Laoag International Airport (IATA: LAO/ICAO: RPLI) is the main gateway of Laoag City and Ilocos Provinces. Being the northernmost international airport in the Philippines, it has daily flights from Manila and some chartered flights overseas, particularly Taiwan and Mainland China.

The airport is located around more or less 10 kilometers away from the city center, to which public transport may be a challenge to a commuter.

If you’re heading to the grand old churches, sand dunes, big windmills, and some food tripping, here are some tips on how to get in and out of Laoag International Airport using public transport:

Getting Out of the Airport:

Taxis are almost non-existent in this city. The primary modes of transportation are jeepneys and tricycles.

• Option 1: Tricycle - You can take the tricycle that is parked near the arrival area, or ask the information desk personnel to ask where you can ride a tricycle for the city. It is the fastest and the most convenient way heading downtown. You can negotiate a fee of PhP120 to PhP150 (around US$2.50 to $3) for a ride.
• Option 2: Gabu Jeepney – If you’re really on a tight budget, you can take a jeepney at Caravit-Araniw Elementary School, which is just a few meters walk from the airport gate. From there, you can take a jeepney to downtown Laoag City for just more or less PhP15 only.
• PLEASE READ HERE THOUGH IF YOU ARE TAKING A NIGHT FLIGHT, there may be no jeepneys available near the school. It is either you take a tricycle (PhP120-200) OR you can take a jeepney that is waiting just outside the arrival area. The jeepney ride downtown though would cost you around PhP100.

How to Get to the Airport?

• Locals in Laoag City would advise you to take a tricycle instead, virtually in any tricycle loading bays. Negotiate the fare again between PhP120 to PhP200 (may increase during night time) and tell the driver to take you to the airport.
• Aside from Laoag, you can even take a tricycle to the airport from San Nicolas or Paoay towns. Although it is more expensive than that coming from Laoag, it is the most convenient way heading to the airport, especially if you have a bulky luggage.
• Or if you’re just cheapskate like me, you can take the jeepney bound for Gabu at the corner of Rizal and Farinas Streets in downtown Laoag (just two blocks west from the Provincial Capitol). Tell the driver to drop you near the airport, or at Caravit Elementary School. Fare will cost you more or less PhP15 only. From there, you can walk a few meters inside the airport.

Here’s a map for a more detailed route of the jeepney option:

Got more tips on how to get in and out of Laoag International Airport through public transport? Please share them by writing your tips at the comments section.

Agyamanak! / Thank you very much!