Sagada, a northern town in the Philippines nestled high in the mountains, feels like a scene straight out of a fairytale, and it quickly became one of our favourite destinations. If you like to hike, this is the best place in the country. Pine trees line the roads, clouds form in the valleys and thunder cracks while you sit in front of a roaring fire after a day hiking through history.
Now, Sagada isn’t the easiest town to get to, it’s located off the normal tourist route on the island of Luzon but we think it’s worth the journey. The easiest way to get to Sagada is via car, if you choose to hire a car we recommend the more adventurous Besang Pass Route however if you’re backpacking to Sagada then the only way to get to Sagada is via the bus through Baguio.
Below, we share the bus routes from Baguio to Sagada, as well as options from Manila to Sagada, to help you plan your trip to Sagada.
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How To Get To Sagada
Direct Bus from Manila
12 Hours
From $13 pp
Manila Bus via Baguio
14 Hours
From $15 pp
Baguio to Sagada Bus
6 Hours
From $4 pp
Rental Car
6 Hours
From $4 pp
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Manila To Sagada Bus (Direct)
Direct Bus from Manila
12 Hours
From $13 pp
Backpackers on a budget might be wondering how to get to Sagada by bus? Luckily from Manila there is now a direct bus operated by Coda Lines making this journey simple and more plausible for travellers wanting to experience the magic of Sagada.
The bus leaves from Cubao Bus Station, Manila and travels overnight via Banaue. You can choose between semi deluxe, no toilet (₽760) and super deluxe buses, with a toilet (₽980), both make stops along the way.
We recommend booking your bus with 12Go, the direct buses from Manila to Sagada all leave in the evening, the timings are 8pm, 9pm, 10pm and 10:30pm.
We recommend using 12Go to book Ferries & Busses, also Rome2Rio for all of your travel planning needs in Asia.
Manila To Sagada Via Baguio
Manila Bus to Baguio
14 Hours
From $15 pp
Taxi to GI Terminal
6 Hours
From $4 pp
Baguio to Sagada Bus
6 Hours
From $4 pp
The second option to get to Sagada from Manila is to catch a bus to Baguio then get a connecting bus to Sagada.
More bus companies run the route to Baguio meaning there are more buses available plus you can go from a different terminal. Two of the most popular bus companies are Victory Liner and Pangasinan Solid North Transit
The bus to Baguio takes 4 hours however the bus to Sagada departs from a different bus station to where you will be dropped off at. You will need to hire a taxi (₽80) to the GL Trans Terminal where you can catch a bus to Sagada (₽220) which takes 6 hours. Please note the last bus of the day leaves at 1pm.
- Catch the bus from Manila To Baguio
- Take a taxi to the GL Trans Terminal
- Catch a bus to Sagada (See Below For The Timetable)
Note: You will need to arrive in Baguio early to secure your bus ticket to Sagada. Tickets can not be booked in advance and the buses do get fully booked. Do not worry if you miss your bus, spend the day exploring Baguio and hop on the bus to Sagada the next day.
Baguio To Sagada Bus
The Baguio to Sagada bus is direct and takes approximately 6 hours. The most popular bus company is GL Trans and they leave from the GL Trans Terminal in Baguio.
Tickets are bought directly at the counter for 220 php, you can’t book these in advance and the buses do get booked up so we recommend arriving early, the ticket office opens at 5am each day. You want to get off the bus at Sagada Town then make your way to your accommodation.
Explore our favourite accommodation in Sagada
The schedule for GL Trans Buses from Baguio To Sagada*
- 1st Trip 5:30am
- 2nd Trip 9:00am
- 3rd Trip 11am
- Last Trip 1:00pm
How to get from Sagada to Baguio?
To get back from Sagada to Baguio you want to catch the GL Trans bus from the GL Trans Corp (Sagada to Baguio).
