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Donsol is best known for its whale sharks, which gather offshore each season. Legazpi, up the coast, sits under the near-perfect cone of Mayon volcano. The jeepney is the cheapest way to get from Donsol to Legazpi at $1.10 (70 PHP). The van is the quickest option, taking 1h 30m, and it costs a bit more.
Distance from Donsol to Legazpi
Donsol and Legazpi are about 29 km (18 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 44 km by road. The quickest way to get from Donsol to Legazpi is by taking the van, which takes around 1h 30m.
2 ways to travel from Donsol to Legazpi
There are two ways to travel from Donsol to Legazpi. The journey takes 1h 30m–2h and the quickest way is by minivan. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by jeepney with tickets starting at $1.10 (70 PHP).
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1Donsol to Legazpi by Van
Taking the van (UV Express) from Donsol to Legazpi is a convenient option. They’re not quite spacious, but they are air-conditioned. Vans can also get you to Legazpi about 30 minutes faster than the jeepney.
It’s best to catch a van in the morning to be assured of a ride. Vans leave as soon as they are full. They don’t wait for anyone or depart at designated schedules.
A van ride from Donsol to Legazpi costs $2.80 (170 PHP) per person.
Departure and arrival stations
Vans depart from Donsol Centralized Shuttle Station, within walking distance of many hostels in Donsol town centre.
They park at the Grand Central Terminal in Legazpi city centre. From here, you can take a tricycle to travel within the city for around $0.30 (20 PHP). Drivers in Legazpi are known for charging tourists more, so make sure to agree on a price before you hop in.
Grab is also available. Rides within Legazpi cost about $2 (120 PHP), while trips to Daraga cost around $2.70 (165 PHP) for a 4-seater. For a cheaper option, GrabTrike fares start at $0.80 (50 PHP).
Donsol to Legazpi by Jeepney
Taking the jeepney from Donsol to Legazpi definitely provides an "only in the Philippines" travel experience.
A jeepney ride is something you should take advantage of when in Philippine provinces, which are not as polluted as Metro Manila. The jeepney's open-air design offers a good view of the scenery along the way. Note that the ride can be really hot in the summer months of March to June!
Jeepneys operate frequently on the Donsol to Legazpi route. However, they make several stops and take a little longer to reach Legazpi. Some jeepneys also don't take the direct route and make a short stopover in the town of Pilar.
A jeepney ride costs $1.10 (70 PHP) per person. The trip takes roughly 2 hours, depending on the driver as well as the traffic when entering Legazpi City.
Departure and arrival stations
Jeepneys operating from Donsol to Legazpi are parked at Donsol Centralized Shuttle Station.
The last stop is usually at Legazpi Grand Central Terminal, but you can get off earlier if your destination is located along the way.
Our favourite places to stay in Legazpi
The choice of accommodation isn’t that great in Legazpi. There’s no point spending a lot of money as the standard simply won’t reach what you can get in other places in the Philippines.
Still, we recommend two great options, with one offering views of Mayon Volcano and the other in a very convenient location in town. Check them out below.
Mid-RangeHotel Sentro Legazpi
Area: Legazpi city centre
If you want to be at the centre of the action in Legazpi, you can’t get a much better location than this. The rooms are modern, clean and spacious, offering everything you could want during your stay.
And if you need anything the staff are super friendly and helpful here!
- Central location
- Modern and clean rooms
- Amazing staff
- Breakfast included
Double rooms cost $30-$50 (1,840-3,070 PHP) per night
BudgetBalai Tinay Guesthouse
Area: Legazpi city centre
Balai Tinay Guesthouse is like a home away from home, except that you have views of Mayon Volcano from your backyard here. Waking up to this view every morning is pretty spectacular.
The rooms are clean and cosy. The best part? Every room has a TV with Netflix, so it really does feel like home. The common areas are beautifully designed with pops of colour and plants everywhere.
- Views of a volcano
- Cosy and clean rooms
- Great common areas
- Friendly hosts
Double rooms cost $15-$30 (920-1,840 PHP) per night
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Legazpi?
Legazpi is the capital of Albay province in the Philippines' Bicol region. It is home to the iconic Mayon Volcano, renowned for its perfect conical shape. The volcano is a sight to behold — that is, if you are lucky to visit on a good day. Mayon is known to be a shy volcano, and most times it is partly hidden by clouds.
Driving an ATV is a popular way to get close to Mt. Mayon and get past the volcanic backroads of Legazpi. We also recommend a visit to Daraga Church and Cagsawa Ruins.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Donsol to Legazpi, roughly 29 kilometres (18 miles) apart. In all, there are 2 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $1.10 (70 PHP). The quickest trip takes 1h 30m.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Donsol to Legazpi?
The distance from Donsol to Legazpi is 29 kilometres (18 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Donsol to Legazpi?
The fastest way to get from Donsol to Legazpi is by minivan and takes 1h 30m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Donsol to Legazpi?
The cheapest way to get from Donsol to Legazpi is by jeepney with ticket costs starting from 70 PHP.
About the Authors
Travel Writer
Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She's loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand's beaches also have a special place in her heart.
Senior Travel Writer
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she's not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines. Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she'll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Travel Writer
A writer and full-time mom who loves planning beach trips. London is her favourite destination.
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