Project Description
HOW TO GET HERE
As with any holiday, short break or long weekend away you have to travel. With a little prior planning and preparation you can make the trip there and home that much easier.
Knowing your options, having alternatives and being able to access the information you need to make your plans is half the battle. We have assembled the most up to date information on the main methods of travel, together with useful links to help you in reaching us.
FLY TO VIRAC
Cebu Pacific Airlines operates return flights from Manila direct to Virac four times per week. The average flight time from Manila to Virac is just over 1 hour and is the fastest and most direct method of travel.
During peak periods and summer the airline can and does add additional flights, so its worth checking with their website and/or app.
Philippine Air Lines (PAL) have recently (Dec 2017) started a service into the island from Clark International Airport, a former US military base. Located north of Manila and connected by public transport, which is rapidly being expanded, PAL offers an alternative to Cebu Pacific, aboard its 76-seater Bombardier Q400.
Approach into Virac airport
FLY TO LEGAZPI
Cebu Pacific operates multiple daily flights to and from Legazpi City, which provides you with a greater choice of flight times both to and from Manila.
Philippine Air Lines also operate multiple daily flights to and from Legazpi, offering more choice of arrival and departure times.
Upon arrival at Legazpi airport you can take a tricycle to the Legazpi Grand Terminal and then a UV Express van to the ferry port at Tobaco, which takes around 30 minutes; or you can hire a taxi to take you to the ferry Terminal. After arriving at the ferry Terminal you can then take either the fast craft ferry of RO/RO ferry to the island.
Legazpi airport departure
BY LAND AND BY SEA
BY LAND
There are multiple bus line companies plying their trade from Manila to the Bicol Region as well as direct to the port of Tabaco. The 500 kilometer journey takes around 12 hours, somewhat quicker by private vehicle. One advantage of travel by road is the breathtaking scenery that you will witness on route. Bus fares vary in price from the cheap and cheerful to the more luxury bus travel that even offers free on-board wifi, to upload those selfies as you go.
Alternatively you can travel by private hire minibus or car. For groups this may prove to be more cost effective. Prices for private hire can vary greatly so you will need to look around for the best deals. The airports have such services for hire if you are traveling from overseas and many travel agents around the city also provide this service
Road Route
Departs from Cubao Station, Araneta Center Bus Terminal, Cubao, Quezon City
Contact Telephone (+63)
Schedule of Trips – Aircon Bus: 7am, 7pm, 8pm
Fare – Peso 900
Departs from Cubao Station, Araneta Center Bus Terminal, Cubao, Quezon City
Contact Telephone (+63) 923-731-4798
Schedule of Trips – Economy Bus: 10am, 12pm, 3pm, 4pm
Schedule of Trips – Aircon Bus: 6pm, 8pm, 9.45pm
Departs from Cubao Station, Araneta Center Bus Terminal, Cubao, Quezon City
Contact Telephone (+63) 0917-6063918 or 9134514 / 4393787 Landline
Schedule of Trips – Aircon Bus: 8am, 4.30pm
Fare – Peso 800
Schedule of Trips – Aircon Bus: 5.30pm, 7pm, 8.30pm
Fare -Peso 850
Schedule of Trips – Aircon Bus with WiFi – 8pm
Fare Peso 950
Departs from Ermita Station, P4 Pader Faura Centre 472, P.Faura Corner M.H Del Pillar, Ermita, Manila
Contact Telephone (+63) 0917-4815809 / or 0917 6063918 or 52487004 Telefax
Schedule of Trips – Aircon Bus: 7pm
Fare – 950
Schedule of Trips – Aircon Bus: 7.30pm
Fare Peso 850
Departs from Shopwise and EDSA Station
Contact Telephone (+63)
Schedule of Trips – Aircon Bus: 10am at Shopwise and 1030am from EDSA Station
Fare – Peso 850
The bus line list is not exhaustive and there may be others traveling from other Manila locations. Timings are as far as possible accurate but may change at short notice. Please let us know of any changes.
BY SEA
Catanduanes can be reached by two different types of ferry, both of which departs the ferry terminal located at Tabaco port. The ferries are operated by RSL and Silangan Express, with the former having destinations of San Andres and the capital Virac.
The Silangan Express has the singular destination of San Andres but offers the fastest travel as its a dedicated passenger ferry. The RSL RO/RO type ferry operates for vehicles and foot passengers.
Both types of ferries have twice daily services to and from the island and each has its own benefits. Nearly all bus travel to and from the ferry terminal have set their schedule to the ferry departures and arrival times, so if you plan right you wont have to wait too long.
Upon arrival at the ferry terminal you can book the Silangan Express in the front foyer or for the RSL ferry just inside the terminal, between the terminal fee booth and passanger waiting area.
As a rule of thumb, the RSL ferry travel time on the Tabaco / San Andres route takes between 3-4 hours dependent on sea conditions and for the route to Virac around 4 hours.
The Silangen express takes around 1.5 hours for the Tabaco / San Andres route.
Tabaco / San Andres route
Tabaco to San Andres | Departs | Arrives | San Andres to Tabaco | Departs | Arrives |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Monday to Sunday | 7 am | 10.30am | Monday to Saturday | 6.30 am | 11.30am |
Monday to Saturday | 10.30 am | 2 pm | Monday to Sunday | 8 am | 11.30am |
Monday to Sunday | 1 pm | 4.30pm | Monday to Sunday | 1 pm | 4.30pm |
Tabaco / Virac Route
Tabaco to Virac | Departs | Arrives | Virac to Tabaco | Departs | Arrives |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
6am | 10am | 1pm | 5pm |
Silangan Express 1
San Andres to Tabaco | Departs | Arrives | Tabaco to San Andres | Departs | Arrives |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
7.30 am | 9 am | 12 30 pm | 2 pm |
Silangan Express 3
Tabaco to San Andres | Departs | Arrives | San Andres to Tabaco | Departs | Arrives |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
7am | 8.30 am | 1.30 pm | 3 pm |