How to get from Donsol to Manila
Why visit Manila?
Manila is the capital of the Philippines — an old city often disregarded by travellers who use it only as a gateway to the country’s more visually appealing islands. But if you have an extra day in your itinerary, we think Manila’s colourful history is a great way to kick off your trip.
Explore the walled city of Intramuros, Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church — all of which were first built in the late 1500s. Art and anthropology also attract many locals to Manila. You will find here the National Museum, a complex of three museum buildings that tell the story of the Filipinos.
What are the 2 ways to travel from Donsol to Manila?
There are 2 ways to travel the 500 kilometre (311 miles) distance from Donsol to Manila. You can choose between the indirect bus via Legazpi and flight. The journey takes 3 hours 50 minutes to 14 hours 30 minutes and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by indirect bus via Legazpi with tickets starting at 1,510 PHP ($25).
Where to stay in Manila?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Manila at the bottom of this page.
Donsol to Manila by Flight
Flying is the fastest way to get from Donsol to Manila. There are no direct flights, though. You’ll need to travel by land to Legazpi first. Plan your transfers well so that you don’t miss your flight to Manila.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: Donsol to Legazpi by Jeepney or Minivan
At Donsol Bus Station, take a jeepney or van to Legazpi. There are no designated departure times — jeepneys and vans leave when they are full. Expect to pay 70 PHP ($1.20) for the jeepney ride and 170 PHP ($2.80) for the van ride.
You will be dropped off at Grand Central Terminal in Legazpi city centre after about 1.5 hours. From there, you can get to Bicol International Airport via a 30-minute Grab car ride for around 300 PHP ($5). Another option is to take a tricycle, with fares starting at 200 PHP ($3.30), good for 4 persons.
For more details, read our guide for travelling from Donsol to Legazpi.
Step 2: Legazpi to Manila by Flight
Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines offer several flights from Bicol International Airport to Manila daily. These arrive at either Terminal 2 or 3 of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), depending on which airline you book with.
Airfares start at 1,600 PHP ($26.50), and tend to go higher the closer you get to your travel date. Flight time is 1h 20m.
Read our article on how to go from Legazpi to Manila for more details.
PRO TIP: Cebu Pacific offers “piso fare” sales annually. Keep an eye out for these promotions so you can book a cheaper flight for this route!
Step 3: Manila Airport to the City Centre
The easiest way to get from Manila Airport to anywhere in Metro Manila is by Grab car. Rates start from 230 PHP ($3.80) from Terminal 3 and 370 PHP ($6.20) from Terminal 2, depending on where you’re heading in the city. Taxis are also available at the airport, just make sure you travel with an accredited taxi!
If you want to pre-book your transfer, Klook offers private rides with prices from 1,170 PHP ($19.40) for a 4-seater.
Alternatively, UBE Express operates point-to-point buses from several destinations across Metro Manila to Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Here are the ticket prices:
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- 150 PHP ($2.50) – to Pasay, Parañaque and Robinsons Manila
- 200 PHP ($3.30) – to Araneta City and Alabang
Check out our guide for Manila Airport for more details.
Donsol to Manila by Indirect Bus via Legazpi
If you don’t mind travelling by land for 11 hours 30 minutes to 14 hours 30 minutes, you can take an indirect bus from Donsol to Manila. This is a good option when flights are too expensive.
First, catch a jeepney or minivan from Donsol to Legazpi. From there, you’ve got plenty of bus options heading to Manila. There are several bus types available — some with lazyboy seats or sleeper beds.
Combined travel costs start at 1,510 PHP ($25).
Philtranco Lines used to offer direct bus trips from Donsol to Manila. But the last time we checked (June 2025), this was no longer available.
Step 1: Donsol to Legazpi by Minivan
From Donsol, you’ll need to take a van or jeepney to Legazpi. Fares start at 70 PHP ($1.20) for the jeepney and 170 PHP ($2.80) for the van. The ride takes around 1h 30m.
You are to get off at Legazpi Grand Terminal in the city centre. From here, you can easily transfer to your bus bound for Manila.
