What to expect when visiting Banaue
Banaue is a popular tourist destination in the Philippines’ Cordillera mountain range. It’s famous for the Banaue Rice Terraces — built over 2,000 years ago and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Home to the Ifugao people, a visit to Banaue gives one a glimpse of their unique customs, beliefs and traditions.
Plenty of activities are on offer for tourists to experience the Ifugao’s way of life first-hand. But we think the touristy town centre doesn’t really give them justice. We recommend exploring other villages like that of Cambulao and Pula to better appreciate the Ifugao culture in Banaue.
3 ways to get from Sagada to Banaue
There are three ways to travel the distance of 85 km (53 miles) from Sagada to Banaue: by bus (3 hours), van (3 hours) and private transfer (3 hours). The journey takes between 3h and the quickest way is by bus. The lowest priced tickets start from 200 PHP ($3.50) for the van.Where to stay in Banaue?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Banaue at the bottom of this page.
Sagada to Banaue by Van
Direct vans are also available from Sagada to Banaue. You can get a seat starting at 300 PHP ($5.00). The van journey takes around 3 hours.
Departure and arrival station
Vans are parked near the Municipal Tourism Center in Sagada. These are normally available from 9:00 to late afternoon, but we recommend checking with your hotel for the latest van schedules.
The drop-off point in Banaue is in front of the Tourism Office in the town centre.
Alternative: Jeep + Van via Bontoc
If you want more adventure, you can also take a jeep + van via Bontoc, where you can have a side trip and check out Mt. Kupapey and Maligcong Rice Terraces.
Bontoc is located 32 km from Sagada. Jeepneys bound for Bontoc are parked near the Sagada Municipal Hall. You can get a seat for 50 PHP ($0.80). Jeepneys are available from 6:30 to 13:00 and the journey takes about 1 hour.
Once you’ve had your fill of Bontoc, you can take a van or bus to Banaue. Vans depart from the Municipal Tourism Center several times a day from 08:00 to 13:00. Van schedules can change, though, so we recommend confirming their departure times at the tourism office beforehand.
The van fare is 150 PHP ($2.60) per person, and the trip takes 2 hours. Vans will drop you off in Banaue’s town centre.
There are also two buses operating from Bontoc to Banaue. These depart from the Coda Lines pickup point near Bontoc Municipal Hall at 13:45 and 14:45. Fares start at 120 PHP ($2.10).
Sagada to Banaue by Bus
The bus is a cheap and direct option when travelling from Sagada to Banaue. Coda Lines operates two buses on this route daily. These depart at 13:00 and 14:00 and arrive in Banaue after 3-4 hours.
A bus ticket costs 350 PHP ($6.00).
You can buy your tickets on the bus or you can try reserving online through the Coda Lines Facebook page.
Bus schedule from Sagada to Banaue
Departure and arrival station
Buses depart from the Coda Lines bus terminal in Sagada.
They will go all the way to Manila so make sure to get off in Banaue after the 3-4 hours The bus will stop at Banaue Tourism Office.
Sagada to Banaue by Private Transfer
A private transfer is a good way to travel to Banaue from Sagada at your own pace. Air-conditioned cars and vans are available for hire in Sagada. Rates start at 4,500 PHP ($80.00) for a 4-seater car.
Travel time by private transfer takes around 3 hours but depends on how many stops you make along the way. Expect a lot of jaw-dropping viewpoints on this route!
Where to get a private transfer from Sagada to Banaue
We recommend asking for your hotel’s assistance when looking for private transfers from Sagada to Banaue. They may already know a trusted driver or they may be able to help you haggle for the best rates.
Alternatively, you can ask your tour guide if they also provide private transfers to Banaue. A tour guide is required when exploring Sagada and the tourism office imposes a fixed rate on tours. Hopefully, this applies to private transfers, too!
Keep in mind the reasonable rate we mentioned above and agree on a price before going on your way.
Our favourite places to stay in Banaue
Banaue is a special place where nature feels alive around you. To match this vibe, the accommodations need to be pretty unique too. And they are!
A lot of people visit Banaue to embark on overnight adventures into the rice paddies. The wooden huts offering spectacular views over the rice fields are the perfect places to stay before and after your adventure. Here are our favourite stays for every budget:
Baleh Boble Guesthouse - Mid Range
Area: 5-minute drive from Banaue Town
Baleh Boble Guesthouse offers similar accommodation to Hiwang, but with more comfort and finishing touches. They also offer cabin-style accommodation where their creativity with wood is fantastic.
It’s clear that the hosts have poured their hearts into creating this place, and their love continues with their huge effort to make sure that every guest has the best time possible.
- Unique and creative huts
- Amazing hosts
- Incredible views
- Garden, terrace and shared kitchen
Double rooms cost $30-$60 per night
Hiwang Native House - Mid Range
Area: Approx. 15-minute drive from Banaue Town
If you’re willing to spend a little more money, you can get incredible views at Hiwang Native House Inn, plus a unique sleeping experience. Situated at the top of the hill are a number of stilted thatch-roofed huts.
You even have your own little open-air dining area under your bedroom. Here you can enjoy food from the onsite restaurant or eat it around the campfire they frequently arrange.
- Panoramic views
- Unique accommodation
- Onsite restaurant
- Nightly campfires
Double rooms cost $30-$60 per night
Banaue Evergreen Hostel - Budget Friendly
Area: Approx. 5-minute drive from Banaue Town
Banaue is blessed with incredible views, and Banaue Evergreen Hostel really makes the most of its landscapes. Open your curtains or head out to the terrace and you’ll be greeted with panoramic views of the rice fields all around.
Inside, the hotel is bursting with colour. Made even brighter by the friendliness and smiles of the amazing hosts.
- Incredible views
- Great hosts
- Complimentary pick-up/drop-off from bus terminals
- Delicious on-site restaurant
Double rooms cost $15-$30 per night
Frequently Asked Questions about Sagada to Banaue
What is the distance from Sagada to Banaue?
The distance from Sagada to Banaue is 85 km (53 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Sagada to Banaue?
The fastest way to get from Sagada to Banaue is by bus and takes 3 hours.
What is the cheapest way to get from Sagada to Banaue?
The cheapest way to get from Sagada to Banaue is by van with ticket costs starting from 200 PHP ($3.50).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Sagada to Banaue. 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!
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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.
Big help.. Thank you!🙂
You’re very welcome, Marlou. We hope you enjoyed Banaue!