How to Commute to Tagaytay Alone: A First-Timer’s Guide for Solo Travellers

One of the common things listed on every Millenial and Gen-Z's bucket lists is to TRAVEL SOLO. What's better place to travel solo other than Tagaytay? It's perfect for every adventurous solitary wanderers out there!

Imagine sipping coffee with a view, slurping bulalo for one, or walking around like the main character in your own indie film. Sounds dreamy, right? The only thing stopping you might be the commute. But don’t stress! Tagaytay is one of the EASIEST places near Manila to visit without a car, TRUST!

Here’s a no-gatekeeping guide on how to get there if you’re travelling alone.

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NAIA Terminal 1 & 2

• Exit arrivals.

• Ride a bus going to EDSA, get off at Uniwide Coastal Mall (Southwest Bus Terminal).

• Transfer to a bus bound for Lemery, Lian, Nasugbu, or Calatagan (DLTB or Crow Transit also works).

• Get off in Tagaytay.

• Fare: around ₱90–₱140

NAIA Terminal 3

• Cross Andrews Avenue after exiting.

• Ride a jeepney with “Pasay Taft Rotonda” on the signboard.

• Drop off at Rotonda (landmarks: McDo and Sogo).

• From there, transfer to a bus going to Uniwide Coastal Mall.

• Hop on another bus bound for Tagaytay.

• Fare: around ₱90–₱140

NAIA Terminal 4

• Take a taxi to Uniwide Coastal Mall.

• Ride a bus bound for Lemery or Nasugbu that passes Tagaytay.

• Bus fare: around ₱90–₱140

• Direct taxi to Tagaytay: around ₱3,500 and up (pricey unless you are splitting with others).

Also read: 10 Things to Do for Free in Tagaytay for Every Traveller

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Mandaluyong

• Vans to Lemery via Tagaytay park in front of Starmall EDSA-Shaw (walking distance from MRT Shaw).

• Fare: ₱180–₱200 (you pay the full Batangas fare, but yes, it passes Tagaytay).

Buendia (LRT Gil Puyat)

• Buses like DLTB and Jam Transit bound for Batangas pass Tagaytay.

• Fare: ₱90–₱140 (standard bus)

• Fare: ₱160–₱250 (premium bus options)

• Vans and FX also load passengers near EGI Mall Jollibee but charge the full Batangas fare.

• Fare: ₱180–₱200

Pasay Rotonda (EDSA-Taft)

• Vans going to Nasugbu, Balayan, Lemery also pass Tagaytay.

• Fare: ₱180 flat (derecho trip, no discounts)

• Travel time: about 1 hour 15 minutes if traffic behaves.

Alabang

• Vans and FX are available at Festival Mall, Starmall Alabang, or at the SLEX corner of Alabang-Zapote Road.

• Fare: ₱120–₱160 depending on route.

North Metro (Navotas, Malabon, QC)

Jasper Jean buses from Navotas go to Dasma.

From there, transfer to jeepneys bound for Mendez, which pass Tagaytay.

Fare: ₱100–₱150 in combined fares.

Also read: 24-Hour Cafes in and Near Metro Manila for Late-Night Coffee Runs

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Pagsanjan

• Vans to Palapala (Dasma).

• Transfer to a Tagaytay-bound bus.

• Fare: ₱120–₱160 total.

Calamba

• Vans load at Calamba Central Terminal or beside Waltermart.

• Cheaper option: jeepney to Balibago Complex (Sta. Rosa), then another jeep to Tagaytay.

• Fare: ₱80–₱120

Balibago (Sta. Rosa)

• Jeepneys run directly between Balibago Transport Terminal (Sta. Rosa) and Tagaytay Public Market.

• Fare: ₱50–₱70

Also read: When in Tagaytay: 10 Exciting Things to Do with Your Family

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• All buses to Tagaytay now stop at Uniwide Coastal Mall (Southwest Bus Terminal).

• Fare: ₱90–₱140 (Uniwide to Tagaytay Rotonda)

• Jam Transit (Buendia): ₱90–₱140

• Crow Transit / Erjohn & Almark / Genesis (EDSA-Taft): buses to Cavite/Batangas that pass Tagaytay

• DLTB (EDSA Pasay): buses every 15 minutes, ₱90–₱140

• Premium or deluxe buses (Buendia, Taft): ₱160–₱250

If you are travelling alone for the first time, Tagaytay is the perfect practice run. It is safe, affordable, and easy to reach from almost anywhere around Manila or Laguna. For less than ₱200–₱250, you can already be in Tagaytay sipping coffee, eating bulalo, or enjoying the Taal Lake view with no car needed.

Commuting to Tagaytay is solo-traveller friendly. If you can ride a jeep or bus, you can definitely handle this trip!

Featured image credit: itsmetrix_ | Instagram