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How to get from Manila to Sagada?
Sagada is an iconic town located in the Philippines’ Mountain Province. Locally, its sea of clouds and romantic laidback vibe were popularized in a famous Philippine movie. If you visit on a weekend or a holiday, chances are it will be crowded with local travellers.
We recommend timing your visit on a weekday to fully enjoy the serenity of the place. Although it’s most famous for its hanging coffins, Sagada offers a lot of other adventures. Go spelunking at Sumaguing and Lumiang caves, trek to Bomod-ok Falls and recharge with its cool waters, watch the sunrise at Kiltepan, and enjoy a 360-view of the Mountain Province from Kamanbaneng Peak (also called Marlboro Country).
Planning to travel the 390km distance from Manila to Sagada? You can either take a 12-hr bus ride for 910 PHP ($18) or take a flight for 5.5 hours (including transfers) for 4,650 PHP ($96).
Bus or Flight?
| Transport mode | Duration | Costs | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | 12 hours | 910 PHP ($18) | Check bus tickets |
| Flight | 5.5 hours | 4,650 PHP ($96) | Check flights |
Lots of people travel from Manila to Banaue and then continue their journey to Sagada. Want to go to straight from Manila to Sagada? No problem, the bus to Banaue continues to Sagada after making a short stop-over. You can take a regular tourist bus for 910 PHP ($18) or enjoy more comfort with a VIP bus for 1,150 ($23).
If you don’t want to sit for 12 hours on the bus from Manila to Sagada, you can also choose to fly to Tuguegarao or to Cauayan Airport. From there, you can continue by taxi to Sagada. This will cut your travel time in half, but fares are much more expensive, starting at 4,650 PHP ($96).
Itinerary from Manila to Sagada
Manila to Sagada by Bus
Duration: 12 hours
Cost: 910 PHP ($18)
When going from Manila to Sagada, the most straight forward option is by bus. You can also rent a car if you don’t mind driving through the mountain province, but Bear in mind that it can be quite dangerous. Roads are not well lit in the night and have a lot of swings.
You have the option to take a direct bus or to travel via Baguio. However, we think the 12-hour journey is already long enough so we will only explain the direct route.
The most well-known bus company operating through this route is Coda Lines. They operate 4 night trips daily and they depart from their own terminal at Monte de Piedad corner Maryland St. in Cubao. Cubao is about 10km north of the city center.
The fare for a taxi from Makati to Cubao is about 200 PHP ($4) when there is no traffic. You can also go via train (MRT) to Araneta Center-Cubao station. From there, it’s a few minutes’ walk to the bus terminal.
Buses used for the Manila to Sagada route are classified as either semi-deluxe (tourist) or super deluxe (VIP). The VIP buses only have 35 seats while the tourist buses have 45. We recommend the VIP bus, especially for taller passengers, as they provide more legroom.
On peak season, make sure you book your ticket beforehand via BookAway to ensure a seat on your desired date.
| Bus Operator | Schedule | Duration | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coda Lines (tourist) | 20:00-08:00 22:30-10:30 | 12h | 910 PHP ($18) |
| Coda Lines (VIP) | 21:00-09:00 22:00-10:00 | 12h | 1,150 PHP ($23) |
The bus will make a stopover in Banaue and then continue to Sagada. You will be dropped off at Sagada-Besao Road, near the Sagada Municipal Hall in the town center. Depending on where you’re staying in Sagada, you may have to take a local transfer to reach your hotel.
Note: Make sure that you are at the terminal at least 30 minutes prior to departure.
Check Bus Tickets with BookAway
Manila to Sagada by Flight
Duration: 5.5 hours
Cost: 4,650 PHP ($96)
If you don’t like to sit 12 hours on the bus, you can also book a flight from Manila to Tuguegarao or Cauayan City. From there, you take a taxi to Sagada. Or if you want to save some money, take a bus from Tuguegarao to Banaue and then transfer to a van bound for Sagada.
Step 1: Manila to Tuguegarao by Flight
Duration: 1h 10min
Cost: 1,650 PHP ($33)
Cebu Pacific operates two daily flights from Manila to Tuguegarao daily. These depart from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 every morning at 8:00 and 10:10. The flight takes a little more than 1 hour. For a one-way ticket, expect to pay 1,650 PHP ($33).
Step 2: Tuguegarao to Sagada by Taxi
Duration: 4 hours
Cost: 3,000 PHP ($60)
Once you arrive in Tuguegarao Airport, you can take a taxi to get directly to Sagada. It’s not very cheap, but you’re assured of a comfortable 4-hour car ride. A taxi to Sagada costs about 3,000 PHP ($60). If you have some other travellers to share this cost, that would be a bonus!
You can also take a bus but it doesn’t go all the way to Sagada. The bus only takes you to the junction in Banaue. From there, you have to hop on a van to Sagada. Note that this indirect option might take about 6 hours. Read how to go from Banaue to Sagada for more info.
Manila to Sagada via Cauayan City by Flight
Cebu Pacific also operates flights from Manila to Cauayan City starting at 1,850 PHP ($37). There is only one trip per day which departs NAIA Terminal 3 at 6:35. The flight takes 1hr 10min.
From Cauayan, it takes only about 4 hours to Sagada when traveled directly by car. Taxis are available at the airport and you pay at least 3,200 PHP ($63.50) for the ride. Drivers may try to charge you more, so prepare your haggling skills!
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