You’re probably dying to know how to get to Siargao after everything we’ve told you about the things to do in Siargao, so now we’re going to tell you the best way to travel to Siargao.
As we love traveling independently in the Philippines, here we’re going to detail how to get to Siargao on your own in a simple way. We can already tell you there are 2 ways to reach Siargao: 1) the fast one, by plane; or 2) the slow one, using combinations of more economical transport.
Where is Siargao
Siargao belongs to the Mindanao region, specifically to the province of Surigao del Norte. Located southeast of Cebu and Manila, access to the island is becoming easier due to its growing popularity.
Siargao has an airport that operates domestic flights and several ports, the most important being Dapa. From there, boats mainly depart to Surigao, the provincial capital. There is also Del Carmen port, from which you recently have boats to Dinagat several times a week.
How to get to Siargao by plane
Due to the increase in tourism on the island, since 2017 there have been flights to Siargao non-stop from Manila, Cebu, Davao and Clark.
One important thing to consider is that the Siargao Airport or Sayak (IATA code: IAO, not to be confused with Surigao SUG) is a small airport with a rather short runway. The terminal is also a small building with a small baggage belt. These modest infrastructures mean that cancellations and delays of flights to and from Siargao are frequent in bad weather. Therefore, we advise you to leave enough margin in your trip if you have to take a subsequent flight, especially if it’s the international one.
Booking in advance is key to finding cheap flights to Siargao. If you already know your itinerary, we recommend booking as soon as possible, since you can find flights to Siargao from Manila from 40€. From Cebu you’ll see them for around 29€. Otherwise, when there are 1-2-3 weeks left, they will easily jump to 100-150€ from Manila and 70-90€ from Cebu.
Book flights from Manila to Siargao
Book flights from Cebu to Siargao
From Siargao airport, vans depart to hotels in General Luna and Malinao. They usually charge 250-300 (they’ll try for 300, but you can negotiate) pesos per person. In addition, if you’re not carrying much luggage, you can also rent a motorbike there directly for a few days. We have a contact who can get it for you at a great price; if you leave us a comment, we’ll send it to you as soon as possible.
In any case, you’ll find more information about this in How to get around Siargao.
Flights to Siargao from Manila
If you’re thinking about how to get to Siargao from Manila, you should know that the airlines with which you can fly non-stop from Manila to Siargao at the moment are Sunlight Air, Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air (CEBGO). Flights from Manila to Siargao take approximately 2 hours.
You can find cheap flights to Siargao if you book far enough in advance. Figure that if you do it 1-2 months ahead, you can buy them for around 40€, but otherwise they easily jump to 100€-150€. As always, planning is key if you want to save. Remember that depending on the fare you buy, checked baggage may or may not be included. Most Philippine airlines allow only 7 kg of hand luggage and, yes, they usually weigh your bag. If you go over, checking in at the airport will cost roughly double.
Book flights from Manila to Siargao
Flights to Siargao from Cebu
If, on the other hand, you want to get to Siargao from Cebu, the airlines Sunlight Air, Cebu Pacific Air and Philippine Airlines offer several Cebu–Siargao flights a day. Buying in advance, you’ll see them from 29€-30€. A week or two before, it’s rare for them to cost less than 70€-90€.
The flight from Cebu to Siargao takes barely 1 hour.
Book flights from Cebu to Siargao
Flights to Siargao from Davao
Philippines Airlines offers several flights to Siargao from Davao per week. This is a good option for getting to Siargao if you’re in the south of the Philippines or plan to arrive in the country from Malaysia. The airline Air Asia has direct flights to Davao, so you can then connect in Davao to reach Siargao.
Flights from Davao to Siargao take about 1 hour and 15 minutes. They are operated by Cebu Pacific (CEBGO) and, in advance, you can book them for around 40€. If you buy them very close to the date, it’s rare for them to drop below 100€.
