Traveling between Metro Manila and Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, is relatively convenient because Five Star Bus Company provides several daily departures from both Cubao and Pasay, with return trips available from Cabanatuan back to Metro Manila.
Passengers departing from Cubao have two main options: trips operating via SCTEX and trips operating via Bulacan. The Cubao-to-Cabanatuan service via SCTEX runs from 3:00 AM until 10:00 PM, while Cubao-to-Cabanatuan via Bulacan runs from 11:00 PM until 2:00 AM with approximately one- to two-hour intervals.
For the return journey, Cabanatuan to Cubao via SCTEX operates from 1:30 AM until 9:30 PM.
This guide organizes all the Five Star Bus Company information into an easy-to-read reference covering Cubao and Pasay to Cabanatuan schedules, SCTEX and Bulacan routes, fares, discounted rates, trip intervals, and travel reminders.
Important: Bus schedules, fares, and route assignments may change without prior notice. Confirm your preferred trip directly with the operator before a time-sensitive journey.
Five Star Bus Cubao to Cabanatuan via SCTEX Schedule
- Operating hours: 3:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Approximate interval: 1–2 hours
This provides passengers with a broad selection of departures from early morning until late evening.
If you need to catch a specific trip, especially the first or last service of the day, confirm the exact departure before heading to Cubao.
Cubao to Cabanatuan via Bulacan Schedule
- Operating hours: 11:00 PM to 2:00 AM
- Approximate interval: 1–2 hours
This schedule is for passengers who prefer to travel late evening or shortly after midnight.
Because the operating window crosses midnight, be careful with the calendar date when booking or confirming your trip.
For example, a bus at 1:00 AM technically belongs to the next calendar day.
Cabanatuan to Cubao via SCTEX Schedule
- Operating hours: 1:30 AM to 9:30 PM
Passengers who need an exact departure should still verify the next available trip with the terminal.
Cubao to Cabanatuan Fare
- Regular Fare: ₱315.00
- Discounted fare: ₱252.00 (senior citizens/students/PWDs)
Eligible passengers should bring a valid ID or other required proof of eligibility when purchasing a discounted ticket.
Five Star Bus Pasay to Cabanatuan via Bulacan Schedule
- Operating hours: 2:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Approximate interval: 1–2 hours
For travelers based in southern Metro Manila, Pasay may be more convenient than going all the way to Cubao.
Pasay to Cabanatuan via SCTEX Schedule
Tuesday to Thursday
- 12:00 NN
- 2:00 PM
- 4:00 PM
- 6:00 PM
Friday to Monday
- 6:00 AM
- 8:00 AM
- 10:00 AM
- 12:00 NN
- 2:00 PM
- 4:00 PM
- 6:00 PM
Passengers should therefore check the correct schedule for their travel date rather than relying on a generic daily departure time.
Cabanatuan to Pasay via SCTEX Schedule
- Operating hours: 1:50 AM to 9:30 PM
- Approximate interval: 1–2 hours
This schedule provides early-morning, daytime, and evening options for passengers returning to Pasay.
Cabanatuan via Bulacan Bus Fare
- Regular Fare via Bulacan: ₱301.00
- Discounted fare: ₱241.00 (senior citizens/PWDs/students)
This is the lowest regular fare listed among the Cabanatuan options in the supplied Five Star Bus Company post.
Five Star Bus Cabanatuan via SCTEX Fare Matrix
- Regular Fare via SCTEX: ₱329.00
- Discounted fare: ₱263.00 (senior citizens/PWDs/students)
Fare Comparison: Cubao and Pasay to Cabanatuan
| Route / Service | Regular Fare | Discounted Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Cubao ↔ Cabanatuan | ₱315.00 | ₱252.00 |
| Pasay ↔ Cabanatuan via Bulacan | ₱301.00 | ₱241.00 |
| Pasay ↔ Cabanatuan via SCTEX | ₱329.00 | ₱263.00 |
The supplied information therefore shows different fares depending on the departure terminal and route used.
Passengers should confirm which route applies to their trip before paying.
Quick Five-Star Bus Cabanatuan Schedule
Cubao to Cabanatuan via SCTEX
- 3:00 AM–10:00 PM
- Approximately 1–2-hour interval
Cubao to Cabanatuan via Bulacan
- 11:00 PM–2:00 AM
- Approximately 1–2-hour interval
Cabanatuan to Cubao via SCTEX
- 1:30 AM–9:30 PM
Pasay to Cabanatuan via Bulacan
- 2:00 AM–10:00 PM
- Approximately 1–2-hour interval
Pasay to Cabanatuan via SCTEX (Tuesday–Thursday)
- 12:00 NN / 2:00 PM / 4:00 PM / 6:00 PM
Pasay to Cabanatuan via SCTEX (Friday–Monday)
- 6:00 AM / 8:00 AM / 10:00 AM / 12:00 NN / 2:00 PM / 4:00 PM / 6:00 PM
Cabanatuan to Pasay via SCTEX
- 1:50 AM–9:30 PM
- Approximately 1–2-hour interval
SCTEX vs. Bulacan Route: What Is the Difference?
