Manila to Surigao by Land, Sea or Air: Complete Travel Guide
How to travel from Manila to Surigao and Siargao: the long overland bus and RoRo route through Samar and Leyte, sea options, flights, and Manila to Tacloban by land.
In this article
Travelling from Manila to Surigao by land is possible on the Pan-Philippine Highway (Maharlika Highway): you ride south through Bicol, cross the San Bernardino Strait by RoRo ferry to Samar, drive through Samar and Leyte, then take a second RoRo across the Surigao Strait to Mindanao. It is an adventure that takes well over a day, while a direct flight takes under two hours.
This guide compares the land, sea and air routes, including the popular onward trip to Siargao, and explains how to go from Manila to Tacloban by land.
Manila to Surigao: route comparison
| Route | How it works | Approximate travel time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air to Siargao | Fly to Siargao (Sayak) Airport, Del Carmen | Under 2 hours flying, plus airport time | Surfers and holiday-makers |
| Air to Surigao City | Fly to Surigao Airport, where flights operate | Under 2 hours flying | Business trips, Surigao City |
| Land (bus + RoRo) | Bus via Bicol, Samar and Leyte with two ferry crossings | Roughly 30 to 40 hours or more | Road-trippers, budget travellers, people moving vehicles |
| Sea | Long-haul ferry to a Mindanao or Visayas port, then onward | Usually more than a day | Travellers with lots of cargo |
Times are rough estimates only and depend on traffic, weather, ferry queues and the exact route.
Manila to Surigao by land: the Maharlika Highway route
The overland journey follows the Pan-Philippine Highway, also known as the Maharlika Highway, the main road spine that links Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao using RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) ferries for the sea crossings.
Step-by-step route
- Manila to Matnog, Sorsogon. Head south through Quezon, Camarines Sur, Albay and Sorsogon to the port of Matnog, at the southern tip of Luzon.
- Matnog to Samar. Board a RoRo ferry across the San Bernardino Strait to Northern Samar, usually landing at Allen or a nearby port. The crossing takes roughly 1 to 2 hours.
- Across Samar. Drive south through Samar towards Tacloban.
- San Juanico Bridge to Leyte. Cross the San Juanico Bridge, one of the longest bridges in the Philippines, into Tacloban City.
- Leyte to the southern ports. Continue south through Leyte and Southern Leyte to ports such as Liloan or San Ricardo.
- Surigao Strait crossing. Take a RoRo ferry across the Surigao Strait to Lipata Port near Surigao City. This crossing usually takes a few hours.
Taking the bus
Some long-distance bus companies have run trips from Manila to Visayas and Mindanao destinations along this route, with the bus rolling onto the ferries. Schedules and operators change, so check current bus company pages and terminal announcements before you plan. Bus fares for these long routes typically cost several thousand pesos and change with fuel prices, so confirm fares directly.
Many travellers also do the trip in stages: a bus to Tacloban, then local vans and buses down Leyte, then a ferry to Surigao.
Driving your own car
Driving yourself gives you more flexibility, and you can stop overnight in Legazpi, Catbalogan or Tacloban. Expect queues at the ports, especially during holidays. RoRo fares for vehicles depend on vehicle size and are separate from passenger fares.
Manila to Tacloban by land
The Manila to Tacloban trip is the first half of the Surigao route. You follow the Maharlika Highway to Matnog, take the RoRo to Samar, then drive south to Tacloban via the San Juanico Bridge. Direct buses with ferry crossings have commonly taken around a full day, sometimes more depending on ferry waiting times. Flying Manila to Tacloban is much faster, at around an hour and a half in the air.
Manila to Surigao by sea
Travelling the whole way by sea is less common now that flights are cheaper and more frequent. Long-distance passenger ships from Manila have served major Visayas and Mindanao ports, but direct Manila-to-Surigao sailings have been limited or irregular. If you want to go by sea, check the current schedules of established shipping lines, then plan an onward ferry or land trip to Surigao. Expect a voyage of more than a day.
Flying: the fastest way to Surigao and Siargao
For most travellers, flying is by far the best option. Siargao's Sayak Airport in Del Carmen has flights from Manila and Cebu, and Surigao City's airport also has commercial flights. Connections via Cebu are common if there is no direct flight from your city. Look for promos in our guide to cheap flights in the Philippines.
Surigao City to Siargao by ferry
If you arrive in Surigao City by land or air, you can continue to Siargao by sea. Fast craft and slower ferries sail from Surigao City to Dapa Port on Siargao. Fast boats usually take around 1.5 to 2 hours, while slower vessels take longer. From Dapa, General Luna and Cloud 9 are a short ride away by van, tricycle or habal-habal (motorcycle taxi). Read our full Siargao travel guide for things to do once you arrive.
Packing tips for the long road trip
- Bring food and water. Roadside stops are irregular in some stretches.
- Carry cash. ATMs can be scarce at ports and in small towns.
- Pack a jacket. Air-conditioned buses are cold, especially at night.
- Charge everything. A power bank is essential for a 30-hour trip.
- Keep ID handy. Ports may ask for identification and passenger manifests.
Use our distance calculator to plan your stops, and our trip budget calculator to estimate costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you travel from Manila to Surigao by land?
Yes. You follow the Maharlika Highway through Bicol, Samar and Leyte, with RoRo ferry crossings at the San Bernardino Strait and the Surigao Strait.
How long is the trip from Manila to Surigao by land?
It usually takes roughly 30 to 40 hours or more, depending on traffic, ferry queues and weather.
How do I get from Manila to Tacloban by land?
Take a bus or drive south to Matnog, Sorsogon, ride the RoRo to Northern Samar, then travel south through Samar and over the San Juanico Bridge to Tacloban.
What is the fastest way from Manila to Siargao?
Flying to Siargao's Sayak Airport is fastest. Alternatively, fly to Surigao City and take a ferry to Dapa Port on Siargao.
