About the ride from Manila to Naga
You’ve spent some time in Manila, and you’re looking for a new kind of adventure. The next stop on your list is Naga, a city rich with history, culture, and beaches, and it’s waiting for you to explore it. But first, how can you get there?
When traveling the 409 kilometer (254 mile) distance between Manila and Naga, there are two transportation options to choose from:
- Flying from Manila to Naga, and arriving in less than 2 hours
- Hopping on a bus ride that will take you to Naga in less than 11 hours
Which option you’ll choose between these two depends on your budget and preferences. If you’re traveling on a budget, taking a bus might be a better option for you. There are many sleeper options available, and by traveling during the night, you’ll also save money on accommodation.
However, if you don’t want to spend 10 hours on a bus, you can also fly from Manila to Naga. Needless to say, airfares cost at least double the price of bus tickets, and this difference can be even higher during the high season, from November to February.
What to see when traveling from Manila to Naga
If you’re flying from Manila to Naga and manage to grab a window seat, you’ll be able to enjoy a mix of the sea, sky, and Philippines from the air.
Those who are traveling on a bus overnight won’t have much to see outside of their windows. However, this is a great time to get some rest and arrive in Naga fresh and energized.
If you’re traveling during the day, you’ll have a unique chance to experience the Philippines from the road. Ever wondered why the buses take 10 hours to complete 400 kilometers? That’s because they pass straight through several towns and cities. Guess what? You’ll be in the first row to catch a sneak peek during your trip.
You’ll also drive next to forest reserves, and Mount Banahaw, and as you approach Naga, this part of your ride will take place right next to the coast of Lopez and Calauag Bay.
How to get from Manila to Naga
Taking a bus
Hopping on a bus from Manila to Naga is a common way to make the journey between the two spots. The journey can be a bit long, and take up to 11 hours. However, there are many sleeper options available, and you can spend the night in a comfy reclining seat, while saving money on accommodation, too.
Here’s a breakdown of different bus options:
Economy / Standard / Tourist buses
On the route from Manila to Naga, these buses are the cheapest option you have available. Prices usually range between $25 and $29. You can choose between daylight or evening departure.
It’s important to note that most of these buses don’t have reclining seats. If you’re looking for a bus you can sleep on, Economy, Standard, or Tourist buses might not be the best option for you.
When it comes to amenities, all buses have TVs, and most of them have A/C, and WiFi (subject to availability). All buses will frequently make stops for rest and toilet.
Another important thing to keep in mind when booking a ticket is that luggage policies may differ from operator to operator. Some allow 15 kg luggage per passenger, while others only allow carry-on luggage. Make sure to check this information before you book a ticket, and avoid an unpleasant situation.
VIP buses
VIP buses have slightly better amenities compared to Economy, Standard, and Tourist buses. All of the VIP buses have A/C, toilets on board, shared TVs, reclining seats, and WiFi (subject to availability).
These buses are a bit more comfortable for overnight rides because they have reclining seats and more legroom. The type of seating that the bus has is 2 + 1 per row.
Prices for VIP buses range between $34 and $44. The things that determine the price of your ticket are whether you want to sit alone, or next to another person, and sometimes the departure time.
VIP buses will make several stops during your trip for rest and toilet breaks.
Tourist Sleeping Buses
Tourist Sleeping Buses are the most comfortable, but also the most expensive bus option you have available. The thing that separates these buses from others is the fact that they have bunk beds that fully recline, with curtains. The tickets for this bus cost $44, and for that money, you get your own little sleeping cabin.
When it comes to other amenities, Tourist Sleeping Buses have A/C, toilets on board, TVs, and WiFi. The luggage policy is 15 kg per passenger.
Taking a flight
If you want to avoid spending 10 hours on a bus, there’s some good news for you. You can also fly between Manila and Naga. The planes are equipped with A/C and toilets on board. The flight is quite short, and you’ll arrive in Naga in a bit more than 1 hour.
Depending on the airline you book with, carry-on luggage may be included in the ticket price. If you do have some questions about luggage policies, you can reach out to Bookaway’s support team.
