How to get from Roxas to Manila
Getting from Roxas to Manila can be as straightforward as hopping on a commercial airline or it can be a series of bus rides combined with a voyage onboard a ferry. The distance between Roxas and Manila is approximately 580 kilometres via the Western Nautical Hwy. This means a mere hour and 20 minutes on a plane with tickets costing about PHP3,800 per pax on average. If you plan to sail, however, expect total travel time to be around 17 hours and fares averaging PHP1,600. It is also possible to travel by bus that will roll on-and-off a ferry. This option requires a tiresome 20-hour travel give or take but fare should only be about PHP1,000 per pax.
Ferry from Roxas to Manila
If you'd rather sail, you can jump aboard a 2Go vessel which departs for Batangas every Wednesday and Saturday.
Note! 2GO sails from Batangas to Manila on WEDNESDAY and SATURDAY.
St. Anthony de Padua leaves the pier in Roxas at 3 pm and arrives to Batangas around 6 am the following day.
If you are traveling on a shoestring budget and do not mind spending a night in a non-airconditioned bunk bed accommodation, you can book their Super Value Class for only PHP1,200. The cool sea breeze means no need for air-conditioning anyway.
If you need beds with partitions then you can book a berth in the Tourist Class section for PHP1,400. Please note that pillows are provided but you need to pay extra for blankets which can be rented from the lobby. Also, this means toilets are shared and you have to pay for everything else including your meal. Understandably, everything onboard the ship like instant noodles and water is expensive so bring your own supply if you must.
The most comfortable accommodation available for this route would be the Cabin for 4 which will set you back about PHP1,800 per person.
The boat will have amenities like the dining area, entertainment section, and mini convenience store. Electric outlets are limited so best to make sure your gadgets are fully charged. Also, if you get seasick easily, better to bring your own meds.
Flights from Roxas to Manila
As of this time, there are only two commercial airlines that serve the Roxas to Manila route.
Cebu Pacific is a budget airline known for its low airfares and frequent seat sales. You can book your tickets for Manila from Roxas for as low as PHP1,700 up to PHP2,500 per pax. They currently have three fare categories with the cheapest one being a fly-only with 7-kilogram carry-on luggage option. However, you can always pre-book extra baggage allowances, insurance, seat selection, and meals.
Even the cheapest airfare category of Philippine Airlines already includes a 20-kilogram baggage allowance plus a free light snack. One way tickets are available year-round for approximately PHP2,500 to PHP6,000 per pax.
From Roxas to Manila by bus
It is also possible to go from Roxas to Manila by RORO via Philtranco. From Roxas, you will need to go to the nearby town of Sigma which is around 20-35 minutes away by jeepney and fare should be about PHP30. If you do not want to run a risk of being just a chance passenger, book ahead.
A better way is probably to go to Iloilo and board a bus from there. Buses from Iloilo head to major bus terminals in Manila. To get from from Roxas to Iloilo, board a bus or a shuttle van; the travel time should be about 2.5 hours away. The fare is about PHP200 per pax.
From Iloilo, there are lots of buses heading to the capital – from Philtranco to Ceres. Most of these buses do not have onboard toilets but you won't have to worry because there will be toilet and meal stops en route. The most important thing is to bring a jacket because the temperature in these buses is known to be really, really cold.