Five Star Bus Company identifies some Cabanatuan trips as operating via SCTEX and others via Bulacan.
The supplied post does not provide a detailed turn-by-turn route for each option, so passengers should avoid assuming exact travel times or specific intermediate stops.
The most important thing for passengers is to identify which route their chosen trip uses because:
- Departure times differ
- Fares differ
- Available trips differ by day
- Travel conditions may differ
If you are going to an intermediate destination rather than Cabanatuan itself, tell terminal personnel where you intend to get off.
Which Cubao to Cabanatuan Trip Should You Take?
The best schedule depends on your preferred travel time.
- For Early Morning Travel: The SCTEX schedule starts at 3:00 AM. This may be useful for passengers who want to reach Nueva Ecija earlier in the day.
- For Daytime Travel: From 3:00 AM through 10:00 PM, the supplied schedule indicates buses approximately every one to two hours. This gives passengers plenty of flexibility.
- For Overnight Travel: The Bulacan schedule covers 11:00 PM to 2:00 AM
This provides another option for passengers who prefer to travel during the late-night period.
Which Pasay to Cabanatuan Trip Should You Take?
Pasay passengers should pay particular attention to the day of the week.
- Via Bulacan: 2:00 AM to 10:00 PM with approximate one- to two-hour intervals.
- Via SCTEX: Tuesday–Thursday at 12 NN, 2 PM, 4 PM, 6 PM; Friday–Monday at 6 AM, 8 AM, 10 AM, 12 NN, 2 PM, 4 PM, 6 PM
Which Route Is Cheaper?
- Pasay via Bulacan: ₱301
- Cubao route listed: ₱315
- Pasay via SCTEX: ₱329
The Pasay via Bulacan fare of ₱301 is the lowest regular fare among the options shown.
However, fare should not be your only consideration.
The most convenient terminal, departure time, and route may save you more time than the small difference in ticket price.
Discounted Fare Comparison
For qualified senior citizens, PWDs, and students:
- Pasay via Bulacan: ₱241
- Cubao: ₱252
- Pasay via SCTEX: ₱263
Bring a valid ID to claim the applicable discount.
The supplied source does not list detailed documentary requirements.
Why Travel to Cabanatuan?
Cabanatuan City is one of the major urban centers of Nueva Ecija and a common destination for passengers traveling from Metro Manila.
The route serves travelers going to Cabanatuan for:
- Work
- School
- Family visits
- Business
- Government transactions
- Medical appointments
- Shopping
- Connecting transportation
- Returning home
Its frequent daily bus schedule makes it one of the more accessible provincial destinations from Metro Manila.
Cubao or Pasay: Which Terminal Is Better?
Your best terminal depends mostly on where you are coming from.
Choose Cubao if:
- You live in Quezon City
- You are coming from northern Metro Manila
- You are in eastern Metro Manila
- You want access to the 3:00 AM–10:00 PM SCTEX schedule
- You want the late-night Bulacan window
Choose Pasay if:
- You live in southern Metro Manila
- You are coming from Pasay, Parañaque, Makati, or nearby areas
- Reaching Cubao would require a long transfer
- You prefer the listed Pasay SCTEX schedule
- You want the ₱301 Bulacan fare option
How Often Do Five Star Buses Leave?
For several of the routes, Five Star lists an approximate 1–2-hour interval
This means passengers should generally expect multiple departures during the operating window.
However, an interval is not an exact timetable.
Bus dispatch can vary because of:
- Passenger volume
- Bus availability
- Terminal operations
- Traffic
- Weather
- Holidays
- Other operational factors
If you need to travel at an exact time, confirm the current departure.
What Time Is the First Cubao to Cabanatuan Trip?
- For the SCTEX route, the first listed operating time is 3:00 AM
- For the Bulacan route, the overnight service is 11:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Because these windows overlap different parts of the calendar day, ask Five Star which trip best matches your travel date.
What Time Is the Last Cubao to Cabanatuan Trip?
- The SCTEX schedule runs until 10:00 PM, while the separate Bulacan schedule operates later at night.
This gives passengers additional options after the SCTEX schedule ends.
How Long Is the Trip?
The supplied Five Star Bus Company schedule does not provide an official travel duration.
Actual travel time can be affected by:
- Metro Manila traffic
- SCTEX conditions
- Bulacan traffic
- Nueva Ecija road conditions
- Weather
- Passenger stops
- Road construction
- Accidents
- Holiday congestion
Avoid making a tight appointment immediately after your expected arrival in Cabanatuan.
Tips for Overnight Passengers
Several trips operate around midnight and early morning.
