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Davao transport guide: airport, Ecoland terminal and Samal ferry
Most people arrive in Davao by air: Francisco Bangoy International Airport has nonstop flights from Manila and Cebu many times a day, from a dozen other Philippine cities, and from Singapore and Doha. Provincial buses all leave from the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal at Ecoland. For Samal Island, the barge from Sasa wharf crosses in 10 to 15 minutes.
Davao transport essentials
| Island group | Mindanao |
|---|---|
| Airport | Francisco Bangoy International Airport (DVO) |
| Usual way in | Mostly by air |
| Terminals and ports | Ecoland overland terminal |
Flights to Davao from Manila, Cebu and abroad
From Manila and Cebu, Davao is one of the best-connected airports in the country: Manila alone had around 550 nonstop flights a month in September 2026, and Cebu around 250.
From the islands, there are nonstop flights from Siargao (Cebgo), Bohol-Panglao (Cebgo and Philippine Airlines), Puerto Princesa and Caticlan (Cebu Pacific), which makes Davao a realistic link between beach islands rather than only a destination.
From abroad, Scoot flies from Singapore and Qatar Airways from Doha.
Davao Francisco Bangoy airport routes
Francisco Bangoy International Airport (Davao) (DVO)
In September 2026 Davao's airport had nonstop flights to Manila (Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines, around 550 a month) and Cebu (Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines, around 250 a month), and to Tagbilaran, Iloilo, Zamboanga, Clark, Bacolod, Tacloban, Cagayan de Oro, Puerto Princesa, Siargao and Caticlan.
Internationally, Scoot flies to Singapore and Qatar Airways to Doha, and Cebu Pacific brings back two routes in late October 2026: Hong Kong from 25 October, four times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, leaving Davao at 08:20, and Bangkok Don Mueang from 26 October, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 17:00. The Bangkok flight back lands in Davao at 02:50, so plan the ride from the airport before you book it.
To the city centre, taxis and Grab take about 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic.
Davao Ecoland bus terminal and the Samal Island barge
By bus. Every long-distance bus uses the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal at Ecoland, a facility built in the late 1980s. The city plans three terminals on its edges instead, taking different provinces: Bunawan for arrivals from Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro, Toril for General Santos, Cotabato and Digos, and Calinan for Cagayan de Oro. The first phase is aimed at late 2027, the target has already moved once, and land acquisition is the reason. Until one opens, Ecoland is the terminal.
To Samal Island. The barge from Sasa wharf crosses to Kinawitnon wharf in Babak in 10 to 15 minutes, runs day and night, and costs about ₱20 a person according to 2026 visitor guides. Several Samal resorts run their own boats directly from Davao City.
Davao bus terminals
Davao City Overland Transport Terminal
Davao's provincial bus terminal, at Ecoland, and the single point every long-distance bus in and out of the city uses. Built in the late 1980s for far fewer buses than it now handles. It is due to be replaced by three terminals outside the centre, which has not happened yet.
Questions about Davao airport, buses and Samal
Does Davao airport have international flights?
Yes. In September 2026 Scoot flew to Singapore and Qatar Airways to Doha, and Cebu Pacific resumes Hong Kong on 25 October 2026, four times a week, and Bangkok Don Mueang on 26 October, three times a week.
Can I fly from Siargao to Davao?
Yes. Cebgo flies nonstop between Siargao's Sayak airport and Davao.
How do I get from Davao airport to the city?
By taxi or Grab, about 20 to 30 minutes to the centre depending on traffic.
Where do provincial buses leave from in Davao?
From the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal at Ecoland. New terminals are planned at Bunawan, Toril and Calinan, but none had opened by September 2026.
How do I get to Samal Island from Davao?
Take the barge from Sasa wharf to Kinawitnon wharf in Babak, 10 to 15 minutes, about ₱20 a person in 2026. It runs around the clock. Some resorts also run direct boats from the city.
Is Davao a good base for Mindanao?
For the south of the island, it has the flights and the bus terminal: nonstop flights to twelve Philippine cities and provincial buses from one terminal, Ecoland.