There are many ways to travel in the Philippines to see the country and to go to other places. You could go by plane to several destinations in the Island of Luzon. You could travel with your own car. You can even go anywhere in Luzon by taxi. But the most used public transport for longer distances to travel across the island is the bus. 
Before you continue reading I have to tell you that the same day I published this post a severe bus accident took place near Lucena City, Quezon province, on the Island of Luzon. Two busses were in collision with one another almost head-on. Eight people died and 42 others were injured.
Check here for the news bulletin.
map philippines
Central point for bus transport is Manila. Within Manila there are a few bus terminals from where one can travel all over the island, and even beyond. -Some bus lines are travelling to other islands like Samar, Leyte and others; using ships and large bridges to cross the sea channels.-
One of the larger bus terminals is situated in Cubao, Quezon-City, behind AliMall, and is called Araneta Bus Terminal. From here about twenty different bus operators are having busses going all over the Island on a daily basis. If you are planning to travel by bus -and it is realy an experience to do so- it is advised to make a reservation already a day or two in advance.
For that you have to go to the terminal and check on the small offices (in front of the busses) for their destinations and scedules. Once you have decided where and when you like to travel you can buy a ticket and make a seat reservation.
Prices are low, for example a one way ticket to Legazpi City (mayon Volcano) cost around 450 pesos and up. Travel time to Legazpi City (around 500 km) is about 10 to 12 hours. The bus will stop a few times for engine check up and to allow passengers to buy food, go to the toilet and step out of the bus to strech the leggs.
Unfortunately most busses from Manila are leaving in the afternoon and are riding through the night. Seeing something from the beautifull scenery is something for travelling back to Manila, because most of the busses are sceduled to arrive back in Manila in the evening.
There are several gradations in quality of the busses.
There are the ‘ordinary fare’ busses. This is the cheapest bus. Sometimes windows cannot be closed, they don’t have airconditioner, and seats are sometimes not very comfortable. Further: the bus is loaded with passengers, and their bagage. They even bring live stock like chicken in the bus. Don’t be surprised when you like to go in or out the bus you have to climb over boxes, sacs of rice and other large items.
There are also airconditioned busses. They are a little more comfortable and often have a TV or DVD on board. It is more comfortable to travel in these busses. Although sometimes the airconditioners are too cold.
There are also ‘de luxe airconditioned’ busses. These busses are the only ones with comfortable individual seats with seat belt (max 25 passengers); The seats can be arranged more horizontaly so you can try to sleep a little. These busses come usually with a meal (often Jollibee) and some drinks. They have a hostess on board, tv and or video, and a toilet. These busses do not stop but drive continiously untill their destination. A ticket to Legazpi cost around 1200 pesos. Travel time 9 to 10 hours.
In general can be said that the busses are driving very fast. For us foreigners sometimes scary, knowing the busy roads, and only few vehicles lighted during the night. The drivers are not affraid of driving 100 km/hr or more on those busy roads with lots of potholes. So it is realy an experience to travel by bus, even only once, so you have to tell some stories when you are home again.
All pictures are taken around 3.30 PM on a weekday.
Filipino time:
Hi Jan,
What about the train?
Incidentally, not long ago I read an article showing photographs of the contraption on the top of the train meant to ward off bags with shit that people squatting alongside the rails attempt to throw on it. Not out of vandalism but just to get rid of the stuff. Have you seen anything like that?
Adrian,
There are trains in the Philippines operating.
I travelled by this train once, about 10 years ago coming from Bicol going to Manila. But I didn’t like it. We (my wife and I) were practicaly the only passengers. It was not comfortable and the aircon was freezing. The trip lasted longer than if I had taken the bus. See the official website here for scedule and prizes.
I used to travel by bus a lot years ago when I was at Subic Bay. We went to Manila and Baguio. Manila was about three hours to Caloocan. It was about six hours to Baguio.
The bus we preferred was Victory Liner. Those guys passed almost everyone. Scary? Nah that was when I was immortal.
The fun trip was down the mountain from Baguio. Those guys could really build up a good head of steam. Air Conditioned bus? Not from Olangapo. Not back then anyway. Schedules? Get on the bus when it is full we go. Just like a jeepny. Reservations? If your but is in the seat then it is reserved for you.
Things have sure gotten fancy since the old days.
I took the bus from Cebu City to Bogo a year or so ago to visit a friend. Another interesting ride. I believe it was Ceres. Those guys seem to pass everyone too. My friends were scared but fortunately I am still immortal so I didn’t worry.
In Biliran we took a Bus from Bool to Naval. Not so fast but a very interesting ride. With people loading and unloading their goods. Bumpy road but inexpensive for the ticket and quite an interesting way to see the real Philippines.
Travelling by bus in the Philippines is an adventure on its own. I’m happy that it’s not only me telling the experiences here.
Thanks Tom.
I am in the midst of getting everything in order to go across the world with my husband. i am definitely excited, but i have to admit, i’m absolutely clueless when it comes to the ways of the world and how to be polite to different cultures. i’m 33 years young and haven’t ever left my own country, so needless to say i am a little bit nervous thinking about trying to do the smallest things while on my journeys. i commend you on bringing us “bus travelling in Luzon, Philippines” i found the information very useful!
Regards, Car Hire Spain…
Hi,
Thanks for visiting my website and for telling us your plans.
It must be a great adventure what you are planning to do: never leaving your country before and now travelling over the world!
I wish you lots of fun and a safe trip. And come home safely!
To: TAWTRASCO BUS COMPANY
Gud day! pls send us a copy of ur pricelist from MANILA to VIRAC
and how to reserve for 2 persons…
Hoping you consider my request..
Thank you & more power,
ARLENE BALOJA
Arlene,
If you like to ask this bus company: this is not the place. Use google to search for contact details or go to Araneta bus terminal. They have an office there.