Our guide for Donsol to Legazpi can give you more details.
Step 2: Legazpi to Manila by Bus
There are several bus trips operating daily from Legazpi to Manila, with departures both in the morning and at night. We suggest that you take an overnight bus to save on valuable daytime as well as a night on accommodation.
Bus ticket prices from Legazpi to Manila start from 1,430 PHP ($24).
All buses depart from Grand Central Terminal in Legazpi city centre.
Which bus to take from Legazpi to Manila?
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, but 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.
Bus arrival stations
Buses have various arrival points in Metro Manila. Make sure to pick the closest one to your destination.
Main arrival stations in Metro Manila:
Other arrival stations:
Best places to stay in Manila
Manila is a bustling metropolitan city that can be slightly overwhelming at first. Not just because of the busy streets and towering skyscrapers, but also because of the number of hotels to pick from. There are a lot!
No matter your price range, we’ve found some great places to stay in the best locations so you don’t have to do that research.
Before you start reading about our favourite stays, it’s good to know a bit about the best areas to stay in Manila. That way, you’re picking the best accommodation in the area that’s right for you.
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- Makati is our favourite area to stay in Manila, and where most of our favourite stays are. It’s one of the most upscale areas in Manila and is known for its shopping malls, restaurants, and nightlife.
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- Bonifacio Global City (BGC) is a newer development in Manila and is known for its modern architecture, restaurants and shopping centres.
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- Malate is a lively area known for its bars, nightclubs and restaurants. It’s also close to several tourist attractions, such as Rizal Park and Intramuros.
Somerset Central Salcedo Makati - Treating Yourself
Area: Makati City centre — approx. 10-minute walk to shopping malls and business centre
As soon as you step into Somerset Central, you forget about the hustle and bustle going on outside the doors. Inside the hotel you’re met with luxury, relaxation and a chance to rejuvenate yourself in the gym or outdoor pool.
The grandeur of the hotel continues in the rooms, decorated in a stylish and modern design. The highlight of the room are the beds. They’re huge and super comfortable, guaranteeing you a great night’s sleep.
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Gym
- A la carte restaurant
- Continental breakfast included
Double rooms start from $50 per night
Hotel 101 Manila - Mid Range
Area: Along Mall of Asia complex — approx. 10-minute drive to shopping malls and airport
Hotel 101 Manila has everything you could ask for from a city hotel. It has a refreshing outdoor pool, a delicious on-site restaurant and it’s close to the airport — perfect if you’re flying in or out of Manila.
The rooms are large, comfortable and exceptionally clean. With their incredible hospitality, the staff make you feel like you’re staying in a 5-star hotel.
- Outdoor swimming pool
- On-site restaurant
- Amazing staff
- Great and convenient location
Double rooms cost $30-$50 per night
Hop Inn Hotel Makati Avenue - Budget Friendly
Area: Makati City centre — approx. 5-minute drive to nearest shopping mall
Only passing through Manila? Hop Inn Hotel is perfect for those spending just a few nights in the busy city. It’s clean, modern and has all of the basic amenities that you could possibly need.
Modern minimalism would be a good way to describe this place. Plus you won’t be spending too much time in your room as you’re located in Makati, one of the best neighbourhoods in Manila.
- Clean and modern rooms
- Great location
- Air conditioning
- Helpful staff
Double rooms cost $15-$30 per night
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Donsol to Manila. 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 about Donsol to Manila
What is the distance from Donsol to Manila?
The distance from Donsol to Manila is 500 kilometre (311 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Donsol to Manila?
The fastest way to get from Donsol to Manila is by flight and takes 3 hours 50 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Donsol to Manila?
The cheapest way to get from Donsol to Manila is by indirect bus via Legazpi with ticket costs starting from 1,510 PHP ($25).
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.
Faye is a writer and full-time mom. She loves planning trips to the beach, tasting new cuisines and discovering gems in the Philippines. But if she had to choose, London is her favourite place in the world and she can't wait to travel there again with her hubby and baby!
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.
