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Air Transport

Air Transport

Philippines

Major Airport Information

Serving Davao

Francisco Bangoy International Airport (DVO), also known as Davao International Airport, is Mindanao's busiest airport. It serves as the main gateway to Davao City and the wider Davao Region.

Airlines and Routes

  • Domestic Airlines: Philippine Airlines (PAL), Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia Philippines offer frequent flights to Davao. These airlines connect DVO with major Philippine cities like Manila (MNL) and Cebu (CEB).
  • International Airlines: Direct international flights to DVO are limited. Singapore Airlines (Scoot) offers direct flights to and from Singapore (SIN). This route serves as a convenient connection for many international travelers.
  • Connecting Flights: Most international travelers reach Davao through connections. Common routes involve flying to major Asian hubs, then taking a connecting flight to Manila (MNL) or Cebu (CEB), and finally a domestic flight to DVO.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

Francisco Bangoy International Airport (DVO) has one main passenger terminal. Services at the airport include ATMs for cash withdrawals, money exchange counters, and duty-free shops. You will find a few restaurants and cafes for dining. Car rental counters are available, and SIM card vendors sell local mobile plans. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and airport lounges offer comfort for eligible passengers.

Transfer Options

  • Taxis: White and yellow taxis wait outside the arrival area. White taxis operate on a meter. Yellow taxis are airport-accredited, slightly more expensive, but generally offer safer and fixed-rate options to certain zones. Expect to pay ₱200-₱400 for a ride to downtown Davao.
  • Grab: The Grab ride-hailing app is widely used and a convenient, transparent option. Book your ride via the app upon arrival. You see the fare upfront, which helps with budgeting.
  • Airport Buses (Davao Metro Shuttle): These air-conditioned buses offer a cheaper alternative to taxis. They run routes to major points. Fares typically range from ₱50-₱100.

Flight Price Periods

Flights are generally more expensive and fill up quickly during Philippine holidays like Christmas and New Year. The summer months (April-May) and the Kadayawan Festival (August) also see increased demand. Book well in advance for these periods.

Off-Peak Savings

June-July and September-October usually offer lower fares and better availability.

Hotel Shuttles

Many major hotels in Davao offer airport transfer services. Arrange these in advance through your hotel. This makes for a hassle-free arrival, especially if you have a lot of luggage.

Direct Flight Options from Global Hubs

Main Direct Route

  • The main direct international flight from DVO is to Singapore (SIN).
  • For most other global hubs in North America, Europe, or Australia, travelers will need to connect.
  • Consider major Asian gateways like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, or Seoul for your initial international leg.
  • Afterward, book a connecting flight to Manila or Cebu, which offer frequent services to Davao.

Flight Booking Resources

  • Discover flight deals with Dollar Flight Club.
  • Compare prices across airlines using Skyscanner.
  • For flight compensation, consider AirHelp if your flight is delayed or canceled.
  • Stay connected with an eSIM from Airalo upon arrival.

Departure Information

Exit Fees/Taxes

As of late 2023 and early 2024, the Passenger Service Charge (terminal fee) for flights departing from Philippine airports is generally included in the airfare. You typically do not need to make a separate cash payment at Francisco Bangoy International Airport (DVO) upon departure.

Departure Procedures & Timing

Domestic Flights: Arrive at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure. International Flights: Arrive at least 3 hours before your scheduled departure. This accounts for check-in, security, and immigration procedures. Online check-in is recommended.

Airport Facilities

Francisco Bangoy International Airport (DVO) offers limited dining options, souvenir shops, and comfortable waiting areas. Lounges are available for eligible passengers, offering more amenities and a quieter environment.

Land Travel

Inter-City Bus Travel

While Davao is mainly accessed by air for long distances, land transportation connects it to other parts of Mindanao.

Bus Terminals and Routes

  • Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) serves as the main bus terminal for inter-city and inter-province travel. It is located on Ecoland Drive.
  • Destinations: Buses from DCOTT connect Davao to various cities across Mindanao. Popular routes include General Santos, Cotabato, Cagayan de Oro, Butuan, and Surigao.
  • Companies: Major bus companies operating from DCOTT include Bachelor Express, Rural Transit, Metro Shuttle, Yellow Bus Line, and Mindanao Star.

Self-Driving in Davao

To drive in the Philippines, you need a valid driver's license from your home country. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended and often required in conjunction with your domestic license.

Considerations

  • Rental Companies: Major international rental companies like Avis and Hertz have a limited presence in Davao. Local agencies are more common.
  • Insurance: Comprehensive insurance is highly recommended when renting a vehicle. This protects you in case of accidents or damage.
  • Traffic congestion, aggressive driving habits, and parking challenges are common in Davao City. Self-driving is generally not recommended for first-time visitors due to these factors.

Road Conditions and Safety

Main roads within Davao City and highways connecting to other major cities are generally well-paved and maintained. However, secondary and rural roads can be less maintained, with varying conditions.

