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Bus travel in the Philippines

• 1.1 Vehicles
• 1.2 Companies
• 2 Provincial buses
• 3 City buses
• 4 Fares and ticketing
• 5 Bus stations
• 8 Stay safe

The Philippines is an archipelago, but buses are a popular mode of long-distance land transportation in the country, especially on the large islands. With a rudimentary rail network, the Philippines' intercity bus network is extensive, and most cities and towns can be reached by bus. Even with competition from airlines, buses transport people across the country efficiently, if not on schedule.

Understand [ edit ]

Bus travel is a cheap and popular way of traveling around the Philippines. While planes are much faster, hassles with security at airports as well as frequent delays and the ticket prices not faring well to the income of an average Filipino, make buses even more useful and efficient. Buses have more frequent departures, but they are not punctual either, as bus stations are often in congested spots in cities, and it's not uncommon for a bus to leave only if full.

The industry is regulated by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), a government agency which also regulates most forms of public land transportation, including jeepneys but not tricycles . Fares must follow a tariff, and companies are subject to strict safety standards. They also have a hotline to report violations by drivers and operators, from overcharging to serious safety violations.

There are two major categories of buses, provincial buses , which zip through the provinces to connect every major city or town, and city buses , which are less common as most places would have jeepneys instead as streets are narrow. You can also find tourist buses approved by the Philippines' tourism department, and range from shuttles offered by some hotels, to ones chartered for group tours.

Buses in the Philippines are mostly manned by two persons, a driver and a conductor. The conductor also announces stops and assists passengers, aside from punching tickets and collecting fares. Due to the distances involved, buses running long-haul runs (e.g. Manila to Bicol, or Manila to Davao) are required to have a second driver who takes over the wheel after six hours of driving. In luxury buses, there will also be bus attendants or stewards, which will greet you, serve you snacks and meals, and provide blankets for the rest of the journey. Bus staff in the Philippines are very helpful, but unlike airline staff, are less used to foreigners.

Many buses on scheduled service prominently display the destination, as well as the key intermediate stops and (on some companies) service pattern on the windshield, usually on hand-painted signs handled by the conductor. Some companies already use digital signage for the destination. The class of the bus is generally posted at the top right of the windshield. In Manila and Cebu City, which have numbered routes, city buses may display the route number on a sign pasted above the windshield or on a scrolling digital destination sign. You can also find out whether a bus has onboard WiFi, TV or restrooms through signs on the windshield.

Vehicles [ edit ]

Buses and comfort levels used tend to vary from operator to operator, but the most common buses are usually brand-new Chinese vehicles, as well as Japanese, European and Korean buses with locally sourced bodies. Second-hand import buses from Japan or South Korea are once common, but those are slowly being withdrawn on safety grounds. Low-floor buses are slowly becoming common in city routes and on some luxury express routes between provincial cities. Some buses (often minibuses in poorer regions and the Visayas) are rather similar to truck-based jeepneys, usually built from a chassis truck with the passenger compartment behind. Those buses are usually operated by their owners (like with jeepneys), the exterior is painted colorfully, and the vehicle are narrower in width and lower in height than typical buses.

Buses in the Philippines are usually certified to travel up to 80 km/h (50 mph) on expressways, and between 50–60 km/h (31–37 mph) on other highways. Average bus speeds in the Philippines also lie between the 50-60 km/h range as well, but it can be lower if they stop frequently, use slower provincial roads on part of the trip, and have meal stops or take the ferry.

Companies [ edit ]

The Philippines' bus network is moderately regulated in terms of fares and standards, but there are over a hundred companies, some being dominant on one or more regions. In the busiest bus routes (e.g. the Manila-Batangas commuter route), they may be one or more companies, each offering varying levels of service. The list below include of some major bus companies (and affiliates), which typically serve one more region from one or more major city (commonly Manila). Companies that only serve one region or province from their operating base can be found on their respective "Get in" or "Get around" pages

• ALPS the Bus ( Al Perez & Sons ), [email protected] . Based in Batangas City , they run the Manila-Batangas City commuter route, but they also have long-haul operations to destinations in Bicol and Panay from Manila. ( updated Oct 2020 )
• Ohayami Transit . Has daily trips from Manila to Baguio, Solano, and Banaue , and Baguio to Banaue. ( updated Oct 2020 )

Provincial buses [ edit ]

Provincial buses form the backbone of intercity and regional transportation, and while jeepneys may take their place in some routes where a full-size bus is too large for some roads along the route or there is not any significant demand, most places within the tourist trail should be reached by at least one or more provincial bus routes.

