Philippines

How to get from Manila to La Union

In this in-depth route guide, you can compare the best ways to travel the 265 kilometers (165 miles) from Manila to La Union. Our team of indpendent travel experts researched each route — breaking down each option by travel time, price, and comfort. Plus, we’ll share the best booking options to help you get the best deal.

Written by Ela - Senior Travel WriterReviewed by Abegail - Travel WriterLast updated: October 6, 2024

Leaving from...

Going to...

Why visit La Union?

Looking for a nice beach to chill, surf or have a little party? La Union is a little surfer town located on the island of Luzon, the same as the capital city, Manila. Only a 5 to 8-hour ride from Manila, it’s an ideal spot to visit for a few days.

The region is known for longboarding, but occasionally you also find some bigger waves that are perfect for intermediates. And if you’re not an avid surfer, La Union is still a laidback spot to escape the chaos of the city.

Keep in mind that many locals head to La Union from Friday to Sunday and during holidays. This means buses can get fully booked. We suggest booking your bus ticket at least a week in advance to secure a seat. Alternatively, you can take a private transfer for a more convenient trip.

What are the 2 ways to travel from Manila to La Union?

There are 2 ways to travel the 265 kilometers (165 miles) from Manila to La Union. You can choose between the bus and private transport. The journey takes 5 hours to 7 hours 25 minutes and the quickest way is by private transport. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by with tickets starting at .

Transport

Duration

Pricing

Transport Options

Bus

6h - 7h 25m

From

Private Transport

From

Book Tickets

Manila to La Union by Bus

Duration: 6h - 7h 25m

Costs:

Duration: 6h - 7h 25m

Costs:

Partas Transportation offers direct routes from Manila to La Union with the convenience of online booking via BookAway. This company offers Luxury, Super Deluxe and Deluxe buses. There’s not much difference among the types, all of these have good legroom and reclining seats so you can expect a comfortable journey.

We suggest taking either a late-night or an early-morning trip — between midnight and 02:00 in the morning. This way, you can avoid heavy traffic during the day and sleep through the trip.

Ticket prices for Partas Transportation start from for a journey of 6 hours to 7 hours 25 minutes. But Viron Transit and Maria De Leon may offer cheaper fares, starting at 500 PHP (€8.10).

Departure Stations

Partas Transportation has different departure stations in Metro Manila:

Pasay City (5 km from Makati)
Cubao, Quezon City (11 km from Makati)

Maria De Leon buses depart from Avenida (10 km from Makati) while Viron buses depart from either EDSA Cubao, Quezon City (12 km from Makati) or Dapitan (10 km from Makati).

Makati is the most popular area in Metro Manila to stay. All bus stations are accessible by Grab or taxi from anywhere in Metro Manila. Fares start from 250 PHP (€4).

Kate's insider tip

When departing from Manila in the evening, around 20:00-22:00, let your accommodation know beforehand that you’ll arrive in the middle of the night. With fewer pickups and drop-offs at night, the bus journey could take as little as 5 hours. There’s a high chance everything will be closed when you arrive in La Union.

Bus Schedule from Manila to La Union

Partas Transportation Cubao

Super Deluxe

San Juan La Union

21:00

04:00

22:00

05:00

23:00

06:00

Partas Transportation Company

From

Partas Transportation Pasay

Deluxe

San Juan La Union

09:00

15:00

13:00

19:00

16:00

22:00

19:00

01:00

20:00

02:00

22:00

04:00

23:00

7h 26m

06:26

23:55

05:55

Partas Transportation Company

Partas Transportation Cubao

Luxury

San Juan La Union

08:00

7h 12m

15:12

23:55

7h 12m

07:07

Partas Transportation Company

Arrival Stations

All buses drop off passengers in San Juan, you just need to inform the driver or conductor where you’d like to get off.

Buses operated by Partas Transportation make their last stop at either San Juan or San Fernando. Maria De Leon buses arrive at Bataan Transit Bus Terminal and Viron buses park at Viron Transit Terminal in San Fernando.

