How to get from Banaue to Manila
Whether your holiday has come to an end or you need to go through Manila to travel to your next destination, in this article we will explain to you how to get to Manila.
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2 ways to get from Banaue to Manila
There’s only one direct option when travelling the 385 km (239 miles) journey from Banaue to Manila. You can take an 8 to 11.5-hour bus ride with rares from 680 PHP ($11.50). An alternative is an indirect flight via Cauayan. This will journey take about 5 hours, including additional transfers. Fares start from 5,600 PHP ($98.00).
Buses are available from Banaue to Manila every day and arrive at midnight in Manila. Travel time is about 8-11.5 hours, and bus tickets start from 680 PHP ($11.50).
It’s also possible to travel by day via Solano. You’ll take a jeepney from Banaue to Solano and then a bus to Manila. Combined costs start from 920 PHP ($16.00).
If you prefer to take a flight from Banaue to Manila, the nearest airport is in Cauayan (CYZ), located 130 km east of Banaue. This means you’ll have to take a 4-hour van or taxi ride from Banaue to Cauayan to get there. Total flight costs, including van transfer, start at 5,600 PHP ($98.00).
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Banaue to Manila by Bus
Ohayami Trans and Coda Lines are well-known bus companies that offer daily trips from Banaue to Manila.
They both provide standard service and make bathroom/meal stops along the way. Both Ohayami Trans and Coda Lines provide night trips for this route.
The travel time from Banaue to Manila takes 8-11.5 hours. Bear in mind that the buses pass through EDSA, undoubtedly the busiest road in the entire Philippines, so the journey can take up to 11 hours on a really bad day. Bus fares start at 680 PHP ($11.50) for a one-way trip.
Bus schedule from Banaue to Manila
When choosing which bus to take, pick the one that will drop you off closer to your destination in Metro Manila.
Ohayami Trans
- Departs from the Ohayami Bus Terminal in Poblacion in Banaue town centre
- Arrives at Ohayami Bus Terminal in Sampaloc, Manila, 9 km northwest of Makati
Note that Ohayami buses often operate older models than Coda Lines.
Coda Lines
- Departs from Banaue Hotel and Youth Hostel in the town centre (5-min walk from the bus station)
- Arrives at Coda Lines Bus Terminal in Cubao, about 12 km northeast of Makati
Travelling from Banaue to Manila by Day
There are no direct morning trips from Banaue to Manila, but thanks to a tip from a reader, we found an alternative route via Solano. After additional research, we are happy to share this route option in more detail with you below.
First, you need to take a jeepney from Banaue to Manila. Jeepneys are available in the city centre and operate every hour from 06:00 to 14:00 daily. Travel time is around 2.5 hours to Solano, and tickets cost 250 PHP ($4.40).
You’ll be dropped off at Runruno Jeepney Terminal. From here, you need to take a tricycle to Meaco Royal Hotel where buses bound for Manila stop to pick up passengers. Fare is about 20 PHP ($0.30).
The last leg of your trip is a bus ride from Solano to Manila. Bus tickets start from 640 PHP ($11.00) for an 8-hour ride to Manila. Some of the buses that you can ride are GV Florida, Victory Liner, and Five Star that will originate from Cagayan and Isabela.
Banaue to Manila by Flight
If you decide to fly from Banaue to Manila, the nearest airport to Banaue is in Cauayan City. To get to the airport, you have to arrange for a van transfer from Banaue.
Step 1: Banaue to Cauayan by Van
You can ask your hotel in Banaue to help you arrange for a van transfer to Cauayan Airport (CYZ). It costs about 4,000 PHP ($70.00) for the 4-hour van ride. A great idea is to ask around if there are other tourists taking the same flight as yours. This way you could share the cost of the van ride.
The other way is to commute. You would need to go by jeepney then by bus and local transport to get to the airport. However, the travel time is too long and you have to be at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight to Manila. This wouldn’t make it worth the journey compared to taking the bus from Banaue to Manila.
Step 2: Cauayan to Manila by Flight
Cebu Pacific offers the only flight from Cauayan to Manila. This flight departs at 12:05 daily. There are also additional flights at 15:50 on Tue, Thu and Sat. Flights depart from Cauayan Airport (CYZ) and land at Manila Airport Terminal 3. The flight time is just 1 hour.
The usual ticket price is between 1,600 PHP ($28.00) – 2,500 PHP ($44.00), but they can go as low as 730 PHP ($12.50) during sale periods. We recommend booking your ticket at least 2 months in advance for the best prices.
Arrival in Manila
Once you land at Manila Airport Terminal 3, you can easily hail a taxi to your hotel. There would normally be taxis waiting outside the arrival area. We recommend avoiding the yellow metered taxis as these are more expensive. Another great alternative to hailing a taxi is using the taxi app Grab.
If you are flying straight to another destination, you may need to transfer to another terminal. You can just catch the Airport shuttle bus outside Terminal 3. This free shuttle ride is available 24 hours, every 15 minutes. Note that to be able to board the bus, you’ll need to show your flight booking or boarding pass.
Our favourite 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
Routes from Manila
Most popular routes in Philippines
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.
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.
Great information that I really appreciate. One question I have is whether the day bus going to Manila will drop you along the route if you ask the driver or conductor? For example, if I am staying a few blocks from the terminal in Manila, do you think they would let me off early?
Hi Max, this depends on the time and bus company. It’s usually at night when buses can drop off passengers at unofficial bus stops in Manila. But during the day, the buses have specific bus stops or just at the terminal. You can simply ask the conductor if they can drop you off at your stop or ask which stop is nearest from there.