Dea MarianoTravel time to Baguio usually takes 7-8 butt-numbing hours from Manila. Thanks to JoyBus, we can now reach Baguio within 4-5 hours! This is because stop-overs won’t be needed anymore as each bus unit has a comfort room on board and snacks and drinking water were provided for free. In our case, travel time via JoyBus Premier Class only took about less than 4 hours (from Cubao) as our schedule was very early in the morning (2:30AM).
JoyBus Premier Class Experience
What I Liked
Aside from having a comfort room and free snacks and drinking water, blankets were also provided for added comfort as it could really get cold at the bus. The blankets are thick enough and were sealed in plastic upon distribution which creates impression that they are clean.
Bottle holders and foldable tray tables are some of the convenient features of the bus. If you need to work while traveling, you can set up your laptop on the tray table.
Every seat is equipped with adjustable leg-rest and footrest to provide necessary support for legs and feet.
The reclining seats are spacious and clean. Also, all passengers will be required to fasten their seat belts for safety purposes (just like in airlines).
Each headrests have side stopper/neck support to prevent passenger’s head from falling side to side and keep them upright.
Tablets are installed at the back of each headrest. Movies, games, music, and e-books are available from the tablets. You just need to bring your own headphones. Each tablet has two audio jacks so you can watch movie with your seatmate. Internet isn’t available from the tablet though, you would still need to connect your smart phone via WiFi for free internet access.
The bus has a very limited number of passengers (more or less 28 seats only) thus more peaceful and less messy. If you’re traveling at night and the lights are already off and you need to use the toilet or you need to go to a companion far from your seat, LED floor lighting is installed to serve as guide (just like in cinemas).
As for the comfort room, I didn’t got a chance to use it as the travel time was short. As a matter of fact, I just napped and was surprised when the bus attendant shouted we’re already in Baguio. I didn’t know I was asleep for about 3 hours (I spent the first hour taking photos and browsing the tablet). Nonetheless, the comfort room was sparkly clean according to Jeric.
What I Didn’t Like
Having no internet access from the tablet was a slight disappointment for me since I was expecting to watch whatever I like on YouTube as I wasn’t sure if I’m gonna like the movies available. Overhead compartments are quite small so our backpacks cannot fit in. I can say this because I can place the same backpack in other buses. I was expecting bigger compartments as traveling to Baguio requires thicker clothes thus bigger backpacks. We ended up putting our backpacks under the pantry.
Nonetheless, these downsides would not outdo the advantages this bus line has to offer.
How to Book
While traveling via JoyBus is comfy and fast, booking your trip is pretty easy as well. Just head to Genesis Bus Terminals in Cubao or Pasay and reserve your seats at the ticket booth.
Terminal Address:
CUBAO: EDSA Corner New York St., Cubao, Quezon City
PASAY: EDSA Corner Rotonda St., Pasay City
But if you can’t personally go to the terminals for some reasons, you can book your seats online. For example, if you’re coming from outside NCR (like me), you don’t need to travel to Cubao or Pasay just to book your tickets. Booking online would save you time, effort, and transportation cost.
To book your seats online, you may follow this step-by-step guide:
1. Create an account to iwantseats.com (if you don’t have one). This will require your full name, gender, birth date, mobile number, email address, and password.
9. Print out your voucher once you receive your payment confirmation. Your voucher should look like this.
And that’s pretty much it! Your seats are reserved and your booking is confirmed!
Note that this is one way ticket only. To reserve your return ticket, just repeat the steps given.
And take note also that this is just a voucher. You would still need to claim your actual bus ticket before boarding the bus. Just present your voucher and 1 valid ID. You need to arrive at the terminal at least 30 minutes before departure time.
Aside from Premier Class, JoyBus also offers Executive Class which costs 20 php less than the Premier Class. The Executive Class has the same features as the Premier Class except from the tablets installed on each seat, neck support on each headrest, and foldable tray tables. Know your preferences and weigh if it’s worth the 20 Php more or 20 Php less. Preferences vary in each person so I encourage everyone to decide for yourself.
Overall, I was satisfied at my experience in JoyBus Premier Class. Although there are a couple of downsides that exist it doesn’t outweigh the comfort, convenience, and all the advantages this bus line offers.
How about you? Have you experienced JoyBus Premier Class? Feel free to share your experience in the comments below!
PS:
You may also book your transportation to Baguio via 12Go Asia.
Powered by 12Go Asia system
You can even score discounted rooms in Baguio with Agoda!
What to read next?
- Valleypoint Campsite Baguio
- Vanilla Cafe Baguio
- Pizza Volante in Wright Park, Baguio
- Explore Baguio on a Motorbike with 175 Php Budget
Hi there! Some of the links in this website are affiliate links. This means I will earn a commission if you decide to book through my links, at no additional cost to you. This helps me to continue sharing useful guides and stories on this blog. Thank you for your support!
.
Ready to travel? Find great accommodation deals in Agoda and hassle-free transportation options via 12Go Asia.
.
Hi, just want to ask if how can i avail the 20% discount for Senior Citizen and students through online booking?
Hi, Jo. You cannot avail the 20% discount through online, but you can get a refund upon arrival at the terminal. Just make sure you bring your ID.
How long did you wait to get your e-ticket voucher after confirming you are paid?
After I sent my scanned deposit slip via email, they sent me the e-ticket after just less than an hour.
i just want to know is the reclining seats like that of a lazy chair, comfortable enough unlike the other buses?
Not sure about the lazy chair, but it sure is comfortable.
Hi! Is it okay if i just show my eticket from my phone? Or should i really have a hard copy? Thanks!
Hi. I printed our ticket because it was the instruction given in the email.
This is Amazing! I have always wanted to ride the joybus going to Baguio and it’s been a while since I last visited the city. It looks very comfortable and a truly great experience!
Enjoy your Baguio trip! 😊
Hi Dea! Super helpful article. Just wanted to check if you would know how much the extra charges are if we have big luggage to bring with us?
Afaik there’s no extra charge. But to be sure, you may try to contact them thru the contact numbers at the boarding pass that I uploaded in this post.
Thank you, Dea, for this information on the JoyBus Premier Class. My husband and I are planning to go to Baguio this long weekend in time for the culminating activity of Panagbenga festival. I really love reading your blogs about places you’ve been to. God Bless!
You’re welcome, Jenny 😊 Enjoy your Panagbenga vacation! Thanks for dropping by 😊