Last month, I traveled to Sorsogon for the Kasanggayahan Festival. In case you haven’t heard, I recently started a YouTube channel focused on festivals, so I travel to various parts of the Philippines to cover these events. Years ago, traveling to Bicol was quite challenging. I had to go to Pasay or sometimes Cubao to catch a bus. However, since the opening of PITX a few years ago, our travel experience has improved significantly.
As you might know, PITX (Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange) is currently the largest inland transport hub in the Philippines. It’s comfortable, air-conditioned, spacious, and offers many amenities comparable to an airport. It is, by far, the most convenient bus terminal in the country.
Getting to PITX from my place in Cavite is quite easy too. I can catch a bus to PITX either from Aguinaldo Highway or via Cavitex. Since I had plenty of time, I chose the route via Aguinaldo Highway.
For those coming from Metro Manila, reaching PITX is a breeze via the EDSA Carousel bus. Just be sure to board at one of the bus stops along EDSA, and you can get to PITX without the usual traffic hassle in Manila.
I planned to catch the 6 PM bus to Sorsogon City, so I arrived at PITX an hour early. If you’re also traveling to Bicol via PITX, here are the steps you need to follow, based on my personal experience.
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1. Go to Ticket Booth 1 to Purchase Tickets
Ticket Booth 1 is located on the second floor, designated for Bicol trips. Booth 1 serves air-conditioned buses, while Booth 2 caters to ordinary buses.
I opted for a more comfortable ride and headed to Booth 1. Once you pass through the main entrance of PITX, turn right until you reach the farthest escalator. Take this escalator to find Ticket Booth 1. Ticket Booth 2 is nearby on the same floor and is also easy to find.
2. Purchase Your Tickets
There are many bus companies in the ticket booth area offering services to Sorsogon and other Bicol destinations. Look for the one that best fits your preferred time.
Be aware that some individuals near the PITX entrance might approach you, offering to help find buses to Bicol. They may be getting commissions from specific bus companies by referring passengers, and while they can be helpful, they might not always present the best options. Therefore, I recommend going directly to the ticket booth to explore your options personally.
For me, the Amihan Bus had the most suitable schedule, departing around 6 PM. Make sure to check the bus type; ideally, it should have a 2×2 seating arrangement for comfort. Amihan Bus also has an onboard restroom, which is a plus.
The fare to Sorsogon City was 1350 pesos. Remember, these buses pass through various Bicol and Sorsogon locations, catering to different destinations.
While purchasing your ticket, you have the option to choose your seat too. Of course, I chose the window seat.
3. If You Have Time, Eat and Buy Food
With some time to spare before boarding, I had dinner at Popeye’s, a new addition to PITX’s dining options.
Instead of choosing a popular fast-food chain, I decided to try Popeye’s. I also purchased chicharon and water for the journey. You have plenty of options for food at PITX. Be sure to buy enough food before embarking on a long bus travel.
4. Go to Your Assigned Boarding Gate
About 30 minutes before boarding time, I headed to my boarding area which is Gate 4 on the second floor. PITX boasts comfortable seating for passengers, a welcome upgrade in terms of comfort and air conditioning compared to traditional terminals in Pasay or Cubao.
5. Boarding Time
One notable aspect of PITX buses is their punctuality. As passengers in the Philippines, we often have to manage our expectations regarding timeliness.
However, PITX consistently departs on time. I’ve experienced this not only on my trip to Sorsogon but also on journeys to other destinations like Laguna and Naga in Bicol.
6. Sit Back, Relax, and Enjoy the Travel
I chose a window seat, which was spacious enough to ensure a comfortable ride. The journey to Sorsogon City took about 14 hours, but it was a pleasant experience, and I arrived around 8 AM.
The people in Sorsogon were incredibly helpful, assisting me in finding my hotel. My time in Sorsogon, especially during the Kasanggayahan Festival, was wonderful. So, if you’re in the South and planning a trip to Sorsogon or other parts of Bicol, I highly recommend using PITX for a more comfortable and better travel experience.
Buses going to Sorsogon from PITX
Here are the bus companies going to Sorsogon aside from the Amihan Bus that I tried. I also included the schedule here.
RMB Transport
3:00 AM – Pilar Sorsogon
Amihan Bus
9:00 AM – Sorsogon City
2:30 PM – Sorsogon City
4:45 PM – Sorsogon City
7:30 PM – Sorsogon City
8:00 PM – Sorsogon City
8:45 PM – Sorsogon City
Mark Eve’s Transit
12:00 PM – Matnog, Sorsogon
1:30 PM – Matnog, Sorsogon
3:30 PM – Piar, Sorsogon
JVH Transport
3:00 PM – Sorsogon City
MVictoria Bus
3:30 – Sorsogon City
Belleza Transport
3:30 PM – Bulan, Sorsogon
6:30 PM – Bulan, Sorsogon
DLTB
5:15 PM – Matnog, Sorsogon
Raymond Bus
5:45 PM – Matnog, Sorsogon
St. Martha Bus
9:00 PM – Matnog, Sorsogon
More Sorsogon & Bicol Blog Posts
- Sorsogon Itinerary for 2 Days
- 15 Sorsogon Tourist Spots
- PITX to Daet Guide
- Subic Beach: The Wonder of Matnog, Sorsogon
More PITX Blog Posts
- Traveling from PITX to LUCENA by Bus
- PITX to LEGAZPI, Albay Guide
- PITX to Tagaytay Bus Trips
- PITX to Baguio by Bus
