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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's airport and the Ecoland bus terminal
| 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.
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 ₱20 to ₱25 a person according to 2026 rate lists. Several Samal resorts run their own boats directly from Davao City.
Davao bus terminals
Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT)
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.
Davao's Philippine eagles, Mount Apo and Samal Island
- Philippine Eagle Center, at Malagos in the city's Baguio District: the national bird up close, run by the non-profit Philippine Eagle Foundation, at work since 1987.
- People's Park, 4 hectares in the city centre, free to enter, with a dome shaped like a durian.
- Mount Apo, 2,954 m, the highest mountain in the Philippines. Climbs need a permit arranged in advance, registration and a guide. The best conditions are December to May; the trails close every year from June to August for rehabilitation, and sometimes at other times too.
- Samal Island, across the strait by the ferry above: white-sand beach resorts, snorkelling and diving around Talikud Island, the Monfort Bat Sanctuary, Hagimit Falls and the Vanishing Island sandbar.
- Kadayawan, the city's festival, is every August, usually around the third week. The 2027 dates are not announced yet.
Questions about Davao airport, buses and Samal
Does Davao airport have international flights?
Yes. Scoot flies to Singapore and Qatar Airways to Doha.
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, ₱20 to ₱25 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.
Davao airport and terminal sources
