How to get from Siargao 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 5 ways to travel from Siargao to Manila?
There are 5 ways to travel the 762 kilometre (473 miles) distance from Siargao to Manila. You can choose between the flight, ferry, indirect flight via Cebu, indirect flight via Butuan and direct flight to Clark. The journey takes 2 hours 45 minutes to 2 days and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by indirect flight via Butuan with tickets starting at 2,250 PHP ($38).
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.
Siargao to Manila by Flight
If you want to travel directly from Siargao to Manila, then flying is the best choice.
Philippine Airlines is the only carrier offering direct flights on this route.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: General Luna to Siargao Airport
Flights depart from Siargao Airport, also known as Sayak Airport. This small airport is on the west side of Siargao Island.
If you’re staying in General Luna, you can take a van to the airport, which would take around 45 minutes. A seat costs 300 PHP ($5.10).
Step 2: Siargao to Manila
The flight from Siargao to Manila takes about 2 hours.
Fares can get pretty expensive, though, with prices starting from 8,300 PHP ($140).
When searching for flights on Skyscanner, you will see both direct flights and those with a stop in Cebu. Make sure to check the details so you know whether you are booking a non-stop or connecting flight.
Manila Airport to Manila City
The easiest way to get from Manila Airport to anywhere in Metro Manila is by Grab car. Rates start from 230 PHP ($3.90) from Terminal 3 and 370 PHP ($6.30) 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 ($19.70) 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:
- 150 PHP ($2.50) – to Pasay, Parañaque and Robinsons Manila
- 200 PHP ($3.40) – to Araneta City and Alabang
Check out our guide for Manila Airport for more details.
Siargao to Manila by Indirect Flight via Cebu
If direct flights are sold out or you’re looking for a cheaper option, consider flying from Siargao to Manila with a layover in Cebu.
Both PAL and Cebu Pacific offer indirect flights from Siargao to Manila with a stop at Cebu Airport.
Fares for these connecting flights usually start from around 3,400 PHP ($57).
Layover in Cebu
The first leg from Siargao to Cebu takes about 1 hour.
Layovers in Cebu can range from 1.5 to 5 hours, depending on the flight. Make sure to book one with enough time to check in and catch your next flight without stress.
The second leg from Cebu to Manila takes around 1.5 hours.
Siargao to Manila by Indirect Flight via Butuan
An adventurous and budget-friendly way to travel from Siargao to Manila is by flying out of Butuan City instead of Siargao. For this option, the total travel time is around 6 hours 45 minutes to 7 hours 15 minutes.
Here’s how the full journey looks:
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- Ferry from Siargao to Surigao (1 hour 30 minutes)
- Tricycle to Surigao Bus Terminal (15 minutes)
- Bus to Butuan Terminal (3 hours)
- Multicab to Butuan Airport (20 minutes)
- Flight to Manila (1 hour 40 minutes)
We explain every step for this route below.
Step 1: Siargao to Surigao by Ferry
There are multiple ferry trips available from Siargao to Surigao City daily. These ferries carry both passengers and cargo.
The departure port is at Dapa Ferry Terminal on the southeastern part of the island. You can get there via a 40-minute tricycle ride from General Luna. The tricycle ride costs 300 PHP ($5.10), and it can fit up to 3 people with luggage.
For this route, we recommend taking the fast craft ferries operated by Evaristo & Sons Sea Transport. They’re the fastest option and have frequent departures, giving you more flexibility with your schedule.
You can book tickets for most ferry companies through BookAway. But if you want to travel with JP Shipping Lines, you’ll need to call the numbers posted on their Facebook page.
Step 2: Macapagal Port to Surigao Terminal by Tricycle
The ferries from Siargao dock at Macapagal Port in Surigao City.
Outside the port, you can find tricycles and multicabs heading to Surigao Bus and Jeepney Terminal. A multicab would cost 15 PHP ($0.30), while a tricycle ride would cost around 20 PHP ($0.30). We recommend taking a tricycle if you have a lot of luggage and if you want a direct ride to the terminal.
The terminal is 5 km away from the port and the ride would take around 15 minutes.
Step 3: Surigao Terminal to Butuan Terminal by Bus
At Surigao Bus and Jeepney Terminal, you can take either a van or a bus to Butuan City.
We recommend taking a bus for this route, because buses leave every 30 minutes to 1 hour. A van, on the other hand, would wait until it is full of passengers before departing the terminal.
Bachelor Express buses run hourly from Surigao to Butuan. A ticket on an air-conditioned bus costs 300 PHP ($5.10), and the ride takes around 3 hours.
The bus drops passengers off at Butuan City Integrated Bus Terminal.
Step 4: Butuan Terminal to Butuan Airport by Multicab
From Butuan Terminal, Butuan Airport is about 9 km away.
Outside the terminal, you can ride a multicab going to Butuan Airport. In this area, multicabs work like jeepneys, which picks up and drops off passengers along their route in the city.
This ride costs around 30 PHP ($0.50) and takes 20 minutes to the airport.
Step 5: Butuan to Manila by Flight
For the last leg of the trip, you have to take a flight from Butuan to Manila.