There are five classes for provincial buses, which are based on comfort, number of seats, and fare. The class of the bus should be indicated on the windshield, but some don't have them posted at all. From worst to best:

• Ordinary (regular/third class) — 2-3 layout (6 in the rearmost row), with 54-57 hard seats (either padded or wooden). Stops most frequently. Vehicle can range from minibus to a full-size coach. Some buses may have two doors or the front hosting the conductor's seat. The vehicles are crowded and sometimes unsafe, and foreign travelers are advised not to take them. Windows are kept open, so passengers are exposed to the elements and increase risk of catching disease, spitting is common on these buses, and it's not uncommon to find passengers carrying live animals such as chickens.
• Air-conditioned (second class, also shortened to AC or A/C ) — 2-3 layout (6 in the rearmost row) with hard seats. No other frills except the A/C. May stop frequently like ordinary buses, but stops are further apart (and can be on bus stations than on curbsides or pullouts)
• Deluxe (first class, also called executive by some companies) — 2-2 layout (5-6 in the rearmost row) with 36-38 hards seats. Skips more stops, and have better legroom than regular AC.
• Super deluxe - 2-2 layout (6 in the rearmost row) with 34 reclining seats. Stops only at major cities and towns. May have restrooms, personal entertainment screens, and blankets.
• Luxury - 2-1 layout with 26 fully reclining seats, which can be turned to beds on overnight trips and an onboard toilet. Stops only at major cities (or run non-stop, not including food and toilet breaks). Mostly operated by the large bus companies.

As a rule of thumb, "commuter" or short/medium-distance buses are usually run with air-conditioned or ordinary buses, while long-distance services (with meal stops/toilet breaks) are run with higher-class buses. In practice however, ordinary buses can be seen in long-haul routes as well, and luxury buses are usually offered by the large bus companies, even on short routes between cities.

City buses [ edit ]

Metro Manila, Cebu City and Davao City have city buses , which are not usual in most cities, where jeepneys are a staple as they can negotiate the smaller streets. Unlike most systems in most largest cities in the world, city buses are run by private companies under government franchise. City buses ply wide avenues and highways, and routes often connect suburbs.

City buses are only available in two classes:

• Air-conditioned - 2-3 or 2-2 layout (6 seats on the rearmost row), with hard seats. The most comfortable.
• Ordinary - 2-3 layout (6 seats on the rearmost row), with hard seats. Doors are usually left open for most of the trip, except on expressways due to safety regulations. Cheapest, but are crowded, hot and often dangerous. Most bus companies have phased out service class out of safety concerns, and the remaining ones mostly ply routes to low-income suburbs.

For years, the typical city bus (on both classes) in the Philippines is usually a high-floor coach with some modifications for rush-hour and frequent-stop operation, but accessible, low-floor buses are slowly being introduced. For most services, high-floor vehicles are still commonly used, especially in Manila and on commuter routes that take the expressways for most or part of the route. Ordinary buses always use a high-floor vehicle.

Seating arrangements on city buses vary by vehicle regardless of class, but most should have room for 38 (2-2 seating) or 41 (2-3 seating). Seats always face to the front of the bus on most vehicles, but newer low-floor vehicles will have bench or rear-facing seats near the front door, space for wheelchairs and strollers, and hanging straps and grab bars for standing passengers. Regardless of vehicle type and seating configuration, seats near the front door are priority seats reserved for passengers with children, elderly persons, and people with disabilities; you should give those seats to those groups of people whenever they need it. Priority seats are marked with a sign (often the international accessibility symbol) pasted on the window beside the seat.

Express buses are available since 2016. Branded Premium Point-to-Point Bus Service (or simply as P2P ) by the Philippine government, these buses, complete with luxury amenities generally available only on long-distance provincial routes, provide fast, limited- or non-stop connections with central business districts, suburbs, or even provincial cities, and have only one to no stops along the route. Fares are a flat rate, and while expensive to a working class Filipino, they are more comfortable that the widely available AC buses. P2P buses mostly run from Manila, Cebu City , Iloilo City , Angeles and Baguio .