Book flights from Davao to Siargao
Flights to Siargao from Clark
The last alternative to reach Siargao by plane is from Clark, Manila’s secondary airport. Sunlight Air offers flights from Clark to Siargao almost every day starting at 60€ (with less notice you can estimate double). It’s a bit more cumbersome and we only recommend this option if you’re connecting with an international flight at Clark airport.
Flights from Clark to Siargao last 2 hours and 20 minutes.
Book flights from Clark to Siargao
How to get to Siargao by boat
The most economical option to get to Siargao is by boat. You can easily do it from the city of Cebu, since from its port there are daily boats to Surigao from Cebu run by three shipping companies. Keep in mind that you will then have to take another boat to Siargao.
Below, we explain all the steps so you can get to your hotel without any problems: Cebu–Surigao, Surigao–Dapa and Dapa–accommodation in Siargao.
How to get from Cebu to Surigao by boat
You can go from Cebu to Surigao by boat and it’s a good way to save money, since some companies make the journey at night. Although it might feel tedious, the trip is manageable because you travel in your own bed (quite comfortable, by the way). It’s a completely safe trip.
Since September 2024, Oceanjet operates fast boats every day at 7:00 in the morning, arriving in Surigao around 12:30 at noon. It’s the fastest way to reach Siargao by boat, since you can then link up with another boat from Surigao to Siargao the same day. The ticket is more expensive, but we think it’s worth it. You can book from this link.
Starlite Ferries operates a ferry from Cebu to Surigao every day except Saturdays at 21:00, arriving in Surigao around 6:00. They have reclining seats, but also economy beds (without air conditioning) and tourist (with air conditioning). It departs from Cebu’s pier 3. You can book from this platform.
Cockalion Shipping Lines sails every day except Saturdays to Siargao from Cebu at 19:00 from pier 1, arriving in Surigao around 6:00 in the morning. On these boats there are different classes, the cheapest being the bunks on deck. The ticket for these beds costs around 1,350 pesos and does not include food. We usually choose the cheapest class, which does not have air conditioning, because otherwise it feels like a fridge.
You can book your Starlite ferry seat here. Cockalion cannot be booked online if you only want a seat; it only allows booking with a vehicle (that’s why it’s more expensive). During high-demand periods, such as Christmas and Holy Week, we recommend booking well in advance.
If you’re going to do the route in the opposite direction, that is, from Surigao to Cebu by boat, keep in mind that the company Cockalion departs from Surigao to Cebu every day except Sundays at 19:00. Starlite Ferries leaves at 9:00 in the morning every day except Sundays. Oceanjet does so at 13:00 every day, arriving in Cebu around 18:30. You can make your reservations from this link.
How to get from Surigao to Siargao by boat
Once in Surigao, you have several transportation options to reach Siargao. The current options are as follows and we try to keep them updated, but keep in mind this is the Philippines and it can change at any time.
- Evaristo and Sons (MV Sean Ferry 2 and 3 and MV Sabina Ferry 6): it’s the most reliable company in terms of schedules, with fastcraft (fast boats, between 1.5 and 2 hours) at 6:00, 10:00 and 15:30 and ro-ro boats (slow, about 3–4 hours) at 10:00. It’s the only one that can be booked online. You can check schedules here.
- MV Vince Gabriel: at 4:30. It takes about 3 hours.
- Romans Road 2: at 9:30 and arrives in Surigao at 11:15.
- MV Claire Edith: at 12:30 and arrives at 14:30.
- MV Pilar Tuna Passion: leaves at 5:30 and arrives around 6:45 in Surigao.
- Montenegro RoRo: at 5:00 in the morning. The trip takes between 3 and 4 hours.
- MV Zac Gregor 2: Monday to Saturdays at 13:45 and takes 2 hours.
Beyond 15:30 you won’t find public transport to Siargao from Surigao.
The price of the ticket from Surigao to Siargao is around 260–400 pesos, depending on the company. The cheapest, as you can probably imagine, is Montenegro, which takes longer to arrive.
