How to Get to Siargao: Flights, Ferries & Every Route Explained

Siargao is an island in the Caraga region of Mindanao, Philippines. It has its own airport — Sayak Airport (IAO) in Del Carmen — with direct flights from Manila and Cebu. You can also reach it by ferry from Surigao City on the Mindanao mainland. The direct flights are the obvious choice, but they sell out fast in peak season and prices swing wildly. Here’s every option, with current prices, real timings, and the things the airline websites don’t tell you.

Manila to Siargao — Direct Flight (₱1,500–4,500, 2.5 Hours)

This is how most international travellers reach Siargao. Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines (PAL) both operate direct flights — compare schedules and book on 12Go or direct with the airline. They fly from Manila (NAIA) to Sayak Airport (IAO). Cebu Pacific typically runs 1–2 flights daily, PAL runs 1. Flight time is roughly 2 hours 20 minutes.

Compare flight prices on 12Go — they swing dramatically depending on when you book. Cebu Pacific base fares start at ₱1,500 if you book 2–3 months ahead, but climb to ₱4,000–4,500 within two weeks of departure. PAL is generally ₱500–1,000 more but includes a checked bag and better cancellation terms. During peak season (December through May), both airlines regularly sell out entirely — book as early as you can.

Which Terminal?

Cebu Pacific flies from NAIA Terminal 3. PAL flies from NAIA Terminal 2. If you’re connecting from an international flight, check which terminal you arrive at — transferring between NAIA terminals is a 30–60 minute process involving a shuttle bus, and you need to clear immigration and re-check in. Allow at least 4 hours between an international arrival and a domestic departure to Siargao.

Cebu to Siargao — Direct Flight (₱1,200–3,000, 1 Hour)

If you’re already in the Visayas — coming from Bohol, Moalboal, or anywhere in Cebu — the Cebu to Siargao flight is the shortest and often cheapest option. Cebu Pacific operates this route, typically once daily. Flight time: about 1 hour.

Fares start at ₱1,200 booked well in advance, rising to ₱2,500–3,000 close to departure. The same peak season warnings apply — December through May fills up fast. This flight departs from Mactan-Cebu International Airport Terminal 2.

The Cebu route is particularly useful for travellers doing a Visayas loop: Cebu → Bohol → back to Cebu → Siargao → Manila. Plan multi-leg routes on 12Go to compare the full journey cost. It saves you backtracking to Manila.

Surigao City to Siargao — Ferry (₱400–600, 2–2.5 Hours)

This is the reliable backup when flights are sold out, cancelled, or too expensive. Fastcraft ferries run from Surigao City Port to Dapa Port on Siargao’s western coast. Multiple departures daily, starting around 5:30am with the last boat typically at 1:00pm (schedules vary by operator and season).

The main operators are Kho Transportation, Montenegro Shipping, and Starlite Ferries. Prices range from ₱400 for economy class to ₱600 for air-conditioned seating. The crossing takes about 2 hours in calm conditions. The fastcraft vessels are relatively modern and the ride is smooth unless there’s heavy swell — in which case it gets properly rough.

Buying Ferry Tickets

You can buy tickets at the port on the day, but the 5:30am and 6:30am departures fill up during peak season, especially on Fridays and holiday weekends. Arrive at the port at least 30 minutes before departure to secure a seat. The easier option is to book the Surigao–Siargao ferry through 12Go — you get instant confirmation, weather-cancellation refunds, and your e-ticket on your phone. No queueing at the port window.

Manila to Siargao — Overland (₱2,500–3,500, ~20 Hours Total)

This is the budget backpacker route, and it’s a genuine adventure. The route: overnight bus from Manila to Surigao City (Philtranco or Bachelor Express, ₱1,800–2,500, 16–18 hours), then ferry from Surigao to Dapa (₱400–600, 2 hours). Total cost under ₱3,500 including food stops.

The bus departs from Manila (typically Cubao or Pasay terminals) in the evening — you can check bus schedules and book on 12Go. It drives through the night across Luzon, crosses to Mindanao via the ferry at Allen/Matnog (this crossing is included in the bus ticket), and arrives in Surigao City the following morning or early afternoon. It’s long, it’s tiring, and the seats are not designed for sleeping — but it’s cheap and it works.

Only do this if you genuinely enjoy long overland journeys, or if every flight option has priced you out. For most travellers, a ₱1,500 Cebu Pacific flash sale fare — check current prices on 12Go — is a better use of your time and sanity.

Cebu to Siargao — Overland + Ferry (~12 Hours, ₱1,200–2,000)

If you’re in Cebu and flights are sold out, the overland option is: ferry from Cebu City to Surigao City (multiple operators, ₱800–1,200, 8–10 hours overnight), then morning fastcraft from Surigao to Dapa (₱400–600, 2 hours).

The Cebu–Surigao ferry runs overnight, departing around 8–9pm and arriving in Surigao around 5–6am — perfectly timed for the first Siargao ferry. Cokaliong Shipping and Trans-Asia Shipping are the main operators. Cabins are available (₱1,200–1,800, compare on 12Go) if you want to actually sleep rather than curling up on a plastic chair on the economy deck.

From Davao — Bus + Ferry (₱800–1,500, ~8 Hours)

If you’re in Mindanao already — Davao, CDO, or anywhere in the south — the route to Siargao goes through Surigao City. Buses from Davao to Surigao City run daily (Philtranco, Bachelor Express), taking 5–6 hours and costing ₱400–900 depending on the operator and seat class. From Surigao, take the fastcraft to Dapa (2 hours, ₱400–600).

The Davao–Surigao road is decent but long, winding through the mountains of eastern Mindanao. Morning departures get you to Surigao in time for an afternoon ferry. Alternatively, take an evening bus, arrive in Surigao at dawn, and catch the 5:30am boat. Book overnight accommodation in Surigao on Agoda if you need to break the journey.

Sayak Airport to General Luna — The Last 45 Minutes

Sayak Airport is in Del Carmen, on the northern part of the island. General Luna — where 90% of travellers stay — is 45 minutes south by road. There’s no public transport between the two. Your options:

Shared van (₱300 per person): Pre-book airport transfers on GetYourGuide or grab one on arrival — vans wait outside arrivals and fill up quickly after each flight lands. They take the main road south to General Luna, dropping passengers at their hotels or hostels. This is what most people do. It’s cheap, easy, and everyone on the van is going to the same place.

Private van (₱1,500–2,000): If you want the van to yourself (or you’re a group of 3+), you can book a private transfer. Some hotels arrange this for free or at cost — ask when you book your Siargao accommodation on Agoda. You can also pre-book airport transfers on GetYourGuide with free cancellation if your flight changes.

Motorbike (₱500–800): Some motorbike drivers offer rides from the airport. It’s faster than the van (30 minutes) but you’ll need to manage your luggage somehow. Only viable if you’re travelling light with a single backpack.

Route Comparison — At a Glance

Booking Your Transport

For flights, book directly through Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines websites — they don’t sell through third parties at better prices. For ferries and overland transport, 12Go Asia lets you compare operators, check real-time availability, and book with instant confirmation. For tours, activities, and airport transfers, GetYourGuide and Viator both cover Siargao with free cancellation on most bookings.