Public Transportation: Baguio

Jeepneys: Baguio's Icon

Jeepneys are colorful, extended World War II-era jeeps. They operate on fixed routes with designated stops. You can also hail them anywhere along their route. Routes appear displayed on the side of the jeepneys. Look for signs indicating destinations like "Mines View," "Loakan," or "Camp John Hay."

Fares are fixed based on distance. The minimum fare is typically PHP 14-20 for the first few kilometers. Pay cash directly to the driver, or pass your fare forward to other passengers. No electronic ticketing systems are in place. Jeepneys generally operate from early morning (around 5:00 AM) until late evening (around 10:00 PM - 11:00 PM). Hours vary by route. Frequency remains high on popular routes; jeepneys pass every few minutes.

Jeepney Navigation Tips

Major jeepney terminals and hubs include the Baguio Public Market area and Burnham Park vicinity.
Tell the driver your destination upon boarding or pass your fare forward.
To alight, tap a coin on the metal ceiling or say "para" (stop).
Accessibility Note: Jeepneys are not wheelchair accessible.

Cash Payment

Fares paid directly to the driver; keep small bills and coins.

Fixed Routes

Jeepneys operate on specific routes; confirm destination before boarding.

Operating Hours

Generally from early morning to late evening, varying by route.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Licensed Taxis

Baguio taxis are typically white or cream-colored, with a "TAXI" sign and a meter.
Baguio taxis maintain a general reputation for reliability and honesty.
Hailing on the street or finding at taxi stands (malls, hotels, bus terminals) has wide availability.

Fares and Ride-Sharing

Fares are metered: flag-down rate typically PHP 40, plus PHP 13.50/km and PHP 2/minute. Payment is cash only.
Grab is the dominant ride-sharing app; it works well for booking taxis or private cars (GrabCar).
Grab adds a layer of safety with tracked trips and upfront fare agreements.

Rental Options

Car Rental

Requires valid national license and International Driving Permit (IDP). Local agencies operate.

Driving Challenges

Steep, narrow, congested roads and challenging parking in Baguio.

Motorcycles/Scooters

Less common for rent compared to coastal areas; for experienced riders.

Bicycle Rentals

Available at Burnham Park for recreational use; no city-wide sharing.

Walking & Cycling

Exploring Baguio on foot or by bicycle presents unique perspectives. Pedestrian-friendly areas include Session Road and Burnham Park, ideal for walking, jogging, and strolling. Camp John Hay offers walking trails and scenic pathways. Mines View Park, Wright Park, and Botanical Garden are all walkable attractions.

Walking Routes

Session Road is pedestrian-friendly, notably during Sunday closures for "Session Road in Bloom."
Burnham Park has excellence for walking around the lake.
Camp John Hay features scenic trails through pine forests.
Mines View Park and Botanical Garden offer pleasant walking experiences.

Cycling & Safety

Limited dedicated bicycle lanes exist. Cycling is mainly recreational within parks.
Cycling on main roads can prove challenging due to traffic and steep inclines.
Roads leading out of the city are winding, often lacking sidewalks, making them unsafe for walking or cycling.
No explicit "no-go" areas exist, but caution is advisable on busy roads during peak traffic.

Walking Tour Options

Both guided and self-guided walking tours are available.
Local guides are available for cultural or historical tours.
Consider a walk from Session Road to Baguio Cathedral.

Self-guided routes often follow popular tourist paths.
Maps of walkable areas are available from tourism offices.
Discover hidden gems on foot for a Baguio experience.

Specialized Transportation

Tour Buses

Some local tour operators feature fixed-route packages or chartered vans/buses for groups to major attractions.

Water Transport N/A

Baguio is landlocked; no boat taxis or water transportation exist.

Accessibility Services

Accessibility infrastructure remains limited. Taxis and private car hire offer more flexibility for mobility challenges.

Transportation Comparison: Cost, Speed, & Convenience

This table compares various transportation options in Baguio to help you decide.

Affordable & Local

Jeepney: PHP 14-20 (local), Slow, High convenience for short distances, budget travel. Cheapest, authentic experience. Can be crowded, not always direct, not accessible.
Taxi: PHP 60-300 (local), Fast, Very High convenience for quick trips, comfort, carrying luggage. Door-to-door, metered, available. More expensive than jeepneys, traffic can cause delays.
Grab (App): PHP 60-300+ (local), Fast, Very High convenience, same as taxi, added safety/transparency. Pre-booked, fare known upfront, tracked. Requires smartphone & data, surge pricing.
Walking: Free, Slow, High convenience for exploring specific areas, short distances. Free, good exercise, exploration. Limited by distance/terrain, weather dependent.

Inter-City & Private

Bus (Inter-city): PHP 500-900 (Manila-Baguio), Medium speed, Medium convenience for long-distance travel. Economical for long distances, comfortable options. Fixed schedules, terminals can be far.
Private Car Hire: PHP 4,000-7,000 (Manila-Baguio, one-way), Fast, Highest convenience for groups, families, comfort, flexible itinerary. Door-to-door, personalized. Most expensive, traffic can still be an issue.
Driving Laws: Drive on the right-hand side. Speed limits are enforced. Seatbelts are mandatory. Drunk driving is illegal.
Parking: Very limited and expensive in the city center. Malls have paid parking. Street parking is often prohibited.

Road Conditions & Safety

Expressways

Generally excellent and well-maintained toll roads.

Smooth, fast travel.

Access Roads

Maintained but winding and steep; Kennon Road has rockfall/landslide risk.

Drive with caution.

Within City

Congested, narrow, steep roads; defensive driving is advisable.

Expect slower travel.

Specialized Transport Not Applicable

Tour Buses & Hop-on-Hop-off

Some local tour operators offer fixed-route tour packages or chartered vans/buses for groups.
No standard hop-on-hop-off service, like those in major international cities, is available.
These tours visit major attractions outside public transport routes.

Other Unique Modes

Boat taxis and water transportation are not applicable; Baguio is landlocked.
No cable cars or funiculars exist in Baguio.
Jeepneys remain the most unique local transport mode.

Accessibility Notes

Limited Accessibility

Accessibility infrastructure in Baguio is limited.
Many sidewalks are uneven, and steep slopes are common.
Public transport like jeepneys is not wheelchair accessible.

Options for Mobility Challenges

Taxis and private car hire offer more flexibility for travelers with mobility challenges.
Pre-arrange specific needs with hotels or tour operators if possible.
Choose accommodations with good accessibility features.

Navigating Baguio

Baguio's unique terrain means transport choices impact your experience.

Opt for what best suits your comfort and exploration style.

Public Transportation