The Poor Traveler Itinerary Blog

JOY BUS MANILA TO BAGUIO & BACK: Schedule & Fares (Cubao, Pasay, Avenida)

Yosh Dimen


A more updated version of this article can be found here: BAGUIO BUS SCHEDULE!

2020 • 1 • 28

Welcome to our JoyBus Guide. In this post, we’ll share with you the schedule of the JoyBus Manila to Baguio and Baguio to Manila schedules, the difference between the Premier and Executive classes, the price of bus tickets, and other tips!

JoyBus is a subsidiary of Genesis Transport with a fleet composed almost entirely by premium buses. It first run a service between Manila and Baler but later on expanded to offer comfortable rides to Baguio.

JoyBus takes pride in prioritizing comfort, making it ideal for those wanting a relaxing, stress-free journey. Their trips to Baguio are also significantly shorter, taking only 4 to 5 hours, depending on Manila’s traffic conditions. This is because they take expressways all the way to Pangasinan before they make the climb to the highlands. And unlike regular buses which make one or two stops along the way, JoyBus skips them all and goes straight to Baguio.

Premier vs Executive Class

You can choose any of the three classes: Premier, Executive (Deluxe), and Semi-Deluxe. But let’s focus on the two most popular and most widely available: Premier and Executive. Both classes use 28-seater buses with three seats per row (2+1) and make no stops along the way.

The Premier Class has the best buses, comparable to a full service airline’s seat at first glance. Aside from the big space per passenger, each bus is equipped with the following:

  • Spacious seats and wide legroom, 3 seats per row (2+1)
  • an in-bus restroom (comfort room)
  • blanket
  • free snack (usually bread or biscuits)
  • free bottled water
  • free wi-fi
  • stowable tray table and cup holder
  • a USB port that you can use to charge your gadgets
  • a personal entertainment device with movies, games, e-books and audio books.

In our experience, the movie selection is still quite limited. There were probably only four to six titles per category (Comedy, Action, etc.). Here are more photos.

On the other hand, the Executive Class doesn’t have stowable tray tables, USB ports, or an entertainment device. Still, you can look forward to the following:

  • Spacious seats and wide legroom, 3 seats per row (2+1)
  • free snack (usually bread)
  • free bottled water
  • free wi-fi

I’m not sure if all executive class buses have a restroom onboard, but the bus that we tried recently had one.

MANILA TO BAGUIO TIMETABLES

CUBAO TO BAGUIO

TERMINAL: JoyBus Cubao Terminal, EDSA corner New York Avenue

FARE Deluxe: P720; Premier: P740.

Items in bold are the Premier buses.

  • 12:01 am – Deluxe
  • 02:30 am – Premier
  • 03:30 am – Deluxe
  • 04:30 am – Premier
  • 08:30 am – Deluxe
  • 11:00 am – Deluxe
  • 12:00 pm – Premier
  • 02:00 pm – Deluxe
  • 04:00 pm – Premier
  • 06:00 pm – Deluxe
  • 08:00 pm – Deluxe
  • 10:00 pm – Deluxe
  • 11:00 pm – Deluxe

PASAY TO BAGUIO

TERMINAL: JoyBus Terminal, EDSA. Entrance is near MRT Taft Station and Pasay Rotonda.

FARE: Deluxe: P730; Premier: P760.

  • 12:01 am – Deluxe
  • 01:30 am – Premier
  • 02:30 am – Deluxe
  • 03:30 am – Premier
  • 08:30 am – Deluxe
  • 10:00 am – Deluxe
  • 11:00 am – Premier
  • 01:00 pm – Deluxe
  • 02:30 pm – Deluxe
  • 04:00 pm – Premier
  • 06:00 pm – Deluxe
  • 09:30 pm – Deluxe

AVENIDA TO BAGUIO

Premier buses are not yet available for the Avenida-Baguio route, but you can take the deluxe and semi-deluxe buses.

FARE: Deluxe: P720; Semi-deluxe: P600.

  • 12:30 am – Deluxe
  • 01:00 pm – Semi-Deluxe
  • 03:00 pm – Deluxe
  • 07:00 pm – Semi-Deluxe

BAGUIO TO MANILA

Regardless of your destination in Manila, JoyBus uses the terminal at Gov. Pack Road near SM Baguio.

FARE:
Cubao/Avenida Deluxe: P720
Cubao Premier: P740
Pasay Deluxe: P730
Pasay Premier: P760

Below is the schedule. Items in bold are the Premier buses.

