From Manila to Butuan, This Is the Route Most Travelers Take (and Why It Works)
This article may contain affiliate links. This means we receive a small commission whenever you book or purchase something through our links (at no extra cost to you!). You can find more information in our disclaimer.
Do you want to know how to easily travel from Manila to Butuan these days? If you do, you’re in the right place!
This post will help you know the best ways to travel between these two cities in the Philippines. We’ve also included lists of top tourist spots, best accommodations, and valuable tips!
Travelling from Manila to Butuan offers options that cater to different preferences, whether you’re looking forward to a fast and convenient journey or a more adventurous trip.
Let’s explore each of them so you can choose what suits your travel needs!
Most Convenient Option: Manila to Butuan by Plane
Most Adventurous Way: Manila to Butuan by Ferry
Most Budget-Friendly: Manila to Butuan by Bus
4 Ways to Travel from Manila to Butuan
✈️ Manila to Butuan by Plane
Air travel from Manila to Butuan is indeed the most popular and commonly chosen option by many travellers because of its speed and convenience.
Manila to Butuan flights usually take around 1.5 to 2 hours.
In addition to that, airlines such as Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific offer regular schedules, which provide travelers with flexibility in choosing departure times that best suit their travel plans.
From Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila, Terminal 2 for Philippine Airlines and Terminal 3 for Cebu Pacific, you can easily take a domestic flight.
📢 Join the community! Make sure you join our Philippines Hidden Gems – Travel Community. This is the place to ask any questions about your trip, to be inspired, and to connect with other Philippines travelers. Click here to join!
The flight duration is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours before landing at Bancasi Airport in Butuan.
Once you arrive there, you can proceed to get to your preferred accommodation. We’d recommend getting a taxi which you can easily find near the airport.
Travelling by plane is by far the most ideal among the other available options, especially when you have a lot of things to tick off from your Butuan itinerary.
⛴️ Manila to Butuan by Ferry
If you want to add a little bit of excitement to your journey, travelling through Manila to Butuan ferry is a better option.
Apart from the scenic views and the wonderful experience you can get from taking the ferry, it also allows you to stopover in one of the most beautiful and well-known cities in the country – Cebu City.
Although 2G0 Travel offers a direct route from Manila to Butuan.
Travelling by ferry to Butuan from North Harbor Pier 4 usually takes you 2 days and 1 night. You’ll then arrive at Nasipit Seaport Terminal where you can ride a taxi or van going to Butuan City.
There’s no problem taking the ferry from Manila to Butuan as long as you have time and willingness on this thrilling trip.
🚌 Manila to Butuan by Bus
Taking a bus from Manila to Butuan is possible and budget-friendly. Make sure to take a Philtranco bus for land travel.
However, the bus journey can be long, lasting around 24 to 30 hours, depending on traffic and the route.
This extended travel time may not suit those with time constraints or seeking a faster mode of transportation.
But for adventurous travellers, the bus journey offers a chance to see diverse landscapes and experience different regions of the Philippines, providing a more immersive way to connect with local culture and fellow travellers.
🚗 Manila to Butuan by Car (+ Ferry)
To travel from Manila to Butuan, take a car to Batangas International Seaport, and then board a ferry to reach Lipata Ferry Terminal in Surigao City.
From there, you can continue your journey to Butuan City, which takes you about 3 hours from the centre of Surigao.
Things to Know Before Travelling from Manila to Butuan
🤔 Where is Butuan Located?
Butuan City is situated in the northeastern part of the island of Mindanao in the Philippines.
It serves as the regional centre of the Caraga Administrative Region and is bordered by the provinces of Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur.
The city’s strategic location along the northeastern coast of Mindanao makes it easily accessible through various modes of transportation, including land, air, and sea routes.
🤔 What is the Distance from Manila to Butuan?
The distance from Manila to Butuan is approximately 800 kilometres (500 miles) when travelling by air.
🤔 How Long is the Travel Time from Manila to Butuan?
The travel time from Manila to Butuan by air is around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the flight schedule and weather conditions.
🤔 What is the Cheapest Way to Get from Manila to Butuan?
The cheapest way to travel from Manila to Butuan is by taking a bus. However, be prepared for a longer travel time, which can take around 20 hours or more.
🤔 What is the Fastest Way to Get from Manila to Butuan?
The fastest way to get from Manila to Butuan is by taking a domestic flight. The flight duration is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, making it the quickest option for travel between the two cities.
Sign up now to grab your FREE guide to 50 hidden gems in the Philippines!
Getting Back from Butuan to Manila
You can book a domestic flight from Bancasi Airport in Butuan to Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila.
Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific offer regular flights on this route, providing a convenient and efficient means of transportation for your journey back to Manila.
Taking 2GO Travel is indeed another option for getting back from Butuan to Manila. The ferry route is from Nasipit Seaport Terminal in Butuan to North Harbor Pier 4.
Top Tourist Spots in Butuan City
📍 Banza Church Ruins
Visit Banza Church Ruins in Butuan City for a historical sightseeing experience. It’s now the oldest church ruins in Mindanao, with only a bell tower remaining, wrapped in a big Balete tree.
The site is very easy to reach by tricycle from the city center, and has no entrance fee required!
📍 Delta Discovery Park
Don’t miss the longest zipline in southwest Asia and other activities like zorb ball, ATV riding, swimming, and horseback riding at Delta Discovery Park.
