This guide provides verified routes and travel essentials from Cubao to Sagada commute. It serves commuters and travelers heading to Sagada, Mountain Province for work, education, tourism, or family visits using public transportation.
Quick Snapshot
From: From: Cubao, Quezon City
To: Sagada, Mountain Province
Fastest option (most days): Direct bus from Cubao to Sagada via Coda Lines (12–14 hours overnight)
Cheapest option: Bus to Baguio, then GL Trans/Lizardo Trans/Coda to Sagada (total PHP 800–1,000)
Operating hours: Cubao-Sagada direct buses depart nightly; Baguio connections available daily 6:00 AM–12:00 PM
Estimated budget: PHP 800–1,200
→ A four minutes walk from Cubao-Aurora Blvd footbridge to HM Bus Terminal
Key Notes – Cubao to Sagada Commute
→ Standard fare from Cubao to Sagada commute via Coda Lines or similar operators is approximately PHP 900–1,200 depending on bus type and season.
Fake “direct bus” offers:
→ Avoid individuals outside terminals in Cubao or Baguio claiming to operate “direct” or “express” trips to Sagada at inflated rates. Legitimate operators to Sagada include Coda Lines, GL Trans (from Baguio), and Lizardo Trans (from Baguio).
Baguio stopover confusion:
→ If taking the Cubao-Baguio-Sagada route, some bus operators or individuals may claim you need to book a “special” connection from Baguio to Sagada. This is false. GL Trans, Lizardo Trans, and Coda Lines operate regular scheduled buses from Baguio to Sagada.
Better option:
→ At Cubao, purchase tickets only at the official Coda Lines counter or other authorized operator counters inside the terminal.
→ At Baguio, go directly to GL Trans, Lizardo Trans, or Coda Lines terminals. Do not book through middlemen or fixers.
Sagada arrival tricycle overcharging:
→ Upon arrival at Sagada town center, tricycle drivers may quote PHP 200–300 for short trips to guesthouses or tourist sites. Standard tricycle fare within Sagada town proper is PHP 20–50 per person for shared rides, or PHP 100–150 for special trips (whole tricycle). Confirm the fare and whether it is per person or per vehicle before boarding.
Tour package scams:
→ Individuals at the bus drop-off point may approach you offering “complete tour packages” at inflated prices. Sagada tours and guides are best arranged through your accommodation or at the official Sagada Tourism Office.
Colorum vans:
→ Do not board unmarked vans claiming to go to Sagada from Baguio or Cubao. These operate without proper permits, insurance, or accountability for passenger safety and schedules.
Recommended Route: Most Reliable for First-Time Commuters
Route: Cubao → Direct Overnight Bus → Sagada
Step 1: Go to Coda Lines Terminal in Cubao
From anywhere in Cubao, proceed to the Coda Lines terminal. Coda Lines is the primary operator of direct buses from Manila to Sagada. The terminal is located along EDSA near the Araneta City area, accessible from LRT-2 Araneta Center-Cubao Station (approximately 5–10 minutes walk) or via jeepney/tricycle from other parts of Cubao.
Alternatively, some operators may use terminals near Genesis Transport or other Cubao bus stations. Confirm the exact terminal location when booking or check the operator’s website/social media for updates.
Step 2: Purchase ticket to Sagada
At the Coda Lines counter, inform the staff you are going to “Sagada, Mountain Province.” Fare ranges from PHP 900 to PHP 1,200 depending on bus type (ordinary or deluxe/semi-sleeper) and booking time.
Advance booking is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons (Holy Week, summer months from March to May, long weekends, Christmas/New Year). Tickets can be booked online via the Coda Lines website, social media pages, or by calling their hotline. Walk-in purchases are possible but seats may be limited during busy periods.
You will receive a printed or electronic ticket with your seat number and a baggage claim stub if checking in luggage. Buses typically depart once per night (schedules vary but are often around 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM). Confirm your exact departure time when purchasing.
Step 3: Board the bus at the designated bay
Arrive at the terminal at least 30 minutes before departure. Buses depart on time. 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 overnight to Sagada
The bus will travel via NLEX, SCTEX, TPLEX, then ascend through Baguio City, continuing north via Halsema Highway (also called Mountain Province Road or Bontoc-Baguio Road). The route passes through municipalities including La Trinidad, Atok, Buguias, and Abatan before reaching Bontoc, then finally Sagada.
