PNR Adventure

Since we wanted to start our Caramoan tour with adventure and different experience, we decided to ride on PNR train from Manila going to Naga instead of riding a bus. At hindi kami nagkamali, super kakaibang expereience, I totally recommend it. It’s also safer to ride on a train since it is inevitable. hahaha parang praning lang! But seriously, we just trusted train more than bus.

…so the PNR train, I thought only few people choose this mode of transportation because it's  time consuming not unlike plane but I was wrong. It is in demand!

Once there, “wow”, I was amazed. The couches were clean, not stinky, not as bad as the usual train, not that spacious but enough so you can move. The couches have just enough size. For us with small built, we can fit in one couch. There is also a curtain that can surround your bed if you want some privacy and somehow minimize the cold air entering your couch. Pero hindi pa din effective kasi sobrang lamig. Upon checking the comfort room, hmmmm... actually it was quite stinky pero tolerable, hindi naman nakakadiri. Good thing that it has a faucet, hand wash basin and mirrors.

Travel Tips:

1.       Make a reservation.  If you want to have a sure seat or if you are a group, better reserve for your seat EXACTLY 2 WEEKS before your trip,not earlier nor later so there will be no hassle. Because what happened to us was, we had our reservation only 12 days ahead of our travel date, our group was already separated into 3 groups. Of course it is better if you are altogether.You can contact PNR at telephone number3190041 local 101/ Pasay Road Station @ 2680984. You may pay for your reserved ticket not later than 2 days before your trip or else it will be cancelled. You may choose from: 

      Reclining chair -PhP584.00
            Sleeping couches -PhP665.00
            Executive (A private small room)- Php995.00

We rode at Pasay Road PNR station since it is nearest to us. You can walk from end to end of the train, I think, although we didn’t try hahaha only from car 1 to car 3. The only challenge is the shaking train, when you walk from one car to another you will see how train is connected, feels like they will detached anytime, hahaha good luck! 

2.       Bring blanket and pillow. They said that you may not sleep due to the trembling train, but for us it was not, what bother us not sleeping well was the COLD temperature. Don’t forget to bring a blanket because jacket is not enough.  You may also bring pillow for more comfortable sleeping.

BICOL EXPRESS FARE RATES

From Manila, Espana, Pasay Road, Alabang to	KM Dist. Ex MA	ECONOMY	RECLINING AIRCON	FAMILY SLEEPER	EXECUTIVE SLEEPER
Lucena	133.04	146.00	193.00	FLAT RATE 950.00	FLAT RATE 1,425.00
Hondagua	237.28	261.00	344.00
Tagkawayan	278.39	306.00	403.00
Ragay	312.41	347.00	452.00
Sipocot	340.5	375.00	494.00
Libmanan	353.19	388.00	512.00	PROMO RATE (less 30%)
Naga	377.57	416.00	548.00	665.00	998.00

STATIONS & TRAIN SCHEDULES

Stations	Station Code	Km. Distance	From Manila (Read downward)	From Naga (Read upward)
Manila (Tutuban)	MA	0.00	6:30 PM	4:30 AM
Blumentritt	BLU	02.73	6:35 PM	4:26 AM
España	SPÑ	03.82	6:38 PM 6:39 PM	4:22 AM 4:21 AM
Pasay Road	PRD	13.25	6:56 PM 6:57 PM	4:04 AM 4:03 AM
Alabang	AA	28.09	7:20 PM 7:21 PM	3:40 AM 3:39 AM
Biñan	ÑA	39.76	7:40 PM	3:21 AM
Calamba	LA	56.16	8:04 PM	2:57 AM
San Pablo	PBO	88.77	8:45 PM	2:17 AM
Lucena	LC	133.04	9:34 PM 9:35 PM	1:27 AM 1:26 AM
Agdangan	AGD	179.68	10:56 PM	12:08 AM
Plaridel	PLA	199.73	11:31 PM 11:32 PM	11:32 PM 11:31 PM
Gumaca	GM	210.59	11:53 PM	11:11 PM
Hondagua	HA	237.28	12:33 AM 12:38 AM	10:30 PM 10:25 PM
Tagkawayan	TK	278.39	1:39 AM	9:25 PM
Ragay	RGY	312.41	2:39 AM 2:40 AM	8:24 PM 8:23 PM
Sipocot	COT	340.5	3:40 AM 3:41 AM	7:23 PM 7:22 PM
Libmanan	LIB	353.19	4:02 AM 4:03 AM	6:59 PM 6:58 PM
Naga	NG	377.57	4:30 AM	6:30 PM

Over all? It is worth trying. It is fun, exciting and terrific. I will definitely try this again. It is a must try experience. The first phase of a fun trip to Bicol. J