Airports near Samal Island
DVO・CBO・GES
What airports are closest to Samal Island?
Davao International Airport (DVO) serves as the closest gateway to Samal Island, lying just 8.64 km away, with taxi transfers reaching the island in approximately 30 minutes. For travelers arriving at General Santos International Airport (GES), the distance to the Samal Island city center is 134.84 km, typically requiring a journey of at least 4 hours by bus or van followed by a ferry crossing. Finally, Awang Airport (CBO) is the most distant option, located 166.04 km from the center, necessitating a long-distance road trip that often exceeds 5 hours of travel time. While Davao provides the most immediate access to the ferry wharves, those landing at the more distant airports must plan for significantly longer transit windows to complete their journey to the Island Garden City of Samal. and book hotels in Samal Island
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Airports near Samal Island: DVO, CBO and GES.
Airports Near Samal Island: Key Information
Number of airports in Samal Island
0
Closest airport to the city center
Davao International Airport (DVO)
Distance
8.6 km
Fastest arrival time
30 minutes - 45 minutes
Airport with the cheapest transport
Davao International Airport (DVO)
Compare domestic and international airports near Samal Island.
Davao International Airport
Distance: 8.6 km
Transport option
Est. duration
Est. fare
Features/best for
Island City Express Bus
40 minutes - 1 hour
PHP 120-170
Balanced
Airport Metered Taxi
Fastest
30 minutes - 45 minutes
PHP 140-250
Comfort
Walking and Ferry
Cheapest
1 hour - 1 hour 30 minutes
PHP 40-60
Budget
Awang Airport
Distance: 166 km
Transport option
Est. duration
Est. fare
Features/best for
Bachelor Express/Mindanao Star
Cheapest
6 hours - 8 hours
PHP 500-800
Budget
Private Hired Car
Fastest
5 hours - 7 hours
PHP 4500-7000
Comfort
Van Service
6 hours - 7 hours 30 minutes
PHP 800-1200
Balanced
General Santos International Airport
Distance: 134.8 km
Transport option
Est. duration
Est. fare
Features/best for
Mindanao Star Bus
Cheapest
4 hours 40 minutes - 5 hours 50 minutes
PHP 430-600
Budget
Airport Taxi
Fastest
4 hours - 5 hours
PHP 3500-5000
Comfort
Shared Van
4 hours 20 minutes - 5 hours 20 minutes
PHP 600-900
Balanced
Compare 3 airports near Samal Island
Airport Guide
Compare 3 airports near Samal Island
For the vast majority of visitors, Davao International Airport (DVO) is the primary and most logical gateway. It is the only airport located within the same city as the jump-off point for Samal Island, handling both domestic and international flights. Travelers choosing this route enjoy the shortest travel times and the most diverse transport options, ranging from budget-friendly public transport to convenient private transfers. The other two airports, Awang Airport (CBO) and General Santos International Airport (GES), are located in neighboring cities and serve primarily as secondary domestic hubs. Reaching Samal Island from these locations requires an extensive and time-consuming road journey to Davao City before one can even begin the ferry crossing. These options should generally only be considered if flight availability or significantly lower fares make them a necessity. Regardless of your arrival point, always factor in the required ferry transit time and potential traffic when scheduling your travel to the island.
Flights to Samal Island
City of Manila to Davao International Airport
City of Manila to Awang Airport
City of Manila to General Santos International Airport
See all flights
Hotels near Samal Island airport
Breakfast
Great79 Reviews
Samal Island|10.75km from city center
Pearl Farm is like a paradise. Everything is pleasing to the eyes and to the tummy! Lechon is available every night. Staff are very friendly, accommodating and quick to respond to every request.
My only complaint is their social media, phone and email responses. They respond very slow or none at all.
1. I asked for a transfer from Discovery Samal Welcome Center to their Marina Wharf. They said they will send a van at 1pm but there was none. I followed up thru trip dot com messages, no response. I called their mobile number, declined! Guess what, they replied saying they were on lunch break! We were in a hurry because we need to be in their wharf before 2pm per their instruction. Nada. Good thing we were able to ask Discovery Samal staff to bring us to Marina Wharf.
