From Manila to the City of Smiles: 6 Door-to-Door Routes to Bacolod City

Travel Tips

• Always check ferry schedules in advance. They change due to weather or maintenance.
• Use apps like Sakay.ph, Rome2Rio, or local Facebook travel groups for updated van/bus schedules.
• Bring meds, water, and snacks, especially on land-sea combo trips.
• When using RoRo, it’s best to book vehicle slots in advance, especially during holidays.
• Book flights at least 2–3 weeks ahead for lower fares.
• Bacolod-Silay Airport is about 30 minutes from the city proper (₱500 taxi or ₱150 van).
• Avoid booking last-minute during peak season (MassKara in October, holidays), as fares skyrocket.

By Plane (Fastest and Most Convenient)

Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes (flight) + land transfers
Total Estimated Travel Time: 2 to 3 hours
Ideal for: Business travelers, families, tourists wanting to maximize time

Step-by-Step:

• Book a direct flight from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to Bacolod-Silay International Airport.
• Major carriers like Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia operate daily flights.
• Upon landing, take a 30-45 minute taxi or van ride to Bacolod proper (around ₱500 by taxi or ₱200 by shared van).

Pros:

• Fastest route
• Many flight schedules
• Ideal for short trips

Cons:

• Pricey during peak seasons
• Limited baggage for low-cost carriers

By RoRo (Roll-On/Roll-Off Route via Batangas & Dumaguete)

Duration: 24 to 28 hours
Ideal for: Budget-conscious travelers and those bringing their own vehicles

Step-by-Step:

1. Drive or take a bus from Manila to Batangas Port (2-3 hours).
2. Board a RoRo ferry to Dumaguete City (travel time: 12–15 hours).
3. From Dumaguete, ride a bus or bring your car to San Carlos City via the scenic Negros roads (4-5 hours).
4. Board another RoRo from San Carlos Port to Toledo, Cebu, or take the Don Salvador Benedicto route directly to Bacolod City by road (2-3 hours).

Pros:

• Can bring your car
• Experience multiple islands
• Scenic coastal and mountain routes

Cons:

• Long travel time
• Weather-dependent schedule

By Ferry via Iloilo City

Duration: 20 to 24 hours
Ideal for: Travelers who want to explore Iloilo before heading to Bacolod

Step-by-Step:

1. Take a bus or van from Manila to Batangas Port (2-3 hours).
2. Ride an overnight ferry from Batangas to Iloilo City (about 18–20 hours).
3. Upon arrival in Iloilo, go to Parola Wharf and ride a fastcraft or ferry to Bacolod (1–1.5 hours).

Fastcraft Operators:

• OceanJet
• Weesam Express
• SuperCat

Pros:

• Two cities in one trip
• Affordable sea travel

Cons:

• Time-consuming
• Sea conditions may affect schedules

By Bus and RoRo via Cubao or Pasay to Bacolod (Luzon-Visayas Land and Sea Adventure)

Duration: 24 to 30 hours
Ideal for: Adventure seekers, long-haul travelers on a budget

Step-by-Step:

1. Ride a Philtranco or Ceres Liner bus from Cubao, Pasay, or Alabang with RoRo integration (usually via the Strong Republic Nautical Highway).
2. Your route will pass through:
   • Manila → Batangas → Mindoro (Calapan or Roxas)
   • Roxas → Caticlan → Iloilo
   • Iloilo → Bacolod by fastcraft

Pros:

• All-in-one fare option
• No need to plan transfers independently

Cons:

• Long ride
• Limited availability
• You’ll need patience and flexibility

By Van + Ferry Combo (Semi-Private or Charter Option)

Duration: 18 to 24 hours
Ideal for: Groups or those wanting a shared ride but more flexibility than a bus

Step-by-Step:

1. Hire a private van or look for ride-sharing transporters offering door-to-door Manila-Bacolod routes.
2. Travel via the same RoRo route as buses (through Mindoro or Iloilo).
3. The van will drive straight to Bacolod with brief stops, and you stay onboard even during ferry crossings.

Pros:

• Pick-up and drop-off at your door
• Comfortable for small groups
• Flexible stops

Cons:

• Higher cost than public transport
• May need coordination or agency booking

Drive Your Own Car (Ultimate Road Trip Route)

Duration: 24 to 30 hours
Ideal for: Road trippers, barkadas, families with kids

Step-by-Step:

1. Drive from Manila to Batangas Port.
2. Board a RoRo to Mindoro (Calapan).
3. Cross Mindoro by car to Roxas Port and take another RoRo to Caticlan.
4. Continue driving through Panay Island to Iloilo City.
5. Ride a fastcraft or RoRo to Bacolod City.

Documents Needed:

• Vehicle registration
• Valid driver’s license
• IDs for all passengers
• Ferry reservations (optional, but recommended)

Pros:

• Maximum flexibility
• You control your own stops
• Can bring luggage, pets, or gear

Cons:

• Expensive on fuel and ferry tolls
• Physically tiring
• Needs logistical planning

VKP, BACOLOD CITY: WANDER WELL