City bus tickets are always bought from the conductor, but contactless methods (e.g. Manila's Beep card) can be used with some operators. A few city bus companies, mostly ones operating completely ultramodern low-floor fleets, have completely fixed fares, such as BGC Bus (which serves Bonifacio Global City or BGC in Taguig ) and MyBus (which runs between Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu in Cebu).

The country's first bus rapid transit (BRT), the EDSA Carousel in Metro Manila, began operation in 2020. This route, which only uses low-floor buses, run the whole length of EDSA down from the Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan into SM Mall of Asia in Pasay , and into Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX). Bus stops on EDSA are generally built at the median, with direct connections to MRT Line 3. However, cash is not honored, and you must have a smart card to pay fares. More BRT lines are being proposed for Metro Manila, but are yet to start operation. A BRT system is under construction in Cebu City.

Fares and ticketing [ edit ]

Fares are regulated (and the same throughout the country), and generally based on distance. There are no transfer tickets nor interline tickets; you must pay another fare whenever you transfer. The fare systems are:

• City bus : Mix of distance-based and zonal systems. ₱12 (ordinary: ₱10 ) for the first 5 km, increasing incrementally by ₱2.25 (ordinary: ₱1.75 ) per additional kilometer beyond that.
• P2P : Flat fare, generally twice the fare of a regular bus on the same destination pairs.
• Ordinary : ₱9 for the first 5 km, increasing by ₱1.55 /km beyond.
• Air-conditioned ₱1.75 /km
• Deluxe : ₱1.85 /km
• Super deluxe : ₱1.95 /km
• Luxury : ₱2.40 /km

Fare matrixes (tariffs) are pasted inside the bus near the driver, but don't always rely on them as fares are usually rounded off to the nearest ₱5 . For seniors, students, and disabled persons, a 20% discount is available as long you produce a valid photo ID to the conductor or ticket seller. If you pay using a smart card or bought tickets online using a credit card, the exact fare is charged.

Getting provincial bus tickets is straightforward. Provincial bus tickets are bought on board through the conductor or bought at the bus station. For long-distance trips, you can also book a ticket in advance, either online (on the company website or on a booking portal like EasyBus.ph) or at the terminal or curbside stop, though it is possible to get them last-minute at a ticketing office. Tickets tend to sell out during major vacation periods (Holy Week, All Saints Day and Christmas and New Year), so consider booking will in advance, otherwise, you'll find yourself being a "chance passenger" who have to purchase the tickets aboard the next available bus while seats are already in short supply.

City or commuter bus tickets are usually bought aboard from the conductor, but in the case of buses departing from a major terminal such as PITX, you must purchase them beforehand.

Instead of buying a paper ticket, you can also pay bus fares with smart cards such as Beep , BEEP Rides (not to be confused with the former) and TripKo , especially on city or commuter buses. Beep, while mostly useful in Metro Manila, is also accepted in some provincial routes from Manila. BEEP Rides, developed for one modern jeepney operator (and not to be confused with Beep), can be used to pay fares in some select bus companies in Luzon. TripKo is available nationwide with some provincial operators also accepting it.

Bus stations [ edit ]

Bus stations in the Philippines vary from small company-owned shacks or sheds along the highway or main street, to large, complex terminals that function like an airport or train station and are built at the edge of town. Small bus stations have limited facilities, and may be just a patch of asphalt, concrete or dirt with a spartan waiting area and restroom. Large bus stations may have more than one terminal (including those serving jeepneys and vans), and may resemble a mall or public market, having shops and a food court. Cities or towns may have one or more bus stations, and if there is more than one, each might serve a different set of destinations (e.g. in Cagayan de Oro ) or serve a particular company. Small, company-owned bus stations are usually clustered on a suburban part of town and terminals are not far apart.

In most parts of the country, you board the bus from an open area with pasalubong stores and bus company offices (and/or tickets purchased on board after departure), or you just walk on tarmac, concrete or dirt to the bus. On large, state-of-the-art bus stations like the two new terminals in Manila, the departures area works like airport airside: you must hold a ticket pre-purchased at the ticketing booths before security or pre-booked online and redeemed at the station to be admitted into departures, baggage is inspected and passengers go through a metal detector, and the bus leaves on a particular time posted on screens. Once in the boarding area, look for departure boards to find the gate where your bus departs, and find a seat on the waiting area near you gate up to boarding, where you line up to enter the bus.