They have an entrance fee of 20 pesos, with the opportunity to stay overnight in one of their cottages or dormitories!
📍 Butuan National Museum
Discover ancient Balanghai boats at the Butuan National Museum, located near Butuan City Hall. This museum showcases significant archaeological items from the city and the Caraga region.
Make sure to explore the rich history and cultural heritage of Butuan at this fascinating museum!
📍 Balangay Shrine Museum
The Balangay Shrine Museum is another Butuan City tourist spot where you can see ancient balangay boats. Learn about the city’s history with ancient jewelry, tools, and remains.
Admission is free, and the staff is very welcoming!
📍 Mount Mayapay
Explore Mt. Mayapay in Butuan for thrilling climbing adventures! Its historical significance and stunning views of Butuan City and Agusan River make it a must-visit spot.
It’s easily accessible by multi-cab and habal-habal, so don’t miss this exciting destination!
Places to Stay in Butuan City
🛌🏻 Go Hotels Butuan
Stay at Go Hotels Butuan, a budget hotel conveniently located beside Robinson’s Place Butuan.
Ideal for solo travellers, it offers easy access to popular malls and restaurants in the city. Located along JC Aquino Avenue, just a 20-minute drive from the airport.
Enjoy free WiFi, parking, and breakfast. Plus, various public transportation terminals are just near the area, so no need to go anywhere to get a ride!
🛌🏻 Watergate Boutique Hotel
Watergate Boutique Hotel is the perfect choice if you seek a nice place to stay with a restaurant and bar.
This 4-star accommodation offers an outdoor swimming pool, spa and wellness centre, and airport shuttle.
🛌🏻 Butuan Grand Palace Hotel
Butuan Grand Palace Hotel is a prestigious 5-star hotel in Butuan, offering rooms with terraces for a pleasant stay.
Its prime location allows easy access to the city centre and two major shopping malls nearby. One of the hotel’s highlights is its renowned breakfast options, serving both Asian and American dishes.
Tips for Travelling from Manila to Butuan
✈️ Book a Domestic Flight: Choose a quick and convenient domestic flight to Butuan.
🪶 Pack Light: Bring essential travel documents and pack light, comfortable clothing for the tropical weather.
🗺️ Plan Your Itinerary: Research and plan the attractions and local experiences you want to enjoy.
🙏🏻 Respect Local Customs: Be mindful of local customs and traditions during your visit.
💧 Stay Hydrated and Try Local Food: Drink water and savour local delicacies for a rich culinary experience.
🚌 Use Public Transportation: Utilize tricycles, habal-habal, and multi-cabs to explore the city.
🥳 Embrace the Experience: Be open-minded and engage with the locals for a memorable trip.
Frequently Asked Questions: How to Travel from Manila to Butuan
Wrapping Up: How to Travel from Manila to Butuan
Do you prefer to reach your destination as fast as possible or would it be better to be able to make a few stopovers?
Whatever your choice is, always consider your travel needs!
Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
🧭 Travel Resources for Your Butuan Trip
Planning a visit to Butuan in Northern Mindanao? Here are trusted resources to book flights, hotels, tours, and everything you’ll need for a smooth trip.
How to Get to Butuan– Book direct ferries to Nasipit Seaport or flights to Bancasi Airport (BXU) from Manila or Cebu with Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, or Sunlight Air through 12Go.
Where to Book Your Stay – Find city hotels, budget inns, or family-friendly stays near the airport using Booking.com, Agoda, Airbnb, or Vrbo for long-term or group rentals.
Getting Around the City – Use Rentalcars.com or Discovercars.com for self-drive car rentals, hail tricycles or multicabs for short rides, or hire private vans and drivers through your hotel for day trips around Agusan del Norte.
Book Tours and Activities – Discover museums, waterfalls, and nearby beaches with guided experiences from Klook, Viator, or GetYourGuide, or ask local tourism offices for accredited guides.
Stay Connected – Stay online with an Airalo eSIM, rent a pocket WiFi in Klook for group travel, or pick up a local Smart or Globe SIM at the airport or malls in the city center.
Cash, ATMs, and Payments – Butuan has plenty of ATMs in malls and banks, but always carry cash for small shops, tricycle fares, and local eateries outside the city center.
Travel Insurance – Get covered for flight delays, road trips, or emergency medical needs with SafetyWing, HeyMondo, or World Nomads.
Check Out These Recommended Articles:
- How to Travel from Gingoog to Butuan
- How to Travel from Davao to Butuan: The Ultimate Guide
- Your Complete Travel Guide from Cebu to Butuan
- Your Ultimate Guide to Traveling from Cagayan De Oro to Butuan
- Best Ways From Surigao to Butuan: The Ultimate Travel Guide
- Rent A Car In Butuan City: Everything You Need To Know
- 23 Best Butuan City Tourist Spots: Your Ultimate Guide to Unlock Butuan’s Treasures
About the Author
Hello there! I’m Mitch, the main writer of Philippine Hidden Gems! I’m a random Filipino who’s already explored many parts of the Philippines, especially the regions of Central Visayas, Northern Mindanao, and Caraga, where I was born and raised.
Apart from my goal to find more hidden gems in my country and share my discoveries with you, I also enjoy reading and writing, discovering new food, and coffee!
Join me as I show you the beauty of my homeland and why the Philippines should be your next destination!
