Legazpi to Donsol

How to Get From Legazpi to Donsol

2Options
1h 30mFastest
$1.10From
MaartenElaFayeWritten by Maarten · Reviewed by Ela, Faye · Updated 1 week ago

Van · Jeepney

Donsol is a quiet coastal town famous for its whale sharks. In season you can snorkel alongside them on a licensed boat. The jeepney is the cheapest way to get from Legazpi to Donsol at $1.10 (70 PHP). The van is the quickest option, doing the run in 1h 30m for $2.80 (170 PHP).

Distance from Legazpi to Donsol

Legazpi and Donsol are about 29 km (18 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 44 km by road. The quickest way to get from Legazpi to Donsol is by taking the van, which takes around 1h 30m.

~29 km
Distance
~44 km
Road distance
1h 30m
Fastest
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2 ways to travel from Legazpi to Donsol

There are two ways to travel from Legazpi to Donsol. 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).

Reach out to our Community

6
Are there buses departing at 5am from Legaspi to Donsol?
Philipp · March 2023
Hello, does anyone know from what time the buses run from legazpi to donsol? Are there already some at 5 in the morning?
A

Abegail: Hi Philipp, there are no buses from Legaspi to Donsol. Instead, you can take a van or a jeepney at Legaspi Grand Terminal (https://goo.gl/ma

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A
AbegailGeckoRoutes team

Hi Philipp, there are no buses from Legaspi to Donsol. Instead, you can take a van or a jeepney at Legaspi Grand Terminal (goo.gl). We couldn't confirm the earliest trip, but both vans and jeepneys typically leave once they're full. We suggest visiting the terminal the day before to check the first trip with the drivers or conductors there.

PS: Diese Antwort ist auf Englisch verfasst, um sie für Reisende aus allen Ländern hilfreich zu machen. Wir empfehlen die Verwendung von Google Translate, um diese Antwort ins Deutsche zu übersetzen.

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Can a manual sedan car safely drive to Donsol?
Ma.Cecilia Rubino · October 2022
Just want to ask, can a Manual Sedan car able to drove safely in donsol road? Is the road way up too high?tnx
M

Maarten: Hi Ma. Cecilia, there are some uphill roads going to Donsol, but they're not very steep. Minivans regularly drive between Legazpi to Donsol,

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MaartenGeckoRoutes team

Hi Ma. Cecilia, there are some uphill roads going to Donsol, but they're not very steep. Minivans regularly drive between Legazpi to Donsol, so manual sedans should be fine too. You can watch some road trip videos on youtube to get a better idea of what to expect during the drive. Have a safe trip!

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How do I travel from Legazpi to San Juan Casiguran in Sorsogon?
Younes Aboutaleb · January 2021
I wanna travel from leazpi to San Juan cosiguran in south of sosorgon how ?
E

Ela: Hi Younes! From Legazpi, head to the Grand Terminal located in the town centre. Find the DLTB buses. We're not sure about the current bus sc

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ElaGeckoRoutes team

Hi Younes! From Legazpi, head to the Grand Terminal located in the town centre. Find the DLTB buses. We're not sure about the current bus schedules because of the pandemic so we recommend that you ask around if there are direct buses bound for Casiguran. If they're not available, an alternative option is to take a bus or a van to Sorsogon City. Ask to be dropped off at the jeepney terminal. And then transfer to a jeepney bound for Casiguran. We hope this helps! Stay safe and happy travels!

0
What are the latest and earliest bus times from Legazpi to Donsol?
Van Anh · March 2019
Hi Maarten. Thanks much for the article. Very helpful indeed. I wonder if you may know the latest vam from Legazpi to Donsol? I'll be arrived in the next few days, at around 6p.m (if no delay from the airline), and wonder of I may have enough time to catch one to Donsol. Otherwise, do you know of the time for the earliest in the morning? Thanks much for your help!
M

Maarten: Hi Van Anh! Sorry for the late reply. I'm travelling in the Philippines at the moment and had very bad connection. I hope you still made it

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MaartenGeckoRoutes team

Hi Van Anh! Sorry for the late reply. I'm travelling in the Philippines at the moment and had very bad connection. I hope you still made it on the same day to Donsol! If you can share any of the bus schedules that would be very useful!

