes 5 - 6 hours to reach the beach town of Pagudpud. You can buy your bus ticket at the bus terminal.