How to Get From Manila to La Union
Bus · Private
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In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 265 kilometre (165 miles) distance from Manila to La Union. By the end of this guide, you'll know exactly how to get there — whether you want to travel on a budget, reach La Union as fast as possible, or enjoy the ride in comfort. We base our information on verified schedules, ticket prices, and on-the-ground insights from recent travellers.
What are the 2 ways to travel from Manila to La Union?
There are two ways to travel the 265 km distance from Manila to La Union. You can choose between the bus and private.
The journey takes between 5h–6h and the quickest way is by private (5h). If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 640 PHP ($11).
6h - 7h 25m
640 PHP ($11)
5h
14,000 PHP ($230)
Manila to La Union by Bus
There are two operators offering direct routes from Manila to La Union: Viron Transit and Partas Transportation Company.
Partas is available for online booking via BookAway. They offer three classes: Luxury, Super Deluxe and Deluxe buses. There's not much difference among these classes — you can expect good legroom and reclining seats whichever bus you take.
You can also book Viron Transit online, directly through its own website.
For this journey from Manila to La Union, we suggest taking a late-night trip. This way, you can avoid heavy traffic during the day and sleep through the trip.
Ticket prices start from 640 PHP ($11) for a journey of 6h - 7h 25m.
Bus schedule from Manila to La Union
Departure Stations
Buses depart from different terminals, depending on the company of your choice. Makati is the most popular area in Metro Manila for tourists to stay in, and all bus stations are accessible by Grab or taxi from anywhere in Metro Manila. Fares start from 250 PHP ($4.10).Partas Transportation Company
- Pasay City (5 km from Makati)
- Cubao, Quezon City (11 km from Makati)
Viron Transit
- EDSA Cubao, Quezon City (12 km from Makati)
Arrival Stations
All buses drop off passengers in San Juan, La Union. You can ask the conductor to drop you off at the San Juan Bus Stop, in front of the municipal hall, about a 5-minute drive from the popular San Juan Beach. If you miss this stop, you can also take a jeepney or a tricycle back to the beach area. Each bus company also has its own station in La Union.Partas Transportation Company
- Partas buses stop at their station in Partas Bus Terminal in San Fernando, La Union.
Viron Transit
- Viron buses park at Viron Transit Terminal in San Fernando, La Union.
If you arrive at the bus station without reserving a ticket in advance and miss your bus or find it fully booked, don’t worry — you still have some alternative options.
You can take a bus bound for Ilocos or Abra, which will pass La Union on the way. Just let the driver or conductor know you’re getting off at La Union so they can make a brief stop for you.
Besides Partas and Viron Transit, Maria De Leon also operates buses from Manila to Laoag, Ilocos Norte, with fares starting from 555 PHP ($9.10). Tickets can be bought at the respective ticket counter at the bus station.
Travel time is about the same as buses going directly from Manila to La Union, about 6 - 7 hours. The only difference is that these buses continue their journey north after dropping off passengers in La Union.
Departure and arrival stations
Maria De Leon buses leave from Avenida (10 km from Makati) and stop at Bataan Transit Bus Terminal in San Fernando.
Manila to La Union by Private Transport
A private transfer from Manila to La Union is the most convenient option. The journey takes about 5h, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation — no need to worry about extra transfers.
For long-distance trips like this, we don’t recommend hailing just any taxi from the streets.
There are many companies operating private transfers from Manila to pretty much any Province in Luzon. You can ask your hotel for referrals or check out Facebook groups dedicated for private transfers from Manila to La Union.
A private transfer from Manila to La Union costs around 6,000 PHP ($99) for a 4-seater sedan. If you're travelling with a bigger group, an 8-seater van usually costs around 10,000 PHP ($165).
The thing about booking your private ride through Facebook is that it's difficult to find a trusted driver.
You might be able to get more peace of mind with booking platforms like BookAway or Klook, although their rates are a bit more expensive. If you book via BookAway, prices for a private transfer start at 16,000 PHP ($265) for a 3-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about 5,400 PHP ($89) each.
For this particular route, you might find lower prices on Klook (starting from 14,000 PHP ($230)), so it’s worth comparing before you book!
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Manila to La Union. 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 YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit La Union?
Looking for a nice beach to chill, surf or have a little party? La Union is a little surfer town located on the island of Luzon, the same as the capital city, Manila. Only a 5 to 8-hour ride from Manila, it's an ideal spot to visit for a few days.
The region is known for longboarding, but occasionally you also find some bigger waves that are perfect for intermediates. And if you're not an avid surfer, La Union is still a laidback spot to escape the chaos of the city.
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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.
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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.
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A writer and full-time mom who loves planning beach trips. London is her favourite destination.
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