How to Get to Sorsogon

Sorsogon is the “Gateway to Southern Philippines.” Located at the southernmost tip of Luzon, it serves as the vital link between the capital and the Visayas and Mindanao regions. Whether you’re chasing the sunrise in Gubat or diving with whale sharks in Donsol, here is how you can reach us.

Travel by Air: The Fastest Way

The primary gateway for air travelers is the Bicol International Airport (DRP) located in Daraga, Albay. It is a scenic 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Sorsogon City.

• From Manila (MNL):
  • Airlines: Philippine Airlines (Direct flights available) and Cebu Pacific (Direct flights available)
  • Travel Time: ~1 hour flight.
  • Estimated Fare (one-way): ₱1,600 – ₱4,500
• From Cebu (CEB):
  • Airlines: Cebu Pacific (Direct flights available).
  • Travel Time: ~1 hour and 15 minutes.
  • Estimated Fare (one-way): ₱1,300 – ₱3,500.
• From Iloilo (ILO):
  • Airlines: Cebu Pacific (Direct flights available),
  • Travel Time: ~1 hour and 10 minutes
  • Estimated Fare (one-way): ₱1,800 – ₱3,500
• From Davao (DVO) /Other Regions:
  • Connect via Manila or Cebu to reach Bicol International Airport.

Airport to Sorsogon City Transfers:

Upon arrival at Bicol International Airport (DRP), you have three main options to reach Sorsogon City.

• Shared Van (UV Express): Look for vans bound for Sorsogon at the arrival terminal.
  • Fare: ₱200 – ₱300 per head.
• Private Car/Van Rental: Best for groups or those heading directly to remote resorts.
  • Rate: ₱3,500 – ₱4,500 (full vehicle).
• Bus/Van (UV Express) via Legazpi: Take a tricycle, van, or book a Grab to the Legazpi Grand Central Terminal, then board a bus or van to Sorsogon.
  • Fare: ~₱150 (DRP to Legazpi) + ₱170 – ₱260 (Legazpi to Sorsogon).

Travel by Land: The Classic Bicol Trip

For those who enjoy the changing landscapes of the Philippine countryside, the “Bicol Express” bus trip is a rite of passage.

• From Manila (PITX, Pasay, or Cubao):
  • Terminals: Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), Pasay (EDSA), and Cubao (Araneta).
  • Bus Lines: Alps, DLTB, Philtranco, Bicol Isarog (Penafrancia), and Elavil.
  • Travel Time: 12 to 14 hours.
• Estimated Fares by Bus Class:
  • Standard Aircon: ₱1,100 – ₱1,300.
  • Elite / 2×2 Seating: ₱1,400 – ₱1,600 (more legroom).
  • Lazyboy / Skybus / Sleeper: ₱1,800 – ₱2,500 (fully reclining seats, onboard restroom).
• Private Driving:
  • Follow the Maharlika Highway (AH26). From Manila, take the SLEX and STAR Tollway, exiting at Sto. Tomas, then traverse through Quezon and Camarines provinces before entering Sorsogon.

Travel by Sea: The Visayan Link

If you are coming from the south (Samar or Leyte) or from Masbate, Sorsogon’s ports are your entry points.

• From Northern Samar (Allen / Dapdap Port) to Matnog Port:
  • Operators: FastCat, Santa Clara Shipping, Montenegro Lines.
  • Travel Time: 1 to 1.5 hours.
  • Estimated Fare: ₱140 – ₱410 (Passenger fare).
• From Masbate City to Pilar Port:
  • Operators: Montenegro Lines (Fastcraft and Roro).
  • Travel Time: 1.5 to 2 hours.
  • Estimated Fare: ~₱740.

Traveler’s Logistics Summary

Origin	Mode	Destination Hub	Estimated Time	Estimated Cost
Manila	Air	Bicol International Airport (DRP)	1 hour	₱1,600+
Manila	Land	Sorsogon Integrated Terminal Exchange (SITEX)	13 hours	₱1,100+
Cebu	Air	Bicol International Airport (DRP)	1.15 hours	₱1,300+
Iloilo	Air	Bicol International Airport (DRP)	1.10 hours	₱1,800+
Samar	Sea	Matnog Port	1.5 hours	₱190+
Masbate	Sea	Pilar Port	2 hours	₱740

Pro-Tips for Your Arrival

• SITEX is your Anchor: Almost all land-based transport (Buses and Vans) will drop you off at SITEX (Sorsogon Integrated Terminal Exchange).
• Night Bus Strategy: If coming from Manila, book a “Sleeper” or “Lazyboy” bus departing at 6:00 PM or 8:00 PM. You’ll wake up in Sorsogon just in time for breakfast and a full day of exploring.
• Booking Flights: Try to land at DRP before 3:00 PM. This ensures you still have plenty of shared van options to Sorsogon before the frequency of trips decreases in the evening.