The schedule for GL Trans Buses from Sagada To Baguio*
- 1st Trip 5:30am
- 2nd Trip 9:00am
- 3rd Trip 11:00am
- Last Trip 1:00pm
*These are updated times from GL Trans Corp on Facebook and are subject to change
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Driving To Sagada
The final option is to drive yourself to Sagada, whether with a hire car or your own. When driving to Sagada there are a few things to consider, the roads are extremely steep mountain passes with the chance of rockfalls and unpredictable weather, however you will have the freedom to stop and explore whenever you like.
There are two main routes, the first is via Baguio and the second via the Bessang Pass. We chose to drive via the pass after visiting La Union and weren’t quite aware of what we were getting ourselves into! This route is definitely for the more adventurous and confident drivers, you can read more about our experience of the Bessang Pass here!
The Route We Recommend & Our Experience
We were kindly given the use of a friend’s car to explore northern Luzon on a roadtrip and honestly this was one of the best experiences we had! Interacting with locals, driving crazy roads and breaking down were all part of the adventure… However, the best way to get from Manila to Sagada or Baguio to Sagada is via bus.
If you’re only visiting the Mountain Province, the direct Manila to Sagada bus is the easiest and most affordable option. However, if you also want to explore Baguio, consider taking the direct bus one way and the connecting bus the other, for example Sagada to Baguio. This way, you can stop in the city and explore for a couple of days before continuing your journey.
Places To Stay In Sagada
Sagada Mountain Province holds a special place in our hearts. We truly found a home away from home here and loved our time spent in the mountains and above the clouds. There are lots of accommodation options and we recommend you find somewhere that is walkable to the tourist information centre in Sagada Town where you’ll register and sort tours. One of the rules is you have to use their local transport to get to Sagada’s attractions meaning a local hotel or hostel is vital.
Best Places To Stay In Sagada
$ Budget
Mhapiya-aw Pensione Inn
Nestled in the pine trees at the top of the hill you can find Mhapiya-aw Pensione Inn. With a roaring fire, great hosts and delicious food we can not recommend this place enough.
$$ Mid-Range
Agape Log Cabin
A rustic cabin with mountain views. Transport yourself to the likes of Canada or Scandinavia with this accommodation. Within walking distance from the town but away from the main street.
$$$ High-End
The Shire Sagada
Set in the countryside just outside of the main town this place is straight out of lord of the rings. There’s a restaurant onsite which serves delicious food and it’s perfect if you’re looking for peace and quiet.
Spacing
Best Places To Eat In Sagada
- Lemon Pie House – The best place to try a Lemon Pie in Sagada!
- Yoghurt House – Famous for its homemade yogurt and cosy vibe, this spot offers a mix of local and Western dishes.
- Gaia Cafe & Crafts – Located on a hill with stunning views, Gaia Cafe is known for its vegetarian and organic menu.
- Sagada Brew – This café is popular for its coffee and comfort food. You can enjoy their breakfast meals, pastas, and sweet treats like cakes and pastries. Their brewed coffee, made from Sagada’s Arabica beans, is a highlight.
Best Sagada Tour Packages
As Sagada has their own tour providers there aren’t many packages available to pre-book before you go. However when visiting the UNESCO world heritage site of Banaue Rice Terraces you can book ahead to have peace of mind.
Best Sagada Tours
Best Time To Visit Sagada
Tips For Visiting Sagada
Below we share our favourite tips for travelling to Sagada:
- Pack for the weather, Sagada is located in the mountains making it cooler than other parts of the Philippines. Bring a lightweight raincoat and fleece.
- Respect local customs. Sagada has a rich culture and the community has deep respect for the traditions, make sure to follow their tourism guidelines.
- Don’t miss the sunrise! Make the effort to get up early and hike Marlboro Hill to experience the sea of clouds.
- Use an E-sim like Airalo to stay connected and remove the hassle of a physical SIM, but remember mobile phone signal can be spotty in Sagada making it the perfect time to unplug.
