Davao City to General Santos City bus guide

The primary and most straightforward land route for taking a bus from Davao City to General Santos City (GenSan) is via the Davao-Cotabato Road and the Digos-Malaquil-Gensan Road (AH26 / Pan-Philippine Highway). The journey spans approximately 160 kilometers and is heavily serviced by two main operators: Mindanao Star Bus Transport and Yellow Bus Line (YBL).

Route overview and terminal information

Buses load passengers from the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) in Ecoland and terminate at the Bulaong Terminal in General Santos City.

• Average travel time: 4 to 5 hours, with non-stop express buses generally faster than standard, multi-stop trips depending on traffic and scheduled stops.
• Operating hours: Mindanao Star operates a 24/7 continuous schedule with hourly departures. Yellow Bus Line operates primarily from 2:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
• Fares: Standard multi-stop air-conditioned trips cost P315. Premium "Non-Stop" express trips cost P330. Discount rates apply for students, PWDs, and seniors.

Route options and major stations

Buses follow a highly streamlined coastal and rural highway layout split into two distinct services.

1. Non-Stop Express Service

The fastest choice for direct travelers. These air-conditioned coaches depart the terminal, travel south through the Davao del Sur province, and make only one mandatory brief stop:

• Digos City

2. Standard Service (Multi-Stop)

Ideal for budget commuters or individuals alighting at intermediate municipalities. Standard buses pick up or drop off passengers at designated municipal stops along the highway:

• Davao del Sur: Toril, then Santa Cruz, then Digos City Bus Terminal, then Padada, then Sulop, then Banate.
• Davao Occidental / Sarangani border: Malungon, then Malandag.
• GenSan arrival: Bulaong Terminal.

Travel tips for commuters

• Terminal walk-ins: Tickets are purchased on-demand at the DCOTT terminal booths before boarding. Advance booking is rarely necessary due to frequent hourly departures.
• Best time to travel: Leaving early in the morning or late in the evening generally avoids heavier daytime commercial truck traffic along the highway.
• Luggage handling: Keep your baggage stowed safely in the bus undercarriage for long items. Secure a luggage tag or check stub from the conductor before departure.