Halsema Highway is a winding mountain road and one of the highest altitude highways in the Philippines. The road is scenic but has sharp curves, steep drops, and portions under repair. Travel during this section can be slow.
Most direct buses do not make extended rest stops, though drivers may pause briefly (5–10 minutes) for restroom breaks or to allow passengers to stretch. Bring your own food, water, and snacks as meal stops are not guaranteed. Some buses may stop briefly in Baguio for passengers boarding there.
Travel time is approximately 12 to 14 hours depending on road conditions, weather, and traffic. Buses typically arrive in Sagada early morning (6:00 AM to 8:00 AM).
Step 5: Arrive in Sagada town center
The bus will drop passengers at the Sagada town center, typically near the municipal hall, public market, or along the main road. From here, you can walk to nearby guesthouses (most are within 5–15 minutes walking distance) or take a tricycle to accommodations further from the center.
Tricycle fare within Sagada town proper is PHP 20–50 per person for shared rides, or PHP 100–150 for a special trip (whole tricycle). Confirm the fare before boarding.
Total estimated cost: PHP 900–1,200 (one-way ticket) Total estimated time: 12–14 hours
Alternative Options
💸 Budget-first: Cubao → Baguio → Sagada (Two-Stage Route)
Take a bus from Cubao to Baguio (Victory Liner, Genesis, or other operators). Fare is PHP 450–700. Travel time is 5–6 hours. Arrive in Baguio and proceed to GL Trans, Lizardo Trans, or Coda Lines terminals.
From Baguio, board a bus to Sagada. GL Trans and Lizardo Trans are the main operators on this route, with terminals located at the Slaughterhouse area along Magsaysay Avenue. Coda Lines also operates from their Baguio terminal along Governor Pack Road.
Fare from Baguio to Sagada is approximately PHP 300–400. Travel time is 6–7 hours. Buses depart Baguio in the morning (typically 6:00 AM, 8:00 AM, and 12:00 PM) but schedules vary by operator. Confirm departure times at the terminal.
This route is cheaper overall but requires an overnight stay in Baguio or very early morning departure from Cubao to catch the Baguio-Sagada connection. Total cost is PHP 800–1,000. Total time including layover is approximately 12–15 hours or more depending on connections.
🕒 Time-first: Direct Overnight Bus (Confirmed Booking)
Book the direct Coda Lines bus at least 1–2 weeks in advance during peak season to secure a seat on your preferred departure date. This eliminates waiting time and ensures you arrive in Sagada in one journey without transfers.
🪑 Comfort-first: Private Van Hire (Fallback only)
Private van hire from Manila/Cubao to Sagada costs approximately PHP 15,000–25,000 depending on vehicle size and operator. Travel time is similar to the direct bus (12–14 hours) as the route and road conditions are the same. This option is only practical for groups of 8–12 passengers who can split the cost, making per-person cost approximately PHP 1,500–2,500. It offers flexibility in departure time and rest stops but does not significantly reduce travel time.
🚏Provincial P2P routes.⤵️
Getting Back
→ To return to Cubao from Sagada, board a bus at the Sagada town center. Coda Lines operates direct buses from Sagada to Manila (Cubao). Buses typically depart in the evening (around 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM) but schedules vary. Purchase your return ticket in advance, especially during peak seasons, as seats fill quickly.
→ Alternatively, take a GL Trans or Lizardo Trans bus from Sagada to Baguio, then transfer to a Baguio-Manila bus (Victory Liner, Genesis, or others). Buses from Sagada to Baguio depart in the morning and early afternoon.
During peak tourist seasons (Holy Week, summer, long weekends), return buses from Sagada to Manila are fully booked days in advance.
→ Purchase your return ticket as soon as you arrive in Sagada, or book online before your trip. Some travelers book round-trip tickets when purchasing their outbound ticket in Cubao.
→ Last buses from Sagada to Baguio typically depart by 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. If you miss this connection, you will need to stay overnight in Baguio or arrange private transport.
→ Avoid scheduling your return trip on Sunday evenings or the last day of long weekends, as buses are heavily booked and may be delayed by traffic returning to Manila.
Important Things to Know
Peak season booking: Sagada is one of the most popular mountain destinations in the Philippines. During Holy Week (March/April), summer months (March–May), Christmas/New Year (December/January), and long weekends, buses are fully booked weeks in advance. Book tickets as early as possible or expect to use the Cubao-Baguio-Sagada route with potential overnight stays in Baguio.