Both Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific operate this route. The flight takes around 1h 40m, depending on the airline.
Flights from Butuan to Manila are generally cheaper than direct flights to Siargao and indirect flights via Cebu. You can find tickets that cost around 1,500 PHP ($25.50).
For the cheapest flights, check out Skyscanner.
Siargao to Manila by Direct Flight to Clark
Another way to reach Manila is by flying from Siargao to Clark International Airport in Pampanga, around 111 km north of Manila Airport.
From Clark, you can hop on a bus to Manila.
Here is a step-by-step guide.
Step 1: General Luna to Siargao Airport by Van
From General Luna, it takes about 45 minutes to reach Siargao Airport.
The easiest way to get there is by van transfer. Fares start from 300 PHP ($5.10).
Step 2: Siargao to Clark by Flight
You’ll find direct flights from Siargao to Clark with PAL, Cebu Pacific, and CebGo.
This route usually offers more flight options than going straight to Manila, and fares tend to be cheaper, starting from 3,160 PHP ($53).
Sunlight Air also flies this route a few times a week, depending on the season, so it’s worth checking their schedule too.
Step 3: Clark Airport to Manila by Bus
From Clark Airport, you can hop on a Genesis Point-to-Point (P2P) bus to reach Metro Manila.
Buses leave daily from the Clark International Airport Bus Terminal, with a short stop at SM City Clark before heading to Manila. The journey takes around 2h - 2h 30m hours, depending on traffic.
Genesis runs direct routes to two key locations in Manila:
- NAIA Bus Stop at Terminals 1, 2, and 3 (Pasay) – 450 PHP ($7.60)
- Trinoma Mall (Quezon City) – 310 PHP ($5.20)
From these stops, you can take Grab to get to your destination in Manila.
Siargao to Manila by Ferry
Travelling by ferry from Siargao to Manila takes more than a day and includes several transfers, so it’s really the long way around.
You’ll need to follow these 3 steps:
- Ferry from Siargao to Surigao (1 hour 30 minutes)
- Ferry from Surigao to Cebu (8 hours 30 minutes)
- Ferry from Cebu to Manila (22 hours)
You must plan each trip accordingly so that you won’t miss a connection. Ferry schedules don’t always line up perfectly. Still interested in taking a ferry from from Siargao to Manila? Read on for a step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Siargao to Surigao by Ferry
The first leg of this route is a ferry from Siargao to Surigao.
At least five ferry companies operate on this route: Vince Gabriel Liner, Romans Road Shipping Lines, Siargao Adventures, JP Shipping Lines and Evaristo & Sons Sea Transport Corp.
For a quicker trip, we recommend taking a fast craft with Evaristo & Sons Sea. They offer multiple departures daily, so you’ll also have more flexibility when choosing a time that works for you.
The ferry from Siargao to Surigao takes around 1h 30m - 2h, and ticket prices start at 400 PHP ($6.80).
To book in advance with JP Shipping Lines, you’ll need to call the numbers listed on their Facebook page. For the other ferry companies on this route, you can easily book your tickets online through BookAway.
Dapa Ferry Terminal
Ferries from Siargao to Surigao City depart from Dapa Ferry Terminal, in the southeastern part of the island.
This ferry terminal is a 40-minute tricycle ride from General Luna. The tricycle ride costs 300 PHP ($5.10), and it can fit up to 3 people with luggage.
Step 2: Surigao to Cebu by Ferry
Ferries from Siargao dock at Eva Macapagal Passenger Terminal in Surigao City. This is also the port where you will take the second ferry for this trip.
You can choose from three ferry operators that take trips from Surigao to Cebu.
See the schedule below:
Ferries from Surigao arrive at either Cebu Pier 1 or the nearby Cebu Pier 3, depending on the ferry company.
Starlite and OceanJet tickets can be booked in advance through BookAway. But if you are travelling with Cokaliong Shipping Lines, you’ll need to buy your ticket at their office just outside Surigao Port.
Step 3: Cebu to Manila by Ferry
The final leg of your Siargao to Manila trip is a ferry ride with 2Go Travel.
There are five sailings each week:
- Tuesday at 11:59 and 23:59
- Wednesday at 10:00
- Friday at 16:00 and 23:59
The ferry departs from Cebu Pier 1 and docks at North Harbour Pier 4 in Manila.
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You can book your ticket directly on the 2Go Travel website, but the site can be a bit slow. For a smoother experience, we recommend buying your tickets through BookAway.
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 Siargao 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 Siargao to Manila
What is the distance from Siargao to Manila?
The distance from Siargao to Manila is 762 kilometre (473 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Siargao to Manila?
The fastest way to get from Siargao to Manila is by flight and takes 2 hours 45 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Siargao to Manila?
The cheapest way to get from Siargao to Manila is by indirect flight via Butuan with ticket costs starting from 2,250 PHP ($38).
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.
Selene is a writer who loves coffee, travel, and planning. After spending a decade in Manila, she left the city and her career in banking to embrace a more laid-back lifestyle. Now, she is discovering the beauty of slow-paced travel and finding joy in meaningful experiences.
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.
