What to expect when visiting 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.
2 ways to get from Donsol to Legazpi
There are 2 ways to travel the distance of 60 kilometers (37 miles) from Donsol to Legazpi by van (1 hour 30 minutes) and Jeepney (2 hours). The journey duration ranges between 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours and the quickest way is by van. The lowest priced tickets start from 70 PHP ($1.20) for the jeepney.Where to stay in Legazpi?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Legazpi at the bottom of this page.
Donsol to Legazpi by Jeepney
Compared to vans, jeepneys operate more frequently from Donsol to Legazpi. However, they make more stops and take a little longer to reach Donsol. Some jeepneys also don’t take the direct route and make a short stopover in the town of Pilar.
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.
Taking the jeepney from Donsol to Legazpi definitely provides an “only in the Philippines” travel experience.
A jeepney ride costs 70 PHP ($1.20) per person. The trip takes roughly 2 hours, depending on the driver as well as the traffic when entering Legazpi City.
Departure and arrival station
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.
Donsol 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 airconditioned. Van 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 120 PHP ($2.10) per person.
Departure and arrival station
Vans depart from Donsol Centralized Shuttle Station, located 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.
Best 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.
Hotel Sentro Legazpi - Mid Range
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 per night
Balai Tinay Guesthouse - Budget Friendly
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 per night
Frequently Asked Questions about Donsol to Legazpi
What is the distance from Donsol to Legazpi?
The distance from Donsol to Legazpi is 60 kilometers (37 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Donsol to Legazpi?
The fastest way to get from Donsol to Legazpi is by van and takes 1 hour 30 minutes.
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 ($1.20).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Donsol to Legazpi. 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!
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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.
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.
Hi! Are there jeepneys travelling from Donsol to Legazpi at night? We’re planning to visit and watch Donsol Firefly tour but I’m worried that there won’t be vans or jeepneys that will take us back to city 8pm onwards. TIA!
Hello Charlene! I asked a local, but they said vans/jeepneys from Donsol to Legazpi only run till about 5pm/6pm. If you are heading from Legazpi to Donsol, they might still go till 8ish or maybe even 9pm. However, there might be another good option. Legazpi apparently has Grab drivers. This likely means that you can also find a cheap taxi drive after 6 if you still need to get to Donsol after 6pm. Would be amazing if you can share your experience once you have travelled this route! Have a great trip!