2. Boat transfer from wharf to resort was cancelled due to big waves. I understand. We were told we will be traveling by land. We rode a van, lined up to be transferred via RORO (yes, the ship transfer) which took us 2 freaking hours just for lining up!! And another hour to arrive at the resort. We travelled for 3 HOURS just to arrive at the resort. We lined up with other RORO passengers - with and without vehicles. We are staying in a 5 star resort but they cant do something to make the waiting/lining up in the RORO be a little faster?? I saw the driver paying 20/passenger for riding the RORO (not verified). Cant the resort pay a little extra for a fast lane or something similar? Idk! Just rly disappointed bcos we were traveling with a 3yr old! Ofcourse I messaged them regarding this thru email and yes, they DID NOT REPLY AGAIN.
I wanted to rate them 5stars but their communication with guests is so bad. I worked in a hotel and every message from guests is taken very seriously.FromUS$313
Very Good29 Reviews
Samal Island|5.06km from city center
The yard is very comfortable and quiet. Every day, mangoes fall from the tree. Picking mangoes has become a small blessing every day. It is super sweet. If the room facilities are not expected too high, it is quite happy to live here. Overall very recommended 👍🏻
Transportation: According to the guidance issued by Reception, it is very worry-free to take the bus from davao to the boat. 75 ≈ 9 yuan more than one person, to the warehouse, about 2.5㎞ take tutu to arrive.
Parent-child, after the phone inquiry, it is allowed to book a twin bed ➕ 750 for child with breakfast, which is still very friendly.
You can book tutu around the island, 1500 to negotiate the price yourself, motorcycle rental 500 +50deliver fee, a durian every day, the tuna restaurant opposite the warehouse is very good
Have a chance to come againFromUS$24
2 Reviews
Samal Island|5.7km from city center
Davao is the best of the many Philippine islands I have been to. It is not as commercial as Boracay and Bohol, nor as boring as Iloilo. A place I like very much. But there may not be a chance to come again!FromUS$53
4 Reviews
Samal Island|7.35km from city center
The place is very nice and relaxing. I will surely be back hereGood29 Reviews
Samal Island|12.17km from city center
This is a very secluded area which is why I liked it so. If you want crowds then go to Boracay but if you want a beautiful beach with more privacy then this is your paradise getaway. The staff is very friendly and attentive and the owner is extremely caring. I loved this place and the view is like Hawaii Maui. Be aware that the beach is going down a mountain so there are lots of stairs to climb. Also I loved the Peacock’s that roam there. This is a perfect Anniversary vacationFromUS$65
Family friendly
Very Good11 Reviews
Samal Island|5.95km from city center
We had a pleasant stay. The premier garden cabin was just right for our family. It was a clean and instagrammable functional space. Kudos to the staff for being so helpful and maintaining the facilities.FromUS$131
Great192 Reviews
Samal Island|5.67km from city center
Really enjoy my stay here. The pick up and boat transfer service is superb! Everything is great except that the restaurant is a little pricey and the airport pick up did not show up on time.FromUS$163
Very Good31 Reviews
Samal Island|6.07km from city center
Paradise Island Park & Beach Resort never disappoints. The cleanliness is superb, the rooms smell fresh, and the aircon works perfectly which really matters on a beach trip where the humidity is no joke. The food is genuinely good, and the waiters deserve credit for always checking in and making sure we had everything we needed. This place holds a special place in my heart, it’s been my childhood beach, where families and relationships have grown for the past three decades. Overall, 10/10 experience EVERY TIME.FromUS$56
Good28 Reviews
Samal Island|5.48km from city center
First time in Davao and Samal Island.The location is very near the wharf.The staff were friendly and helpful.Woke up very early and they were already cleaning the pool and surrounding areas for the guests.We had a good time in the pool and a little walking in the beach.FromUS$129
Very Good3 Reviews
Samal Island|3.64km from city center
Really convenient and very affordable. Pretty close to a lot of different places.FromUS$17
5 star
14 Reviews
Samal Island|4.88km from city center
Well, it was a great experience to stay there.The place was really wonderful good to those people who are seeking for peace & relaxation.The location was just nice not too far from the barge terminal just 5 min ride.The staff was friendly & very accomodating. I really love the Bali vibes..at night during weekend there was a party..a live band.Can recommend this beach resortFromUS$67
Outstanding1 Reviews
