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.

(Fares last verified: April 2026)

Travel by Air: The Fastest Way

The fastest way to reach Sorsogon is a roughly 1-hour direct flight from Manila, Cebu, or Iloilo into Bicol International Airport (DRP), followed by a 1.5–2 hour land transfer to Sorsogon City. 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:

From Bicol International Airport, the cheapest way into Sorsogon City is a shared van for ₱200–₱300, while a private van charter (₱3,500–₱4,500) is best for groups or remote resorts. 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

The classic overland route is a 12–14 hour bus ride from Manila, with fares starting at ₱1,100 for standard aircon seating up to ₱2,500 for a fully reclining sleeper bus. 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

Travelers coming from the Visayas can reach Sorsogon by ferry, with Northern Samar to Matnog Port taking just 1–1.5 hours, and Masbate City to Pilar Port taking 1.5–2 hours. 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)	12 to 14 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	₱140 to ₱410
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.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

How do I get to Sorsogon from Manila?

You can fly from Manila to Bicol International Airport (DRP) in about 1 hour, then take a 1.5-2 hour van transfer to Sorsogon City, or take a direct bus from PITX, Pasay or Cubao, which takes 12-14 hours.

How much does a flight from Manila to Sorsogon cost?

A one-way flight from Manila to Bicol International Airport ranges from ₱1,600 to ₱4,500, depending on the airline and how far in advance you book.

How long is the bus ride from Manila to Sorsogon?

The bus trip from Manila to Sorsogon takes 12 to 14 hours, with standard aircon fares starting around ₱1,100 and reclining sleeper buses costing up to ₱2,500.

How do I get to Sorsogon by ferry?

Travelers from Northern Samar can take a 1 to 1.5-hour ferry from Allen or Dapdap Port to Matnog Port, while those from Masbate City can take a 1.5 to 2-hour ferry to Pilar Port.

Where do buses and vans drop off passengers in Sorsogon?

Nearly all land-based transport drops passengers atthe Sorsogon Integrated Terminal Exchange (SITEX), which serves as the main hub for onward travel within the province.