Transport Options When Getting Around the Philippines
Do you know that traveling around the Philippines is relatively easy? Having around 7,600 islands, the transportation systems in the country are more or less well connected. Through the numerous comfortable and flexible transport options available, travelers can explore different adventure destinations in the Philippines. Certainly, you will be excited to reach the alluring tourist spots through a plane, ferry, boat/banca, bus, car, or motorbike.
How is the Public Transportation System in the Philippines?
Relatively speaking, the public transportation system of the country is dependable. Even if it is sometimes challenging to find the right bus stop or terminal in the Philippines, especially in larger cities, touring around the country by public transportation is worth the experience.
Traffic congestion in urban cities might be scary when visiting the Philippines. But, here’s the catch. Learning how to get to these cities and knowing how the Philippines’ public transportation system works can save you from getting travel mixed-ups.
How to Travel Around by Bus in the Philippines?
You are planning to tour around the country for an adventure, right? Have it by bus as it is a typical way to travel to the Philippines. Buses are classified as city buses, provincial buses, and Point-to-Point (P2P) buses.
City buses to transport passengers within the city at a shorter travel time. Provincial buses carry commuters from one province to another. Point-to-Point (P2P) buses to transport passengers from the pick-up terminal to the drop-off point.
What are the Major Bus Companies That Operate in the Philippines?
How to Travel by Ferry in the Philippines?
You have known the Philippines as an archipelago. With that in mind, you might have also imagined yourself exploring the main islands of the country by ferry. Ferry travel in the Philippines is inexpensive but can be a bit slow, especially with big cargo vessels.
How to Travel by Boat/Banca in the Philippines?
If boat riding is your thing, you can never go wrong with island to island travel in the Philippines by boat or banca. Bangka or banca, as what locals call it, is a typical small Philippine-made outrigger boat that can transport tourists between islands of short distances. It is made of wood, usually rattan, bamboo, and fiberglass. It comes in different styles and is very common in the Philippines.
How to Travel by Plane in the Philippines?
Currently, the Philippines has around 70 airports, 16 of which are international airports (or paliparan in its local name). Traveling around the Philippines by plane is generally the quickest and most comfortable option to reach long-distance adventure destinations in the country. Take advantage of cheap airline tickets by booking months in advance.
How to Book a GRAB Service in the Philippines?
Hand-Carry Baggage Allowances for Domestic Flights in the Philippines
Your free hand-carry baggage allowances for domestic flights in the Philippines may vary from one airline company to another, and can change without prior notice. It is important to follow their policies to avoid any inconveniences.
Philippine Airlines, Air Asia Airlines, and Cebu Pacific Airlines allow one hand-carry bag of no more than 7 kg. and dimensions of 56 cm. x 36 cm. x 23 cm. for each passenger. Handbags and laptop bags that can fit under the seat are also allowed.
Check-in Baggage Allowance for International Flights in the Philippines
If you want to have an idea on the check-in baggage allowance for international airline flights in the Philippines, you’ve come to the right spot. All international airline flights have their own free checked baggage allowance. Make sure to weigh your bags before going to the airport. If needed, get an additional baggage allowance online, prior to your flight.
Below are the policies on hand-carry allowance in International Airline companies in the Philippines. They can change without prior notice, so always check their details on their website or Facebook page.
How to Travel Around by Jeepney in the Philippines?
Listen up! A Jeepney ride is another thing that you might want to try when touring around the Philippines. It is a unique local vehicle that is popular and culture-rooted. It offers cheap transportation options in the Philippines that can accommodate approximately 20 people sitting at the back in two rows, facing each other, and two more people on the front seats. Visible all over the country, Jeepneys are colorfully painted in different artistic styles.
How to Travel Around by Multi-Cab in the Philippines?
Like Philippine Jeepneys, a multicab is a public transport in the Philippines with fixed routes and rates. It is a small lightweight truck that can carry approximately 13 passengers to the most popular tourist destinations in the country. You can see multicabs hitting the road, especially those narrow ones, all throughout the Philippines.
How to Travel Around by Tricycle in the Philippines?
How to Ride a Pedicab in the Philippines?
Looking for an ideal transport option for a short trip in the Philippines? Pedicabs can seal the deal. Similar to rickshaws, it is a human-powered mechanical bicycle with a sidecar. It is a cheap mode of transportation that carries around 4 passengers (maximum), making it perfect for short distance trips.