Samal Island|4.83km from city center
With a stay at this vacation home in Samal, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Church of Christ and Monfort Bat Sanctuary. This vacation home is 13.6 mi (22 km) from SM City Davao and 2.6 mi (4.1 km) from BlueJaz Water Park.Take in the views from a terrace and a garden and make use of amenities such as complimentary wireless internet access.Free self parking is available onsite.Make yourself comfortable in your air-conditioned vacation home.FromUS$216
Very Good0 Reviews
Samal Island|6.84km from city center
At Vafi Hills Bed And Breakfast, exceptional service and top-notch amenities create a memorable experience for guests.Complimentary internet access is available in the homestay to ensure you stay connected during your visit. Continuously receive the support you require through front desk amenities such as express check-in or check-out. Always look your best in your preferred attire with the laundromat and laundry service provided at Vafi Hills Bed And Breakfast. Due to health concerns, smoking is strictly prohibited within the entire premises of homestay.For the health and well-being of all guests and staff, smoking is restricted exclusively to assigned zones. Accommodations come equipped with all the conveniences required for a restful night's slumber. A few accommodations at Vafi Hills Bed And Breakfast also include unique design elements like a balcony or terrace. At Vafi Hills Bed And Breakfast, each day commences with a scrumptious breakfast offered at no additional cost.An evening spent at homestay's bar can offer as much enjoyment as venturing out with your fellow travelers.Are you inclined to prepare your own dishes? You will surely appreciate having the on-site BBQ facilities available. At Vafi Hills Bed And Breakfast, guests can take pleasure in the delightful recreational amenities provided for their entertainment.At Vafi Hills Bed And Breakfast, the poolside bar provides an excellent incentive to enjoy extended hours in your swimwear.FromUS$26
Very Good3 Reviews
Samal Island|4.36km from city center
We stayed overnight at Castle View Hotel Samal with friends and really enjoyed the location. The view is amazing—you can clearly see Davao, which made our stay extra special. The staff were accommodating and friendly, and our room was conveniently located beside the pool, which we appreciated. However, the food was a bit disappointing, especially the beef sirloin we ordered, as it did not meet the quality expected for the price. The room rate for 4 pax is also a bit expensive. Overall, the experience was pleasant mainly because of the location and view, but there’s room for improvement in pricing and food quality.FromUS$126
9 Reviews
Samal Island|5.7km from city center
Here’s a clearer, more polished version of your feedback while keeping the casual tone:
I initially booked a double room good for 2 pax, but it turned out to be too small—honestly, it could barely fit one person. We ended up upgrading to a quad room (₱3,500). Since we already paid ₱2,510 for the double room, and they said it only actually costs ₱1,800, we were told to just add ₱1,700 instead of the ₱1,000 difference. Not sure how that adds up, but we didn’t have much choice but to upgrade.
Another issue was the breakfast. Since we upgraded, it was supposed to include breakfast for 4, but when morning came, there was none because the cook was sick. Again, we had no choice.
Check-out time is also quite early at 10 AM, which isn’t very convenient. Considering the total amount we paid, the overall experience didn’t really match the price—it felt a bit overpriced for what we got.
On the positive side, the staff were somewhat friendly, which was okay. However, the beachfront area is quite small as well.
Overall, not the best experience for the price.FromUS$32
FAQs
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Which airport is the closest to Samal Island?
The nearest airport to Samal Island is Davao International Airport (DVO), about 8.6 km away.Awang Airport (CBO) (166 km) and General Santos International Airport (GES) (134.8 km).
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How long does it take to get from Samal Island to the airport?
Getting from Samal Island to Davao International Airport (DVO) takes about 30 minutes - 45 minutes.
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How do I get to Samal Island?
We recommend flying into Davao International Airport (DVO), which is approximately 8.6 km away. The fastest mode of transportation is Airport Metered Taxi, reaching downtown in about 30 minutes - 45 minutes.
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How many airports does Samal Island have?
Samal Island has 3 airports: Davao International Airport (DVO), Awang Airport (CBO) and General Santos International Airport (GES).