How to get to La Union from Manila: Partas bus fares

Partas is the main operator between Manila and La Union, running both daytime and overnight buses to San Juan from two terminals in the city. Maria De Leon Trans covers the same route as a second option, and a private van charter is worth it for groups.

How the route connects

1. 1ManilaPartas from Pasay or Cubao
   Bus · 6–7 hr
2. 2San Juan
   Short tricycle ride
3. 3Urbiztondo Beachsurf schools, hostels, beach cafes

Stops, modes and times are from this guide.

Schedule and fares

Travel time runs roughly 6-7 hours from Pasay or Cubao to San Juan on either operator. Deluxe, Super Deluxe and Luxury classes cost more than the regular fare but add more legroom and a reclining seat, useful on the longer overnight departures.

Sources: pamasahe.com, Pasay-San Juan La Union Partas schedule and fares; pamasahe.com, Manila-San Juan La Union Maria De Leon Trans schedule and fares; geckoroutes.com, Manila to La Union, all checked 12 October 2026.

Private van charter

For a group of four or more, chartering a private 8-seater van runs around ₱10,000 for the whole vehicle, split per head that can land below the per-seat bus fare, with door-to-door pickup in Manila and drop-off at your San Juan accommodation instead of a fixed terminal and departure time. It costs more for a solo traveller or couple, where the bus is the better value.

Source: geckoroutes.com, Manila to La Union, checked 12 October 2026.

Day bus or overnight

The daytime Pasay departures suit arriving while it’s light and settling in before dark. The overnight departures from either terminal arrive early morning, which surfers often prefer: a full day on the water on arrival instead of losing an afternoon to travel.

Arriving in San Juan

Partas drops in San Juan, a short tricycle ride from Urbiztondo Beach, where most of the surf schools, hostels and beach cafes are.

Map of places to stayFind a place to stay in La UnionLive prices and availability for your dates.Show places to stay on the map(affiliate link)

Before you book

Pick your area first, see where to stay in La Union for how San Juan compares with Bauang further south. Once you’re in, a 3-day La Union itinerary and surf lessons in La Union cover what fills the days. For help fitting La Union into a wider Northern Luzon trip, talk to Robert.

Questions people ask

How long does the bus from Manila to La Union take?

About 6-7 hours to San Juan, depending on the terminal and traffic leaving Metro Manila.

How much does the Partas bus to La Union cost?

From around ₱644-672 for a regular seat, rising to about ₱740 and up for Deluxe and higher classes on the Cubao departures.

Which Partas terminal should I use for La Union?

Pasay runs the most departures across the day, at 9am, 1pm, 4pm, 7pm, 8pm, 10pm and 11pm. Cubao runs mostly late-night departures, from around 9pm to midnight.

Is there an overnight bus from Manila to San Juan, La Union?

Yes, both Pasay and Cubao run late-evening departures that arrive early the next morning, useful for surfers wanting a full day on arrival.

Does the Partas bus drop off directly in San Juan?

Partas serves San Juan as a stop on the La Union route, from where it's a short ride to Urbiztondo Beach, where most accommodation sits.

Is there another bus operator besides Partas?

Maria De Leon Trans also runs Cubao to San Juan, with fares from about ₱805-873 depending on the bus type, roughly the same travel time as Partas.

Can I charter a private van instead of taking the bus?

Yes, an 8-seater van charter from Manila runs around ₱10,000 for the whole vehicle, split among passengers it can beat the bus fare for a group of four or more, with the advantage of door-to-door drop-off and no fixed departure time.

Photos via Wikimedia Commons. Header: Psalm91st, CC BY-SA 4.0.