How to get from Manila to Dumaguete
Manila to Dumaguete is easiest by direct flight to Dumaguete–Sibulan Airport (DGT). If you’d like to keep costs down or see more of the Visayas, fly to Cebu (CEB) and continue by bus + short ferry via Santander–Sibulan, or take an overnight ferry from Cebu to Dumaguete. Hardcore overlanders can do the multi-island RoRo chain, but it’s a long haul. Details, booking links, and step-by-steps below.
At A Glance (Manila to Dumaguete)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Direct Flight (MNL → DGT) | ~1h35 flight + 15–25m into town | Fastest, simplest |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~PHP 2,500–6,500 one-way (seasonal) » compare fares | alt. fares | ||
| 🛫🚐⛴️ Flight to Cebu (CEB) + Bus (South Cebu) + Short Ferry | ~1h20 flight + ~4.5–6h onward | Budget, daytime scenic route |
| 🏷️ Cost: Flight ~PHP 1,800–5,000 + bus/ferry ~PHP 400–700 » flights | bus/ferry times | ||
| 🛫🚢 Flight to Cebu (CEB) + Overnight Ferry to Dumaguete | ~1h20 flight + ~6–8h ferry (overnight schedules) | Sleeper berths, travel while you rest |
| 🏷️ Cost: Flight ~PHP 1,800–5,000 + ferry ~PHP 900–1,800 (berth class) » check ferries | ||
| 🚌⛴️ Multi-Island RoRo (Manila → Batangas → Visayas → Dumaguete) | 1.5–3 days (multiple legs) | Adventure travelers with time |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~PHP 2,000–4,000 (sum of bus + ferries) » mix-and-match legs | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest & most convenient: Direct flight MNL→DGT (airport is 3–5 km from Dumaguete center).
- Cheapest (often): Fly MNL→CEB then bus to Santander + ferry to Sibulan and tricycle to Dumaguete.
- Sleep while moving: Fly MNL→CEB and take an overnight ferry with a berth.
- Epic overland: RoRo chain if you want the long scenic route across islands (plan buffers).
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Compare flights early: Use Booking.com Flights or Trip.com for promos; weekends/holidays sell out.
- Ground transfers: In Manila and Dumaguete, Grab operates; for fixed intercity quotes you can also try GetTransfer.
- Luggage storage: Sightseeing before check-in? See Radical Storage Manila; in Dumaguete ask hotels/cafés.
- Seas & schedules: Ferries can be weather-dependent—keep a buffer on rainy/windy weeks.
- Onward mobility: Dumaguete is scooter-friendly; compare rentals on BikesBooking.
✈️ Option #1 — Direct Flight (MNL → DGT) — Fastest & Easiest
Fast City close airport Limited daily seats
- Overview: Nonstop Manila (MNL) → Dumaguete (DGT). Landing puts you minutes from the Boulevard/Malate-style café scene.
- How to book (with price): From ~PHP 2,500–6,500 one-way depending on season and baggage. Compare on Booking.com Flights and Trip.com.
- Pros: Shortest total travel time; frequent promos. Cons: Popular dates sell out; weather can shift schedules.
Step-by-step: Direct Flight MNL→DGT
- Get to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) with Grab or taxi; allow extra time for traffic/security.
- Book and check in online via Booking.com Flights or Trip.com; print/keep your QR e-boarding pass.
- Fly ~1h35 to Dumaguete–Sibulan Airport (DGT).
- From DGT, take a tricycle (10–20 minutes) or Grab to your hotel along Rizal Blvd / Downtown.
Getting to the main embarking points (MNL & DGT)
- Manila (MNL): Terminals are separate—check your airline’s terminal. Grab/taxis and airport buses connect the city.
- Dumaguete (DGT): Small terminal; tricycles line up outside for downtown and Sibulan.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🛫🚐⛴️ Option #2 — Flight to Cebu (CEB) + South Cebu Bus + Short Ferry (Budget & Scenic)
Great value Frequent departures Connection time
- Overview: Fly MNL→CEB, ride a bus from Cebu South Bus Terminal to Liloan/Santander (Cebu), take the 20-minute ferry to Sibulan (Negros), then a 20-minute tricycle/jeepney into Dumaguete.
- How to book (with price): Flights from ~PHP 1,800–5,000 (Booking.com Flights). For the land/sea leg, check schedules/fares on 12Go (Cebu→Dumaguete). Some shuttles appear on Klook.