No matter where you are in the Philippines, the base fare for a pedicab ride ranges from PHP 10 or USD .20 to PHP 200 or USD 4 per person.
Pedicabs are allowed on small streets and alleys. For safety reasons, Pedicabs are not allowed on national highways all over the Philippines. It can tour people around the Barangay, a small local community in the Philippines, and transport them to their desired places at one kilometer distance.
How to Travel Around by Motorbike in the Philippines?
Does motorbike riding sound incredible? Well, give it a go! Traveling around the Philippines by a motorbike offers a flexible adventure in the country’s less-trekked tourist destinations.
Renting a motorbike in the Philippines is easy. Ask the locals or the accommodation for reliable motorbike rental that operates with a license and business permit. Licensed motorbike operators in the Philippines will inform you of the road situation and the possible challenges you might face under bad weather forecasts.
Click here for reliable motorbike tours in Palawan and the Cordilleras, Mountain Province.
Motorbike Riding Safety Tips in the Philippines
Now that you have decided to explore the different adventure destinations in the Philippines by motorbike, you should lend an ear to a bunch of safety tips that you need to know to get protected while hitting the road on two wheels. Keeping an eye on these general rules and important riding safety reminders can help you achieve a satisfying trip to the Philippines without compromising your own safety.
Learn more about the safety tips below before and while riding a motorbike.
How to Travel Around by Car in the Philippines?
Traveling by car in the Philippines is one easy way to explore the must-visit destinations in the country. Renting a car in major cities is never a challenge because of the many licensed car rental companies that offer reasonable rates. But, here's a heads-up. These rates can go higher during travel seasons.
To rent a car, present a valid passport and an international driver’s license. You may also be asked to set a cash deposit using a major credit card.
Driving Safety Tips to Travel Around by Car in the Philippines:
How to Hire a Private Minivan / Car Rental with a Driver in the Philippines?
Wondering if you can hire a van when exploring the Philippines. Absolutely yes! Visit tourist destinations in the country by a hired private van, mini-van, multicab or car with a private driver. The rates are based on the number of days of travel and the destination you intend to go to.
The rate often does not include payment for toll fees, petrol, and driver’s meals. So, be ready to pay toll fees when passing on highways, expressways, and some private roads.
How to Ride a Shared Van in the Philippines?
Shared van rides in the Philippines offer efficient, fast and comparably cheap transfers going to famous destinations like El Nido, Puerto Princesa, Sagada, Baguio, Banaue and other tourist spots. These destinations are accessible and reachable through ground transport like vans.
Shared vans (usually Hiace and Urvan models) can accommodate around 12 tourist passengers . Once filled, it heads out to the destination right away. On the contrary, getting a shared van ride in the Philippines is not ideal when you carry big pieces of luggages with you.
Nevertheless, if you don’t mind putting their suitcases or backpacks on the van’s roof carrier, this could be an economical transport option. The space inside the shared minivan is small and tight. Long-legged guests from the western countries may not find it comfortable, especially for longer trips in the Philippines.
What is a UV Express Public Transport in the Philippines?
UV Express, formerly known as FX Express, Metered Taxi, or GT Express is a new mode of public transportation in the Philippines that carries around 10 passengers. It can be a van, a minivan or a multicab that pick-ups and drops off passengers along the road and to the designated terminals.
The UV Express service is popular among locals because of its flexibility and affordability. That being said, you might find it an attractive transport option too.
This public transport grows rapidly around the country’s top cities and provinces. Just in Metro Manila alone, there are around 9,000 UV Express franchise vehicles that operate in more than 200 different routes, and at the terminal to terminal basis. Terminals are usually located within shopping malls, airports, and other designated areas where UV Express drivers can park and wait for passengers.
The UV Express van owners and operators in the Philippines should apply for a license to operate from the nearest Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), an agency of the Republic of the Philippines under the Department of Transportation (DOTr). Each UV Express van unit is registered under a franchise system of the same agency. A copy of these documents must be carried by the driver alongside his professional driving license during each trip.
What Time is the Rush Hour in the Philippines?
If your journey starts from Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, Baguio, and any other bigger cities, be acquainted that rush hour starts between 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. As a gateway to other destinations, traffic congestion in these cities is high.
In case you really need to travel during rush hour to catch a connecting flight or a bus or ferry trip, be prepared for the worst traffic and set aside a longer travel time.
If you are unsure how to reach your travel destination on time while staying in the Philippines’ capital city, you can find your best transportation options when traveling in Manila here.