In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 385 kilometre distance from Manila to Banaue. Whether you prefer the scenic overnight train, a convenient bus+ferry combo, or the fastest flight option — we've got all the details you need.
There are 3 ways to get from Manila to Banaue. You can choose between the flight, bus, private transport. The most affordable option is by flight, starting from $5. The fastest route is by flight (5h 40m).
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5h 40m
$5
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9h
$16
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10h
$347
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There is no direct flight from Manila to Banaue. First, you’ll need to take a flight from Manila to Cauayan Airport (CYZ), from where it’s still a 130 km ride to Banaue.
From Cauayan, you can take a private van to Banaue, which will take around 4 hours. There is also a way to travel by a combination of a bus and jeepneys, but we wouldn’t recommend this option. It’s quite complicated and includes many transfers.
The bus is the most common mode of transport when travelling from Manila to Banaue.
There are two well-known bus companies that service this route: Coda Lines and Ohayami Trans.
We recommend travelling overnight so that you won’t have to spend your valuable daytime on the long journey. You also save a night on accommodation considering the bus trip can take between 9h - 10h 30m, depending on the traffic when heading out of Manila.
Tourist or Standard buses for this route do not have onboard toilets and aren’t very spacious. They do make at least two stops along the way for toilet and meal breaks. Overall, don’t expect too much from buses operating from Manila to Banaue.
Private transport from Manila to Banaue is the easiest and most convenient option. The journey takes 10h, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation — no need to worry about extra transfers.
Prices for private cars start at $347 for a -seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about each.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
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.
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Carbon Footprint
This 385 km journey produces approximately 34 g CO2 by bus. Taking public transport is one of the lowest-emission ways to travel this route.
Used the Songserm ferry from Koh Samui. Cheaper than Lomprayah but takes a bit longer. Still a perfectly fine crossing. The views approaching Koh Tao are stunning either way.
OOliver S.November 2025Ferry
Train via Surat Thani was our pick. More scenic than Chumphon route and the Lomprayah catamaran from Tapee Pier is very comfortable. Book the special express train for the quickest ride.
The overnight bus with Montanatip was okay but not great. The bus was older and the seats didn't recline much. Ferry portion was fine though. If you're on a tight budget it works.
Took the sleeper train to Chumphon — magical! Woke up to palm trees and transferred to the Lomprayah catamaran. Whole journey felt like an adventure.
Lomprayah bus+ferry combo from Khao San Road was seamless. Departed at 6am, arrived Koh Tao by 3pm. Well organized.
Flew to Koh Samui and took Lomprayah catamaran. More expensive but saved a full day. Worth it if your holiday is short.
Most travelers base themselves near the main beach for easy access to transport, restaurants, and activities.
Mid-RangeArea: 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.
Mid-RangeArea: 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.
BudgetArea: 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.
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