How to get from Donsol to Manila
There are two ways to travel the 500 km journey from Donsol to Manila. You can either take a flight for 3 hours (including transfers) or hop on a bus for 15.5 hours. Fares range from 1,270 PHP ($22.00) to 1,320 PHP ($23.00).
COVID-19 Travel Advisory: As of May 2023, Manila is open to all tourists — both foreign and local, whether you’re vaccinated or not. For the latest info, you can visit the Manila Tourism Office’s Facebook page.
Are you taking a flight to the Philippines? International travellers must register on the eTravel website within 72 hours before arrival in the country.
Fully-vaccinated tourists aged 15 and older can enter the Philippines without COVID testing. If you’re not fully vaccinated, you will need to submit a negative laboratory-based antigen test. Unvaccinated children aged 14 and under will need to be tested if they are travelling with unvaccinated adults or on their own.
2 ways to get from Donsol to Manila
The flight is the fastest option to get from Donsol to Manila. Note that the nearest airport is in Legazpi, so you will first need to take a 1.5-hour van or jeepney ride to the airport. Total travel time is about 3 hours and rates start at 1,270 PHP ($22.00).
With the bus, you can choose to travel direct or make a transfer in Legazpi, but either way, it takes about 15.5 hours. The advantage of taking an indirect route is that there are more bus choices and departures from Legazpi to Manila.
Bus fares from Donsol to Manila start at 1,015 PHP ($17.50) for the direct route and 1,320 PHP ($23.00) for the indirect.
Donsol to Manila by Flight
In order to travel from Donsol to Manila by plane, you’ll need to travel by land to Legazpi first. Plan your transfers well so that you don’t miss your flight to Manila.
Step 1: Donsol to Legazpi by Jeepney or Minivan
Take a jeepney or van from Donsol’s bus station to Legazpi. There are no designated departure times, both jeepneys and vans leave when they are full. Expect to pay 70 PHP ($1.20) for the jeepney ride and 120 PHP ($2.10) for the van ride.
You will be dropped off at Grand Central Terminal in Legazpi city centre. From there, you can get to the airport via a tricycle or a taxi, with fares starting at 50 PHP ($0.80).
For more details, read how to go from Donsol to Legazpi.
Step 2: Legazpi to Manila by Flight
Cebu Pacific, CebGo, 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 range from 1,100 PHP ($19.00) to 2,300 PHP ($40.50). Flight time is 1hr 20m.
Read our article on how to go from Legazpi to Manila for more details.
Tip: Cebu Pacific offers many promotions annually. Keep an eye out for these promotions so you can book a cheaper flight for this route!
Donsol to Manila by Bus
*COVID-19 UPDATE: The last time we checked (June 2022), the direct buses between Donsol and Manila have stopped operating. The only way to travel overland by bus from Donsol to Manila is via Legazpi.
Pre-pandemic, Philtranco Lines used to offer one daily trip from Donsol to Manila. The bus used to depart at 17:00 from Donsol Bus Terminal.
A ticket costs 1,015 PHP ($17.50) per person for a one-way trip. You can buy your ticket at the bus station.
The direct bus journey from Donsol to Manila takes 14 hours and the bus parks at Philtranco Bus Terminal in Pasay City.
An alternative route is to take a bus via Legazpi, which we explain below:
Indirect Route: Donsol to Manila by Bus via Legazpi
Instead of the direct bus, you can also take an indirect bus route from Donsol to Manila via Legazpi.
This way, you’ll have more bus choices and you can also book a lazyboy bus from Legazpi to Manila. Especially for such a long journey, this can be a very welcome luxury!
Step 1: Donsol to Legazpi by Minivan
First, you’ll have to take a van or a jeepney from Donsol to Legazpi. Fares start from 120 PHP ($2.10) for the 1.5-hour journey.
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.
Read how to go from Donsol to Legazpi for more details.
Step 2: Legazpi to Manila by Bus
There are at least 6 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 1,200 PHP ($21.00).
Departure and arrival station
All buses depart from Grand Central Terminal in Legazpi city centre, but they have several arrival points in Metro Manila.
Penafrancia Tours and Bicol Isarog park at Parañaque Integrated Terminal, located 9 km southwest of Makati.
DLTB Co., on the other hand, makes a short stopover in Pasay City before making a final stop at its terminal in Aurora, Cubao.
Bus Schedule from Legazpi to Manila
Which bus to take from Legazpi to Manila?
All of the abovementioned companies – DLTB, Penafrancia Tours, and Bicol Isarog – 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.
There are 3 types of buses available for this route.
- Standard tourist: cheapest at 1,200 PHP ($21.00), but provides only regular seats that can be uncomfortable for the long journey.
- New normal: almost like a regular tourist bus, but with 2 aisles for social distancing. A ticket also costs 1,200 PHP ($21.00).
- Skybus: more spacious buses with toilet onboard. Rates start from 1,400 PHP ($24.50).
- Lazyboy: buses with reclining seats that make the journey more bearable. Fares are from 1,450 PHP ($25.50).
- Elite: also offers lazyboy seats, but even more spacious and luxurious. A seat costs 1,760 PHP ($31.00).
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.
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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
Routes from Manila
Most popular routes in Philippines
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.
