How to get from Manila to Donsol

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.

There are 2 ways to travel the 510 kilometres (317 miles) from Manila to Donsol. You can choose between the indirect bus via Legazpi and flight. The journey takes 3 hours 40 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 1,300 PHP ($22.50).

The fastest option when travelling from Manila to Donsol is to book a flight to Legazpi. From there, you can take a minivan to Donsol.

TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.

The easiest way to get to Manila Airport from anywhere in Metro Manila is by Grab car. Rates start from 230 PHP ($4) to Terminal 3 and 370 PHP ($6.50) 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 ($20.50) 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 ($2.60) – from Pasay, Parañaque and Robinsons Manila
  • 200 PHP ($3.50) – from Araneta City and Alabang

Check out our guide for Manila Airport for more details.

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 ($26), but they can get higher when you book near the travel date.

PRO TIP: 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!

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 ($5.30). Alternatively, you can get a tricycle outside the arrival hall for about 200 PHP ($3.50), good for 4 persons.

At Legazpi GCT, minivans don’t have specific schedules, they leave once they’re full. Expect to pay 170 PHP ($3) for the 1.5-hour van ride.

Another option is to take a jeepney going to Donsol. This is cheaper at 70 PHP ($1.20), 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.

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 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 1,300 PHP ($22.50).

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.

There are different types of buses operating from Manila to Legazpi. The standard tourist is the cheapest at 1,230 PHP ($21.50), 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:

• Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX)
• Cubao

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 ($4.40).

Minivans heading to Donsol are stationed at Legazpi GCT. They depart as soon as they fill up. Expect to pay around 170 PHP ($3) for a van ride that takes 1h 30m.

Another option is to take a jeepney to Donsol for 70 PHP ($1.20). Keep in mind that the last trip for both minivans and jeepneys is at 17:00.