How to Get from Davao to Butuan
How to get from Davao to Butuan by private transfer or bus, with vehicle types, travel time and prices.
Last updated: October 29, 2026

Contents
The trip from Davao City to Butuan crosses eastern Mindanao, from the foot of Mount Apo to the fertile plains of the Agusan River. Butuan is the old river city of Agusan del Norte and the place to see the balangay boats, the ancient wooden vessels found nearby. The road is the practical way to get there. Philippine Airlines flies to Butuan from Manila and Cebu, not from Davao, so a flight means changing planes.[1]
You can hire a private car with a driver.
Davao to Butuan by Private Transfer
A private transfer takes you from door to door on the road to Butuan, and the drive takes from about 5 hours 40 minutes. Prices start at about $199 and rise to about $241 for the larger vehicles on booking platforms (October 2026).[2]
Vehicle Class Options
- Toyota Vios 1.5: A compact sedan for solo travellers or couples.[2]
- Toyota Innova 2.0G: A multi-purpose vehicle with more legroom, popular with small families.[2]
- Toyota Grandia: A large van for groups with luggage.[2]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Private transfer | About $199 to $241 per vehicle[2] | From about 5 h 40 min[2] |
Tips for Traveling from Davao to Butuan
- Checkpoints: Security checkpoints on Mindanao roads are routine. Keep a valid ID within reach.
- Water: Mindanao is hot. Carry a bottle of water in the car.
- Snacks: Bring your own snacks for the ride, especially with children.
- Book ahead: A private car for a drive of this length is easiest to arrange a few days before you travel.
Timetable
| Flight Davao - Butuan $ 135.15–215.36 3h 4m – 1days 4h 24m | |
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| Taxi Davao - Butuan $ 198.28–240.28 5h 40m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Davao to Butuan, including current prices and schedules.
A private transfer by road starts at about $199 per vehicle on booking platforms (October 2026) and splits among everyone in the car.
A private transfer by road, from about 5 hours 40 minutes. Philippine Airlines flies to Butuan from Manila and Cebu, not from Davao, so a flight means a connection.
From about 5 hours 40 minutes by road.
A Toyota Vios sedan, a Toyota Innova multi-purpose vehicle and a Toyota Grandia van for larger groups.
From about $199 to about $241 per vehicle, depending on the model (booking platforms, October 2026).
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Philippine Airlines: Domestic Winter Timetable (October 25, 2026 - March 27, 2027, as of October 19, 2026). Retrieved October 26, 2026.
- [2] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Davao - Butuan. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.