- Pros: Cheapest most days; runs all day. Cons: Several transfers; allow buffer for last ferries.
Step-by-step: MNL→CEB + Bus/Ferry
- Fly MNL→Mactan–Cebu (CEB) (compare on Booking.com Flights).
- From CEB, take a taxi/Grab to Cebu South Bus Terminal; board a bus bound for Liloan/Santander (Cebu).
- At Liloan Port (Cebu), buy a ticket for the short ferry to Sibulan Port (Negros) (sailings throughout the day; check 12Go for indicative times).
- From Sibulan, take a tricycle/jeepney ~20 minutes to Dumaguete City center or your hotel.
Getting to the main embarking points (CEB / South Bus / Liloan & Sibulan)
- CEB arrivals: Use Grab/taxis for the ~30–50 minute ride (traffic-dependent) to South Bus Terminal.
- Ports: Liloan (Cebu) ↔ Sibulan (Negros) is the short hop; services are frequent daytime.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🛫🚢 Option #3 — Flight to Cebu (CEB) + Overnight Ferry to Dumaguete
Sleep & travel Berth cabins Fewer sailings
- Overview: Fly MNL→CEB, head to Cebu City’s pier in the evening, board an overnight ferry with a bunk/cabin, and wake up in Dumaguete.
- How to book (with price): Flights as above; ferries from ~PHP 900–1,800 depending on berth class—compare departures on 12Go (Cebu→Dumaguete ferries).
- Pros: Saves a hotel night; relaxed pace. Cons: Not daily for all lines; weather can affect schedules.
Step-by-step: MNL→CEB + Overnight Ferry
- Book MNL→CEB arriving by late afternoon (Booking.com Flights).
- Travel to Cebu City Pier (check your ferry company’s exact terminal) via taxi/Grab.
- Board your overnight ferry; bring a light layer and earplugs.
- Arrive Dumaguete Port in the morning; walk or tricycle to your hotel/coffee on Rizal Blvd.
Getting to the main embarking points (CEB Airport & Cebu Pier)
- Mactan–Cebu (CEB): Allow 60–90 minutes to transfer to the city pier in peak traffic.
- Dumaguete Port: Central—many hotels and cafés are 5–15 minutes by tricycle.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌⛴️ Option #4 — Multi-Island RoRo Overland (Adventure Route)
Budget Scenic Time-intensive
- Overview: String together buses and RoRo ferries Manila→Batangas→Mindoro→Panay→Negros→Dumaguete. It’s an old-school backpacker route—expect queueing, variable timetables, and late arrivals.
- How to book (with price): Buy legs as you go; total usually ~PHP 2,000–4,000. For planning reference and some prebookable segments, see 12Go.
- Pros: Cheapest; see multiple islands. Cons: 1.5–3 days with overnights; weather-sensitive; fewer comforts.
Step-by-step: RoRo Chain (typical flow)
- Bus Manila → Batangas Port (frequent departures; ask for earliest trip).
- RoRo to Calapan (Mindoro) → bus/van to Roxas (Mindoro).
- RoRo to Caticlan (Aklan) → bus to Kalibo/Iloilo.
- Ferry to Bacolod (Negros Occidental) → bus to Dumaguete via Negros highway.
Getting to the main embarking points (Ports & Bus Terminals)
- Manila starts: PITX/Cubao terminals to Batangas Port; confirm last RoRo of the day.
- Across islands: Follow port signages; keep small bills for terminal fees.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Manila to Dumaguete)
Flight or ferry—what’s better?
Flights are fastest and often competitively priced. Ferries are good if you want to avoid baggage fees, travel overnight, or you’re already in Cebu.
How far is DGT from downtown?
Roughly 3–5 km (10–20 minutes). Tricycles are the most common transfer; Grab also operates.
Is the Santander–Sibulan ferry reliable?
It runs frequently by day; last trips are earlier in the evening. Always check the day’s final sailing and allow buffer time from Cebu City.
Can I rent a scooter in Dumaguete?
Yes—compare prices and delivery options on BikesBooking or local shops near the Boulevard.
Where should I stay?
Boulevard/downtown for cafés and walkability; Dauin for diving and marine sanctuaries. Compare options on Booking.com.
Any luggage storage options?
Use your hotel, or check partners on Radical Storage Manila. In Dumaguete, coordinate with accommodations or dive shops for bag drops between ferries/dives.