Halsema Highway conditions: Halsema Highway is prone to landslides, road repairs, and closures during the rainy season (June–October) and after typhoons. Buses may be delayed by 2–4 hours or more during bad weather. In extreme cases, the road may be temporarily impassable. Monitor weather forecasts and road condition advisories before traveling, especially during the rainy season.
Cold weather preparation: Sagada is located at high altitude (approximately 1,500 meters above sea level). Temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C year-round and can drop to 5°C or lower during the cold season (December–February) and early mornings. Nights are especially cold. Bring warm clothing including jackets, sweaters, long pants, and closed shoes. Buses are air-conditioned and the mountain air during the journey can be very cold—bring a blanket or extra layers.
Motion sickness: The journey to Sagada involves several hours of winding mountain roads with sharp curves, steep ascents, and narrow passages along Halsema Highway. If you are prone to motion sickness, take medication (such as Bonamine) 30 minutes before departure. Sit near the front of the bus for less movement. Avoid eating heavy meals before the trip.
No restroom on board: Most buses to Sagada do not have onboard restrooms. Drivers make brief stops (5–10 minutes) for restroom breaks, but these are infrequent. Use the restroom at the terminal before boarding and limit fluid intake during the journey.
Limited food options on the road: Meal stops are not guaranteed on direct buses. Bring your own food, snacks, and water for the 12–14 hour journey. Some buses may stop briefly in Baguio or at small roadside stores, but options are limited and may not suit all dietary preferences.
Mobile signal and connectivity: Mobile signal becomes weak or unavailable along portions of Halsema Highway and in Sagada itself. Download offline maps, save important contact information, and inform family/friends of your travel schedule before departure. Some areas in Sagada town have WiFi at accommodations and cafes, but signal is generally unreliable.
Cash availability in Sagada: Sagada has limited ATMs and they frequently run out of cash or experience technical issues, especially during peak tourist seasons. Withdraw sufficient cash in Baguio or Manila before traveling. Most guesthouses, restaurants, and tour operators in Sagada accept cash only.
Weather-related delays: Heavy rain, fog, or typhoons can delay buses by several hours or force temporary suspension of trips. Landslides along Halsema Highway are common during and after heavy rain. Allocate buffer time if you have return flights or time-sensitive commitments in Manila. During typhoon season, check weather advisories and be prepared for possible trip cancellations.
Altitude and health considerations: Some travelers experience mild altitude-related symptoms (headache, shortness of breath, fatigue) upon arrival in Sagada due to the elevation. Stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity immediately upon arrival, and allow time to acclimatize. If you have heart or respiratory conditions, consult a doctor before traveling to high-altitude destinations.
Traveling in groups or with luggage: Buses allow one checked bag per passenger (typically up to 20–25 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 groups of 8 or more, consider contacting the bus operator in advance to inquire about group bookings or chartering a private van.
→ Large backpacks and hiking gear are common on Sagada routes and are generally accommodated, but confirm with the operator if you have unusually large or heavy items.
→ Groups with elderly members should be aware that the long journey and winding roads can be physically demanding; ensure adequate rest, medication, and comfort items are available.
Notable Drop-Off Reference Points
Sagada is a small town and most points of interest are within walking distance or a short tricycle ride from the town center. Use these as reference points when arranging transport or meeting your accommodation:
Sagada Municipal Hall – Central landmark; most buses drop off near here
Sagada Public Market – Near the town center; common meeting point
St. Mary the Virgin Church (Episcopal Church) – Iconic stone church in the town center
Sagada Tourism Office – Located near the municipal hall; source for official tour guides and permits
Sagada Weaving – Weaving center and shop; well-known landmark
Yoghurt House – Popular restaurant and guesthouse near the town center
Ganduyan Museum – Cultural museum along the main road
Echo Valley / Hanging Coffins – Major tourist site; approximately 10–15 minutes walk from town center
Sumaguing Cave – Popular cave tour site; requires guide from Tourism Office
Lake Danum – Scenic lake approximately 20–30 minutes walk from town center
Kiltepan Viewpoint – Sunrise viewpoint; accessible via tricycle or motorcycle (PHP 100–200)
Last verified: October 2025
Routes, fares, and schedules may change without notice. Road conditions on Halsema Highway are subject to weather, DPWH maintenance, landslide risks, and seasonal closures. Bus operators may adjust schedules and fares during peak seasons, holidays, and adverse weather conditions.
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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