Guide
Manila to Naga Bus Guide for Peñafrancia Festival 2026
By Sian Pua
Photo by BICOL Central Station on Facebook.
Naga City is once again preparing to welcome tourists and Bicolanos coming home for the Peñafrancia Festival, and getting there is easier than most people think. All major bus liners running the Manila to Naga route, such as Raymond Transportation, Bicol Isarog Transport System (BITSI), and Peñafrancia Tours and Travel Transport, are available for online booking on Easybus PH, giving travelers one platform to compare schedules, pick a seat, and pay ahead of the trip south.
When Peñafrancia Festival 2026 Happens
The 2026 celebration officially opens on September 11, when the image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia is carried from her shrine to the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral in the Traslación Procession. A nine-day novena follows, filled with civic parades, cultural competitions, and religious activities across the city, including:
September 11: Traslación Procession
September 14-16: Marian Procession & Healing Prayer with the Manto of Ina
September 17: Down Penitential Procession, Civic and Float Parade, and Peñafrancia Voyadores Festival Street and Pilgrims Dance Competition
September 18: Bicol Regional Military Parade Exhibition
September 19: Fluvial Procession, the climax of the festival, when the image is brought back to the Basilica along the Naga River
Whether the plan is to catch the Traslación on September 11 or stay through the Fluvial Procession on September 19, bus tickets to Naga sell out fast around this time, so booking ahead is worth the extra step.
Bus Liners Bound for Naga on Easybus PH
Departure points for these seven operators are spread across Metro Manila depending on the trip and schedule.
1. Raymond Transportation
Running Manila to Bicol routes since 1972, Raymond is one of the more recognizable names on the highway. Its Naga trips depart from EDSA Cubao, PITX, and its Sampaloc terminal near Avenida, with a mix of Ordinary and 2×2 air-conditioned executive buses that come with an onboard CR and charging ports for the long ride.
2. Bicol Isarog Transport System (BITSI)
BITSI runs its Isarog Line service out of EDSA Cubao and PITX, with a fleet built for the long haul south, including the Skybus, Skybus Premier, Elite, and Extreme tiers, several of which come with the brand’s well-known Lazyboy recliner seats, full air-conditioning, and an onboard restroom.
3. Peñafrancia Tours and Travel Transport
Named after the very image devotees travel to see, Peñafrancia Tours has served the Bicol route since 1989 and is now part of the BITSI group. Trips depart from Cubao, PITX, and Alabang toward Naga City, with Regular, Skybus, Premier, and Elite seating options to fit different budgets and comfort levels.
4. Cagsawa Travel and Tours
One of the popular choices for travelers, Cagsawa built a strong reputation for its reliable bus travel to the Bicol region. Cagsawa buses from Cubao and PITX have a drop-off point in Naga City for those with trips heading further south of Bicol. For a relaxing trip to Bicol, they offer Royale, Elite, and Sleeper buses, with higher-tier options equipped with reclining seats, spacious legroom, and an onboard restroom.
5. ALPS The Bus
Even though ALPS is known for its Southern Luzon trips, they also established themselves along the highways of Bicol. Trips depart from EDSA Cubao and PITX, operating with a standard drop-off at Naga City as the buses continue their route to more southern roads. Passengers can choose from well-maintained and air-conditioned buses from ALPS like Executive Solo (1x1x1 seats for those who like their own company), Executive Class (2×2 seats), Executive Luxury (with onboard CR), and premium Sleeper buses for maximum comfort.
6. Elavil Tours Phils.
A long-time veteran of the provincial highways, Elavil Tours provides dependable daily bus trips for passengers bound to Bicol and further south to Visayas. You can catch an Elavil bus at their terminals in EDSA Cubao, Antipolo, and PITX, and let their buses take you to Naga City for a drop-off. Their buses range from standard 2×2 air-conditioned buses, 2×2 buses with onboard CR, and the premium 2×1 air-conditioned bus with CR.
7. C. Bragais Liner
A Bicolano bus for Bicolanos, C. Bragais Liner remains a solid option for passengers wanting a more affordable ride. Operating in terminals at Pasay, San Pablo, Sto. Tomas, and Pasay, Bragais runs scheduled daily trips to Bicol with drop-offs at Naga City and nearby towns. Providing functional comfort for a long ride, their fleet features Ordinary (no air conditioning with 2×3 seating) and Aircon Economy (2×3 seating with air conditioning).
Book Ahead for Peñafrancia Season
With seven trusted operators to choose from, all bookable in one place, planning the trip to Naga this September is simple. Just pick a schedule that works and pay conveniently via GCash, Maya, debit, or credit card on Easybus PH.
It is a fitting detail that Easybus PH itself got its start in Naga City. Now, it is one of the platforms helping bring more Bicolanos home for the city’s biggest celebration of the year.
Book your trip to Naga at www.easybus.ph ahead of Peñafrancia season!