Arriving at a large bus station, you get down at an unloading area, which may be within the station premises or along the road. On large stations, you are led to an arrivals area, where there are also a food court, shops, restrooms and other services, and not from there, you can find local transportation or connect with another bus to your destination. Getting down along the road or on a small terminal, there may be little to find but transport to town, and few to no restaurants around the terminal.

On board [ edit ]

The air conditioning can be harshly cool, so bring a light jacket, sweater or blanket to wrap yourself. This is generally useful if taking an overnight trip on any air-conditioned bus regardless of class. A few companies may offer blankets for use on overnight journeys, and is included on the ticket price.

Many buses have on-board TV or audio, which are often loud, so consider bring earplugs with you. Some buses may have multiple TV screens, and deluxe or luxury buses may have personal entertainment systems like those on airliners.

On-board WiFi is becoming common, but services are dependent on the cell phone signals along the road, and often unreliable. You can ask for the WiFi password from the conductor, or look for a posted sign for the password.

Rules on food and live animals vary from company to company, so check carefully. Food and beverages are generally allowed, and there are peddlers who enter the bus to sell food and drinks at many bus stops, but eating messy foods is discouraged, and some carriers ban them. Pets can be carried on an approved kennel or cage, but there are still companies that ban them on board and they must be carried in the baggage compartment, which is unsafe and unethical.

Passengers can carry up to 10 kg (22 lb) of carry-on ("hand-carry") luggage on board. Anything heavier than that is stowed on a compartment under the bus. In some regions, heavy luggage may be carried a roof rack instead, or even carried on board. You may have to pay a fee for excess luggage or with some operators (e.g. Victory Liner), have them delivered to your final destination as freight.

Toilets should be available on long-distance services covering more than 200 km (120 mi) or 2 hours, but older buses may not have one, so the only opportunity for toilet breaks is during the meal stop or a toilet break at every 200 km of the trip.

Smoking (and vaping) is prohibited on board the bus (and any form of public transport). It is also prohibited at the bus station, but large ones may have a smoking area for people to smoke during a layover or before boarding. On meal stops or toilet breaks, it is also common for smokers to gather at a corner or a smoking area for the duration of the stop.

Foreigners are less often seen on public buses than on planes, so be prepared to encounter jarring behaviors as anywhere in the country. On ordinary buses, expect seeing people spitting out of the open windows, sitting with someone carrying a live chicken or all their luggage with them, or even smoking on board. At any class of bus, by the way, loud conversations are common and a foreigner can call the attention of curious Filipinos. Those said, taking the bus instead of a plane provides opportunities to interact with locals and experience Filipino culture.

Stops [ edit ]

Bus stops in the Philippines may or may not be marked, and the location may only be known by word of mouth. The stop usually have a shelter ("waiting shed") and is usually next to a pedestrian crossing. Most stops are also served by jeepneys, and generally labeled "loading and unloading areas" on signs.

Meal stops are part of long-distance bus trips, and the bus will have a scheduled stop onto a roadside restaurant, service area, or bus station where all passengers get off for a breakfast, lunch or dinner. The restaurant usually serve Filipino food (or the local cuisine) of varying quality, and the stopover area or restaurant are usually tied with or completely owned by the bus company. Meals may or may not be included on the ticket price. A meal stop usually lasts a hour, or longer if they are also waiting for boarding passengers or the stopover large.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Bus travel in the Philippines is often unsafe, especially with provincial buses. Buses do get involved in a lot of accidents, from simple head-on or rear-end crashes with other traffic, to vehicles running off cliffs on mountain roads. Some advice are:

• Ask locals or for what are the safer operators of a certain route.
• Avoid taking ordinary buses unless there is no alternative. Most are crowded and overloaded, and the vehicle may be dilapidated.
• Think twice before taking overnight buses , as they do get involved in many deadly crashes. Buses on overnight routes may not have a second driver, and the driver may have taken up drugs to keep themselves awake. Stick to reputable bus companies, or book a flight instead.

Crimes on buses is uncommon on provincial routes, but more so in city buses and medium-distance provincial routes, where standing passengers are normal. Pickpocketing is the most common crime aboard buses, but distraction theft also happen.

Beware also of scams at large bus stations. One common scam involves fake porters, which will bring you to overpriced shops or restaurants.

Buses have been the target of some terrorist incidents in the 2000s. In the wilder parts of Mindanao , buses may get bombed by terrorists or attacked by bandits, so, passengers can only board at designated stops or stations, and luggage may be inspected by transportation police.

