Melo Villareal
Baguio is one of every Filipino’s favorite all year round destinations. The cool climate gives us a sampling of some western countries’ weather and the city has some of the best foodie places scattered around the highland. It’s also a favorite because of how easy it is to get there. Here’s some quick tips on How to Get to Baguio from Metro Manila:
Baguio City Cathedral
Via private vehicle:
Baguio is only 4 to 5 hours away if you drive your own car for the trip.
- Drive through NLEX.
- Take Exit 85 right into SCTEX.
- Transfer to the right lane and drive to Baguio via Tarlac.
- Take the Tarlac exit and follow the road signs that will take you to MacArthur Highway.
- Once you’re on MacArthur Highway, drive straight to Tarlac and Pangasinan until you reach Rosario, La Union.
- From the Rosario junction, you can turn right into famous Kennon Road. This is the most popular and scenic route up Baguio City.
- If you prefer the wider lanes of Marcos Highway, drive further into Rosario and turn right towards the new entrance.
Plan the time and date of your trip accordingly if you want the fastest drive up to the city as possible. Try to make the trip at night as there will be less cars and pedestrians on the street that may cause traffic.
Shopping at the Baguio Public Market
Via public transport:
Since many people like traveling to Baguio, you won’t run out of buses to take. Currently, there are 6 bus liners with routes that will take you to Baguio. Their rates differ, but they usually range around the P 450.00 mark for regular fares.
Victory Liner
This bus liner offers 24 hour services with buses with hourly trips to Baguio from their Caloocan, Cubao, and Pasay terminals.
If you want to travel in style, Victory Liner offers a Deluxe Express trip that may even take you there sooner than you expected. It also offers amenities on board like Free WiFi, complimentary bottled water and snacks, as well as a bathroom on board.
Japanese Tunnel Walk in Baguio Botanical Park
For more information, you can visit their website.
Genesis Bus
If it’s more convenient for you, Genesis Bus has trips to Baguio from their Cubao and Avenida terminals:
- Cubao to Baguio: hourly trips from 3 AM to 7 PM
- Avenida to Baguio: hourly trips from 11 PM to 9 PM
You can visit their website to know more.
Note that the travel time for night trips are approximately 5 to 6 hours, while the travel time for day trips can take up to 7 hours. Other bus liners with routes to Baguio are: Dagupan Bus, Dangwa Transit, Philippine Rabbit, and Saulog Bus.
Important Phone Numbers:
- Genesis Transport Telephone numbers: Cubao (02) 4211413 Pasay (02) 8533115
- Victory Liner Phone Numbers: MANILA (02) 559-7735 / CUBAO (02) 833-4403, (02) 727-4688, (02) 833-5019 to 20 PASAY (02) 410-8986, (02) 727-4534 CALOOCAN (02) 361-1506, (02) 361-4665 to 66 KAMIAS (02) 920-7396
- Dagupan Bus Telephone Numbers: (632) 727-2330 / 2287, 929-6123 / 5639
- Dangwa Transit Telephone Number: +63(2)7312879
- Philippine Rabbit Business Lines Telephone Numbers: +63 2 734 9836, +63 2 734 9838
- Saulog Bus Telephone Number: (02) 825-2926
Are you planning to visit Baguio for Panagbenga 2015? Or maybe spend weekend with your family or friends? Baguio is always perfect for a quick, cool weekend trip outside of Manila.
