Donsol to Manila

How to Get From Donsol to Manila

2Options
3h 50mFastest
$25From
AbegailElaFayeWritten by Abegail · Reviewed by Ela, Faye

Flight · Indirect Bus via Legazpi

Donsol is a quiet town on the Bicol coast, famous for its whale sharks. It lies 340 kilometres (211 miles) southeast of Manila, so this is a long haul in either direction. Flying is the quickest way to get from Donsol to Manila, taking 3h 50m - 4h 20m. The bus runs via Legazpi, costs $25 (1,540 PHP) and takes 11h 30m - 14h 30m.

DISTANCE

Distance from Donsol to Manila

Donsol and Manila are about 340 km (211 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 510 km by road. The quickest way to get from Donsol to Manila is by taking the flight, which takes around 3h 50m - 4h 20m.

~340 km
Straight-line distance
~510 km
Route distance
3h 50m
Fastest
COMPARE

2 ways to travel from Donsol to Manila

There are two ways to travel from Donsol to Manila. The journey takes 3h 50m–11h 30m and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $25 (1,540 PHP).

FlightVia LegazpiDuration3h 50m+Pricefrom$332,020 PHP

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

2h$4.40 (270 PHP)

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 $1.20 (70 PHP) for the jeepney ride and $2.80 (170 PHP) 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 $4.90 (300 PHP). Another option is to take a tricycle, with fares starting at $3.30 (200 PHP), good for 4 persons.

For more details, read our guide for travelling from Donsol to Legazpi.

Step 2: Legazpi to Manila by Flight

1h 20m$27 (1,600 PHP)

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 $27 (1,600 PHP), 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.

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

30m - 1h$2.50 (150 PHP)

The easiest way to get from Manila Airport to anywhere in Metro Manila is by Grab car. Rates start from $3.80 (230 PHP) from Terminal 3 and $6.10 (370 PHP) 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 $19 (1,160 PHP) 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:

Check out our guide for Manila Airport for more details.

Manila
Indirect Bus via Legazpi8 departuresDuration11h 30m+Pricefrom$251,540 PHP

Donsol to Manila 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 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 $25 (1,540 PHP).

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

1h 30m$1.20 (70 PHP)

From Donsol, you’ll need to take a van or jeepney to Legazpi. Fares start at $1.20 (70 PHP) for the jeepney and $2.80 (170 PHP) 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

10-13h$24 (1,440 PHP)

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 $24 (1,440 PHP).

All buses depart from Grand Central Terminal in Legazpi city centre.

10h1mDLTBStandardLegazpi Grand Central TerminalParanaque Integrated Terminal18:00$241,440 PHPTickets
10h2mPenafrancia Tours and Travel TransportSkybusLegazpi Grand Central TerminalAurora Cubao BITSI18:00$261,580 PHPTickets
13hPenafrancia Tours and Travel TransportSkybusLegazpi Grand Central TerminalAlabang18:00$261,580 PHPTickets
13hPenafrancia Tours and Travel TransportEconomyLegazpi Grand Central TerminalParanaque Integrated Terminal17:15$261,580 PHPTickets
13hPenafrancia Tours and Travel TransportSkybusLegazpi Grand Central TerminalParanaque Integrated Terminal18:00$261,580 PHPTickets
Show all 14 companies
10h1mDLTBSeater 41Legazpi Grand Central TerminalParanaque Integrated Terminal14:3019:00$271,600 PHPTickets
13hIsarog LineEconomyLegazpi Grand Central TerminalParanaque Integrated Terminal17:30$271,620 PHPTickets
10h1mDLTBVIPLegazpi Grand Central TerminalParanaque Integrated Terminal18:30$311,840 PHPTickets
13hPenafrancia Tours and Travel TransportEliteLegazpi Grand Central TerminalParanaque Integrated Terminal17:15$352,120 PHPTickets
13hIsarog LineEliteLegazpi Grand Central TerminalEDSA Cubao08:0017:0017:30$362,160 PHPTickets
13hIsarog LineEliteLegazpi Grand Central TerminalAlabang08:0017:30$362,160 PHPTickets
13hIsarog LineEliteLegazpi Grand Central TerminalArcovia Pasig08:0017:30$362,160 PHPTickets
13hIsarog LineEliteLegazpi Grand Central TerminalParanaque Integrated Terminal17:00$362,160 PHPTickets
13hIsarog LineSleepingLegazpi Grand Central TerminalParanaque Integrated Terminal17:00$442,700 PHPTickets

Stations

Map of stations
Click to explore

Bus tickets are available on Bookaway.

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:

  • Pasig – Only 5 km from Makati, this is ideal if you're heading to Ortigas or the eastern side of Metro Manila.
  • Alabang – A solid pick if you’re based in southern Metro Manila.
Manila

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STAY

Our favourite 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.

  • 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.
  • Bonifacio Global City (BGC) is a newer development in Manila and is known for its modern architecture, restaurants and shopping centres.
  • 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
Treat Yourself

Somerset Central Salcedo Makati

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 (3,050 PHP) per night

Check availability
Hotel 101 Manila
Mid-Range

Hotel 101 Manila

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 (1,820-3,050 PHP) per night

Check availability
Hop Inn Hotel Makati Avenue
Budget

Hop Inn Hotel Makati Avenue

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 (910-1,820 PHP) per night

Check availability

ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION

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.

Rounding it up

That's the full picture for getting from Donsol to Manila, roughly 340 kilometres (211 miles) apart. In all, there are 2 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $25 (1,540 PHP). The quickest trip takes 3h 50m.

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 Manila?

The distance from Donsol to Manila is 340 kilometres (211 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 3h 50m - 4h 20m.

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

The cheapest way to get from Donsol to Manila is by bus with ticket costs starting from 1,540 PHP.

About the Authors

Abegail
Abegail

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.

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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