The ability to move seamlessly between Makati and Laguna defines a connected lifestyle for a growing number of individuals. Far from being a challenging journey, a Makati to Laguna commute is now facilitated by modern infrastructure and a wide array of transportation choices.
Enhanced expressways and accessible routes have helped reduce travel times, making the connection between these key areas more efficient than ever before.
This improved accessibility makes it increasingly convenient for residents and visitors to experience the best of both locations. Find the most practical and efficient ways to travel from Laguna to Makati (and back) in this guide!
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Traveling From Makati to Laguna: Your Transport Choices
Getting from Makati to Laguna can be a smooth ride with the right mode of transport. Here are some of the best options, along with essential tips to make your journey as comfortable as possible.
P2P bus services
If you’re after a hassle-free, air-conditioned ride with no unnecessary stops, P2P bus services are a top choice. Known for reliability and convenience, these premium, non-stop buses are ideal for commuters looking to bypass traffic and relax en route.
Key routes from Makati include:
- One Ayala to Sta. Rosa
- Circuit Makati to Sta. Rosa
- One Ayala to Calamba
These routes connect central Makati to fast-growing business and residential hubs in Laguna, such as Calamba, and Sta. Rosa. Major drop-off points include Saint Rose Bus Terminal near Crossing (Sta. Rosa) and Calamba City proper.
- Travel time: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic
- Fare range: Php 140–160
- Operating hours: Typically 7:30 AM to 8:30 PM (Note: Hours may vary by route and day)
- Payment: Methods vary by terminal/operator. Travelers from One Ayala, for example, often need a reloadable card (Php 150) with a one-way fare of around Php 102. Cards are usually available over the counter.
For example, taking a P2P route towards Sta. Rosa offers a smooth ride that effectively bypasses city traffic, particularly during off-peak hours. This P2P bus service is especially convenient for professionals and students heading to schools or offices in the Sta. Rosa or Tagaytay corridor areas.
Regular buses and vans
Regular provincial buses and UV Express vans offer another option. While direct bus departures from Makati CBD are limited, numerous routes are accessible from nearby terminals.
If you’re looking for a bus terminal in Makati going to Laguna, consider those accessible from areas like Buendia or EDSA.
Bus companies commonly serving routes to Laguna:
- JAC Liner Inc.
- HM Transport Inc.
- JAM Liner
- DLTB Co.
- Dela Rosa Transit
These buses often depart from terminals in areas like Buendia, Pasay, or along EDSA. Some operators, like Dela Rosa Transit, may also have direct departures from closer points like One Ayala for destinations such as Biñan or San Pedro (Plaza Pacita Bus Terminal). To reach these terminals from Makati, you can take a jeepney, ride-share service, or the EDSA Carousel.
Sample routes and travel options:
- Ride a jeep from Ayala to LRT Gil Puyat, then board a DLTB bus to “Sta. Cruz, Laguna” or “SM Calamba” signboard.
- Take a Lucena-bound bus, alight at Turbina in Calamba, then transfer to a jeep headed to your specific Calamba destination.
- From Ayala MRT, ride a bus to Alabang, then catch an HM Transport bus from South Station to Calamba.
- To reach San Pablo: From Alabang, ride to Starmall, then transfer to a jeepney or van via Calamba Central Terminal.
- To reach San Pedro or Biñan: Look for provincial buses or UV Express vans from terminals like One Ayala (e.g., Dela Rosa Transit), or from hubs in Buendia/Pasay, with signboards for “Pacita,” “San Pedro,” or “Biñan.”
These sample routes provide alternatives if you need a Makati to Laguna bus to various destinations in Laguna, including areas like Cabuyao, San Pedro, Biñan, and more, fitting your schedule and specific destination.
- Fare: Around Php 80–200
- Travel time: 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and transfers
Strategic transfers
If a direct route isn’t available from Makati to your specific Laguna destination, consider making a transfer through Alabang. It serves as a major southern transport hub, allowing you to conveniently shift from Metro Manila routes to southbound options.
How It Works:
- From Makati, take a bus to Alabang.
- From transport hubs like South Station or Starmall in Alabang, ride buses or vans to your Laguna destination, such as Cabuyao, Calamba, San Pablo, San Pedro, or Biñan.
This method is particularly popular for commuters living farther south in Laguna and requiring more route flexibility.
Traveling by car
Laguna is a smooth drive away via the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) or the Skyway system. These routes allow you to bypass city traffic and enjoy a more direct journey.
- Routes: Access Skyway (via entry points like Buendia or Osmeña) to connect to SLEX heading south.
- Drive time: Typically 1 to 2 hours, depending on the time of day and specific Laguna destination.
- Peak hours: Expect heavier southbound traffic during weekday afternoons and early evenings.
- Tolls: Both expressways operate on a cashless system; an RFID sticker is required.
Accessing these southern routes is convenient from Makati. For instance, you can easily reach Skyway entry points from areas near landmarks like Shangri-La Makati to head south with minimal stops.
Whether it’s the route from Makati to Sta. Cruz or the one to Cabuyao, traveling by car via the expressways offers a direct and convenient option. Just remember to plan your trip, aim to avoid peak travel times if possible, and enjoy the ride—Laguna’s lush landscapes and thriving town centers await.
Traveling From Laguna to Makati
Traveling north from Laguna is also straightforward thanks to well-established transport networks. From premium bus services to direct driving routes, efficient travel between Laguna and Makati is readily available.
P2P bus services
You can catch P2P buses from terminals in Sta. Rosa and Calamba, with drop-offs at One Ayala, Greenbelt, or Circuit Makati. These routes are especially popular among professionals and frequent travelers who value time, convenience, and elevated comfort.
- Estimated fare: Php 140–160 (one-way)
- Travel time: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours (depending on traffic)
For example, if you’re taking a P2P from Sta. Rosa to Makati, you can expect a smooth, direct journey that bypasses multiple stops and helps you avoid the usual delays of conventional transit.
Regular buses and vans
Provincial buses operated by DLTB, JAM Liner, and HMTransport serve various routes from Laguna to Metro Manila. While they may not always drop you directly within the Makati CBD, they typically terminate at key transit points like Buendia or Pasay, which are only a short ride away via MRT, taxi, or ride-sharing services.
UV Express vans also offer flexibility, especially for areas not directly serviced by P2P buses. These often terminate in locations near Makati or facilitate convenient transfers in Alabang.
- Estimated fare: Php 100–150
- Travel time: 1–2 hours, depending on route and traffic
If your schedule allows, traveling during non-peak hours on a Laguna to Makati bus or a shared van is recommended for a significantly smoother journey.
Strategic transfers
Many travelers from Laguna also opt to transfer to Alabang. From here, UV Express vans, city buses, or ride-hailing services head straight to Makati.
This two-step strategy—Laguna to Alabang, then Alabang to Makati—adds flexibility to your commute, especially during peak travel hours or when heading to less common Makati destinations.
Traveling by car
SLEX and Skyway provide a direct route to the city. Skyway’s elevated access points from Laguna enable you to bypass traffic bottlenecks and descend straight into the Makati CBD.
- Estimated drive time: 1–2 hours, depending on traffic
- Rush hour tip: Expect heavier northbound traffic in the morning and late afternoon
- Toll requirement: SLEX and Skyway require cashless RFID payment
Where Every Route Leads to Home
One thing is clear: accessibility matters. With premium P2P buses, reliable expressways like SLEX and Skyway, and well-connected transit hubs, traveling between these two thriving locations is more convenient than ever.
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