🚗 How to Get to Laoag, Ilocos Norte (and Pagudpud): A Complete Travel Guide

Traveling further north from Vigan City? In just about 2 hours by land, you’ll reach Laoag, Ilocos Norte, gateway to the stunning white beaches of Pagudpud—often dubbed as the “Boracay of the North.”

Whether you’re flying, taking the bus, or hopping on a trusty tricycle, here’s your complete guide for a smooth and scenic northern journey.

---

✈️ By Plane: Flying to Laoag

Laoag International Airport (LAO) is the only commercial airport in the Ilocos Region.

Flight Routes:

• Manila ➝ Laoag (Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific)
• Cebu, Davao, Iloilo ➝ Laoag (seasonal flights – check airline websites)

🛬 From the Airport:

• Tricycles are available right outside the terminal.
• Ask the driver to take you to Laoag town proper where you can catch jeepneys or buses to Pagudpud or other towns.

💡 Travel Tip: Ilocano tricycle drivers are incredibly helpful—don’t hesitate to ask for directions or local tips!

---

🚍 By Bus: From Manila or Quezon City to Vigan or Laoag

If you love long road trips and scenic countryside views, riding a bus is both affordable and comfortable. Travel time is about 10–12 hours from Metro Manila.

🚌 From Manila

🅿 Philippine Rabbit Bus Lines

📍 Recto, Manila (Back of Odeon Terminal Mall)
📞 (02) 734-9836
🚆 Via LRT-1: Get off at Doroteo Jose, walk via footbridge to Odeon Mall
🚆 Via LRT-2: Get off at Recto Station and connect to Odeon via footbridge

🅿 Maria de Leon Transit

📍 Dapitan corner Gelinos St., Manila (Behind UST)
📞 (02) 731-4907
🚕 Access: Via taxi or jeepney to Dapitan

🅿 RCJ Bus Lines

📍 1558 España, Sampaloc, Manila
📞 (02) 741-2994
🛻 How to Get There: Take a jeep bound for Quiapo/Cubao via España.

🎯 Tell the conductor you’re heading to RCJ Terminal and board a Laoag-bound bus.

🅿 Partas Transportation Co., Inc.

📍 1716 Vicente Cruz St. corner Laon Laan, Sampaloc, Manila
📞 (02) 743-3242
🌐 Partas Website
🚆 LRT-1: Get off at Tayuman Station, then walk or take a tricycle to the terminal.

---

🚌 From Quezon City

Dominion Bus Line

📍 832 EDSA, Immaculate Conception, QC
📞 (02) 727-2350
🚍 Access: MRT Araneta-Cubao Station, then walk along EDSA toward Dominion.

Philippine Rabbit Bus Lines (Balintawak Terminal)

📍 EDSA, Balintawak, Quezon City
📞 (02) 734-9836
🚆 MRT: Get off at North Avenue, then take a jeepney or bus to Kaingin Road.

Partas (Cubao Terminal)

📍 816 Aurora Blvd., Cubao, QC
📞 (02) 727-8278
🚆 LRT-2: Araneta Center–Cubao Station (3 blocks walk along Aurora Blvd.)
🚆 MRT: Cubao Station (walk along EDSA then turn into Aurora Blvd.)

---

🚌 From Pasay City

Partas Pasay Terminal
📍 Aurora Blvd. corner Edang St., San Roque, Pasay
📞 (02) 852-8194
🚆 MRT: Get off at Taft Avenue Station, walk 11 minutes to terminal.

---

🛺 Local Transport Tip: Tricycles

One of the blessings of traveling in the Philippines is the availability of tricycles almost everywhere—something I truly missed while living in Brunei, where public transport is limited and hitchhiking is the norm.

Tricycles are affordable, flexible, and friendly—the ultimate local ride for short distances or quick sightseeing.

---

🧭 Suggested Route

🗺️ Vigan ➝ Laoag ➝ Pagudpud

• 🏛️ Vigan: Explore Calle Crisologo and join heritage walking tours.
• 🏜️ Laoag: Visit the UNESCO-listed Paoay Church and the La Paz Sand Dunes.
• 🏖️ Pagudpud: Relax on white sand beaches like Saud Beach or Blue Lagoon.

---

🛑 Travel Reminders

⚠️ Always check updated schedules for buses and flights.
📱 Save contact numbers and download offline maps.
🧡 Be street-smart but don’t be afraid to ask for help—the Ilocano hospitality is real!

---

💬 Traveling to Ilocos Norte is more than just getting to your destination—it’s about enjoying the slow, scenic northern road and meeting kind locals along the way.

---

🌿 Lakwatserang Ligaw Tip“In Ilocos, you’ll never feel lost. Just smile, ask a tricycle driver, and they’ll point you in the right direction—sometimes even go the extra mile!”

📢 Share This Travel Guide

✨ Planning your own northern adventure? Start your route in Vigan, make your way to Laoag, and end your trip with a peaceful beach retreat in Pagudpud!

👍 Share on Facebook 🐦 Tweet 📌 Pin It

📌 Don’t forget to follow this blog for more DIY budget trips, food finds, and local adventures — because you don’t always need to go far to travel meaningfully.