How to Get From Banaue to Sagada

The bus is spacious and convenient, but only morning departures are available from Banaue to Sagada. Travel time is around 3h and the bus ticket costs $5.70 (350 PHP).

CODA Lines is the primary bus operator for the Banaue to Sagada route. The bus departs from Manila, makes a short stop in Banaue, and continues to Sagada.

There are two buses from Manila that make a stop in Banaue daily, both between 05:00 to 06:00 in the morning. It’s best to arrive at the bus stop before 05:00 so you don’t miss your ride.

Departure and arrival stations

Buses depart from Banaue Tourism Centre.

From here, buses continue to Sagada and drop-off passengers at Sagada Bus Stop. This bus stop is within walking distance from Sagada Municipal Tourism Center.

You should be able to find vans departing for Sagada from Banaue Tourism Office every morning. These vans often depart between 08:00 in the morning to 12:00 noon.

There are no specific schedules, which is why we recommend that you talk to the van drivers beforehand, at least a day before your desired departure. If you spend time in the town centre or around the public market, chances are there will be a van driver who will approach you to offer a ride at least once.

Reserve a seat if you can, or ask the driver for a specific time of departure. Make sure it’s a shared van and not a private van, which will most probably be 10x more expensive.

A shared van ride from Banaue to Sagada costs around $5.70 (350 PHP). This van journey takes about 3 hours, including one or two stops at a tourist spot along the way.

Ela’s insider tip: Vans in the Philippines don’t have much legroom and can be a bit cramped for taller passengers. If you’re looking for more comfort, we recommend taking the bus instead.

Departure and arrival stations

Vans are parked near the Municipal Tourism Center in Banaue town centre.

Same as the buses, you will also be dropped off at the bus stop in Sagada’s town centre.

You can ride a local jeepney to get from Banaue to Sagada, and you've got three options.

First, the direct jeepney, which is the simplest way if you catch the right timing. Second, you can go indirectly via Bontoc, which means taking a jeepney to Bontoc first, then riding another jeepney or bus to Sagada. Lastly, if you're travelling in a group or want more comfort, you can rent a private jeepney for the whole journey.

If budget is not a problem, you can take an air-conditioned private transfer from Banaue to Sagada. Prices start from $82 (5,000 PHP) for a 4-seater car.

The advantage of hiring your own ride is that you can have a flexible schedule. You won’t have to depart from Banaue early in the morning — because most buses, vans and jeepneys leave for Sagada before noon.

Also, with a private car, you can make short stops along the way. It’s a scenic ride from Banaue to Sagada, and you’ll most probably want to stop for photos more than once!

Where to get a private transfer from Banaue to Sagada

When looking for a private transfer, we suggest asking for assistance from your accommodation in Banaue or Sagada. They should be able to recommend trusted drivers.

Compare prices and don’t be afraid to haggle. Some local operators try to overcharge foreign tourists here. So if their prices are way beyond $82 (5,000 PHP) for a private car, you are being ripped off.