How to get to Bacolod

Bacolod City in Negros Occidental has long been considered one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Philippines. The growth of the eco tourism sector is not just due to the popularity of the area, but also because the means of transportation in and around the country have improved, especially Negros.

Getting to Bacolod from Manila and Angeles City

The easiest way to travel to Bacolod City in Negros from Manila is by plane. The major airlines, such as Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific, all have daily flights that will take you to Bacolod. From the National Capital Region it is about a 45 minute flight.

Your destination will be the Bacolod-Silay International Airport, which had just been recently completed. Upon arrival at this world class facility, you can call any of the buses or taxis in the vicinity to take you to the city.

If you prefer to travel by sea, there are several ferries that will take you from Bacolod City to Manila. There are several large shipping companies in the metropolis, including WG&A Philippines Inc, Sulpicio Lines and Negros Navigation.

Regardless of which ferry service you choose, the vessels will be stationed in at Manila North Harbor. While the trip will cost less, the journey will last anywhere from 22 to 24 hours. To avoid delays, it is best to get to the harbor four hours before departure.

If you are in Angeles City in Pampanga, the best option is to go to Clark airport, and board a flight to Cebu. From there you can catch another flight from Cebu to Bacolod, which is available daily, from Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific.

Getting to Bacolod from Cebu City

A lot of travelers prefer to take the Cebu to Bacolod route, as not only is it cheaper, but the view, and travel is generally more pleasant. From the international airport in Cebu you can choose from Philippine Airlines, Air Philippines and Cebu Pacific. The Cebu Pacific flights are usually the least expensive. Always be on the lookout for special promos by these airlines, which can make traveling even less costly.

For those on a tighter budget, or prefer to take the more scenic route, there are some ferry transport routes from Cebu to Bacolod you can use. If you are in Cebu City, you go to nearby Toledo City and take the ferry to San Carlos in Negros Occidental. If you do not have a car you can take a cab or rent one to take you to the ferry site. Or you can catch a bus to take you to Toledo City.

When you get to Negros Occidental via San Carlos, head to nearby Canlaon, which is only half an hour away from Bacolod City. Alternatively, after leaving the port in San Carlos, go past the bus terminal and ask where Don Salvador Benedicto is. Rather than inquire where Bacolod City, which could lead to confusion, the road to Don Salvador Benedicto, a small town, will take you directly to the city.

Finally, upon leaving the San Carlos port, you head to the main road, going right. You will end up near Sagay City and from there only a few minutes away from the capital.

Another option would be to travel to Tabuelan City, Cebu, and board a ferry headed to Escalante in Negros. Usually it is less crowded here than in other ports, but you still should get there early.

Transportation in Bacolod City

As with any first class city, there are numerous modes of transport in and around the capital. From the airport or seaport it is only a short distance from the bus terminal which can take you to Bacolod and the neighboring area. If you are only going to travel short distances, a jeepney or taxi will do just fine.

Today the question of how to get to Bacolod is no longer a question of how but rather which one. The large numbers of airline and shipping companies have been driving down expenses, enabling travelers to save on costs and enjoy the journey even more.