If you’re going to travel from Siargao to Surigao, you’ll find ferries between 4:30 and 13:00. But it’s best to check in advance at Dapa port, as schedules usually vary.
How to get from Dapa port to General Luna or other parts of Siargao
You already know that Siargao is a relatively large island, but most accommodations are concentrated in the General Luna area. The north is gaining traction, so we’re going to tell you the ways to reach these parts of the island. In any case, for context, it’s worth taking a look first at Where to stay in Siargao.
If you’re staying in the General Luna area, ignore anyone who approaches you at the port exit. Walk to the bus and jeepneys terminal and you’ll find there are shared tricycles to General Luna. They cost 40 pesos per person and the journey takes about 30 minutes. The other option is the buses of the company DATSCO, which depart from their own terminal (location here), cost 33 pesos per person and drop you in General Luna, in the town itself. They operate between 4:15 and 17:15 roughly every half hour (not too strict with schedules, mind you) Monday to Saturday only.
Once in General Luna, you can walk to your accommodation or go by tricycle or habal habal (motorbikes with driver). The prices for a ride within the Malinao and General Luna area are around 30 pesos per person (you shouldn’t pay more than that).
On the other hand, you also have the option to rent a motorbike at the port itself (about 300 pesos per day) or to take a private tricycle. The latter should cost you 200-250 pesos for the entire vehicle to General Luna. Although you’ll find many waiting there, if you want a tricycle contact, we can give you one if you leave us a comment.
If you’re heading towards Burgos or Alegría, it’s a little more of a hassle, as it’s farther away. You have the following alternatives:
- Rent a motorbike: as we said, about 300 pesos per day. Cheaper for more than 3 days.
- Take a multicab from the terminal: note that they’re not very frequent. Theoretically they leave at 7:30, 12:00, 15:00 and 17:30, but don’t rely too much on schedules. To Burgos it costs 100 pesos. The journey will be a little over 1 hour, depending on the stops it makes. In the opposite direction, from Burgos, they leave around 6:00, 7:00, 9:00, 10:30 and 13:00.
- Negotiate a private tricycle: it will be around 700-800 pesos, depending on where you’re going. We can also give you a couple of contacts if you’d feel more comfortable. Leave us a comment and we’ll send you all the info.
Other alternatives to get to Siargao
The above are the basic ways to reach Siargao, but if, due to price, schedules or whatever, they don’t suit you, check out these other possible ways (less practical from our point of view).
Flight to Surigao and boat to Siargao
Although due to the increase in cheap direct flights to Siargao from different Philippine cities it’s not usually the most economical option now, another way to get to Siargao is by flying to Surigao. You’ll find flights from Manila and Cebu to Surigao with the airline Cebu Pacific Air (CEBGO). If you search in advance, they can be found for about 25€.
Once in Surigao, you can take a tricycle to the port (it shouldn’t cost you more than 50 pesos) or a multicab to Luneta Park (12 pesos) and walk to the port. Then follow the steps we indicated above to get from Surigao to Siargao by boat.
Flight to Butuan, overland transfer to Surigao and boat to Siargao
If the price of flights to Surigao or Siargao is very high, you can consider the possibility of reaching Siargao from Butuan. You’ll find direct flights to this Philippine city from both Cebu and Manila with CEBGO and Philippine Airlines. In advance, you can book them from 25€.
When you arrive in Butuan, you can take a van that will take you straight to Surigao. The journey takes about 3 hours and costs 250 pesos.
When you’re in Surigao, head to the port (tricycle for about 50 pesos) and you can get to Siargao by boat. Remember that the last boat is around 15:30, so you may have to sleep in Surigao if you didn’t take an early flight.
How to get to Siargao from specific points in the Philippines
The main connection hubs to reach Siargao are Manila or Cebu. From Manila it will be convenient if you’re exploring Luzon or if you arrived in Manila from abroad and your first stop is Siargao. Cebu, on the other hand, is a joining hub if you’re on islands like Bohol, Malapascua, Bantayan, Camotes or Siquijor. To get to Siargao from these islands, the most convenient way is to go to Cebu (we detail it thoroughly in How to get to Cebu) and then opt for a Cebu to Siargao flight (the fastest and most convenient) or for the combination of boats we mentioned above.