Driving Notes

  • Traffic: Davao City experiences traffic congestion, especially during peak hours.
  • Driving Style: Driving can be aggressive. Be prepared for numerous motorcycles, tricycles, and jeepneys. Defensive driving is a must.
  • Safety: While main roads are safe, some rural areas may have security concerns. It is advisable to check local advisories if you plan extensive self-driving trips outside major cities.

Sea and River Travel

Davao City's coastal location means sea travel plays a role in its transportation network.

Ferry Services

  • Sasa Port and Sta. Ana Wharf serve as the main seaports in Davao City.
  • Inter-island Ferries: Ferries connect Davao to other parts of the Philippines. Companies like 2GO Travel operate these routes.
  • Samal Island Ferries: Passenger and vehicle ferries frequently travel the short route between Sasa Wharf in Davao and Babak or Penaplata on Samal Island. The journey takes approximately 10-15 minutes. This is the main way to reach Samal Island.

Important Travel Considerations

  • For international arrivals via cruise ship or ferry, immigration procedures are similar to those at airports. You will need to present your passport and any required visa documentation.
  • River transportation does not serve as a main mode of transport for tourists within Davao City. Most significant waterways are not set up for regular passenger services.
  • For domestic ferries, only ticket checks are typically required.
  • Taxis, tricycles, and jeepneys are readily available outside the seaports. They offer convenient connections to the city center or your accommodation. Fares should be negotiated for tricycles or confirmed with Grab.
  • Consider DiscoverCars.com for car rental options if you opt to self-drive.
  • Be aware that International border crossing information does not apply to Davao as it is an internal city.

Sea and River Travel

Ferry Services

Sasa Port and Sta. Ana Wharf serve as the main seaports in Davao City.

Connecting Routes

  • Inter-island Ferries: Ferries connect Davao to other parts of the Philippines, though flights often offer a faster option. Routes exist to destinations like Zamboanga and General Santos, and some Visayan islands. Companies like 2GO Travel operate these routes.
  • Samal Island Ferries: Passenger and vehicle ferries frequently travel the short route between Sasa Wharf in Davao and Babak or Penaplata on Samal Island. The journey takes approximately 10-15 minutes. This is the main way to reach Samal Island.
  • Cruise Ships: Davao occasionally serves as a port of call for international cruise ships, which typically dock at Sasa Port.

River & Seaport Transfers

River transportation does not serve as a main mode of transport for tourists within Davao City. Most significant waterways are not set up for regular passenger services.

Post-Arrival Connections

  • For international arrivals via cruise ship or ferry, immigration procedures are similar to those at airports. You will need to present your passport and any required visa documentation.
  • Connections to Land Transportation: Taxis, tricycles, and jeepneys are readily available outside the seaports. They offer convenient connections to the city center or your accommodation.
  • Fares should be negotiated for tricycles or confirmed with Grab to avoid disputes.

Domestic Departure

Arrive at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure time for domestic flights. This gives ample time for check-in and security.

International Departure

Arrive at least 3 hours before your scheduled departure time for international flights. This accounts for check-in, security, and immigration procedures.

Airport Facilities

DVO offers limited dining options, souvenir shops, and comfortable waiting areas. Lounges are available for eligible passengers, offering more amenities and a quieter environment.

Road Conditions & Safety

Road Quality

Main roads within Davao City and highways connecting to other major cities are generally well-paved and maintained. However, secondary and rural roads can be less maintained, with varying conditions.

Driving Dynamics

  • Traffic: Davao City experiences traffic congestion, especially during peak hours.
  • Driving Style: Driving can be aggressive. Be prepared for numerous motorcycles, tricycles, and jeepneys. Defensive driving is a must.
  • Safety: While main roads are safe, some rural areas may have security concerns. It is advisable to check local advisories if you plan extensive self-driving trips outside major cities.

Driving Laws & Parking

Drivers operate on the right side of the road. Posted speed limits must be observed. Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers. Helmets are required for motorcyclists and their passengers.

Parking Information

  • Parking is available at malls and hotels, often for a fee.
  • Street parking can be limited and challenging, especially in crowded areas.
  • Motorcycle and scooter rentals are available from local shops, especially around tourist areas or for specific resorts on Samal Island.

Long-Distance Bus Options and Companies

Davao City Overland Transport Terminal DCOTT

This serves as the main bus terminal for inter-city and inter-province travel. It is located on Ecoland Drive.

Destinations

Buses from DCOTT connect Davao to various cities across Mindanao. Popular routes include General Santos, Cotabato, Cagayan de Oro, Butuan, and Surigao.

Companies and Classes

Major bus companies operating from DCOTT include Bachelor Express, Rural Transit, Metro Shuttle, Yellow Bus Line, and Mindanao Star. You can choose between air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned buses.

Bus Travel Note

Check schedules and book tickets at the terminal or through online booking platforms if available for specific companies.