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Transportation in the Philippines: The Complete Guide

Ready to travel through the Philippines but don’t have the actual travel part down yet? Well, first of all, good call—the Philippines is dope and you should definitely travel there. Second of all, you’re not alone; figuring out transportation in the Philippines can be tough! That’s why we’ve put together this guide to Filipino transportation. Don’t worry, little bird. We’ve got you covered. Shhh. It’s going to be ok.

Note: Travelers must complete a Health Pass on a Philippine government website , or they can opt for an expediting service like iVisa , which streamlines and simplifies the process for a small fee. 

Want to travel through the Philippines like a pro without sticking to the tourist spots? Have a Filipino local help plan your trip . They’ll give you the insider info you need to easily get from point A to point B. Learn more .

Coach buses are your best bet going city-to-city through the Philippines 

Since it’s made up of over 7,000 islands, the Philippines is not a train-heavy nation. That means coach buses are going to be your best bet for getting city-to-city. There is a small light rail system in the Manila metro area (called the Light Rail Transit System or “LRT” for short), but it’s notoriously inefficient.

Filipino coach buses are probably a lot different than you’re used to

If the phrase “coach bus” conjures up images of battered Greyhounds, you’re way off the mark. Because coaches in the Philippines are the primary means of intercity transit, many popular bus companies actually feature onboard attendants (think flight attendants, but, you know, on a bus) as well as entertainment centers, posh seats, and other comfy accouterments. You could book transit on a Greyhound-style clunker without a/c… but with the exchange rate, why would you?

Just keep in mind that there’s no central bus company, so stations are rare

There’s no one central bus company in the Philippines, so central bus stations are uncommon. That means you need to know which company you want to take, what bus to get on, and where to catch it—without a station agent to help you. Our advice? Connect with a Filipino local for help when you’re planning your trip. They’ll help you figure out the who/what/where/when of bust transit and walk you through the entire process. Plus, if you get on the wrong bus, they’ll be available with 24/7 phone support to help you figure it out.

Domestic flights are a great option as well

If you’re thinking about island-hopping through the Philippines (and let’s be honest, why wouldn’t you?), plan on taking some domestic flights. They’re super-cheap (xoxo the exchange rate), they’re quick, and many of them go through Manila. That last part may or may not be a perk for you depending on where you’re trying to travel, so keep it in mind when you’re navigating your flights. And again, a Filipino local trip planner can help you figure out the most efficient way to get wherever you’re going (and recommend a ton of amazing local gems along the way).

There are 3 main airlines for domestic flights

Philippine Airlines , Cebu Pacific Airlines , and Philippines AirAsia are the 3 main carriers when it comes to domestic flights through the Philippines—although many smaller airlines operate throughout the country, usually in more specialized routes or locations.

Take the ferry between islands!

If you’re planning on going to some of the Philippines’ outlying islands—and again, if you go to the Philippines and don’t hit the remote beach islands, you’re being straight-up stupid—you can ditch the budget airline and take a ferry instead! Dozens of ferry companies operate between islands all over the country—just talk to your local before you book tickets, since they can really vary in quality.

Taxis are widely available throughout the Philippines (but beware of scams)

You can catch a cab just about anywhere in the Philippines, but they’re only one of many available options when it comes to local transportation (read on for some of the more colorful and authentic choices). Just remember: while taxis in the Philippines are quite inexpensive by US standards, Filipino cabbies are widely known to scam tourists. Our advice: make sure your driver uses the meter (they’ll often claim it’s broken so that you’ll have to pay a larger lump sum) and don’t be afraid to pay and get out if you think your driver is going the wrong way to run up the meter.

There is no Uber in the Philippines—use Grab instead

Sorry, millennial minions—Uber doesn’t operate in the Philippines. Instead, Filipinos use an app called Grab . It works the exact same way as Uber, but it’s actually known to be a much better platform for both drivers and passengers. Progress.

You'll find tons of transportation options in Filipino cities

Our advice: take advantage of these options to get around. They. Are. Awesome. Here are some of the most popular choices:

Jeepneys are old military jeeps left over from the US occupation of the Philippines which have since been converted into colorful, uniquely-Filipino private buses. They’re cheap (usually around 7 pesos or $0.25 per ride), they’re everywhere (you don’t need any sort of qualification or license to own or operate one), and they’re probably the most popular form of mass transit in the Philippines (even though they’re not particularly comfy). 

