How to get from Manila to Batanes
Even for the locals, visiting the scenic province of Batanes remains an elusive dream. This is because it is not quite easy to get there. It's not the distance but rather the lack of transportation options and that it can be quite pricey. In fact, as of this writing, you can travel from Manila to Batanes only by air. Located approximately 660 kilometres north of Manila, Batanes lies at the Northernmost tip of the country. Getting there by air is quick and convenient. Flying only takes around 1 and a half hour and tickets cost on average PHP6,000 one way.
Flights from Manila to Batanes
The airport serving the province of Batanes is Basco Airport. As several other airports in the Philippines, it has a very short runway. This is the reason why the majority of commercial airlines in the country do not offer flights there as the airport can only accept smaller airlines.
Currently, there are only two airlines that fly the Manila-to-Batanes route.
Skyjet Airlines have a daily flight with tickets costing between PHP5,600 and PHP7,500 one way. Tickets are inclusive of a 10-kilogram luggage allowance for an adult passenger and 5-kilogram for a child passenger. If you have more luggage, you can purchase additional 10 kilograms for PHP800.
The boutique airline Air Swift now flies to Batanes from Manila, too. Unlike Skyjet though, they fly to Batanes only four times a week every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. You can expect tickets to cost between PHP4,800 and PHP7,500. The airline allows the standard hand carry luggage weight of 7 kilograms. They also sell premium and value tickets which include 10 kilogram check-in lugage. Tickets purchased under the budget or promo fare category do not include any free luggage allowance at all but you still can buy it for some extra pesos.
Flights from Clark to Batanes
If you fail to get on a direct flight from Manila to Batanes, you might consider flying from Clark International Airport instead. This airport is located in Pampanga which is about 2-3 hours from Manila by bus or car. From there, Philippine Airlines fly as Airphil Express to Batanes every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday. One-way tickets normally range between PHP3,200 and PHP9,500.
Flying to Batanes
Most locals would say that a domestic flight to Batanes costs more than a flight to a neighbouring country. While this is true, it is not entirely impossible to score a good deal from time to time. It may take a lot of patience on your part but it can pay off. You can follow the airlines’ accounts in social media to be in the loop when they announce seat sales. There's also a travel fair that happens once a year where you can possibly grab some discounted air tickets.
Another thing to consider when traveling to Batanes is its erratic weather, especially after the summer season. It's not uncommon for flights to be cancelled so it's best to be flexible with your travel plans.