Getting Around Baguio City

When going to Baguio by bus, be prepared for the loooong road ahead. Its roughly a 7 hour bus ride from Manila, with 15 minute stops after like 2-3 hours. This is the part of the trip that you would not want to have: the long agonizing bus ride. It would be nice if you have friends along with you, makes it less stressful :)

Please contact RIGOR at 09087217354. He will gladly tour you in Baguio City and some sites around Benguet. He will be your driver, tourist guide and at the same time photographer in the whole duration of the excursion. Take note that he does take good pictures too. We met him during our October 2010 trip and was recommended by MR. CESAR (09274957399) of the Mabuhay Post, a DOT accredited information center, wherein tourists are assisted, if needed, upon arrival at the bus station.

Our trip was a pleasant one because of him and we felt bad after not being able to give him a tip for his service. He was even kind enough to carry our shopping bags, and also insists on closing the doors of the car for us even if we contended he need not to, instead he will always say, "Ito po and trabaho namin, Maam."

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There are regular trips to Baguio City at their Pasay terminal every 30 minutes until 2 AM. Fare is P445.00. It is located along EDSA just right after the Flyover going to the airport before the Caltex Gasoline station.

You can also book for their deluxe buses for P600.00 and P700.00 with Toilet. They only have 2 trips for this one.

The Baguio Terminal going back to Manila is located at Utility Road Cor. Old Forestry Road near Microtel. The fare is also P445.00.

There are many air-conditioned buses plying the Manila-Baguio route. However, your private car is still your best alternative. You can have full control of your time for stopovers at restrooms or snack bars/coffeeshops/restaurants along the way. You will feel more secure about your baggage,too.

Be sure to check on updates re: routes to Baguio City before you travel.

Asian Spirit is now Zest Air (accdg to Vter Asianbelle) and they offer flights to Baguio City (as well as Philippine Airlines - Express) and SEAir (www.flyseair.com).

I think my wife and I rode on the Asian Spirit before and it was a nice short 50 minute flight during the morning (plane left the domestic airport in Manila at 9:00 am and arrived at the Loakan Airport at 9:50 am). Accdg to website, Baguio flights are scheduled only in the morning as visibility approaches zero in the afternoon when the fog starts to move in and cover most of the area surrounding the airport.

Loakan Airport in Baguio is about 20 minutes by car south of the city and just close to Fort Del Pilar where the Philippine Military Academy is located.

I also got the following info from this website (nice things to know)
http://www.farecompare.com/flights/Manila-MNL/Baguio-BAG/market.html

Asian Spirit (now Zest Air) has the most flights (7) between Manila, PH and Baguio, PH.
The smallest aircraft flying between Manila, PH and Baguio, PH is a DH7 operating by Asian Spirit/Zest Air with 50 seats.

7 flights per week fly between Manila, PH and Baguio, PH

The largest aircraft flying between Manila, PH and Baguio, PH is a YS1 operating by Asian Spirit/Zest Air with 60 seats.

This bus company has some of the most comfortable buses that ply the Manila-Baguio-Manila route. Their timetable is frequent enough that you don't have to wait too long in their station. They have five (5) stations scattered all over Metro Manila. Click on the website below and check the location of the station nearest you. ;D

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Traffic in Baguio is terrible, especially at downtown area and the tourist destinations. If you are going to a nearby area, leave your car at the hotel. You can either walk to exercise or take the jeepney. For farther places that are known to have heavy traffic, take the FX/taxi. It will save you the time and hassle of driving through the choke points and finding a parking space.

Manila - Baguio by bus using Victory Liner. They are easily accessible thru several terminals in Metro Manila. Caloocan, Cubao, Kamias, Pasay, and Sampaloc all have VLiner terminals. I find the Pasay one most accessible since it is along EDSA and right beside the MRT.

Their website accepts credit card payments. Buy ahead if you are travelling during holidays but other days, it is quite easy to just queue and purchase. You can also find their schedule per terminal and destination on their website. Fairly cheap at PHP460 OW.