Baguio Jeepneys: A More Adventurous Option

A lot of tourists and vacationers in Baguio prefer the ever reliable jeepneys that abound in the city. It may be convenient to have our own private cars or vans when touring Baguio, but we miss a lot by not trying Baguio jeepneys.

There’s more fun and adventure with Baguio jeepneys. We get to experience what life in the city is really all about as we rub elbows with real Baguio folks in the flesh. A ride would cost us at least Php 8.50, the minimum fare. This will take us to destinations at least 3 to 5 kilometers away. Beyond that distance we have to pay a bit more. The most Baguio jeepneys would charge us is Php 10 to Php 12.

Baguio jeepneys may also be used for special trips. If we want a cheaper way of touring the City of Pines with the whole family—and even include some friends along—we opt for jeepneys. For only Php 1500 to Php 2000 we get to tour the whole city for half a day. We may even ask the driver for a one-hour bonus.

Remember to pay the fare just before we get off. Baguio folks and jeepney drivers are not used to commuters paying early. As we say “para!” loudly to make the jeepney stop we also pay the fare as we say “bayad po!” also in the same voice tone. So make sure we have the exact fare. Remember, with Baguio jeepneys we pay when we get off.

There are routes for jeepneys going to different places like Burnham Park, Mines View Park, Mansion House, Wright Park, Teachers Village, Downtown Market, Philippine Military Academy, Grotto, Crystal Cave, among others. Most jeepney terminals are found in the interior roads near Session Road in the city proper. A popular one is on Mabini Street near the McDonald’s outlet there.

When looking for specific jeepneys to take us to specific places in Baguio, we can always ask people around; traffic enforcers, students, or store owners. Nothing to worry about communication—most natives speak fluent English—including drivers of Baguio jeepneys.

Well, if we should chance upon a non-English speaking jeepney driver we can rest assured that someone in the jeepney does. And anyway, all Baguio jeepneys have clear sign boards on their windshields and at their sides announcing their destination.

Besides being very picturesque, Baguio City is an easy scenic place to tour. Just wave to an oncoming jeepney and we’re off to our destination.