If you are heading home to Cagayan Valley or making plans to travel north, you probably know the routine: before packing your bag, you want to know how much the bus fare will cost, where you should board, and whether there is a trip that fits your schedule. For many Filipino travelers, even a small change in fare matters, especially when several family members are traveling together.
A recent fare announcement labeled “Updated Fare of Nexus Star Bus! ” provides a list of destination fares, booking numbers, and terminal or pickup information. I have gathered those details here so you can check them without having to zoom in on a small social media image. This guide is written for actual trip planning, whether you are traveling for work, visiting relatives, attending an event, or simply going home for a few days.
One important clarification before we begin: the announcement says “DAILY TRIPS! but does not show exact departure times, travel durations, ticket-office hours, or the date on which each fare took effect. Treat the figures below as the posted fares in the supplied announcement, not a guarantee that every bus leaving today will charge the same amount. Call the operator before paying or heading to the terminal.
Nexus Star Bus Updated Fares
| Destination | Fare |
| Tuguegarao | ₱1,310 |
| Iguig | ₱1,350 |
| Amulung | ₱1,370 |
| Alcala | ₱1,405 |
| Gattaran | ₱1,475 |
| Lallo | ₱1,530 |
| Aparri Camanalugan Bridge | ₱1,580 |
| Ballesteros | ₱1,605 |
NEXUS Bus Pick-Up/Drop Off Terminals
- Ballesteros Terminal: Rizal Street, Centro East, Ballesteros, Cagayan (beside Pink Bus)
- Sampaloc Booking Office / Terminal: Earnshaw Street corner Lacson Avenue; in front of former RCJ Lines terminal (Jariv Transport)
- Quezon City Garage / Parking: E. Rodriguez, Quezon City, corner D. Tuazon near Welcome Rotonda
- Cubao Drop-off: New York Street beside Genesis North terminal
How to contact Nexus Star Bus before your trip
For booking/Padala/waybill inquiries you may call Nexus bus on the following numbers:
- (0966) 917 6058
- (0927) 966 8466.
When you contact the operator, be specific. Rather than simply asking, “May biyahe po ba? ”, mention your date, starting terminal, destination, number of passengers, and whether you have large baggage. Ask what time you should arrive and whether advance reservation is required. This can save a lot of back-and-forth, especially when travel demand is high.
The same announcement also mentions booking for padala or waybill. If you are sending a package instead of traveling, ask about accepted items, packaging requirements, recipient identification, release procedures, and charges. Passenger fare information should not be used to estimate cargo or parcel fees.
What to check when choosing your bus trip
There is a big difference between knowing a fare and knowing your full itinerary. A fare list tells you how much you might spend on the bus ticket; it does not tell you when to leave home, which stop is closest to your destination or whether the vehicle will take a particular highway. That is why I recommend confirming the route details before making other plans around the bus ride.
If you are traveling to Tuguegarao, Ilagan, or Amulung, think about the last part of your journey as well. Will somebody pick you up? Will you need a jeepney, tricycle, or another bus? If you are visiting relatives in a barangay outside the town center, your final transfer may take more time than you expect. Save a little cash for that portion rather than spending your entire budget on the intercity ticket.
For travelers heading to Ballesteros, Aparri, or nearby towns, ask whether the bus stops at the town proper or only at a designated terminal. The shared announcement includes a Ballesteros terminal address, but it does not provide a full list of intermediate stops. Your intended drop-off should be confirmed directly with the staff or conductor.
If you are bringing children, accompanying a senior citizen or traveling with a person with disability, ask which identification or supporting documents are needed to claim any legally applicable fare discount. The source poster does not publish discounted prices, so I have not calculated or promised specific discounted tickets in this article.
Budgeting for a northbound trip
One easy mistake when planning a provincial trip is to budget only for the posted ticket price. I suggest setting aside a separate amount for transport to the terminal, meals and drinking water, mobile data or load, and the ride from your arrival stop to your final address. That way, even if you have to change vehicles or wait longer than expected, you are not immediately short of cash.
For a simple example, the poster lists Tuguegarao at ₱1,310. If two adults are quoted that same amount for the same trip, the base ticket estimate would be ₱2,620 before any additional costs. This is just a mathematical example, not confirmation that the fare applies to every origin or date. A similar approach works for the other posted destinations.
If you are traveling during a holiday, long weekend or school break, inquire earlier than usual. Buses can fill up quickly when many passengers are heading home. Even when a company advertises daily trips, that does not necessarily mean there will be available seats at your preferred time.
A few practical reminders for a smoother ride
For overnight or long-distance bus travel, I like to keep the essentials in a smaller bag: identification, phone, power bank, medicines I may need, a light jacket, tissues, and some snacks. Keep valuables close instead of placing them in the luggage compartment. If your bag is stored underneath the bus, check that you receive the correct baggage claim stub, if one is issued.
Do not plan a tight connection based only on an estimated travel time you found in an old comment thread. Road conditions, traffic, stops, and weather can change the actual journey. This is especially important if you are connecting to a flight, ferry, appointment, or event. Leave a reasonable buffer and ask the operator about the expected arrival time for your specific departure.
If the weather is bad, monitor local advisories and contact the operator before leaving for the terminal. For travelers coming from far-flung barangays, a quick confirmation can prevent an unnecessary journey to a boarding point. Keep your phone charged and share your travel details with somebody you trust.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nexus Star Bus operating daily?
- The supplied announcement says “DAILY TRIPS! “But it does not provide a timetable. Ask for the current departure times and seat availability for your travel date.
How much is the fare to Tuguegarao?
- The poster lists ₱1,310. Confirm the origin terminal, service class, and whether that fare is still in effect before purchasing.
How much is the fare to Ballesteros?
- The poster lists ₱1,605. The same source gives a Ballesteros terminal address at Rizal Street, Centro East, beside Pink Bus.
Where is the Sampaloc booking office?
- According to the announcement, it is on Earnshaw Street at Lacson Avenue, in front of the former RCJ Lines terminal (Jariv Transport). Ask for a pin or exact loading instructions before going.
Can I board at the Cubao drop-off point?
- The announcement calls the New York Street location a drop-off, not a boarding terminal. Confirm any Cubao pickup arrangements directly.
Can I book a package delivery?
- For booking/Padala/waybill inquiries you may call Nexus bus on the following numbers:
- (0966) 917 6058
- (0927) 966 8466.
Are fares and schedules guaranteed?
- Schedules and fares are subject to change without prior notice.
Before you go
For most of us, a provincial bus ride is not just about getting from point A to point B. It can mean going home after a long workweek, seeing family after months away, or finally making a trip we have been postponing. Having the fare and terminal details in one place makes the planning part a little less stressful.
The key takeaway from the posted announcement is simple: Nexus Star Bus has shared updated fares for several destinations, together with contact numbers and terminal or drop-off references. Use the above information as your checklist, then make one final confirmation with the bus operator. A few minutes of checking can save you time and hassle on travel day.
Want to receive more information about RTMI, bus schedules, routes, and fares in the Philippines? Follow us on 2Go Bus and Ferries on Facebook and visit 2Go Bus and Ferries for more Philippine bus schedules, ferry travel guides, and transportation updates.
