How to get from Manila to Roxas
If you're hankering for a gastronomic adventure, don't think twice and head over to Roxas City. Known as the Seafood Capital of the Philippines, it is located approximately 580 kilometres from Manila via the Western Nautical Hwy. Contrary to what one may think, this city is quite accessible and can be reached by plane, boat, and bus.
The fastest and the most convenient way to get to Roxas is to fly. It will take you only about an hour and 20 minutes and the cost typically averages PHP3,900 per pax. Getting there by bus is actually going to be a combination of ferry crossing and overland travel which may take about 20 hours and cost roughly PHP1,000. Lastly, you can board a ship which will bring you from Manila to Roxas there in approximately 17 hours with tickets costing about PHP1,350.
Ferry from Manila (Batangas) to Roxas (Culasi)
Alternatively, you can travel to Roxas from Manila via 2Go.
This entails going to Batangas first but you won't have to worry because there are plenty of buses that go there every day. You can go to the bus terminals in Buendia also known as Sen. Gil. J. Puyat Avenue. It is a well-known bus terminal so taxi drivers should not have any problems taking you there. Travel time should be about 2 to 3 hours depending on traffic and tickets should cost about PHP200.
Do book your ticket for 2Go in advance. Please be reminded that you need to be at the pier at least 2 hours before departure time so keep this in mind especially when traveling from Manila during rush hour.
Note! 2GO sails from Manila to Roxas on TUESDAY and FRIDAY.
2Go's vessel, St. Anthony de Padua sails for Roxas from Batangas every Tuesday and Friday at 10 pm and arrives the next day at around 12 noon for a voyage of roughly 14 hours.
If you are traveling on a budget and are fine with sleeping on bunk beds, you can book their Super Value Class for PHP1200. If you want a bit of privacy, you can go for their Tourist Class where beds have a partition for PHP1400. A Cabin for 4 is also available for PHP1800 per pax. Pillows are provided but you need to pay for linens.
Although the ships usually have a small convenience store, it would be best to bring your own meds for minor discomforts or if you are prone to seasickness.
Flights from Manila to Roxas
There are currently two airlines that fly directly from Manila to Roxas.
The budget airline, Cebu Pacific, serves this route daily with airfare typically ranging between PHP1,800 and PHP3,000 one way per pax. They have three fare categories and you have an option to fly with just the standard 7-kilogram carry-on luggage or enjoy an additional 20-kilogram baggage allowance and meal. Known for their relatively cheap airfare, Cebu Pacific also announce seat sales regularly so there is always a chance to grab super deals.
Philippine Airlines fly daily from Manila to Roxas too. Unlike Cebu Pacific, they have 6 fare categories to choose from with the cheapest seats already inclusive of a 20-kilogram baggage allowance and a free light snack. Airfare runs from PHP2,500 to PHP6,000 per pax.
From Manila to Roxas City by bus
If you wish to travel by bus, Philtranco has daily trips that depart from Pasay bound for Sigma in Capiz. It should cost around PHP1,000 and travel time should take about 20 hours.
From Sigma, you will need to hail a jeep going to Roxas City. It's a short 20 to 35 minutes trip and will cost about PHP30. This option can easily be booked online, however, we recommend checking with Philtranco should you have any questions prior to booking your tickets.
Philtranco buses normally do not have toilets onboard but will make stops for toilet breaks and meals. Air-conditioning can be really cold so bring jackets or shawls.