San Juan bus stop is in front of the municipal hall, about a 5-minute drive from the popular San Juan Beach. You can ask the conductor to drop you off in this area. If you miss this stop, you can also take a jeepney or a tricycle back to the beach area.

If you arrive at any station in San Fernando, you can take a 10 to 15-minute jeepney or tricycle ride to San Juan Beach, the main surfing beach in the area. Fares range from 13 PHP (€0.20) to 200 PHP (€3.20).

Alternative bus route

Duration: 6-7 hours

Costs: 555 PHP (€8.90)

Duration: 6-7 hours

Costs: 555 PHP (€8.90)

If you arrive at the bus station without reserving a ticket in advance and miss your bus or find it fully booked, don’t worry—you’ve still got options.

You can take a bus bound for Ilocos because it will pass La Union on the way. Just let the driver or conductor know you’re getting off in San Juan so they can make a brief stop for you.

All three companies operate on this route.

It’s best to buy your tickets at the respective ticket counter at the bus station. Although some tickets are available for online booking, most likely they will charge you the full price to Ilocos even though you’re getting off in La Union.

Travel time is about the same as buses going directly from Manila to La Union, about 6-7 hours. The only difference is that these buses continue their journey north after dropping off passengers in La Union. Ticket prices range from 555 PHP (€8.90) to 780 PHP (€12.60).

Manila to La Union by Private Transport

Duration: 5h

Costs:

Duration: 5h

Costs:

A private transfer from Manila to La Union is the easiest and most convenient option. The journey takes 5 hours, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation — no need to worry about extra transfers.

For long-distance trips like this, we don’t recommend hailing just any taxi from the streets. There are many companies operating private transfers from Manila to pretty much any province in Luzon. You can ask your hotel for referrals or check out Facebook groups dedicated for private transfers from Manila to La Union.

Normally, we’d recommend online booking platforms like BookAway or Klook. If you book via BookAway, prices for a private transfer start at for a 3-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about each. You might find lower prices on Klook, so it’s worth comparing before you book!

Private Transport options from Manila to La Union

Standard

Standard Car 3 PAX

Price per person =

Anis Transport

Get Your Tickets

Standard

Standard Car 5 PAX

Price per person =

Anis Transport

Get Your Tickets

Frequently Asked Questions about Manila to La Union

How do I commute from Manila to La Union?

You can take a bus from Manila to La Union. Buses depart from three terminals in Metro Manila: Avenida, Pasay and Cubao. Bus fares range from 580 PHP (€9.40) to 1,000 PHP (€16.10).

How long is the trip from Manila to La Union?

When travelling by bus from Manila to La Union, the journey takes 6-8 hours. Driving your own car is faster (around 4 hours) because you can take a series of expressways: the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx), the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), and the Tarlac-Pampanga-La Union Expressway (TPLEx).

Which is better San Juan or San Fernando La Union?

Both San Juan and San Fernando in La Union have their own unique attractions and offer different experiences.

San Juan is known for its surf spots — Urbiztondo Beach and Bacnotan Beach — making it a popular destination for surfers and beach-goers. San Fernando, on the other hand, is the capital city of La Union province. It offers a more diverse range of attractions, like Pindangan Ruins, the Poro Point Lighthouse, and the La Union Botanical and Zoological Garden.

Why should I go to La Union?

If you’re looking for a quick beach getaway from Metro Manila, La Union is one of the best options. You’ll find here scenic beaches, good waves (from October to April), a wide array of accommodations (from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious resorts), and a long list of restaurants and cafes (which makes it a popular food trip destination, too!).

PRO TIP: Head to El Union Coffee for your caffeine boost and Tagpuan sa San Juan for affordable yet tasty Filipino rice bowls.

Do I need a negative RT-PCR test to enter La Union?

The last time we checked (January 2023), you don’t need a negative RT-PCR test to cross the border to La Union. But, you need to show your vaccination card, NAPANAM QR code, and your booking confirmation from an accredited accommodation.

Rounding it up

We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Manila to La Union. 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!

About the author(s)

Ela

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.

Abegail

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.

0 Comments

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments