How to Get from Albay to Manila
Take the bus from Albay (Legazpi) to Manila. Bicol Isarog departures, bus classes, travel time, prices and tips.
Last updated: October 31, 2026
Photo: Jorge Láscar from Melbourne, Australia / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Contents
Leaving the near-perfect cone of Mount Mayon behind for the capital is a rite of passage for many travelers in Luzon. The journey from the Bicol Region to Manila runs from the volcanic landscapes of Albay through the rolling hills of Quezon into the neon of Metro Manila.
Most travelers take the overnight bus, letting the rhythm of the road carry them while they sleep and arriving as the city starts its day. You can plan your departure and book through GoAsia.cc.
Albay to Manila by Bus
The bus is the lifeline between Albay and Manila. Bicol Isarog leaves Legazpi for PITX at 17:00 with its Elite 26 and with a Regular Sleeper Bus, and at 17:30 for Arcovia in Pasig. There is also an Elite 26 at 08:00 to EDSA Cubao.[1]
The ride takes around 13 hours. On booking platforms, tickets cost from about $27 to $43 (October 2026), depending on the class.[2]
Choosing a class
Bus classes on sale include Regular, Skybus WC, Elite and Sleeper Bed. For the overnight ride, pick the class with the most room to rest.[2]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Duration | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Bus (Regular, Skybus WC, Elite, Sleeper) | Around 13 hours[2] | Evening departures from Legazpi, arrival in the morning |
Tips for Traveling from Albay to Manila
- Prepare for the cold: Philippine buses are known for arctic air conditioning. Bring a sweater, a light blanket or a jacket.
- Choose your seat wisely: If you get motion sick, sit toward the front. The roads through Quezon are winding.
- Pack snacks and water: Buses stop at terminals with food stalls and restrooms, but your own supplies help in between.
- Book in advance: The route is popular on weekends, holidays and festival weeks, so book early for your preferred departure and class.
- Allow a buffer: The last kilometers into Metro Manila can take an hour or more at peak times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Albay to Manila, including current prices and schedules.
The Regular bus is the budget class. On booking platforms, tickets cost from about $27 to $43 (October 2026) depending on the class.
The bus is the main way, and the ride takes around 13 hours. Choose the class with the most room to rest.
Around 13 hours, longer when traffic builds on the way into Metro Manila.
Yes. Bicol Isarog leaves Legazpi at 17:00 for PITX with an Elite 26 and a Regular Sleeper Bus, and arrives the next morning.
It is recommended, especially for a specific class such as a sleeper. The route serves many commuters and students, so seats fill up at peak times.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Bicol Isarog Transport System, Inc.: Trip Schedules. Retrieved October 31, 2026.
- [2] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Legazpi to Manila. Retrieved October 31, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.