If you’re coming from Metro Manila or southern Luzon like I was, your trip to Sagada won’t just be a vacation or an adventure. It’s a road trip too!
During our 3-day visit, we rented a van and spent nearly 12 hours on the road just getting there. Honestly, it was a mix of sleepy, dizzying, and breathtaking moments. Some parts of the drive even kept some of us wide awake at 4 am, no joke! Day 0 of our 3-day trip to Sagada explains why.
Planning to do the same? Renting a van or a car for your trip to Sagada? I’ve got a bunch of suggestions. These are the same tips I’ll follow when I go back to Sagada.
Hear me out so you can enjoy the whole trip, from loading your bags into the car to stepping out feeling refreshed after your mountain getaway.
Quick Checklist for Renting a Car to Sagada
Here’s a simple checklist to help you choose the right rental car quickly. Feel free to download it (Printable PDF) and share it with any friends or family helping with the planning.
Is your trip coming up in less than a month? Don’t wait! Reserve your car now before the best options are gone.
Let me help you with your planning through my maps. They show the locations of tourist attractions in Sagada, along with nearby destinations you can visit before or after your trip.
Traveling with a group? Check out my map of unique and family-friendly homestays and hotels.
Read This Before You Rent a Car to Sagada
One of the first things I tell anyone planning a trip to Sagada is this: a private vehicle is a must.
If you only have 3 days to explore like we did, having your own car or van, especially if you’re with a group, makes everything a lot easier.
From my experience, it takes about 15 to 25 minutes to drive between major attractions, like Gaia Cafe and the jump-off point to Bomod-Ok Falls. Walking that could take over an hour, and that’s not how you want to spend your time. Sure, you can hire a tricycle, but it’s not always convenient and can take extra time just to find one.
So yes, bring a car if you want to make the most of your Sagada trip.
By the way, I’m Eljon. I created this blog to share my travels and adventures as part of a bigger journey toward growth, purpose, and success. If you’re curious about who I am, what drives me, or the story behind this blog, feel free to check out my homepage.
Now, let’s get back to the tips.
Car Specs and Reminders
When choosing a vehicle to rent or bring to Sagada, go for one with a strong engine. At least 1.5L for cars or 2.0L for vans, especially if you’re traveling with a group.
You’ll need that power to handle the uphill roads and to overtake slow vehicles like tricycles and heavily loaded trucks that can really slow you down.
Also, pick a vehicle with higher ground clearance. While most of the road to Sagada is paved, there are still chances of small rockslides and deep cracks that can be tough for low-clearance cars.
And let’s be honest, road quality in some parts of the Philippines can be unpredictable, particularly in remote areas like Mountain Province. Frankly, even the ones near home in Batangas, and that’s just 1.5 hours from Manila!
So it’s best to be prepared.
Another important thing to check is the car’s maintenance history.
Make sure everything’s in good condition: tires, brakes, battery, lights, signals, coolant, and the steering system. The drive includes lots of sharp turns, so your vehicle needs to be ready for that kind of road.
Hire a Driver or Drive It Yourself?
If you’re the driver in your group and you’re thinking of taking the wheel, I suggest saving the challenge of driving through the Cordilleras for another time.
It’s a looooong, EXHAUSTING drive, especially if you’re coming from Manila. You might not enjoy the Sagada adventure as much as the rest of your group if you’re already worn out from the drive.
Think about it: 2 hours navigating Metro Manila traffic, 4 more hours on the expressway from Bulacan to Tarlac, and then another 6 hours on winding mountain roads — that’s whether you’re taking the Baguio route through Pangasinan or the Banaue route through Solano in Nueva Vizcaya, before finally reaching Bontoc and then Sagada.
So, when you’re checking car rentals, choose one that includes a driver.
Hiring a Driver?
The driver you choose should be experienced and, if possible, already familiar with trips to Sagada.
At the very least, they should have driven to places like Baguio, Banaue, Batad, Bontoc, or Buscalan a few times. That way, if Google Maps or Waze glitches or stops working due to poor signal, you’ll still have peace of mind knowing you’re in good hands.
Experienced drivers also know the route well. They know where the best stopovers are, like where to take a bathroom break or grab an early morning meal.
You’ll see, once you leave the expressway, gas stations with food and convenience stores become harder to find. A driver who’s been there before will know where to stop, and their tips along the way can make a big difference.
Car Seat Comfort
If you’re a passenger, your opinion matters too when choosing what car to rent.
Comfort is non-negotiable for a long road trip like this. Your car shouldn’t make you feel tired before the adventure even begins.
If possible, choose a vehicle where you can take a proper nap. You’ll need the energy for everything that’s waiting in Sagada.
Remember, it’s a 12-hour drive. Just imagine sitting that long. It can get really tiring, especially if your seat isn’t comfortable or doesn’t have enough leg room.
As someone who’s six feet tall, this is always my concern! My knees start to hurt if I can’t move them for hours. So every time we rent a car, the first thing I check is whether I can slouch a bit or stretch my legs, even just a little.
Aside from leg room, check the car seats too. They should have headrests that prevent your head from jerking forward and back every time the driver hits the brakes.
Some cars and vans even have concave-shaped headrests that follow the shape of your head. That helps prevent your head from swinging sideways or, worse, banging against the window if you’re on the window seat during a sharp turn on the winding mountain roads.
Other Car Rental Considerations
Lastly, before you book, you might also want to do the following below.
- Research the rental company’s reputation and read recent reviews. Look for a rating of at least 4 stars, and prioritize the most recent feedback.
- Verify insurance coverage for both the driver and the vehicle. This is important to avoid unexpected expenses in case of accidents or other issues.
- Check the fuel policy and any mileage limits. Make sure you understand the terms to avoid surprise charges for excess use.
- Set aside a budget for tolls and parking if they are not included in the rental package. You can contact your accommodation in Sagada to ask about parking availability or if free parking is provided.
- Arrange appropriate lodging for the driver if necessary. Some rental companies offer accommodation for the driver, though, which can help reduce costs.
- Review the itinerary and schedule with the driver or rental company to ensure everything is clear and aligned.
Check out my perfect 3-Day Sagada travel plan.
Ready to enjoy a trip to Sagada that’s safe and comfy?
Get a Tour to Sagada Instead
Organizing a trip to Sagada can take up a lot of time, especially if you’re traveling with a group.
From finding a place where everyone will be comfortable, to managing your transportation, planning the itinerary, and figuring out how to get to each attraction, it’s not exactly easy.
To save time, reduce the stress, and just enjoy the trip, I recommend getting a tour instead. You can check out my guide to choosing a travel agency, or simply click here to see my recommended services.
That’s all. I hope you have an amazing time and make unforgettable memories in Sagada. Ciao!
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