This guide provides verified routes and travel essentials from Cubao to Baguio commute. It serves commuters and travelers heading to Baguio for work, education, tourism, or family visits using public transportation.
Quick Snapshot
From: Cubao, Quezon City
To: Baguio City
Fastest option (most days): Direct bus from Cubao to Baguio via Victory Liner or other operators (5–6 hours)
Cheapest option: Ordinary/non-aircon bus (PHP 450–500)
Operating hours: 24 hours (buses depart every 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on operator and time of day)
Estimated budget: PHP 450–700
5 to 10 minutes walk from Cubao-Aurora Blvd footbridge
Key Notes – Cubao to Baguio Commute
→ Standard fares from Cubao to Baguio commute range from PHP 450 to PHP 700 depending on bus type (ordinary, deluxe, or premium).
Fake “express” or “special trip” offers:
→ Always buy tickets directly from official counters inside bus terminals, not from individuals outside.
→ Avoid individuals outside Victory Liner, Genesis, or other terminals offering “faster” or “special” trips to Baguio at inflated rates.
→ Use only buses parked inside designated terminal bays with visible company branding and ticketing counters.
Colorum buses:
→ Do not board unmarked buses or vans claiming to go to Baguio. Colorum (unregistered) buses operate without proper insurance and have no accountability for passenger safety, schedules, or refunds in case of breakdowns.
Better option:
→ Always enter the official bus terminal (Victory Liner Cubao, Genesis Transport, or other licensed operators). Purchase tickets at the counter. Confirm the bus type (ordinary, deluxe, or premium) and departure time. Keep your ticket and baggage claim stub.
Baguio arrival terminal confusion:
→ Baguio has multiple bus terminals. Victory Liner arrives at Victory Liner Baguio Terminal along Governors Pack Road. Genesis arrives at Slaughterhouse Terminal. Confirm your arrival terminal before departure to avoid confusion when meeting people or booking onward transport.
Overpriced taxis in Baguio:
→ Upon arrival in Baguio, some taxi drivers refuse to use meters and quote flat rates of PHP 200–300 for short distances within the city. Standard metered fare from terminals to Session Road or Burnham Park should be PHP 80–120. Insist on using the meter or walk to the main road to flag down jeepneys
Recommended Route: Most Reliable for First-Time Commuters
Route: Cubao → Direct Bus → Baguio City
Step 1: Go to Victory Liner Cubao Terminal or Genesis Transport Terminal
From anywhere in Cubao, the two main bus operators to Baguio are Victory Liner and Genesis Transport. Both terminals are located near EDSA.
Victory Liner Cubao Terminal is along EDSA corner New York Street, near Ali Mall and Araneta City. This is the most popular and frequent option. Walking distance from Cubao LRT-2 Station or Araneta Center-Cubao Station is approximately 5–10 minutes.
Genesis Transport Terminal is along EDSA near Santolan, slightly north of the main Araneta area. Jeepneys or tricycles from Cubao to Genesis Terminal cost PHP 10–15.
Other operators may include Joy Bus, Dagupan Bus, or local Baguio-based companies, but Victory Liner and Genesis are the most established with the most frequent schedules.
Step 2: Purchase ticket at the counter
Enter the terminal and proceed to the ticketing counter. Inform the staff of your destination (“Baguio po”) and preferred bus type:
Ordinary bus: Non-airconditioned, PHP 450–500, longer travel time (6–7 hours), makes more stops
Deluxe bus: Airconditioned, PHP 550–650, faster (5–6 hours), fewer stops
Premium bus: Airconditioned with reclining seats or sleeper configuration, PHP 650–700, limited schedules
Tickets can be purchased on the day of travel, but during peak seasons (Holy Week, Christmas, long weekends, summer months from March to May), advance booking is recommended. Some operators allow online booking or phone reservations.
You will receive a printed ticket with your seat number and a baggage claim stub if you check in luggage.
