Dipolog to Manila Ferry Schedule
Planning your trip from Dipolog to Manila? Choose between two reliable routes: the iconic Western Nautical Highway via Ceres RoRo bus for an adventure across five diverse islands from Mindanao to Luzon, or a comfortable direct passenger ferry with 2GO from nearby Dapitan.
BusTickets.ph offers easy booking and instant confirmation for both these adventurous travel options, getting you on your way.
Use the search tool above or click here to book.
Contents
Travel Options Overview
There are two main ways to travel between Dipolog and Manila:
| Travel Option | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| RoRo Bus | 3 times weekly (M/W/F) | 30–36 hours |
| 2GO Ferry | Once weekly (Sunday) | 32–40 hours |
Schedules & Departures
Both RoRo buses and ferry options operate regular services between Dipolog and Manila:
RoRo Bus Schedules (Dipolog to Manila)
| Operator | Departure Time | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Rural Transit/Ceres | M/W/F at 11:00 AM | 30–36 hours |
| Alternative Connection | Dipolog–Dumaguete–Manila (Daily) | 36–42 hours |
2GO Ferry Schedule
| Route | Schedule | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Dipolog/Dapitan → Manila | Depart Dapitan Sun 9:30 PM via M/V St. Michael the Archangel | 32–40 hours |
| Manila → Dipolog/Dapitan | Depart Manila Tue 11:00 AM via M/V St. Michael the Archangel | 32–40 hours |
Western Nautical Highway Route
Duration: 4–5 hours
Duration: 11–13 hours total
This epic journey spans approximately 710 km by land plus sea crossings, taking you across five major islands: Mindanao → Negros → Panay → Mindoro → Luzon. The entire route is part of the Strong Republic Nautical Highway system.
Meanwhile, the 2GO ferry from Dapitan to Manila offers a more direct sea route aboard the M/V St. Michael the Archangel, departing Sundays at 9:30 PM for a 32–40 hour journey.
Fare Comparison
Choose from various fare options based on your budget and comfort preferences:
| Operator / Class | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| RoRo Bus Options | ||
| Rural Transit/Ceres | ₱4,800 | All-in fare including ferry crossings |
| DIY: Local Bus + Ferries | ₱3,300–4,000 | Multiple tickets required |
| 2GO Ferry Options | ||
| 2GO / Super Value Class | ₱3,100 | Dormitory-style bunks |
| 2GO / Tourist Class | ₱3,600 | Air-conditioned space, better bunks |
| 2GO / Cabin for 4 | ₱4,200 | Private cabin with bathroom |
| 2GO / Deluxe Cabin | ₱5,500 | Premium 2-person cabin |
Departure & Arrival Points
Knowing exactly where to board and alight makes your journey smoother. Here are the key details for your Dipolog–Manila travel:
Dipolog Departure Points
🚍 Dipolog Terminal (Rural Transit/Ceres)
- Location: Central Dipolog City
- Facilities: Covered waiting area, ticket counters, food stalls, restrooms
- Access: Accessible via jeepneys, tricycles from anywhere in Dipolog
- Terminal Fee: ₱20
- Location: Dapitan City, approximately 14 km from Dipolog
- Facilities: Passenger terminal building, waiting lounges, restrooms
- Access: Tricycles or jeepneys from Dipolog (30–40 minutes)
- Terminal Fee: ₱50
Manila Arrival Points
🚍 Cubao Terminal (Ceres/Rural Transit)
- Location: EDSA, Cubao, Quezon City, Metro Manila
- Facilities: Air-conditioned waiting area, restrooms, nearby food options
- Connections: MRT Cubao Station, buses to provinces, jeepneys throughout Metro Manila
🚢 Manila North Harbor – Pier 4 (2GO Travel)
- Location: North Harbor, Tondo, Manila
- Facilities: Modern passenger terminal, cafes, shops, waiting areas
- Connections: Taxis, Grab, jeepneys, and buses to downtown Manila and beyond
Travel & Connection Tips: In Dipolog, arrive at least 1 hour before bus departure. If taking the ferry from Dapitan, arrive 2 hours before sailing and consider arranging transport between Dipolog and Dapitan in advance. From Manila terminals, connections to other parts of Luzon are readily available. Consider using ride-hailing apps like Grab for convenient transfers between terminals and your final destination.
Travel Experience Comparison
The Dipolog to Manila journey offers two distinct travel experiences, each with their own advantages:
RoRo Bus Experience
Rural Transit (Yanson/Ceres group) operates air-conditioned buses with reclining seats on this epic five-island adventure. Departing Dipolog at 11:00 AM (M/W/F), passengers disembark at each ferry crossing to wait in passenger areas before re-boarding. The journey includes stops for meals and rest breaks, with one overnight segment.
2GO Ferry Experience
The 2GO ferry departs from nearby Dapitan Port on Sunday evenings aboard the M/V St. Michael the Archangel. This cruise-like experience offers proper sleeping accommodations, restaurants, and entertainment. See our detailed 2GO ferry guide for complete information.