More than anything though, Jeepneys are colorful . Owners take lots of pride in their rides, and it’s common to see extravagantly-painted jeepneys on most major roads. Where do you catch a jeepney and where do they go? Make it easy on yourself: have your local trip planner integrate at least one jeepney ride into your itinerary—they’ll give you all the info you need.

No, we’re not talking creepy The Shining tricycles here—we’re talking motorized single-seat taxis. Been to Thailand? Think tuk-tuks . They’re fun, they’re everywhere (seriously, Manila’s streets are crammed with them), and they’re a Filipino institution you have to experience at least once.

Habal-Habals

Roughly translating to pigs —uh… “fornicating”, the habal-habal is a hilariously unsafe Filipino phenomenon. Essentially a motorbike with the seats extended so it can “accommodate” 5-6 riders, these “high-occupancy” vehicles are mostly seen in the countryside—though they occasionally appear for hire in cities. We can’t actually recommend riding a habal-habal, but they’re definitely cool (and ridiculous) to look at.

Kalesas (sometimes spelled “calesas”) are two-wheeled horse-drawn carriages. You can find them in Manila’s Chinatown, as well as in various other cities throughout the country. Should you use one? Eh, up to you—just make sure the horse looks healthy.  

Ever wanted to ride in the sidecar of a motorcycle Indiana Jones-style? Now you can… kinda. Pedicabs are basically the same thing—except instead of a motorcycle and sidecar, it’s a bicycle and sidecar. Underwhelming, we know—but still a fun and unique way to get around, right?

So what’s the best way to get around the Philippines? It depends on where you’re going, what your budget is, and how fast (and/or dangerous) you want your ride to be. The only thing to remember for certain: it’s always easier to get around when you’ve got some insider help from a local. And our Filipino locals are the best in the business when it comes to planning trips! 

No one knows transportation in the Philippines like someone who *actually* lives there. To navigate the islands like a pro, connect with a local to plan your trip! They’ll design an entire itinerary filled with the best ways to get from A to B (and to C, D, E…). With their help, you’ll journey through the Philippines like a local—not a tourist. Why travel any other way? Learn more . 

• Connect With a Local to Plan Your Trip
• The Philippines Travel FAQ 2024
• Is it Safe to Visit the Philippines?
• 12 Incredible Things to Do in the Philippines 2024
• The Best Places to Visit in the Philippines
• Where to Stay in the Philippines?

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We make sure that all the vehicles we provide are in good running condition., testimonials.

Ms. Patrice Adela

"Hi, Sir Alfie! Just wanted to take the time to say thank you again for kindly accommodating our requests for our event last Friday!

The shuttles you provided were perfect for our needs! We will definitely keep your contact for our next events.

Thanks again and have a great evening."

Mr. Melvin Sullano

"Hi Alfie,  We highly appreciate the professionalism of your team.  We are more than satisfied with your service.  You will be on top of our mind should we need another transportation assistance.  Expect to hear from us again in the future. Cheers!"

Ms. Richelle Ann D. Tabanao

"Salamat po sa magandang service!"

Mr. Alwin Gapuzan

"Goods na goods ang quality ng bus at ang bait pa ng driver. Thank you, Sir Alfie and Team.

Ms. Krystal Ballo

" The transaction was smoothly done. Mr. Alfie was very responsive and I was able to contact the drivers easily. The travel was also hassle-free and the drivers were able to accommodate my request to pick us up at an earlier time than the original requested time. "

Mr. Jose Raneiro Dela Paz

"Salamat sa tulong mo Alfie. May mga susunod na deals pa tayo. Thanks again Alfie! Next time ulit!"

Our Valued Client

AMO is serving several entities and individuals in the Philippines. Looking forward to having you in our clientele.

And many more...

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Tour Bus Rental Price Comparison. We guarantee the best rates through our system.

We work with 10 high-quality and reliable bus companies across the country. Therefore we can always get an affordable price, no matter what’s your departure day.

Why you should request a quote through us?

You will have the cheapest and most affordable bus charter service that will bring you to your destination. You will receive several quotations from different suppliers so you can compare the rates and their service.

How do you guarantee the quality and safety requirements of the bus and driver?

Safety and quality are our core values therefore we only work with coach companies that meet our safety and quality standards.