Step 3: Board the bus at the designated bay
Bus departure bays are clearly marked inside the terminal. Arrive at least 15–30 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Buses typically depart on time, especially during peak hours. Store carry-on bags in the overhead compartment or under your seat. Large luggage should be checked in at the baggage counter before boarding.
Step 4: Travel Cubao to Baguio Commute
The bus will travel via NLEX (North Luzon Expressway), SCTEX (Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway), and TPLEX (Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway), then ascend via Kennon Road or Marcos Highway depending on road conditions and operator route.
Kennon Road is the faster, more scenic route but is occasionally closed due to landslides, road repairs, or bad weather.
Marcos Highway is the alternative route via Bauang, La Union. It is longer but more reliable during the rainy season.
Most buses make one rest stop (typically 15–20 minutes) at a designated restaurant or gas station along TPLEX or before ascending to Baguio. Use this time for restroom breaks and meals. Bring your own snacks and water as rest stop food can be overpriced.
Travel time is approximately 5–6 hours for deluxe buses and 6–7 hours for ordinary buses, depending on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
Step 5: Arrive at Baguio Terminal
Victory Liner buses arrive at Victory Liner Baguio Terminal along Governors Pack Road. Genesis buses arrive at Slaughterhouse Terminal along Magsaysay Avenue. Both terminals are within Baguio City proper.
From the terminal, you can take a taxi (insist on meter), jeepney, or tricycle to your final destination. Jeepneys to Session Road, Burnham Park, or other central areas cost PHP 10–15. Taxis should cost PHP 80–120 to most destinations within the city if metered.
Total estimated cost: PHP 450–700 (one-way ticket) Total estimated time: 5–7 hours
Alternative Options
💸 Budget-first: Cubao to Baguio Commute via Ordinary Bus
Choose an ordinary (non-airconditioned) bus if you are prioritizing cost. Fare is PHP 450–500. Travel time is longer (6–7 hours) due to more frequent stops. Ordinary buses are less comfortable, especially during hot weather or long climbs to Baguio. This option is practical for budget-conscious travelers who do not mind the extended travel time.
🕒 Time-first: Premium/Deluxe Bus during Off-Peak Hours
Book a deluxe or premium bus departing during off-peak hours (late night or early morning, such as 10:00 PM–2:00 AM or 3:00 AM–6:00 AM). These schedules experience less traffic on NLEX and SCTEX, reducing total travel time to approximately 4.5–5 hours. Night buses also allow you to sleep during the journey and arrive in Baguio early in the morning.
🪑 Comfort-first: Premium Sleeper Bus
Some operators offer premium buses with fully reclining seats or sleeper configurations. Fare is approximately PHP 650–700. These buses depart less frequently (usually at night) and are designed for overnight travel. This option is ideal for travelers prioritizing rest during the journey.
Private Van/Grab (Fallback only)
Private van hire or Grab booking from Cubao to Baguio commute is possible but extremely expensive (PHP 8,000–12,000 or more). Travel time is similar to deluxe buses (5–6 hours) and depends on the same traffic and road conditions. This option is only practical for groups of 6 or more who can split the cost, or for urgent travel when buses are fully booked during peak seasons.
🚏Provincial P2P routes.⤵️
Getting Back
→ To return to Cubao from Baguio commute, purchase tickets at the same terminal where you arrived (Victory Liner Baguio Terminal or Slaughterhouse Terminal for Genesis). Buses to Manila/Cubao depart every 30 minutes to 1 hour throughout the day and night.
→ During peak seasons (end of long weekends, end of summer vacation, Holy Week), return buses from Baguio to Manila are heavily booked. Purchase your return ticket in advance (1–2 days before your departure date) to secure a seat. Some operators allow you to book your return ticket when purchasing your outbound ticket in Cubao.
→ Last buses from Baguio to Manila typically depart around 11:00 PM to 12:00 midnight, but schedules vary by operator. Confirm the last trip schedule when purchasing your ticket.
