Davao (DVO): insist on the meter, and the jeepney is out on the highway
Taxis and app rides at the airport are fare regulated, so take the meter rather than an offered price. Jeepneys are cheap but need a walk and a change.
- The airport is about 7 km from central Davao, 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic.
- Taxis and app rides at the airport are fare regulated.
- Take the metered fare rather than a flat price offered at the kerb. The meter is both cheaper and the regulated option.
- A taxi starts at around 40 pesos and runs by the kilometre after that.
- Downtown is about 200 to 300 pesos.
- SM Lanang Premier is 150 to 200 pesos, Abreeza Mall 180 to 250, and Matina or Ecoland 250 to 350.
- Grab is slightly dearer than a metered taxi but more predictable, since the price is fixed in the app.
- Jeepneys cost 15 to 30 pesos but do not come into the airport.
- You walk out to the main highway to catch one, and downtown needs a transfer at Sasa.
- That is fine with a small bag and awkward with a suitcase.
The meter
- Taxis and app based rides at Davao airport are fare regulated.
- That means the metered fare is the official one, and a driver offering a flat rate at the kerb is offering you a worse deal, not a better one.
- Ask for the meter. Davao's drivers have a good reputation for using it, and the regulation is on your side.
- The flag falls at about 40 pesos and the fare runs by distance after that.
What things cost
- Downtown, around San Pedro and Poblacion: 200 to 300 pesos.
- SM Lanang Premier: 150 to 200 pesos.
- Abreeza Mall: 180 to 250 pesos.
- Matina or the Ecoland bus terminal: 250 to 350 pesos.
- Grab is a little dearer than a metered taxi but the price is fixed before you book, which some people prefer after a long flight.
The jeepney
- Jeepneys and multicabs cost 15 to 30 pesos, which is a tenth of a taxi.
- They do not come into the airport. You walk out of the terminal to the main highway and catch one there.
- For downtown you change at Sasa; for SM Lanang you change again at Lanang; for the Ecoland bus terminal you go through downtown.
- This is a genuine option for a light traveller who knows the routes and a bad idea for anyone with luggage and no local knowledge.
Onward
- The Ecoland terminal is where buses leave for the rest of Mindanao, including Digos, General Santos and the Cotabato road.
- A taxi straight from the airport to Ecoland is 250 to 350 pesos and saves an awkward double change.
Comments
No comments yet. Share the first one.
Share a tip
Sign in to continue.