  • 12:00 am – Pasay / NAIA 3 (NO Cubao drop-off)
  • 01:00 am – Trinoma, Cubao
  • 01:45 am – Avenida
  • 02:00 am – Pasay, NAIA 3 (NO Cubao drop-off)
  • 03:00 am – Pasay, NAIA 3 (NO Cubao drop-off)
  • 05:00 am – Trinoma, Cubao
  • 06:00 am – Pasay, NAIA 3 (NO Cubao drop-off)
  • 07:00 am – Trinoma, Cubao
  • 08:00 am – Cubao, Pasay, NAIA 3
  • 10:00 am – Cubao, Pasay, NAIA 3
  • 10:30 am – Avenida
  • 11:00 am – Trinoma, Cubao
  • 12:00 pm – Pasay, NAIA 3 (NO Cubao drop-off)
  • 02:00 pm – Cubao, Pasay, NAIA 3
  • 02:00 pm – Avenida
  • 04:00 pm – Cubao, Pasay, NAIA 3
  • 06:00 pm – Pasay, NAIA 3 (NO Cubao drop-off)
  • 07:00 pm – Trinoma, Cubao
  • 08:00 pm – Cubao, Pasay, NAIA 3
  • 09:00 pm – Cubao, Pasay, NAIA 3
  • 09:30 pm – Avenida
  • 10:00 pm – Cubao, Pasay, NAIA 3
  • 10:30 pm – Avenida

Frequently Asked Questions

Is advanced reservation required?

No, it is not required but it is recommended.

Remember, there are only 28 seats per bus. We have tried walking in twice. The first time, we got the last seats. The second time, we didn’t get as lucky. We then tried getting seats at our preferred time the next day but it was already fully booked. We ended up taking the early morning ride. Mind you, it was a regular weekday! Imagine if our trip fell on a long weekend or holiday.

This is especially true if you’re coming from Baguio. There is only one terminal in Baguio so all Manila-bound passengers regardless of whether they’re going to Cubao, Pasay or Avenida gather here. The lines can be pretty long and you might be in for a long wait.

Where can I book tickets online?

You can book at pinoytravel.com.ph or iWantSeats.com.

Expect an online booking fee to be added to the cost. It’s the price you pay for not having to actually going to the terminal to reserve.

How long is the travel time?

If you’re coming from or going to Cubao, it’s 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic conditions. On our most recent trip, our Manila-Baguio journey took 4 hours (Sunday early morning), but our Baguio-Manila ride took 5 hours (Wednesday early morning).

If to or from Pasay, the travel time will depend highly on EDSA traffic. If you’re traveling southbound in the morning or northbound in the evening, prepare to burn hours along EDSA alone. But once you get past the messy Manila traffic, expect 4-5 hours to reach Baguio.

How early should I arrive at the terminal for my trip?

If you already have a ticket, you must show up at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure for the short check-in process. If you’re late, they might sell your slot to chance passengers. Once your tickets have been resold, you will no longer be allowed to board.

If you booked online, give yourself an hour or two before the check-in time to claim your ticket. You will be emailed a confirmation that you need to print out and present at the ticketing booth to get your actual ticket. They have the right to forfeit your reservation and resell your slot if you’re late.

Do buses bound for Pasay stop in Cubao?

NOT ALL. Some buses do, some buses don’t. The stops are indicated on the timetable (see above schedule).

Are there souvenir shops near JoyBus terminal in Baguio?

Yes. The terminal is lined with several souvenir stores, where you can purchase peanut brittle, strawberries, oranges, keychains, ref magnets, and other Baguio products before your trip.

Aside from JoyBus, are there other premium buses to Baguio?

YES. Solid North has recently launched their own premium class P2P bus, plying the PITX-Baguio route. Victory Liner also has a First Class option.

You can find their compiled schedules here: BAGUIO PREMIUM P2P BUSES SCHEDULE!

How to get from JoyBus Baguio Terminal to my hotel?

The most convenient way is by taxi. The Baguio terminal is located along Gov. Pack Road near SM Baguio. There are a lot of taxis eager to pick up passengers in this area.

Top Hotels in Baguio

Orchard Hotel Baguio

G1 Lodge Design Hotel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅

The Orchard Hotel Baguio. Check Rates & Availability! ✅

RedDoorz Premium @ Rimando Road Baguio. Check Rates & Availability! ✅

City Center Hotel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅

The Manor at Camp John Hay. Check Rates & Availability! ✅

Grand Sierra Pines Hotel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅

V Hotel and Apartel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅

Search for more Baguio Hotels!

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