%2Cpin-s-a%252B356151(121.0613889%2C16.9119444)%2Cpin-s-b%252B8B4513(120.9008333%2C17.0841667)%2F120.98111109999999%2C16.99805555%2C9%2F560x280%402x%3Faccess_token%3Dpk.eyJ1IjoiZ2Vja29yb3V0ZXMiLCJhIjoiY2plc2p0NmQ4MHh1cDJ4bXI3aWlraGh3YyJ9.ftb9bE1kUJiddMRbmZblQQ&w=3840&q=75)
Sagada is a mountain town in the Cordilleras of northern Luzon. It's known for its hanging coffins, limestone caves and cool pine air. The winding road from the Banaue Rice Terraces into Mountain Province is a beautiful trip in itself. The cheapest way to get from Banaue to Sagada is the jeepney at $3.30 (200 PHP) - $5.70 (350 PHP), a converted jeep with benches. The bus costs $5.70 (350 PHP) and takes 3h.
Distance from Banaue to Sagada
Banaue and Sagada are about 26 km (16 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 63 km by road. The trip takes around 3h.
4 ways to travel from Banaue to Sagada
There are four ways to travel from Banaue to Sagada. You can choose between the bus, minivan, jeepney, and private transport. The journey takes 3h and the quickest way is by bus. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by jeepney with tickets starting at $3.30 (200 PHP).
3 legs — see itinerary
- Direct Jeepney from Banaue to Sagada3h
- Indirect Jeepney via Bontoc3h
- Private Jeepney from Banaue to Sagada3h
Reach out to our Community
1Banaue to Sagada by Bus
The bus is spacious and convenient, but only morning departures are available from Banaue to Sagada. Travel time is around 3h and the bus ticket costs $5.70 (350 PHP).
CODA Lines is the primary bus operator for the Banaue to Sagada route. The bus departs from Manila, makes a short stop in Banaue, and continues to Sagada.
There are two buses from Manila that make a stop in Banaue daily, both between 05:00 to 06:00 in the morning. It’s best to arrive at the bus stop before 05:00 so you don’t miss your ride.
Departure and arrival stations
Buses depart from Banaue Tourism Centre.
From here, buses continue to Sagada and drop-off passengers at Sagada Bus Stop. This bus stop is within walking distance from Sagada Municipal Tourism Center.
Bus schedule from Banaue to Sagada
Bus tickets are available on Facebook.
Booking Tip
Banaue to Sagada by Van
You should be able to find vans departing for Sagada from Banaue Tourism Office every morning. These vans often depart between 08:00 in the morning to 12:00 noon.
There are no specific schedules, which is why we recommend that you talk to the van drivers beforehand, at least a day before your desired departure. If you spend time in the town centre or around the public market, chances are there will be a van driver who will approach you to offer a ride at least once.
Reserve a seat if you can, or ask the driver for a specific time of departure. Make sure it’s a shared van and not a private van, which will most probably be 10x more expensive.
A shared van ride from Banaue to Sagada costs around $5.70 (350 PHP). This van journey takes about 3 hours, including one or two stops at a tourist spot along the way.
Ela’s insider tip: Vans in the Philippines don’t have much legroom and can be a bit cramped for taller passengers. If you’re looking for more comfort, we recommend taking the bus instead.
Departure and arrival stations
Vans are parked near the Municipal Tourism Center in Banaue town centre.
Same as the buses, you will also be dropped off at the bus stop in Sagada’s town centre.
Banaue to Sagada by Jeepney
You can ride a local jeepney to get from Banaue to Sagada, and you've got three options.
First, the direct jeepney, which is the simplest way if you catch the right timing. Second, you can go indirectly via Bontoc, which means taking a jeepney to Bontoc first, then riding another jeepney or bus to Sagada. Lastly, if you're travelling in a group or want more comfort, you can rent a private jeepney for the whole journey.
Option 1: Direct Jeepney from Banaue to Sagada
There is one jeepney trip operating daily from Banaue to Sagada. This jeep departs from Banaue Tourism Office every day at 08:00 in the morning. Its departure time can change without prior notice, so we recommend confirming the latest schedule at the tourism office the day before your departure.
You can get a jeepney seat for $5.70 (350 PHP).
As the cheapest direct mode of transport between the two mountainous towns, this is also the option preferred by locals. It’s best to arrive at the tourism centre 30 minutes before departure time for a better chance of getting a seat.
The jeepney ride from Banaue to Sagada takes about 3h.
Option 2: Indirect Jeepney via Bontoc
Banaue and Sagada are definitely the two more popular destinations in the Philippines’ northern region. Often forgotten is the nearby town of Bontoc, the capital of the Mountain Province, and home to natural wonders like Mt. Kupapey and Maligcong Rice Terraces.
If you miss the direct van from Banaue to Sagada or you just want to make a stop in the more laid-back town of Bontoc, then you can also take two jeepney rides.
