Manila to Baguio and La Union: buses, the mountain road and a private car (2026)
See your price →Baguio is about 250 km north of Manila — roughly 5 hours by car, longer on Holy Week and Panagbenga festival weekends in February. Victory Liner buses run from Manila terminals; landing at Clark instead cuts the drive to about 175 km. A private car Manila or NAIA → Baguio is $195 per car; Clark Airport → Baguio is $160. Prices checked .
- Manila → Baguio: about 250 km, 5 h
- Clark Airport → Baguio: about 175 km, 3.5 h
- Manila → La Union (San Juan): about 270 km, 5 h
- Car: Baguio from $195, La Union from $205 per car
Bus or private car to Baguio?
Victory Liner runs Manila–Baguio buses from its city terminals (travellers’ reports list schedules and fares; the page was last modified in February 2025 — check current times with the operator). With an international arrival and luggage you first need to reach the bus terminal, then take a taxi in Baguio.
A private car leaves from your door or the NAIA terminal, stops when you want and takes the gentler Marcos Highway if anyone gets car-sick.
Is it faster to fly into Clark?
Often, yes. Clark International Airport is about 175 km from Baguio, so the drive is around 3.5 hours instead of 5 from NAIA, and the start avoids Manila traffic.
Manila or Clark? Baguio or La Union?
| Plan | Best option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Landing at NAIA, going to Baguio | Car from the terminal | One vehicle, no bus terminal, same price at night |
| Flight options into Clark | Clark Airport → Baguio | About 75 km shorter, no Manila traffic |
| Surf at San Juan, La Union | Car from Manila or NAIA; van for boards | Boards ride inside the van |
| Both La Union and Baguio | Ask for a multi-stop price | One car, one price, stops on the way |
How much is a private car to Baguio or La Union?
| Route | Sedan | 7-seat SUV / MPV | Van (up to 10) | Premium van |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manila to Baguio by private car one way | $195 | $225 | $280 | $360 |
| Clark Airport to Baguio one way | $160 | $180 | $230 | $290 |
| Manila to La Union (San Juan) by car one way | $205 | $235 | $295 | $380 |
You may also need
- Arriving at Clark Airport (CRK): Clark hotels, Subic Bay, Manila and Baguio
- Arriving at Manila Airport (NAIA) in 2026: terminals, traffic and night landings
- How much does a private driver cost in the Philippines (2026)
Sources and checks
Fares, timetables and travel times marked «travellers’ reports» come from recent traveller reports we read on 27 October 2026; no official page publishes them — check on the day. Official sources:
- Clark International Airport — Clark International Airport (official) · checked 27 October 2026
Checked by the PhpRide team on · GG Services Limited (Hong Kong)
Questions
How long is the drive from Manila to Baguio?
About 5 hours for roughly 250 km; Holy Week and Panagbenga (February) weekends are slower.
How much is a private car from Manila to Baguio?
$195 for a sedan, $225 for a 7-seater, $280 for a van — per car, same price from NAIA.
Is Clark Airport closer to Baguio?
Yes — about 175 km and 3.5 hours; a car is $160 per car.
Can we take surfboards to La Union?
Yes — tell us the number and length; we send a van if needed. Manila → La Union is $205 per car.
Which road do you take?
Usually NLEX and TPLEX, then the open road up the mountain — we take Marcos Highway if anyone gets car-sick.
Is there a night surcharge?
No — the price is the same at any hour.