Available Tour Bus Rental Units

COASTER / MINIBUS

• Air-conditioned
• 28 Seating capacity
• Audio system AM/FM radio with CD player
• Safety seatbelts

• Fully Air-conditioned
• 50 Seating capacity
• Comfy seats
• Luggage compartment

• Work With Me

Social Items

Transport Regulation

Travel essentials.

• Stylish  face mask
• Water container/tumbler  to rehydrate
• Sunscreen  for skin protection
• Goggles  for swimming or snorkeling
• Stylish  Swimsuit
• Travel  backpack  /  luggage
• Reusable  vacuum storage packs
• Selfie stick
• Waterproof phone case
• Camping tent

Provincial Buses in the Philippines

• Ordinary (regular/third class) — 2-3 layout (6 in the rearmost row), with 38-41 hard seats. Stops most frequently. Vehicle can range from a large jeepney or minibus to a full-size coach. Some buses may have two doors or the front hosting the conductor's seat. The vehicles are crowded and sometimes unsafe, and foreign travelers are advised not to take them. Windows are kept open, so passengers are exposed to the elements and increase risk of catching disease, and spitting is common on these buses.
• Air-conditioned (second class, also shortened to AC or A/C) — 2-3 layout (6 in the rearmost row) with hard seats. No other frills except the A/C. May stop frequently like ordinary buses, but stops are further apart (and can be on bus stations than on curbsides or pullouts)
• Deluxe (first class, also called executive by some companies) — 2-2 layout (5-6 in the rearmost row) with 36-38 hards seats. Skips more stops, and have better legroom than regular AC.
• Super deluxe - 2-2 layout (6 in the rearmost row) with 34 reclining seats. Stops only at major cities and towns. May have restrooms, personal entertainment screens, and blankets.
• Luxury - 2-1 layout with 26 fully reclining seats, which can be turned to beds on overnight trips. Stops only at major cities (or run non-stop, not including food and toilet breaks), but rarer.

Bicol Isarog

Genesis Transport

G.v. florida  transport.

Penafrancia

Raymond Transport

Victory Liner

Yanson Group of Bus Companies (YGBC)

Other attractions to see in manila , how to book a trip / reserve a ticket.

• Go to this  link  and INPUT the origin and destination in the search box (eg. Manila - Baguio)
• Input the dates of your desired arrival.
• Choose if it is One-way or Return trip.
• Choose the number of seats you wish to book or reserve
• Then click  Find Tickets  to search for the available trips

OTHER TRANSPORTATION INFO IN PH

• Metro Manila Bus Transit Map
• List of Ferry Operators in the Philippines
• List of Airlines in the Philippines
• List of Airports in the Philippines
• List of Railways and Metro Rail Lines in the Philippines
• List of Major Roads in Metro Manila

OTHER ACTIVITIES AND TOUR IN MANILA

COMMUTING GUIDE: List of Provincial Buses in the Philippines

This only receipt I got is from GCash payment. No SMS notif from biyaheroes.com to confirm my booking for me to change anything if there’s incorrect details. It seems there is something wrong with their website when booking. I was not able to receive a refund since they are gaslighting me my booking was wrong in terms of the destination. Can’t trust them again. Anyway, responsive customer support is available via email.

Let us know your thoughts!

WHERE TO GO NEXT

THE 81 PROVINCES OF THE PHILIPPINES

• Agusan Del Norte
• Agusan Del Sur
• Camarines Norte
• Camarines Sur
• Catanduanes
• Compostela Valley
• Davao Del Norte
• Davao Del Sur
• Davao Occidental
• Davao Oriental
• Dinagat Islands
• Eastern Samar
• Ilocos Norte
• Lanao Del Norte
• Lanao Del Sur
• Maguindanao
• Misamis Occidental
• Misamis Oriental
• Mountain Province
• Negros Occidental
• Negros Oriental
• Northern Samar
• Nueva Ecija
• Nueva Vizcaya
• Occidental Mindoro
• Oriental Mindoro
• South Cotabato
• Southern Leyte
• Sultan Kudarat
• Surigao Del Norte
• Surigao Del Sur
• Zamboanga Del Norte
• Zamboanga Del Sur
• Zamboanga Sibugay

• PRIVACY POLICY

Traveling by Bus in the Philippines

While it’s not as popular as jeepneys, the bus is still a widely-used means of transportation to get around the Philippines, especially on larger islands and for long-distance travels.  It is even used to transfer from one island to another in conjunction with the country’s RoRo System or the Road Roll-on/Roll-off Terminal System, a vehicle transport system in the Philippines.

