Davao City to Butuan City bus guide

The primary and most efficient land route for taking a bus from Davao City to Butuan City is via the Agusan-Davao Road (Pan-Philippine Highway / AH26). The total travel distance is roughly 270 kilometers and the corridor is mainly serviced by Bachelor Express and Davao Metro Shuttle.

Route overview and terminal information

Buses board passengers at the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) in Ecoland and complete their journey at the Butuan Integrated Terminal.

• Average travel time: 8 to 10 hours, with non-stop and 3-stop express options generally faster than standard multi-stop routes depending on traffic and checkpoint clearances.
• Operating hours: 24/7 continuous scheduling with buses departing approximately every 20 to 30 minutes.
• Fares: Premium "Non-Stop" express trips cost P895. "3-Stop" express services cost around P725. Standard local multi-stop air-conditioned buses start around P680. Discount rates apply for students, PWDs, and seniors.

Route options and major stations

Passenger services are organized into distinct tiers to better accommodate different travel paces across the Davao and Caraga regions.

1. Non-Stop Express Service (No Scheduled Stops)

This long-haul tier travels straight along the highway without stopping for roadside flagging passengers, bypassing standard provincial town terminals to keep transit time as short as possible.

2. "3-Stop" Express Service (3 Rest Stops)

A balanced and popular commuter choice, these air-conditioned coaches skip minor municipalities but pause briefly at three primary city and town hubs for passenger transfers or short breaks:

• Tagum City, Davao del Norte
• Trento, Agusan del Sur
• San Francisco (San Fran), Agusan del Sur

3. Standard / Local Service

If you are alighting at midway barangays or small towns, standard air-conditioned and non-airconditioned buses follow the complete baseline route sequence:

• Davao line: Panabo, then Carmen, then Tagum City, then Mawab, then Nabunturan, then Montevista, then Monkayo (Davao de Oro border).
• Agusan line: Trento, then Bunawan, then Rosario, then San Francisco, then Prosperidad, then Bayugan City, then Sibagat.
• Butuan arrival: Butuan Integrated Terminal.

Travel tips for commuters

• Keep your IDs handy: The Agusan-Davao route crosses several regional boundaries and checkpoints. Keep a valid government or student ID accessible in your hand luggage for quick verification checks.
• Boarding without a reservation: Tickets are purchased on-demand at the DCOTT terminal booths before boarding. Advance booking is rarely necessary due to frequent departures.
• Weather awareness: Portions of the Agusan del Sur highway are prone to heavy rainfall. If traveling during typhoon or low-pressure seasons, check localized landslide and traffic advisories before heading out.