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Leaving behind the emerald steps of the Ifugao rice terraces feels like descending from a different world. The journey back to the urban sprawl of Manila is a transition from the quiet whispers of the Cordillera mountains to the high energy of the Philippine capital. The terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and travelers who come to marvel at them need a reliable way back to the lowlands.[1]
The night bus is the way most travelers go. It leaves in the evening, so you can spend one last full day among the terraces before sleeping through the long transit across Central Luzon.
Check the situation in Banaue before you go: the municipality suspended outdoor tourism activities, including the trails to Bocos and Batad, after Super Typhoon Uwan in November 2025, until further notice.[2]
Banaue to Manila by Bus
Ohayami Trans runs the Banaue to Manila service with 49-seat air-conditioned 2x2 coaches with charging ports. The bus leaves Banaue at 18:00, and a second departure from Lagawe in Ifugao follows at 18:30, both bound for the Sampaloc terminal at Fajardo Street corner Lacson Avenue in Manila.[3] In the other direction, the Manila bus leaves Sampaloc at 22:00.[3]
GV Florida Transport also serves Banaue and Bagabag, with departures from its Sampaloc terminal and its Cubao terminal.[4] Coda Lines runs night buses between Cubao and Sagada that stop at the Banaue Rice Terraces; these are only 2 to 4 trips a day, so book in advance.[5]
Ohayami allows refunds only a day before the trip, with a 50 percent cancellation fee, and rebooking up to 3 hours before departure.[3]
Comparing Your Options
| Operator | Departure | Terminal in Manila |
|---|---|---|
| Ohayami Trans | Banaue 18:00, Lagawe 18:30[3] | Sampaloc |
| GV Florida Transport | Banaue and Bagabag service[4] | Sampaloc and Cubao |
Tips for Traveling from Banaue to Manila
- Prepare for the Cold: Philippine night buses are notorious for their freezing air conditioning. Even if it is humid outside, you will want a hoodie, long pants, and socks for the duration of the trip.
- Book in Advance: During weekends and public holidays, buses can fill up quickly as locals visit the mountains.
- Motion Sickness: The road out of the mountains has many sharp turns and elevation changes. If you are prone to motion sickness, consider taking medication before boarding.
- Arrival Times: An evening departure puts you in Manila overnight or very early in the morning, often before the rail lines start running. Be prepared to use a ride-hailing app or a taxi to reach your final destination.
- Food and Water: Buses usually stop at roadside terminals for snacks and restroom breaks, but carry your own water and a few light snacks.
Timetable
| Bus Banaue - Manila $ 16.02 10h | |
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| Taxi Banaue - Manila $ 317.78–353.04 10h | |
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| Bus Banaue - Quezon City $ 16.58–18.08 8h 30m | |
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| Taxi Ifugao - Manila $ 200.08–208.75 8h | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Banaue to Manila, including current prices and schedules.
Take the evening bus. Ohayami Trans leaves Banaue at 18:00 for its Sampaloc terminal in Manila, and GV Florida Transport also serves Banaue.
Ohayami Trans leaves Banaue at 18:00 and Lagawe at 18:30. In the other direction, the bus leaves Manila (Sampaloc) at 22:00.
Ohayami arrives at its Sampaloc terminal at Fajardo Street corner Lacson Avenue. GV Florida Transport also uses Sampaloc and Cubao.
Yes. Ohayami runs 49-seat air-conditioned 2x2 coaches with charging ports. The air conditioning can be cold, so bring a jacket.
Refunds are allowed only a day before the trip, with a 50 percent cancellation fee. Rebooking is possible up to 3 hours before departure.
Banaue suspended outdoor tourism activities, including the Bocos and Batad trails, after Super Typhoon Uwan in November 2025. Check with the local tourism office before you travel.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] UNESCO World Heritage Centre: Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras. Retrieved October 21, 2026.
- [2] Philippine Information Agency: Outdoor tourism activities in Banaue, Ifugao town temporarily suspended (25 November 2025). Retrieved October 21, 2026.
- [3] Ohayami Trans: Ohayami | Travel Easy to Banaue: bus trip schedule and terminal. Retrieved October 20, 2026.
- [4] GV Florida Transport, Inc.: Trip schedules. Retrieved October 21, 2026.
- [5] Sagada Tourism Office: Getting to Sagada. Retrieved October 15, 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.