Traveling from Bicol to Manila with a dog can be challenging, especially when it comes to finding a comfortable, pet-friendly bus. After spending two nights in Naga City, I finally boarded the Goldtrans BTS 2x1 Lazy Boy Bus from Naga CBD Terminal to PITX in Metro Manila, together with my shih tzu, Ollie.And I must say, this bus is way better than the typical ordinary air-conditioned provincial buses I’ve tried!
Goldtrans BTS 2x1 Lazy Boy Bus: Fare and Route
I paid ₱1,400 for my one-way ticket from Naga CBD Terminal to PITX. The bus actually originates from Bulan, Sorsogon, and travels all the way to PITX, passing through Naga City. I deliberately decided to spend two nights in Naga before continuing my journey to Manila. Instead of enduring one very long bus ride from Sorsogon, I wanted to break up the trip, especially since I was traveling with Ollie.
Comfortable 2x1 Lazy Boy Reclining Seats
One of the best features of the Goldtrans BTS bus is its 2x1 seating configuration. On the left side of the aisle are two seats together, while the right side has individual seats. I chose the single-seater on the right because I was traveling with my dog. The seats are noticeably bigger than those on ordinary air-conditioned buses. They’re spacious, cushioned, and reclinable. Compared to regular provincial buses, there’s also more legroom, which makes a huge difference during long-distance travel.
Another feature I appreciated was the footrest. There’s a raised wooden footrest just below the knee area, allowing passengers to elevate their feet instead of keeping them flat on the floor throughout the journey. The bus also looks and feels very new, with clean interiors, comfortable seats, and excellent air-conditioning.
Goldtrans BTS Bus Amenities
Aside from the Lazy Boy-style reclining seats, this bus comes with several convenient amenities:
* Onboard comfort room – Very convenient for long-distance travel.
* Charging ports – Passengers can charge their phones during the journey.
* Cup holders – Handy for keeping drinks within reach. * Reclining seats and footrests – Perfect for resting or sleeping.
* Spacious legroom – More comfortable than regular air-conditioned buses.
* LED speed display – A small screen inside the bus shows its real-time speed in kilometers per hour.
* Strong air-conditioning – The cooling system worked really well throughout the journey.
These features made my Naga-to-Manila journey considerably more comfortable. Two Drivers Take Turns During the Journey Another thing I appreciated about Goldtrans BTS was that there were two drivers assigned to the bus. From what I observed, they took turns driving approximately every five hours, allowing the other driver to rest. I think this is a very good arrangement, especially for long-distance provincial trips where driver fatigue can become a concern. One important tip: Avoid choosing seats in the section covered by yellow curtains. That area is used by the off-duty driver for sleeping and resting.
Is Goldtrans BTS Pet-Friendly?
Yes! Goldtrans BTS allows pets onboard, and this was one of the biggest reasons I appreciated traveling with them. For our trip, the pet requirements included wearing a diaper and keeping the dog inside a pet carrier bag. However, because the bus wasn’t fully occupied and Ollie was extremely well-behaved, I was allowed to let him stay outside his carrier during the journey. Ollie is already an experienced traveler! He’s traveled between Bicol and Manila around five or six times, so he’s quite used to long bus rides. Of course, I wouldn’t assume that every passenger will be allowed to take their dog out of the carrier. It’s always best to ask the bus staff for permission and follow their pet travel policies. For fellow fur parents, I highly recommend confirming the latest pet requirements with Goldtrans BTS before booking, especially regarding carrier rules, pet fees, and vaccination documents.
Why I’d Choose a 2x1 Lazy Boy Bus Over an Ordinary Air-Conditioned Bus
After experiencing the Goldtrans BTS 2x1 Lazy Boy Bus, I honestly don’t think I’d go back to riding an ordinary air-conditioned provincial bus if I had the choice. For starters, the seats are noticeably bigger, there’s more personal space, and there are fewer passengers onboard. The entire experience feels less crowded, less chaotic, and much more relaxing. I also appreciate having enough room to stretch my legs and move around comfortably without feeling squeezed between other passengers.
I personally feel more comfortable traveling this way, especially for long-distance trips. With fewer people inside and a more spacious seating arrangement, the journey feels much more manageable. While the fare is obviously a little more expensive than an ordinary air-conditioned bus, I think the added comfort is absolutely worth it. For me, it’s not just about getting from one destination to another; it’s also about enjoying the journey and arriving in Manila feeling less exhausted.
From now on, if I have the option, I’d always choose a 2x1 Lazy Boy-style bus like Goldtrans BTS over a typical ordinary air-conditioned bus. I’d rather pay a little extra for a more comfortable, spacious, and less crowded ride.
Is the Goldtrans BTS 2x1 Lazy Boy Bus Worth ₱1,400?
For me, yes, absolutely! Considering the reclining seats, spacious legroom, footrests, onboard restroom, charging ports, and pet-friendly accommodation, I found the ₱1,400 fare from Naga to PITX worth paying. The biggest advantage is comfort. When you’re traveling for several hours, especially with a dog, having more space and the ability to recline and elevate your feet makes the journey much easier. I also appreciated the modern interior, excellent air-conditioning, and the arrangement of having two drivers take turns.
Final Verdict
Would I ride Goldtrans BTS again? Definitely! My experience aboard the Goldtrans BTS 2x1 Lazy Boy Bus from Naga to PITX was a pleasant one. It’s a significant upgrade from the ordinary air-conditioned provincial buses I’ve ridden before. For anyone planning to travel from Bicol to Manila, especially fur parents looking for a pet-friendly bus, Goldtrans BTS is an option worth considering. And for Ollie and me, having a comfortable ride together made the trip even more memorable! Disclaimer: This review is based on my personal experience. Bus fares, schedules, amenities, and pet policies may change, so please confirm the latest information directly with Goldtrans BTS before traveling. Sent 16h ago Compose Write to
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