Here we give you some clues about common specific routes among travelers, but if you still have questions or are looking for a particular one, you can write to us in the comments and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
How to get from Camiguin to Siargao
If you’re on the beautiful island of Camiguin, you can reach Siargao in two ways: by plane (with a stop in Manila or Cebu) or by public transport (you’ll spend the whole day and will have to take a couple of boats, plus a bus or several vans). In How to get from Camiguin to Siargao we explain step by step how to link both Philippine destinations.
How to get from Bohol to Siargao
If you’re visiting Bohol and want to reach Siargao, take a look at How to get from Bohol to Siargao, where we explain in great detail how to link both places. In short, the most convenient is ferry from Bohol to Cebu and then flight from Cebu to Siargao.
How to get from El Nido to Siargao
You have it all detailed in How to get from Siargao to El Nido. As a spoiler, you can choose between a flight from El Nido to Cebu or Manila + flight from Manila or Cebu to Siargao, or van to Puerto Princesa + flight to Cebu + flight to Siargao.
How to get from Malapascua to Siargao
You can see it in detail in our article How to get from Siargao to Malapascua and vice versa. As with all the islands around Cebu, the most practical thing is to go from Malapascua to Cebu (boat from Malapascua to Maya + bus or van to Cebu) and then flight from Cebu to Siargao (or ferry to Surigao + boat to Siargao).
How to get from Pintuyan to Siargao
More and more travelers in season decide to swim with whale sharks in Pintuyan and then, since it’s nearby, decide to visit Siargao. In this case, you’ll need to follow these steps:
- Bus, van or tricycle from Pintuyan to San Ricardo port: they pass along the main road and it will only take you 30–40 minutes (depending on the stops). Around 50 pesos per person.
- Boat from San Ricardo to Lipata port: they’re operated by a couple of companies roughly between 5:00 and 17:00, with Montenegro being the most reliable. Even so, we recommend asking the Pintuyan Tourism Office (they reply quite quickly on Facebook) because schedules vary; you can also send an SMS to this number to ask 09265505337. The trip takes about an hour and is around 340 pesos.
- Jeepney (about 20 pesos) or tricycle (you’ll have to negotiate, but it shouldn’t be more than 50 pesos for the entire vehicle) from Lipata to Surigao.
- Boat from Surigao to Dapa: you can see schedules above. Note there are services until 15:30. They can be booked here.
It’s best to leave Pintuyan early so you have time to arrive comfortably the same day.
By the way, you might be interested in reading How to get to Pintuyan.
How to get from Dinagat to Siargao
If you’ve decided to do the Dinagat island hopping (nice!), it won’t be very difficult to reach Siargao. You basically have 2 alternatives:
- Go from San José to Cagdianao (you can go by habal-habal for about 200 pesos or by bao bao for about 300) and then take one of the boats that run Monday to Sunday to Del Carmen port. As of today they leave at 15:30, but it’s better to check the schedule on this page. They take a little over an hour and cost 350 pesos per person. They cannot be booked online. From Del Carmen, you can take a DATSCO bus or a shared tricycle to Dapa and then to General Luna, or pay for a private tricycle (we can give you a contact if you leave us a comment).
- Go from San José to Surigao (there are boats between 6:00 and 15:00 every day, on Sundays a bit later, 1 hour/200 pesos; check schedules here; cannot be booked online) and then take a boat from Surigao to Dapa (Siargao). You can get more information about this route and how to get to your hotel in Siargao above.
In any case, you can read more in How to get to Dinagat.
Have you already decided how you’re going to get to Siargao? Any questions? Ask us in the comments!
Siargao guide
You’ll find much more information in our Siargao Guide: what to do, where to stay and other useful data.
