Philippines Buses & Jeepneys 🚍
Explore the vibrant tapestry of Philippine transportation using its iconic buses and jeepneys. From bustling city streets to scenic rural routes, these colorful vehicles serve as the lifeline of Filipino commute culture.
Discover the blend of modern convenience and cultural charm as you journey through the Philippines, where each ride promises an adventure of its own.
Highlights
- Which Color Bus?
- Avoid Large Denomination Notes
- All Seats Are Not Created Equal…
- Plan for Potty Breaks
- Stowing Luggage
- Useful Accessories for the Bus
- Get to Bohol from Manila
- All Hotel Options in Bohol
- Our Complete Philippines Itinerary
Your Public Transport Options
During our trip through the Philippines, we had the opportunity of trying out a myriad of transport options. In addition to Habal Habal motorcyle rides and Trikes and Taxis, there were a few tips we picked up using the Philippines Buses & Jeepneys.
Which Colour Bus?
Always take the yellow air-conditioned buses. The price difference between these and the standard red buses is minimal, but they are faster and more roomy.
They also don’t stop as much and don’t get so overcrowded (oh, and they’re air conditioned 😉 ).
Cebu bus terminal: Take the yellow aircon buses
Avoid Large Denomination Notes
Keep a pocketful of small denomination notes and coins to pay the conductor (especially so in Jeepneys).
Checkout your Filipino Currency
All Seats Are Not Created Equal…
Whenever possible, don’t sit at the back of the bus (over the rear wheel arch). With the general state of the roads, you’ll be bumped and shaken about like a rag doll.
Plan for Potty Breaks
Don’t drink too much before taking bus journeys. Some 3 or 4-hour bus trips that we took didn’t stop for potty breaks. If you really have to go, then there is a chance you won’t be the only one and a quick word with the driver should be enough to get him to pull in by the roadside.
You’ll have to forget your dignity at this point, and just take a pee as inconspicuously as you can. If it’s a number 2 you’re needing, it might be better to just let the bus carry on without you. You can then sort yourself out at leisure before hopping on the next bus
One of the red non-airco buses
Stowing Luggage
At the start of some bus trips, you may be asked to stow your rucksack/luggage in the hold. Make sure you already have your valuables in a separate smaller bag that you can keep with you.
This might save you having to unpack your rucksack in the street while testing the patience of the driver and other passengers.
“Let me off!”
If you’re hidden behind bodies at the back of the bus and want to stop it to get off, the standard way of alerting the driver is to tap on the metal handrails with a coin.
If you enjoyed Philippines Buses & Jeepneys, check out Central Philippines – Cebu & Bohol. You may also like:
Get Our Newsletter!
… with discounted hotel deals & cost-saving travel itineraries
(no spam, we promise 😇)