→ Avoid booking return trips during Sunday evenings or the last day of long weekends, as these are the busiest times and buses may be fully booked or delayed by heavy traffic returning to Manila.
Important Things to Know
Peak season booking: Baguio is one of the most popular domestic destinations in the Philippines. During Holy Week (March/April), Christmas/New Year (December/January), summer months (March–May), and long weekends, buses are fully booked days or even weeks in advance. Book tickets as early as possible or expect to wait for standby slots.
Kennon Road closures: Kennon Road is the primary and fastest route to Baguio but is frequently closed due to landslides, road repairs, or heavy rain. Buses automatically reroute via Marcos Highway when Kennon Road is closed, adding 30–60 minutes to travel time. Operators do not announce this in advance; rerouting happens en route. Monitor weather conditions and road advisories before departure, especially during the rainy season (June–October).
Cold weather preparation: Baguio’s temperature ranges from 15°C to 25°C year-round and can drop to 10°C or lower during the cold season (December–February). Buses are air-conditioned and can feel very cold during the journey. Bring a jacket, blanket, or sweater even if the weather in Manila is hot.
Rest stop timing: Most buses make one rest stop lasting 15–20 minutes. This is your only opportunity to use the restroom, buy food, or stretch. Plan accordingly. Some buses do not have onboard restrooms, so avoid drinking excessive liquids before or during the trip.
Motion sickness: The ascent from Cubao to Baguio commute via Kennon Road or Marcos Highway involves winding mountain roads with sharp curves. If you are prone to motion sickness, take medication (such as Bonamine ) 30 minutes before departure and sit near the front of the bus for less movement.
Bus terminal facilities in Cubao: Victory Liner Cubao Terminal has restrooms, waiting areas, and small food stalls. Arrive early to use these facilities before boarding. Genesis Terminal has fewer amenities; plan accordingly.
Weather-related delays: Heavy rain, fog, or typhoons can delay buses by 1–2 hours or more, especially during the rainy season. Operators rarely cancel trips unless roads are completely impassable. Allocate buffer time if you have connecting flights or time-sensitive appointments in Baguio.
Traveling in groups or with luggage: Buses allow one checked bag per passenger (typically up to 20 kg) and one carry-on. Excess or oversized luggage may incur additional fees (PHP 50–100 per extra bag). For groups traveling together, confirm seat assignments are adjacent when purchasing tickets. If traveling with children, inform the ticketing staff to ensure seats are together. For very large groups (10 or more), contact the bus operator in advance to inquire about group bookings or chartering a private bus.
Notable Drop-Off Reference Points
If you are traveling to specific areas in Baguio, use these as reference points when arranging pick-up or onward transport from the bus terminal:
Session Road – Main commercial street in Baguio; central landmark for most destinations
Burnham Park – Central park and boating area, near Session Road
Baguio Cathedral (Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral) – Major landmark at the top of Session Road
SM City Baguio – Major shopping mall along Luneta Hill Road
Camp John Hay – Residential and commercial area, formerly a US military base
Botanical Garden – Near Leonard Wood Road
Baguio City Market – Public market near Harrison Road, central Baguio
University of Baguio / Saint Louis University (SLU) – Major universities, commonly used reference points
Teacher’s Camp – Government training facility and tourist site near Mines View Park
Wright Park – Horseback riding area near Mines View Park and The Mansion
Last verified: August 2025
Routes, fares, and schedules may change without notice. Road conditions on Kennon Road and Marcos Highway are subject to weather, DPWH maintenance, and landslide risks. Bus operators may adjust schedules and fares during peak seasons and holidays.
Disclaimer: The information here is for guidance only. Buses and Trains schedules and fares are subject to change based on traffic, weather and maintenance without notice from the operators. Always allow extra time for your trip. Safe travels – KA-Atlas!
MappedAtlas improves with commuter reports. If you find outdated routes, changed timetables, or new paths, send a quick update.
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