Manila to Donsol in 3.5-11.5 hours (2026)

Donsol is a quiet town in Sorsogon, 340 kilometres (211 miles) southeast of Manila. Snorkellers come for the whale sharks that gather offshore. Flying is the quickest option, taking 3h 40m - 4h 10m. If you'd rather go overland, the bus runs via Legazpi at $23 (1,380 PHP) and takes 11h 30m - 14h 30m.

DISTANCE

Distance from Manila to Donsol

Manila and Donsol are about 340 km (211 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 509 km by road. The quickest way to get from Manila to Donsol is by taking the flight, which takes around 3h 40m - 4h 10m.

~340 km

Straight-line distance

~509 km

Route distance

3h 40m

Fastest

Travelling the other way?Donsol to Manila→

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2 ways to travel from Manila to Donsol

There are two ways to travel from Manila to Donsol. The journey takes 3h 40m–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 $23 (1,380 PHP).

TransportDurationPrice

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.

Step 1: Manila City Centre to Manila Airport

30m -1h$2.50 (150 PHP)

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

$2.50 (150 PHP) - from Pasay, Parañaque and Robinsons Manila
$3.30 (200 PHP) - from Araneta City and Alabang

Check out our guide for Manila Airport for more details.

Step 2: Manila to Legazpi by Flight

1h 10m$25 (1,480 PHP)

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 $25 (1,480 PHP), but they can get higher when you book near the travel date.

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!

Check Flights on Skyscanner

Step 3: Legazpi to Donsol by Minivan

2h$4.40 (270 PHP)

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 $4.90 (300 PHP). Alternatively, you can get a tricycle outside the arrival hall for about $3.30 (200 PHP), good for 4 persons.

At Legazpi GCT, minivans don’t have specific schedules, they leave once they’re full. Expect to pay $2.80 (170 PHP) for the 1.5-hour van ride.

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

Donsol

If you don't mind travelling by land for 11h 30m - 14h 30m, 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 $23 (1,380 PHP).

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.

Step 1: Manila to Legazpi by Bus

9h 45m - 13h$22 (1,300 PHP)

There are different types of buses operating from Manila to Legazpi. The standard tourist is the cheapest at $22 (1,300 PHP), 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:

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 $4.10 (250 PHP).

11hAlps the BusStandardCubaoTabaco City Central Terminal19:30$221,300 PHPTickets

11h30mAlps the BusStandardCubaoLegazpi Grand Central Terminal17:0019:30$221,300 PHPTickets

10h1mDLTBStandardParanaque Integrated TerminalLegazpi Grand Central Terminal08:15$241,440 PHPTickets

9h43mPenafrancia Tours and Travel TransportSkybusAlabang TerminalLegazpi Grand Central Terminal20:0021:30$261,580 PHPTickets

13hPenafrancia Tours and Travel TransportSkybusPasay Five StarLegazpi Grand Central Terminal19:30$261,580 PHPTickets

Show all 20 companies

13hPenafrancia Tours and Travel TransportSkybusParanaque Integrated TerminalLegazpi Grand Central Terminal19:00$261,580 PHPTickets

13hPenafrancia Tours and Travel TransportSkybusEDSA CubaoLegazpi Grand Central Terminal20:30$261,580 PHPTickets

10h1mDLTBSeater 41Paranaque Integrated TerminalLegazpi Grand Central Terminal16:0018:30$271,600 PHPTickets

10h2mDLTBSeater 41Aurora CubaoLegazpi Grand Central Terminal16:00$271,600 PHPTickets

9h43mIsarog LineEconomyAlabang TerminalLegazpi Grand Central Terminal22:00$271,620 PHPTickets

13hIsarog LineEconomyPasay Five StarLegazpi Grand Central Terminal21:30$271,620 PHPTickets

13hIsarog LineEconomyParanaque Integrated TerminalLegazpi Grand Central Terminal21:00$271,620 PHPTickets

10h1mDLTBVIPParanaque Integrated TerminalLegazpi Grand Central Terminal20:30$311,840 PHPTickets

9h43mPenafrancia Tours and Travel TransportEliteAlabang TerminalLegazpi Grand Central Terminal21:30$352,120 PHPTickets

13hPenafrancia Tours and Travel TransportEliteParanaque Integrated TerminalLegazpi Grand Central Terminal20:30$352,120 PHPTickets

9h43mIsarog LineEliteAlabang TerminalLegazpi Grand Central Terminal09:3019:0020:1522:00$362,160 PHPTickets

13hIsarog LineEliteArcovia PasigLegazpi Grand Central Terminal08:4519:30$362,160 PHPTickets

13hIsarog LineEliteParanaque Integrated TerminalLegazpi Grand Central Terminal18:00$362,160 PHPTickets

13hIsarog LineEliteEDSA CubaoLegazpi Grand Central Terminal08:0019:0021:00$362,160 PHPTickets

9h43mIsarog LineSleepingAlabang TerminalLegazpi Grand Central Terminal21:45$442,700 PHPTickets

Bus tickets are available on Bookaway.

All buses arrive at Legazpi Grand Central Terminal (GCT), near Ibalong Centrum for Recreation.

Which bus to take from Manila to Legazpi?

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, 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.

Step 2: Legazpi to Donsol by Minivan

1h 30m$1.20 (70 PHP)

Minivans heading to Donsol are stationed at Legazpi GCT. They depart as soon as they fill up. Expect to pay around $2.80 (170 PHP) for a van ride that takes 1h 30m.

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

Legazpi

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ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION

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.

Rounding it up

That's the full picture for getting from Manila to Donsol, roughly 340 kilometres (211 miles) apart. In all, there are 2 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $23 (1,380 PHP). The quickest trip takes 3h 40m.

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 Manila to Donsol?

The distance from Manila to Donsol is 340 kilometres (211 miles).

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

The fastest way to get from Manila to Donsol is by flight and takes 3h 40m - 4h 10m.

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

The cheapest way to get from Manila to Donsol is by bus with ticket costs starting from 1,380 PHP.

About the Authors

Maarten

Founder & Trip Planning Expert

Based in Bali, Maarten's passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you'll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.

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.

FayeReviewer

Travel Writer

A writer and full-time mom who loves planning beach trips. London is her favourite destination.

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How to Get From Manila to Donsol

Distance from Manila to Donsol

2 ways to travel from Manila to Donsol