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Celine · March 2024
Hi ! I just did the Legazpi-Donzol trip and here is some details : From the airport to the bus central in Legazpi, there is a van that costs 150php. My hotel was on the way and I asked to be dropped off on the way. They told me they can do personnal drop off for 300php, and multiple taxis approached me for 500/600php. However, to go from the bus station to the airport, I couldn’t find the van and asking around didn’t help so I just booked a grab ( Grab works in legaspi) for 340php during peak hour. Once in Donsol, I took a tricycle for 40php to go to the whale shark boats. I booked with Whaleshark adventure and it was 1800php all included (boat, guide, spotters, fin, mask, transfer by tricycle, fee). I can’t be sure with this information but my guesthouse told me that the last van going from Legazpi to Donsol was at 5pm, and the last van from Donsol to Legazpi was at 2pm. Also, I waited nearly 2 hours at Legazpi, and around 45min at Donsol for the van to fill out, so if you have a flight be early. It’s still 120php for the van. Otherwise, I am so grateful for Gecko Guides, I use it without exception for every solo travel ! Thank you guys !
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James Leigh · December 2022
Hi, just an update for 2022. The van from Legazpi to Donsol now costs 120.
M

Maarten: Hello James, many thanks for sharing this price update! We've updated the price on all relevant pages. Hope you had a great trip!

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MaartenGeckoRoutes team

Hello James, many thanks for sharing this price update! We've updated the price on all relevant pages. Hope you had a great trip!

0

Legazpi to Donsol by Van

1h 30mFrom $2.80 (170 PHP)

Most travellers prefer taking a van from Legazpi to Donsol. It’s more convenient, and it’s faster than local transport. Also, vans depart from and arrive at the centralized public transport terminals, which make them easy to locate.

Keep in mind that vans don’t operate on regular schedules. They leave once they’re full.

The van ride to Donsol from Legazpi takes about 1h 30m and costs around $2.80 (170 PHP) per person.

Departure and arrival stations

To catch a van to Donsol, head to Legazpi Grand Central Terminal in the southern part of the city centre. It’s accessible by tricycle for around $0.30 (20 PHP) — just agree on the price before hopping in.

You can also book a Grab. From within Legazpi, a 4-seater car costs about $2 (120 PHP). If you’re coming from Daraga, it’s around $2.70 (165 PHP). GrabTrike is another option, starting at $0.80 (50 PHP).

The van will drop you off at Donsol Centralized Shuttle Station. Depending on where your accommodation is, you may have to walk or travel by tricycle within the town centre.

Legazpi to Donsol by Jeepney

2 hoursFrom $1.10 (70 PHP)

If you'd like to experience local transport, you can take a jeepney from Legazpi to Donsol. You might get to meet locals and can ask for recommendations. However, jeepneys take a little longer since they make a stop in Pilar. Travel time with a jeep takes about 2 hours.

Departure and arrival stations

Like the vans, jeepneys depart from Legazpi Grand Central Terminal. You can also hail them from the street, but it's best to ask for assistance from your hotel on which roads they pass.

Jeepneys drop off passengers at the Donsol Centralized Shuttle Station. To be on the safe side, tell the driver that's where you'd like to get off.

ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION

Why Visit Donsol?

Donsol is a small but world-famous coastal town in Sorsogon, Philippines. It rose to fame when a group of divers discovered its hidden gem — whale sharks, locally called butanding, swimming freely in its waters.

If you’re keen on swimming with whale sharks, we recommend doing so in Donsol, instead of the more popular Oslob (Cebu). Most companies in Donsol follow an ethical policy and do not lure whale sharks for profit (like they do in Oslob). The best time to see whale sharks is from February to April, which is Donsol’s peak season.

Rounding it up

That's the full picture for getting from Legazpi to Donsol, 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 Legazpi to Donsol?

The distance from Legazpi to Donsol is 29 kilometres (18 miles).

What is the fastest way to get from Legazpi to Donsol?

The fastest way to get from Legazpi to Donsol is by minivan and takes 1h 30m.

What is the cheapest way to get from Legazpi to Donsol?

The cheapest way to get from Legazpi to Donsol is by jeepney with ticket costs starting from 70 PHP.

About the Authors

Maarten
Maarten

Founder & Trip Planning Expert

Based in Bali, Maarten's passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you'll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.

Ela
ElaReviewer

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.

Faye
FayeReviewer

Travel Writer

A writer and full-time mom who loves planning beach trips. London is her favourite destination.

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