This article covers information about buses including the types of buses, Philippine Nautical Highway System, and useful tips when riding a bus in the Philippines.

The Philippine bus

Like the jeepneys, buses in the Philippines come in varying sizes and colors.  But unlike jeepneys in which one person can own a unit, buses are usually with a company and there are lots of bus companies all over the country.

Passengers can get on and off a bus in bus terminals but it’s not unusual to see one stop and pick up or drop off a passenger along the road.  Bus terminals in major cities are usually well-built structures complete with restrooms, cafeterias, and even ticket booths and ATMs.  But in some parts of the country, bus terminals are merely makeshift sheds without even a restroom.

Buses run on schedule but it’s not unusual for them to be late since most drivers leave only when the bus is full.

Types of buses in the Philippines

Buses in the Philippines are categorized into two:

Provincial Bus

The big bus seen on national highways in the Philippines is a provincial bus.  It plies through provinces and connects major cities or towns.  The provincial bus is classified further depending on its amenities.

• Ordinary.   Also known as regular, you can identify this class by simply looking at it even from the outside.  Its windows are kept open as it is not air-conditioned.  It has 2- layout with 6 in the last row.  It is also known for its frequent stops and overloading.
• Air-conditioned.   Like the ordinary bus, it has 2-3 layout but is slightly more comfortable as it is air-conditioned.  It doesn’t stop as frequently as the ordinary bus and when it does, they are further apart.
• Deluxe.   This class is air-conditioned and has a 2-2 layout but with better legroom than the first two classes.
• Super deluxe.   This one has a 2-2 layout and with reclining seats.  The bus may have restrooms, entertainment screens, blankets, and complimentary snacks.  Stops are limited to major cities and towns only.
• Luxury.   With 2-1 layout, this bus has 22 to 26 fully reclining seats which turn into bunk beds on overnight trips.  It either runs non-stop or stops only at major cities.  Aside from the entertainment screen, free Wi-Fi, and restroom, each seat/bunk bed has its own set of curtains for privacy and its own charging port.

Considering that most streets in the cities are narrow, the bus is not the most favored means of transportation to get around the city as it can intensify the traffic congestion.

They are available in two classes:

• Ordinary.   This class has a 2-3 layout, open-air, and often gets crowded.
• Air-conditioned.   It’s layout is either 2-2 or 2-3.

The Philippine Nautical Highway System

With more than 7,000 islands, traveling from different cities and island to island can be challenging as it takes longer hours and costs higher but with the birth of Philippine Nautical Highway, it is not the case anymore.  No, there aren’t new bridges connecting all these islands.  The Philippine Nautical Highway is an integrated network of highway and vehicular ferry routes for nationwide vehicle transport.  It connects the islands, particularly the major ones namely Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

The RoRo bus is transported to another island through a RoRo ship which has a ramp for vehicles including buses to drive on and off. 

Tips when riding a bus in the Philippines

• Know the bus schedule before your departure date and book in advance if possible.
• Dress comfortably, especially when going on a long journey.
• Bring a light jacket, blanket, or anything to layer on and prevent you from getting cold when riding an air-conditioned bus or when taking an overnight trip.
• Pack enough food and water to keep you going.  While you can always buy at rest stops, they may be overpriced and choices may be limited.
• Be mindful of your valuables and pack them in your carry-on baggage.  You’d be able to enjoy the ride better if you’re not constantly worried about something expensive left in your luggage in the holding section at the bottom of the bus.
• Consider bringing earplugs and an eye mask to enjoy the ride in peace or if you’re hoping to sleep during the journey.
• Aside from entertainment screens provided by the bus, you may want to bring your own entertainment such as downloaded TV series or movies, a book, or magazine.
• Rest stops are not only for toilet breaks.  It’s an opportunity to walk around, stretch, and take some fresh air before the next league of the journey begins.

READ MORE: Transportation in the Philippines

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About the author.

Patrick is an entrepreneur, digital nomad, explorer, and photographer. Patrick is always in search of fun and adventure. He is well travelled throughout the world, and although location independent, his home base is Phoenix, Arizona in the USA. Patrick loves island lifestyle which is no wonder why he is so interested in spending time in the Philippines with it’s over 7,000 islands. Patrick created this site to share his knowledge of and experiences in the Philippines with Filipinos as well as other foreigners.

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