Last updated: 22 August 2024
Subic is a coastal town in Zambales. It is famous for its sand beaches that are facing Subic Bay. Subic Bay is also a popular diving site due to troves of relics from shipwrecks and colorful corals found in the bottom of the bay.
Aside from its beaches and resorts, there are a lot of activities and attractions that Subic also offers. Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) has establishments that sell imported goods. There are also casinos in the area and a golf course.
The province is accessible by land via private vehicles and public transportation. Here are ways to reach Subic from Manila, Clark, and Baguio.
WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?
How to Get to Subic
From Manila
Subic is roughly around a three-hour ride from Manila. If you’re driving your own car or renting a vehicle for your trip, the travel time could take shorter than three hours.
By Car
- From Balintawak interchange (North EDSA), drive through the Northern Luzon Expressway (NLEX). At the Balintawak Toll Plaza, pay and get your toll card.
- Continue driving to the Dau Toll Plaza at the end of NLEX. The travel time takes about one hour and a half from Balintawak Toll Plaza.
- Then, take the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) on the ramp at the right. The journey takes about 15 minutes from Dau Toll Plaza.
- Get your toll card at the SCTEx toll booth. Continue driving to the Tipo Exit at the end of the SCTEX. This usually takes 40 minutes.
- Drive to the Subic-Tipo Highway toll booth. Pay at the toll booth.
- Enter the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. You will have to go through the customs booth/counter.
IMPORTANT! Traffic rules in Subic should be strictly followed by all motorists inside the Subic Freeport Zone. They follow the “first to stop, first to go” rule. Each vehicle must make a full stop at all intersections. The first vehicle to make a full stop should be given the right to proceed.
By Bus
- Take a bus from Manila to Olongapo City/Subic. Victory Liner and Genesis Transport are just two of the bus companies plying the Manila-Olongapo City route. Victory Liner has terminals in Pasay City, Caloocan, Sampaloc, and Cubao. Meanwhile, Genesis Transport has terminals in Pasay and Cubao. Bus fare to Olangapo costs around P230-380. You may also read our MANILA to SUBIC Bus Schedules & Fares article for more information.
- Alight at the Olongapo City Bus Terminal. The Olongapo city jeeps and tricycles are color-coded and have specific routes that go around Subic Bay. Check the different jeepney routes below:
- Yellow: Sta.Rita/Pepsi to SBFZ Main Gate
- Red: Gordon Heights to SBFZ Main Gate
- Blue: Public Market to Subic Town
- Orange: Public Market to Pag-Asa
- Brown: Cabalan to Public Market
- Green: Mabauyan to Public Market
If your destination is inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, take a jeep via SM Olongapo near the Olongapo Bus Terminal. From SM Olongapo, take the walkway leading to SBFZ’s main gate.
NOTE: Jeepneys and tricycles are not allowed inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. Your only option is to take an SUV taxi. However, these taxis don’t use meter service, so you have to ask the driver first how much your fare will be for your specific destination.
From Clark
By Car
The entire journey from Clark to Subic by car takes 45-60 minutes, depending on the traffic/road condition.
- Enter the SCTEx through Clark/Angeles Exit. Continue driving north for about 40 minutes.
- Drive all the way to the Tipo Exit at the end of the SCTEX. Pay at the toll booth.
- Drive to the Subic-Tipo Highway Exit. Pay the toll.
- Enter the Subic Bay Freeport Zone through the customs booth. All vehicles pass through the customs booth.
By Bus
From Clark, you can either take a regular bus or a P2P bus. The journey takes 60-90 minutes, depending on the bus type and the traffic situation.
- From Clark International Airport, there are P2P Victory Liner buses that will take you to Olongapo City. The bus fare costs P250-260. Note that the boarding platform is at Terminal 2 – Arrival Area Bus Station. You can also check out our CLARK AIRPORT Bus Guide article for more information.
- If you’re coming from Mabalacat Bus Terminal in Dau, there are hourly buses going to Olongapo/Subic. The cost is around P250 per way.
- The bus will terminate at the Olongapo City Bus Terminal. The Olongapo city jeeps and tricycles are color-coded and have specific routes that go around Subic Bay. Refer to the previous section for the different jeepney routes.
If you are going somewhere within the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, get on a jeep bound for SM Olongapo. From SM Olongapo, you’ll easily find the walkway leading to SBFZ’s main gate.
NOTE: Jeepneys and tricycles are not permitted inside the SBFZ. You can only take an SUV taxi. However, these taxis don’t use meter service. Ask the driver first how much your fare will be for your specific destination.
From Baguio
By Car
- From Baguio City, take Kennon Road. Exit the roundabout onto Agoo – Baguio Road/Aspiras – Palispis Highway/Ben Palispis Highway.
- Continue driving for about 32km, then turn left onto Pugo-Rosario Road. Drive towards the direction of the Manila North Road. Continue driving for about 30 minutes.
- Then, enter the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEx) via the TPLEx Pozzorubio Toll Plaza. Continue driving towards the direction of SCTEx.
- Drive straight through SCTEx. Then, exit SCTEx via Tipo Toll Plaza.
- Head towards the Subic-Tipo Highway Exit. Pay the toll fee.
- Welcome to Subic Bay! Arrive at the Subic Bay Freeport through the customs booth.
By Bus
- There are direct routes from Baguio to Olongapo via Victory Liner. For this route, it offers two bus types — regular aircon bus or deluxe express bus. The fare ranges from P620 to P720, depending on the bus type. You can check the official website or the Facebook page for the trip schedules and updates.
- Get off at the Olongapo City Bus Terminal. The Olongapo city jeeps and tricycles are color-coded and have specific routes that go around Subic Bay. You may refer to the previous section for the jeepney routes.
If you are heading to the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, ride a jeep to SM Olongapo. Get off at SM Olongapo, then take the walkway leading to SBFZ’s main gate.
NOTE: Jeepneys and tricycles do not operate inside the freeport zone. The only option available is to take the SUV taxis. However, these taxis don’t use meter service, so you have to ask the driver first how much your fare will be for your specific destination.
Where to Stay in Subic
Finding a place to stay in Subic will never be a problem for tourists. It hosts a string of hostels, hotels, and resorts that will fit any budget. You may want to consider these top accommodations in Subic as rated by online users.
Top Hotels on Agoda
- MANSION GARDEN HOTEL
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - COURT MERIDIAN HOTEL
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - HORIZON HOTEL
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - MANGROVE RESORT HOTEL
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - KAMANA SANCTUARY RESORT AND SPA
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!
Top Hotels on Hotels.com
- CENTRAL PARK REEF RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - iCOVE BEACH HOTEL
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - THE LIGHTHOUSE MARINA RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - THE PUB HOTEL
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - MOONBAY MARINA THE VILLAS
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!
If you want more suggestions with more details about each hotel, you can also check our Top 10 Hotels & Resorts Along Subic Bay article.
Find more Subic Hotels!
Watch Related Videos on YouTube
You can watch our Top Things to Do in Subic video below. You can also find other related videos on our YouTube channel.
Updates Log
2024.08.22 – Updated information and Where to Stay section and added related article links
2019.07.01 – Updated to reflect changes in transportation fares
2019.04.21 – First uploaded
Written by: Liz Mondragon
Updated and Additional Writing by: Astrid Alvarez
Related Article: Subic Travel Guide
More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Comments