How to get from Sagada 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 Sagada to Manila?
There are 3 ways to travel the 390 kilometre (242 miles) distance from Sagada to Manila. You can choose between the bus, private transport and flight via Tuguegarao. The journey takes 6 hours 35 minutes to 12 hours and the quickest way is by flight via Tuguegarao. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 1,290 PHP ($21.50).
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.
Sagada to Manila by Bus
Coda Lines operates direct buses from Sagada to Manila daily.
You can choose to take a standard tourist bus or a VIP bus. VIP buses have only 35 seats while tourist buses have 45. We recommend the VIP bus, especially for taller passengers, because they provide more legroom.
Most buses depart in the afternoon and arrive in the middle of the night in Metro Manila. This will eat up a whole day of your vacation just on travelling, although this could be appealing if you want to enjoy the views along the way.
Expect to pay 1,290 PHP ($21.50) for the tourist bus. During peak season or on weekends, it is best to book your ticket online beforehand via BookAway.
Departure and arrival stations
Buses depart from Sagada Bus Stop near Sagada Municipal Hall in the town centre.
The arrival location in Manila is at the Coda Lines Terminal in Cubao — about 10 km north of Makati. There are plenty of taxis or Grab cars in this area so you should have no problem getting to your end destination or hotel from the terminal. Grab rates start from 250 PHP ($4.20) outside peak hours.
Bus schedule from Sagada to Manila
Sagada to Manila by Private Transport
A private transfer is the easiest and most convenient option when travelling in a group from Sagada to Manila, although quite expensive. The journey takes 9 hours, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation — no need to worry about extra transfers.
Prices for private transfer start at 21,000 PHP ($355) for a 3-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about 7,100 PHP ($120) each.
Private Transport options from Sagada to Manila
Sagada to Manila by Flight via Tuguegarao
Taking a flight is a quick way to get from Sagada to Manila — it’s far from direct, though. You will first need to take a 5-6-hour taxi to either Tuguegarao or Cauayan. If you’re on a budget, check both options and go with the one that offers the best deal for your travel date.
Here’s what to consider when comparing the two:
Flight via Tuguegarao: Getting to Tuguegarao Airport from Sagada costs around 3,000 PHP ($50) by taxi. Flights from Tuguegarao to Manila start at about 1,800 PHP ($30), and the total travel time is 6 hours 35 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes.
Flight via Cauayan: If you’re heading to Cauayan Airport from Sagada, the taxi fare is a bit higher at 3,500 PHP ($59). But flights from Cauayan to Manila are usually a bit cheaper, starting from 1,130 PHP ($18.90). Travel time is roughly 6 hours 30 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes.
Flying via Tuguegarao is the most common option. Below we will explain how to travel from Sagada to Manila via Tuguegarao.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: Sagada to Tuguegarao Airport by Taxi
If you don’t want to risk missing your flight, we recommend taking a taxi or private car from Sagada to Tuguegarao Airport. You can ask your guesthouse to assist you. Taxi fares start at 3,000 PHP ($50).
If you want to save money on the ride, ask if there are other tourists heading to the airport on the same day. This way you can share the taxi fare and split the costs.
The travel time by taxi is about 5h-6h.
Alternative: Sagada to Tuguegarao by public transport
Another option is to take public transport. But this will include at least four transfers and can easily take about 6 hours.
From Banaue, you have to take a jeepney to Lagawe and then another one to Bagabag Junction. The whole trip costs about 150 PHP ($2.50). If you’re really keen to make it work, read our page on how to travel from Sagada to Banaue.
Next, you wait for a bus going to Tuguegarao along the highway. The fare for the bus ride is about 470 PHP ($7.90). From Tuguegarao Bus Station, you can hail a tricycle to take you to Tuguegarao Airport.
Keep in mind that you need to be at the airport, at the very least, 2 hours before your flight.
Step 2: Tuguegarao to Manila by Flight
Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific operate flights from Tuguegarao to Manila daily. These flights depart at 07:55, 10:10, 12:05 and 14:40 from Tuguegarao Airport. Flight time is between 1h 05m - 1h 20m.
Airfares start at 1,800 PHP ($30) but can go higher during peak season. You can get a cheaper ticket during seat sales, so it’s always worth keeping an eye out.
Flights land at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City. NAIA currently has 4 terminals with different entry points. Terminal 2 handles domestic flights, including Philippine Airlines. If you’re flying with Cebu Pacific (flight code 5J), you’ll land at Terminal 3.
If you are flying to another destination, you may need to transfer to another terminal. There’s a free airport shuttle that runs 24/7, just show your flight booking or boarding pass to hop on.
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 ($3.90) 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) – to Pasay, Parañaque and Robinsons Manila
- 200 PHP ($3.30) – to Araneta City and Alabang
Check out our guide for Manila Airport for more details.
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 Sagada 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 Sagada to Manila
What is the distance from Sagada to Manila?
The distance from Sagada to Manila is 390 kilometre (242 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Sagada to Manila?
The fastest way to get from Sagada to Manila is by flight via Tuguegarao and takes 6 hours 35 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Sagada to Manila?
The cheapest way to get from Sagada to Manila is by bus with ticket costs starting from 1,290 PHP ($21.50).
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.