Step 1: Banaue to Bontoc by Jeepney
Bontoc is 60 km away from Banaue. You can catch a jeepney to Bontoc in Banaue’s town centre for only $2.40 (150 PHP). The trip takes about 2 hours.
Step 2: Bontoc to Sagada by Jeepney/Bus
When you’re ready to go to Sagada, you can take a jeepney like a local. Jeepneys are parked in Bontoc’s town centre, and locals can point you in the right direction. The jeepney ride takes 1 hour and costs $0.80 (50 PHP).
Jeepneys from Bontoc to Sagada are available from 06:30 to 13:00, sometimes up to 17:00. Also here, there are no fixed schedules. It’s best to ask the jeepney drivers for the latest departure times before exploring Bontoc, so you don’t miss the last trip.
Another way to get from Bontoc to Sagada is by bus, but there is only one bus available daily. The bus departs from Bontoc town centre around 07:00 to 08:00 in the morning and a ticket costs $1.60 (100 PHP).
Option 3: Private Jeepney from Banaue to Sagada
Are you travelling in a big group? Or perhaps, you’ve already made a lot of friends in Banaue? Most jeepney drivers will agree to take you to Sagada from Banaue for a fixed price. That’s around $65 (4,000 PHP) for the entire jeep.
If you can get at least 10 passengers, then that’s only $6.50 (400 PHP) per person.
The jeepney is the traditional mode of transport in the Philippines. This open-air vehicle is actually an exciting way to go around the breezy mountains in the region. Because this is a private ride, the jeepney driver often indulges passengers with a stop at a local restaurant or the best viewpoint along the way.
Banaue to Sagada by Private Transfer
If budget is not a problem, you can take an air-conditioned private transfer from Banaue to Sagada. Prices start from $81 (5,000 PHP) for a 4-seater car.
The advantage of hiring your own ride is that you can have a flexible schedule. You won’t have to depart from Banaue early in the morning — because most buses, vans and jeepneys leave for Sagada before noon.
Also, with a private car, you can make short stops along the way. It’s a scenic ride from Banaue to Sagada, and you’ll most probably want to stop for photos more than once!
Where to get a private transfer from Banaue to Sagada
When looking for a private transfer, we suggest asking for assistance from your accommodation in Banaue or Sagada. They should be able to recommend trusted drivers.
Compare prices and don’t be afraid to haggle. Some local operators try to overcharge foreign tourists here. So if their prices are way beyond $81 (5,000 PHP) for a private car, you are being ripped off.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Sagada?
Sagada is a famed tourist destination in the Philippines’ Mountain Province. Popular among locals for its sea of clouds at sunrise from Kiltepan Peak and romantic laidback vibe, group tours and motorbike road trips to Sagada are common on weekends. We recommend visiting on a weekday if it fits your schedule.
The hanging coffins in Echo Valley are probably the most iconic attraction in Sagada. But adventurers will also love its lush landscape, limestone caves, refreshing waterfalls, and the grassy trail up to Marlboro Hills. Interestingly, this small town boasts a wide range of cuisine. Don't leave without tasting its lemon pie, best paired with Sagada coffee!
Rounding it up
All four options from Banaue to Sagada take about 3 hours on the same mountain road via Bontoc. The bus is the most comfortable, the jeepney is the cheapest and a private transfer lets you stop at viewpoints along the way.
Many travellers run the classic Banaue-Sagada-Baguio loop. Baguio is the usual next stop after Sagada, with regular buses from the town centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Banaue to Sagada?
The distance from Banaue to Sagada is 26 kilometres (16 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Banaue to Sagada?
Journey times from Banaue to Sagada overlap: bus 3h, van 3 hours, jeepney 3h, private transfer 3 hours. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.
What is the cheapest way to get from Banaue to Sagada?
The cheapest way to get from Banaue to Sagada is by jeepney with ticket costs starting from 200 PHP.
Is Banaue near Sagada?
Yes, fairly close. Banaue and Sagada are 63 km apart by road, and the famous Banaue Rice Terraces sit just outside Banaue town. The drive through Mountain Province takes about 3 hours.
Is there a train from Banaue to Sagada?
No. There's no railway in the Cordillera, so you can choose between the bus, a van, a jeepney or a private transfer.
Can you drive from Banaue to Sagada?
Yes. It's the same winding road via Bontoc that the buses use, paved for most of the way. Count on about 3 hours behind the wheel, and take it slow in rain or fog.
Is it safe to travel to Sagada now?
Sagada is generally safe for travellers. The main thing to plan around is the weather: heavy rain can trigger landslides on the mountain roads, so check conditions during typhoon season (roughly June to October).
About the Authors
Travel Writer
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.
Senior Travel Writer
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.
Travel Writer
A writer and full-time mom who loves planning beach trips. London is her favourite destination.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep Gecko Routes free and up to date.