Which Option Should You Choose?
| Feature | RoRo Bus | 2GO Ferry |
|---|---|---|
| Schedule | M/W/F departures | Sunday departures |
| Journey Time | 30–36 hours | 32–40 hours |
| Price | ₱4,800 all-in | From ₱3,100 |
| Sleeping | Reclining seats | Proper beds/bunks |
| Luggage | 15–20 kg free | 50 kg free |
| Meals | Not included | 2–3 meals included |
| Experience | Island-hopping adventure | Cruise-like journey |
Best For:
- Families & Comfort Seekers: 2GO Ferry (proper beds, more space to move around, included meals)
- Adventure Travelers: RoRo Bus (unique five-island crossing experience)
- Budget Travelers: 2GO Super Value Class (lowest starting price)
- Time-Sensitive Travelers: RoRo Bus (potentially faster by several hours)
Alternative Connection: If you can’t match the limited schedule of either option, consider a DIY connection: Take a ferry from Dapitan to Dumaguete (daily sailings), then catch a RoRo bus from Dumaguete to Manila (daily departures). This requires separate bookings but allows travel on any day of the week.
Booking Information
Secure your tickets for this epic journey through one of these methods:
Where to Book
| Operator | Online Booking | Terminal Booking |
|---|---|---|
| Rural Transit/Ceres | BusTickets.ph | Dipolog Central Terminal |
| DIY: Bus + Ferry | BusTickets.ph | Multiple terminals |
| 2GO Travel | BusTickets.ph | Dapitan Port (Passenger Terminal) |
Note: When booking online through BusTickets.ph, you’ll receive an e-voucher that needs to be exchanged for an actual ticket at the terminal before departure.
Passenger Discounts
| Passenger Type | Discount | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Citizen | 20% off | Senior Citizen ID |
| PWD | 20% off | PWD ID |
| Students | 20% off | Valid school ID |
| Children (3–11) | 50% off | Birth certificate |
Peak Season Travel: Book 1–2 weeks ahead during Christmas/New Year (December 15 – January 15), Holy Week, and Summer (March – May). The Dipolog–Manila RoRo bus has limited seat availability since it sometimes continues to/from Zamboanga City.
Essential Travel Tips
Before You Travel:
- Book at least 1 week ahead during peak seasons
- Arrive 1 hour before bus departure or 2 hours before ferry sailing
- Download offline maps/entertainment for areas with poor signal
- Have small denominations ready for terminal fees and restrooms
What to Pack:
- For RoRo Bus: Light jacket/blanket, travel pillow, eye mask, power bank
- For 2GO Ferry: Toiletries (not provided in lower classes), light jacket
- For Both: Snacks, water bottle, essential medications, entertainment
Route-Specific Tips:
- Sit on deck during the Dapitan–Dumaguete ferry for the best ocean views
- Rural Transit buses stop near Mabinay (Negros Island) for a proper meal
- Explore Rizal Park in Dapitan before your ferry if time allows
- If connecting through Dumaguete, try the Sans Rival Bistro near the port
Baggage Allowance
| Operator | Free Allowance | Excess Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Rural Transit/Ceres | 15–20 kg | Varies |
| 2GO Ferry | 50 kg | ₱50 per kg |
Vehicle Transport Options
Need to bring your vehicle from Dipolog to Manila? Here are your options:
| Option | Vehicle Type | Estimated Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2GO Ferry | Motorcycle | ₱6,000 – ₱12,000 |
| 2GO Ferry | Car/SUV | ₱18,000 – ₱30,000 |
| RoRo Segment by Segment | All Types | Multiple tickets required |
Frequently Asked Questions
• Philippine Coast Guard may cancel ferry sailings
• RoRo bus schedules adjust to available crossings
• 2GO may delay departure until weather clears
• Check BusTickets.ph for updates on your booking
• Most companies offer rebooking for weather cancellations
• 2GO ferry: Yes, 2–3 meals included depending on journey length
• Rural Transit buses: No, purchase meals during stops
• 2GO meals served in different dining areas by class
• Snacks & beverages available for purchase onboard
• Yes, 2GO accommodates vehicles (advance booking required)
• Vehicle fare (car/SUV): ₱18,000–₱30,000 one-way
• Driver must purchase passenger ticket separately
• Documents: Registration papers, insurance
• Alternative: Drive on RoRo ferries segment by segment
• Dipolog and Dapitan are safe, popular tourist destinations
• Standard security checkpoints when leaving Mindanao
• Route passes through well-traveled highways
• Local authorities maintain security along entire route
• Yes, but separate tickets are required for each segment
• Popular stopovers: Dumaguete, Bacolod, Iloilo
• For the ferry option, you can’t disembark mid-voyage
• Consider Dumaguete (1–2 days) to explore Negros Oriental
Other Routes from Dipolog:
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