How to Get From Manila to Donsol
Flight · Bus
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In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 510 kilometre (317 miles) distance from Manila to Donsol. By the end of this guide, you'll know exactly how to get there — whether you want to travel on a budget, reach Donsol as fast as possible, or enjoy the ride in comfort. We base our information on verified schedules, ticket prices, and on-the-ground insights from recent travellers.
What are the 2 ways to travel from Manila to Donsol?
There are two ways to travel the 510 km distance from Manila to Donsol. You can choose between the flight and bus.
The journey takes between 3h 40m–11h 30m and the quickest way is by flight (3h 40m). If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 1,380 PHP ($23).
3h 40m - 4h 10m
1,900 PHP ($31)
11h 30m - 14h 30m
1,380 PHP ($23)
Manila to Donsol by Flight
Step 1: Manila City Centre to Manila Airport
The easiest way to get to Manila Airport from anywhere in Metro Manila is by Grab car. Rates start from 230 PHP ($3.80) to Terminal 3 and 370 PHP ($6.10) to Terminal 2, depending on where you're coming from. You can also hail a taxi from the street. Just make sure the driver turns on the meter!
If you want to pre-book your transfer, Klook offers private rides with prices from 1,170 PHP ($19) for a 4-seater.
Alternatively, UBE Express operates point-to-point buses to several locations across Metro Manila to Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Here are the ticket prices:
- 150 PHP ($2.50) - from Pasay, Parañaque and Robinsons Manila
- 200 PHP ($3.30) - from Araneta City and Alabang
Check out our guide for Manila Airport for more details.
Step 2: Manila to Legazpi by Flight
Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines (PAL) operate several daily flights from Manila to Legazpi.
Cebu Pacific departs from Manila Airport Terminal 3, and PAL departs from Terminal 2. All flights arrive at Bicol International Airport.
The least expensive tickets are from Cebu Pacific. Flights from Philippine Airlines (PAL) emit 36% less CO₂ than other airlines but are also the most expensive.
The flight takes about 1h 10m. Tickets normally cost around 1,480 PHP ($25), but they can get higher when you book near the travel date.
Cebu Pacific offers huge discounts on "piso fare" sales annually. Keep an eye out for these promotions so you can book a cheaper flight for this route!
Step 3: Legazpi to Donsol by Minivan
Minivans bound for Donsol are parked at Legazpi’s Grand Central Terminal (GCT) near Ibalong Centrum for Recreation. You can get here via a 30-minute Grab car for around 300 PHP ($4.90). Alternatively, you can get a tricycle outside the arrival hall for about 200 PHP ($3.30), good for 4 persons.
At Legazpi GCT, minivans don’t have specific schedules, they leave once they’re full. Expect to pay 170 PHP ($2.80) for the 1.5-hour van ride.
Another option is to take a jeepney going to Donsol. This is cheaper at 70 PHP ($1.10), although not as comfortable as the van.
Note that the last trip for both minivans and jeepneys departs at 17:00. Check out our guide for Legazpi to Donsol for more details.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Manila to Donsol by Indirect Bus via Legazpi
If you don't mind travelling by land for 11h 30m - 14h 30m, you can take an indirect bus from Manila to Donsol. This is a good option when flights are too expensive.
It's quite a long journey, but there's the advantage of saving a night on accommodation. You can also choose from several bus types — some with lazyboy seats or sleeper beds — allowing for a comfortable bus journey from Manila to Legazpi. From there, you can take either a jeepney or a minivan to Donsol.
Combined fares start from 1,380 PHP ($23).
Looking for a direct bus from Manila to Donsol? Philtranco Lines used to offer one trip daily from Manila to Donsol. But the last time we checked (June 2025), this was no longer available.
Step 1: Manila to Legazpi by Bus
There are different types of buses operating from Manila to Legazpi. The standard tourist is the cheapest at 1,310 PHP ($22), but we don’t recommend them because they provide basic reclining seats that can be a bit cramped for such a long journey.
For extra comfort, DLTBCo’s VIP bus has lazyboy seats. Bicol Isarog also offers a sleeper bus — perfect for a more relaxed overnight trip.
Departure stations
Some bus companies have more than one terminal. It’s best to choose the terminal closest to where you’re staying.
Main departure stations in Metro Manila:
Other departure stations:
- Pasig – Only 5 km from Makati, this is ideal if you're coming from Ortigas or the eastern side of Metro Manila.
- Pasay – About 6 km from Makati, it’s super convenient if you’re near the airport, Makati, or BGC.
- Ermita – Around 9 km from Makati, this spot works well if you're staying in the Manila City Centre.
- Alabang – A solid pick if you’re based in southern Metro Manila.
Makati is the go-to spot for most travellers staying in Metro Manila, and you can easily reach the bus stations by Grab or taxi with rates from 250 PHP ($4.10).
Ready to book your bus?
Which bus to take from Manila to Legazpi?
All of the abovementioned companies – DLTB, Penafrancia Tours, and Isarog Line – are well-known operators for the Legazpi to Manila route. So it doesn’t really matter which company you travel with. It will be more important to pick the right bus type.
- Standard – Cheapest option with basic reclining seats. Not the comfiest for long trips.
- Skybus – Spacious buses with an onboard toilet. A good step up in comfort.
- Seater 41 – Air-conditioned, with toilet and standard reclining seats. Decent value for longer rides.
- VIP or Lazyboy – Plush reclining seats with footrests. Great for a more relaxed ride.
- Elite – Offers lazyboy seats, even more spacious and luxurious. Extra comfort if you're happy to pay a bit more.
- Sleeper – Fully flat bunk beds with mattresses and curtains. Ideal for overnight journeys.
Step 2: Legazpi to Donsol by Minivan
Minivans heading to Donsol are stationed at Legazpi GCT. They depart as soon as they fill up. Expect to pay around 170 PHP ($2.80) for a van ride that takes 1h 30m.
Another option is to take a jeepney to Donsol for 70 PHP ($1.10). Keep in mind that the last trip for both minivans and jeepneys is at 17:00.
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Manila to Donsol. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance from Manila to Donsol is 510 km.
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.
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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.
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