
Banaue sits deep in the Cordillera mountains, famous for its rice terraces. They're carved into the hillsides and still farmed by hand today. The cheapest way to get from Sagada to Banaue is the jeepney and van hop at $3.30 (200 PHP). The van costs $4.90 (300 PHP) and the bus a little more at $5.70 (350 PHP). They all take about the same time, and a private transfer costs far more.
Distance from Sagada to Banaue
Sagada and Banaue 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 Sagada to Banaue
There are four ways to travel from Sagada to Banaue. You can choose between the bus, minivan, jeepney + van/bus, 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 + van/bus with tickets starting at $3.30 (200 PHP).
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Sagada to Banaue by Bus
The bus is a cheap and direct option when travelling from Sagada to Banaue. CODA Lines operates two buses on this route daily. These depart at 14:00 and 15:00 and arrive in Banaue after 3h.
A bus ticket costs $5.70 (350 PHP).
You can buy your tickets on the bus or you can try reserving online through the Coda Lines Facebook page.
Bus schedule from Sagada to Banaue
Bus tickets are available on Facebook.
Departure and arrival stations
Buses pick up passengers at the Sagada Bus Stop near Sagada Municipal Hall in the town centre.
These buses go all the way to Manila, so make sure to get off when the bus stops at Banaue Tourism Office.
Sagada to Banaue by Van
Direct vans are available from Sagada to Banaue. You can get a seat starting at $4.90 (300 PHP). The van journey takes around 3 hours.
The vans are parked near the Municipal Tourism Centre in Sagada. These are normally available from 9:00 to late afternoon, but we recommend checking with your hotel for the latest van schedules.
The drop-off point in Banaue is in front of the Tourism Office in the town centre.
Sagada to Banaue by Jeepney + Van/Bus
Looking for a bit more adventure? You can first make a side trip to Bontoc, where you can check out Mt. Kupapey and the Maligcong Rice Terraces. This option involves a combined jeepney and van or bus ride to get from Sagada to Banaue.
Step 1: Sagada to Bontoc by Jeepney
Bontoc is located 32 km from Sagada. Jeepneys bound for Bontoc are parked near the Sagada Municipal Hall. You can get a seat for $0.80 (50 PHP). Jeepneys are available from 6:30 to 13:00 and the journey takes about 1 hour.
Step 2: Bontoc to Banaue by Van/Bus
Once you’ve had your fill of Bontoc, you can take a van or bus to Banaue. Vans depart from the Municipal Tourism Centre several times a day from 08:00 to 13:00. Van schedules can change, though, so we recommend confirming their departure times at the tourism office beforehand.
The van fare is about $2.40 (150 PHP) per person, and the trip takes 2 hours. Vans will drop you off in Banaue’s town centre.
There are also two buses operating from Bontoc to Banaue for $4.90 (300 PHP). These depart from the Coda Lines pickup point near Bontoc Municipal Hall at 14:45 and 15:45.
Sagada to Banaue by Private Transfer
A private transfer is a good way to travel to Banaue from Sagada at your own pace. Air-conditioned cars and vans are available for hire in Sagada. Rates start at $81 (5,000 PHP) for a 4-seater car.
Travel time by private transfer takes around 3 hours but depends on how many stops you make along the way. Expect a lot of jaw-dropping viewpoints on this route!
Where to get a private transfer from Sagada to Banaue
We recommend asking for your hotel’s assistance when looking for private transfers from Sagada to Banaue. They may already know a trusted driver or they may be able to help you haggle for the best rates.
Alternatively, you can ask your tour guide if they also provide private transfers to Banaue. A tour guide is required when exploring Sagada and the tourism office imposes a fixed rate on tours. Hopefully, this applies to private transfers, too!
Keep in mind the reasonable rate we mentioned above and agree on a price before going on your way.
Our favourite places to stay in Banaue
Banaue is a special place where nature feels alive around you. To match this vibe, the accommodations need to be pretty unique too. And they are!
A lot of people visit Banaue to embark on overnight adventures into the rice paddies. The wooden huts offering spectacular views over the rice fields are the perfect places to stay before and after your adventure. Here are our favourite stays for every budget:
Mid-RangeBaleh Boble Guesthouse
Area: 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.
- Unique and creative huts
- Amazing hosts
- Incredible views
- Garden, terrace and shared kitchen
Double rooms cost $30-$60 per night
Mid-RangeHiwang Native House
Area: 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.
- Panoramic views
- Unique accommodation
- Onsite restaurant
- Nightly campfires
Double rooms cost $30-$60 per night
BudgetBanaue Evergreen Hostel
Area: 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.
- Incredible views
- Great hosts
- Complimentary pick-up/drop-off from bus terminals
- Delicious on-site restaurant
Double rooms cost $15-$30 per night
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Banaue?
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.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Sagada to Banaue, roughly 26 kilometres (16 miles) apart. In all, there are 4 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $3.30 (200 PHP). The quickest trip takes 3h.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Sagada to Banaue?
The distance from Sagada to Banaue is 26 kilometres (16 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Sagada to Banaue?
Journey times from Sagada to Banaue overlap: bus 3h, van 3 hours, jeepney + van/bus 3 hours, private transfer 3 hours. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.
What is the cheapest way to get from Sagada to Banaue?
The cheapest way to get from Sagada to Banaue is by jeepney + van/bus with ticket costs starting from 200 PHP.
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