Passengers taking these schedules should prepare in advance.
Bring:
- Valid ID
- Fare money
- Phone
- Charging cable
- Power bank
- Water
- Light snacks
- Jacket
- Personal medication
- Earphones
- Travel pillow
Arrange transportation to the terminal the night before.
Do not assume that your normal daytime public transportation option will operate with the same frequency at 1:00 or 2:00 AM.
Discounted Fare Reminders
Five Star lists discounted fares for:
- Senior Citizens
- Students
- PWDs
Passengers should bring an appropriate valid ID.
- Cubao–Cabanatuan: ₱252
- Pasay via Bulacan: ₱241
- Pasay via SCTEX: ₱263
Traveling During Holidays
The Cabanatuan route may become much busier during:
- Holy Week
- Christmas
- New Year
- Undas
- Long weekends
- School breaks
Even though buses operate at relatively frequent intervals, seat availability can still become limited.
Travelers should arrive earlier and confirm the current schedule during peak periods.
Weather and Traffic Conditions
Heavy rain and other severe weather can affect road transportation.
Trips may experience delays because of:
- Flooding
- Traffic congestion
- Road conditions
- Accidents
- Rerouting
If significant weather is affecting Metro Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, or Nueva Ecija, check current travel advisories before leaving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Five Star Bus Cubao to Cabanatuan schedule via SCTEX?
- 3:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with approximately 1–2-hour intervals.
What is the Cubao to Cabanatuan via Bulacan schedule?
- 11:00 PM to 2:00 AM, with approximately 1–2 hour intervals.
What is the Cabanatuan to Cubao schedule?
- 1:30 AM to 9:30 PM via SCTEX.
How much is Cubao to Cabanatuan?
- The regular fare is ₱315.00.
- The discounted fare is ₱252.00.
What is the Pasay to Cabanatuan via Bulacan schedule?
- 2:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with approximately 1–2-hour intervals.
What is the Pasay to Cabanatuan via SCTEX schedule on Tuesday to Thursday?
- 12:00 NN, 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM, and 6:00 PM.
What is the Pasay to Cabanatuan via SCTEX schedule from Friday to Monday?
- 6:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 12:00 NN, 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM, and 6:00 PM.
What is the Cabanatuan to Pasay schedule?
- 1:50 AM to 9:30 PM via SCTEX, with approximately 1–2-hour intervals.
How much is the fare via Bulacan?
- Regular fare: ₱301
- Discounted fare: ₱241
How much is the fare via SCTEX?
- Regular fare: ₱329
- Discounted fare: ₱263
Who qualifies for the discounted fare?
- Senior Citizens
- Students
- PWDs
Five Star Bus Cabanatuan Schedule & Fare Summary
| Route | Schedule | Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Cubao → Cabanatuan via SCTEX | 3 AM–10 PM, 1–2 hr interval | ₱315* |
| Cubao → Cabanatuan via Bulacan | 11 PM–2 AM, 1–2 hr interval | ₱315* |
| Cabanatuan → Cubao via SCTEX | 1:30 AM–9:30 PM | ₱315* |
| Pasay → Cabanatuan via Bulacan | 2 AM–10 PM, 1–2 hr interval | ₱301 |
| Cabanatuan → Pasay via SCTEX | 1:50 AM–9:30 PM, 1–2 hr interval | ₱329 |
*The ₱315 regular and ₱252 discounted fares appear under the Cubao schedule in the supplied Five Star post.
Pasay SCTEX Departures
- Tuesday–Thursday: 12 NN / 2 PM / 4 PM / 6 PM
- Friday–Monday: 6 AM / 8 AM / 10 AM / 12 NN / 2 PM / 4 PM / 6 PM
Final Travel Reminder
The Five Star Bus Cubao and Pasay to Cabanatuan route gives passengers several choices for traveling between Metro Manila and Nueva Ecija.
From Cubao via SCTEX, buses operate from 3:00 AM until 10:00 PM, with approximately one- to two-hour intervals. There is also a Cubao-to-Cabanatuan via Bulacan schedule from 11:00 PM until 2:00 AM.
For the return journey, Cabanatuan to Cubao via SCTEX is listed from 1:30 AM until 9:30 PM.
From Pasay, buses via Bulacan run from 2:00 AM until 10:00 PM, while SCTEX departures follow a separate day-specific schedule. Cabanatuan-to-Pasay via SCTEX operates from 1:50 AM until 9:30 PM.
The supplied fares are ₱315 from Cubao, ₱301 via Bulacan from Pasay, and ₱329 via SCTEX from Pasay, with discounted fares of ₱252, ₱241, and ₱263, respectively, for qualified senior citizens, PWDs, and students.
Because the source includes operating windows and intervals rather than every exact departure, passengers should confirm the next bus before leaving home, particularly if traveling during the first or last part of the schedule.
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