Getting There in Bicol Region
Part of the Bicol Region travel guide — see every topic in All Bicol Region Guides.
Bicol is the south-eastern tip of Luzon. The main gateway is Bicol International Airport (DRP) in Daraga, Albay, about 15 km from Legazpi City, with Mayon Volcano rising behind it.
Flights
Bicol International Airport opened in October 2021 and replaced the old Legazpi airport. Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines fly from Manila in about 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes, with one-way fares often about ₱1,500–6,000, and some flights come from other Philippine cities. Morning flights have the best chance of a clear view of Mayon.
From the airport
Shared vans run to Legazpi (the SM City Legazpi area) for about ₱150–220 and to Daraga for about ₱120; they leave when full and take 20–40 minutes. A taxi or private car costs about ₱400–800, and many hotels arrange pick-ups.
By bus from Manila
Overnight buses run from Manila (Cubao, Pasay and PITX) to Legazpi in about 10–14 hours, depending on traffic. Air-conditioned and sleeper buses cost about ₱1,000–2,000; operators include DLTB and Isarog. Book ahead before holidays. It is a long ride, but cheap, and you arrive early in the morning.
Onward trips
From Legazpi, vans run to Donsol in about 1–1.5 hours for the whale shark season, about December to May. Sorsogon City is about 1.5 hours south. For the Caramoan islands, go to Naga, then by van to Sabang port and by boat, about 2 hours. Tricycles and jeepneys cover short trips around Legazpi and Daraga.
Getting There at a glance
| Airport | Bicol International (DRP), Daraga; opened October 2021 |
|---|---|
| Flight from Manila | About 1 h–1 h 20 min; about ₱1,500–6,000 |
| Airport → Legazpi | About 15 km; shared van ₱150–220; 20–40 min |
| Taxi | About ₱400–800 |
| Bus from Manila | 10–14 h overnight; about ₱1,000–2,000 |
| Donsol | Van 1–1.5 h; whale sharks about December–May |