Tagaytay is a popular weekend getaway destination for good reason. Situated just outside Manila, this city offers stunning views of Taal Lake, delicious food, and cooler temperatures. No wonder tourists flock here on the weekends!
If you’re planning a trip to Tagaytay from Manila, this guide will help your journey.
Getting There: The Journey Begins
The first step in any great adventure is getting there, and there are several ways to make your way from Manila to Tagaytay. You can travel by car, taking the bus, or a van. This guide will help you reach your destination no matter which transport option you choose.
Manila to Tagaytay Via Car
If you have your own car, driving is the most convenient and comfortable option for getting from Manila to Tagaytay. The journey should take around two hours, depending on traffic, and the route is pretty straightforward. You have the option to choose between taking Emilio Aguinaldo Highway or through South Luzon Express Way.
If you’re after a faster and shorter route, take the Emilio Aguinaldo Highway. Take note that you will have to pay tolls along the way.
Riding a Bus From Manila to Tagaytay
The most popular option is by bus, and several companies offer service to Tagaytay from the major bus terminals in Metro Manila. Just be sure to check the schedule in advance so you can book your tickets accordingly.
The following terminals have buses that go to Tagaytay.
- If you’re near Paranaque, head over to the Uniwide Coastal Mall. Go to Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) and board a bus bound for Tagaytay, Nasugbu, or Mendez. This particular bus will be taking Emilio Aguinaldo Highway.
- If you’re close to LRT Gil Puyat Station, take the DLTB bus from LRT Buendia station. Board the bus heading to Calatagan or Nasugbu. The bus will pass through South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), exit at Carmona Exit, and through Tagaytay.
The fare is usually around P180 but may differ slightly depending on your location and the bus you’ll take. It will take approximately 2-3 hours to travel, depending on the traffic conditions. However, this may be much longer during rush hour periods.
Important reminder: Don’t board the bus going to Lemery. Buses going to Lemery won’t pass through Tagaytay.
Taking a Van from Manila to Tagaytay
Vans are also an option for getting from Manila to Tagaytay, which is probably the fastest available option. The vans typically depart from Alabang Town Center or Coastal Mall in Pasay City. The journey typically takes around one hour and a half, depending on traffic.
Fares can range from P200 to P250. You also have the option to ride a shared van to Tagaytay. Vans going to Nasugbu, Calatagan, or Lemery pass through Tagaytay. The best part about these shuttles is that they are more flexible than the bus system. For example, if the driver finds that one passenger wants to stop at Sky Ranch and no one else does on Mahogany Avenue, they can drop you off directly at Sky Ranch instead.
YOU CAN BOOK A PRIVATE VAN TRANSFER HERE
Here’s where you can catch a van going to Tagaytay:
- Festival Mall Alabang. You can find vans bound for Tagaytay near the Goldilocks exit.
- Metropoint Mall. Take the van going to Calatagan.
- EDSA-Shaw Starmall. If you’re looking for a van going to Lemery, walk to the EDSA-Shaw Starmall terminal in front of the mall.
Vans aren’t like buses–they don’t follow a set schedule. The driver won’t leave the terminal unless enough people fill the van. To avoid any detours, be sure to tell the driver you are going to Tagaytay when taking a van there.
YOU CAN BOOK A PRIVATE VAN TRANSFER HERE
Getting Around Tagaytay
Getting to different places in Tagaytay can be tough without a car since restaurants and attractions are spread out. To make getting around easier, take advantage of public transportation options like jeeps or tricycles.
Must-Dos and Must-visits in Tagaytay
Once you’ve arrived in Tagaytay, it’s time to start exploring! Here are some of the go-to places and things to do while in Tagaytay:
Taal Volcano’s Crater Lake
Taal Lake is the perfect spot for you if you love gorgeous views. Take a boat ride to Taal Volcano Island and hike up to the crater for an unforgettable experience.
Nurture Wellness Spa
Nurture Wellness Village is the right place to go for some R&R. You can choose from three different types of massages. They offer coffee scrub massage, oil massage, or hot stone massage. The talented staff will ensure that you’re well taken care of so you can relax and enjoy your time!
Picnic Grove
For some fresh air and beautiful scenery, head over to Picnic Grove. This park offers lovely views of Taal Lake and is ideal for a picnic with family or friends. You can rent out cottages, enjoy local food from vendors, and even participate in fun activities like horseback riding!
Sky Ranch Tagaytay
For a thrilling adventure, Sky Ranch Tagaytay is an excellent place to go. This amusement park offers over 15 rides for all ages, from roller coasters to Ferris wheels. There are also plenty of souvenir shops and food stalls in case you get hungry after a day of fun!
People’s Park in the Sky
For panoramic views of Taal Lake and the surrounding areas, head to the People’s Park in the Sky. This park offers sweeping views of Taal Volcano and Laguna de Bay. There are also a few shops nearby if you want to pick up some souvenirs for your friends back home!
Antonio Arnaiz Greenbelt Park
Antonio Arnaiz Greenbelt Park is a peaceful oasis for everyone wanting a nice walk at the park. This park offers plenty of greenery and fresh air. You can take a leisure stroll along one of their trails or just sit back and enjoy the scenery.
Tagaytay’s Beloved Restaurants
No trip to Tagaytay is complete without tasting the local cuisine! Here are some of favorite restaurants in the city:
- Josephine’s Restaurant. You can’t go wrong with Josephine’s. This cozy restaurant serves classic Filipino dishes like Lechon Kawali and Beef Tapa.
- Leslie’s Restaurant. Leslie’s is the place to go if you’re in the mood for some Filipino-Spanish fusion cuisine. They have a wide selection of dishes like Paella Valenciana and Tapang Taal.
- Bulalo Point Restaurant. Looking for mouthwatering bulalo? Look no further than Bulalo Point! Their huge servings of this classic Filipino dish will satisfy you every time.
- Concha’s Garden Cafe. For some delicious vegetarian options, Concha’s Garden Cafe hits the spot. They offer a variety of dishes that are sure to tempt your tastebuds.
- The Purple Owl. The Purple Owl is a great spot to grab a cup of coffee and dessert. They offer an array of signature drinks like the Lavender Latte or the Matcha Mocha, along with tasty pastries like their famous Lemon Cheesecake Tart.
Be sure to leave time for shopping as well. Tagaytay is famous for its vibrant markets selling everything from locally-made arts and crafts to fresh produce. And, of course, no visit to Tagaytay would be complete without trying some of the city’s famous bulalo (beef stew)! Hungry yet?
Where to Stay
You can check out our list of where to stay in Tagaytay here.
Heading Home: Sad But True
Eventually, it will be time to head back home. Whether you’re taking the bus, driving yourself, or will be riding a van, be sure to give yourself enough time to get back home before nightfall. After all, no one wants to drive through unfamiliar terrain in the dark!
Conclusion
Tagaytay is the perfect weekend getaway destination from Manila. Now that you know how to get there (and what great things await you), there’s no excuse not to plan a trip soon! Thanks for reading, and happy travels!
