Cagayan de Oro City to Mati City bus guide

Rural Transit Mindanao Inc. (RTMI) runs Cagayan de Oro City to Mati City as one bus on one ticket. The route crosses the interior highlands rather than following the traditional south-bound Buda Highway into Davao City, so passengers no longer have to break the journey and transfer.

Route overview and terminal information

Buses board passengers at the Agora Bus Terminal in Cagayan de Oro and travel directly to the Mati City Overland Transport Terminal.

• Average travel time: 10 to 11 hours, including quick routine stopovers at municipal terminals along the way.
• Departures: Three daily direct trips: 4:00 AM, 7:15 AM, and 9:30 AM, in both directions.
• Fares: P915.00 for the air-conditioned direct ticket, with the Student, Senior, and PWD rate at P732.00.

Step-by-step direct route sequence

Instead of taking the south-bound Buda Highway down to Davao City, this route uses the interior bypass road:

• 1. Agora terminal departure: Leaves Cagayan de Oro heading south along the Sayre Highway, passing through Manolo Fortich and Sumilao.
• 2. Bukidnon highlands: Passes through Impasugong, Malaybalay City, and Valencia City.
• 3. The interior bypass: The bus branches off at San Fernando, Bukidnon, charting directly across the mountains to enter Davao del Norte via Talaingod.
• 4. Davao del Norte entry: Reaches the lowlands through Kapalong and Asuncion, then flows into the Tagum City terminal.
• 5. Davao Oriental coastline: Follows the coastal highway through Maco, Mabini, Pantukan, Banaybanay, Lupon, and Manikling in San Isidro.
• 6. Badas Pass: Navigates the steep mountain curves overlooking Pujada Bay.
• 7. Mati terminal arrival: Concludes the cross-island transit at downtown Mati City.

Practical travel tips

• The bypass is what makes it direct: The route uses the secured and paved San Fernando to Talaingod corridor, which shortens cross-island transit between Northern Mindanao and Davao Oriental considerably.
• Pack snacks: The mountain pass between San Fernando and Talaingod is remote with sparse commercial rest stops, so carrying substantial food and plenty of water is strongly advised.
• Right-side seating: Sit on the right side of the coach for the best unblocked view of the Sleeping Dinosaur island formation as the bus descends into Mati.