How to get from Banaue 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 3 ways to travel from Banaue to Manila?
There are 3 ways to travel the 385 kilometre (239 miles) distance from Banaue to Manila. You can choose between the bus, private transport and flight. The journey takes 5 hours 40 minutes to 11 hours 30 minutes and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 850 PHP ($14.20).
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.
Banaue to Manila by Bus
Coda Lines and Ohayami Trans 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 Coda Lines and Ohayami Trans provide night trips for this route.
The travel time from Banaue to Manila takes 9 hours to 11 hours 30 minutes. 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 850 PHP ($14.20) 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 Bus Stop in the town centre
- Arrives at Coda Lines Bus Terminal in Cubao, about 12 km northeast of Makati
Bus Travel from Banaue to Manila by Day
There are no direct morning bus 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 Solano. 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 about 250 PHP ($4.20).
You’ll be dropped off at Runruno Jeepney Terminal. From here, you might need to ride a tricycle to where Manila-bound buses usually stop. They typically pick up passengers along the highway. Tricycle fare starts at 20 PHP ($0.30).
The last leg of your trip is a bus ride from Solano to Manila. Bus tickets start from 630 PHP ($10.50) for a 5-6-hour ride to Manila. You can ride buses originating from Cagayan and Isabela, operated by GV Florida, Victory Liner, and Five Star.
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.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
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 ($67) - 5,000 PHP ($83) for a van ride of 4 hours. 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 and Philippine Airlines both offer direct flights from Cauayan to Manila every day. You’ve got three daily departure times to choose from: 11:00, 13:55, and 15:45. All flights leave from Cauayan Airport (CYZ) and arrive at Manila Airport, Terminal 2 and 3. The flight time is just 1h 10m.
The usual ticket price starts from 1,800 PHP ($30) , but they can go lower during sale periods. We recommend booking your ticket at least 2 months in advance for the best prices.
Arrival in Manila
If you are flying straight to another destination, you may need to transfer to another terminal at Manila Airport. You can catch an airport shuttle, which is available 24/7, every 15 minutes. Note that to be able to board the bus, you’ll need to show your flight booking or boarding pass.
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 ($6.20) 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 ($19.50) 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) – 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.
Banaue to Manila by Private Transport
Private transport from Banaue to Manila is the easiest and most convenient option. The journey takes 10 hours, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation — no need to worry about extra transfers.
Prices for private cars start at 21,000 PHP ($345) for a 3-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about 6,900 PHP ($115) each.
Private Transport options from Banaue to Manila
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 Banaue 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 Banaue to Manila
What is the distance from Banaue to Manila?
The distance from Banaue to Manila is 385 kilometre (239 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Banaue to Manila?
The fastest way to get from Banaue to Manila is by flight and takes 5 hours 40 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Banaue to Manila?
The cheapest way to get from Banaue to Manila is by bus with ticket costs starting from 850 PHP ($14.20).
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.
