Davao Francisco Bangoy Layover Guide (DVO)

What are you looking for in DVO?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Davao Airport (DVO) is an international airport located in Davao City, Philippines. It’s situated about 12 km (7.5 miles) from the city center. The airport officially opened in the 1940s and serves as the main gateway to Mindanao. Davao City is one of the largest urban centers in the Philippines, known for its cleanliness, safety, and economic growth. It also offers stunning natural attractions and a vibrant local culture.

Can you leave Davao Airport (DVO) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Passengers with a valid Saudi transit or e-visa may leave King Khalid International Airport during layovers. Saudi Arabia offers a free 96-hour stopover visa on arrival for eligible nationalities flying Saudia or Flynas; other travellers must secure a transit visa in advance. Prior approvals may apply. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• People’s Park A lush urban park featuring sculptures, landscaped gardens, interactive playgrounds, and cultural art pieces. Perfect for strolling and photography while experiencing local creativity and community ambiance. Vibrant installations delight visitors. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: 10 min by taxi.)
• Philippine Eagle Center A sanctuary dedicated to preserving the critically endangered Philippine eagle amid lush rainforest. Observe majestic raptors, learn about conservation efforts, and explore educational exhibits showcasing endemic wildlife and habitat restoration. (Time required: 2–3 hours. / Airport to here: 1 h by taxi or chartered van.)
• Davao Crocodile Park Home to over a hundred crocodiles and exotic reptiles, this park offers guided feeding sessions, interactive reptile encounters, and cultural performances. A thrilling yet educational stop highlighting local biodiversity. Conservation. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: 30 min by taxi or bus.)
• Museo Dabawenyo Explore Davao’s rich heritage through artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays at this local museum. Discover historical milestones, indigenous cultures, and contemporary art in a compact and easily navigable setting. Informative. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: 10 min by taxi.)
• Roxas Night Market Vibrant evening bazaar featuring diverse street food stalls, local handicrafts, and live music. Sample grilled seafood, exotic fruits, and Filipino snacks while mingling with locals in a lively nocturnal atmosphere. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: 15 min by taxi.)
• Jack’s Ridge Scenic hillside venue offering panoramic city and gulf views, a collection of restaurants, and cultural performances. Perfect for sunset cocktails or a relaxing coffee break surrounded by verdant landscapes. Peaceful. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: 20 min by taxi.)
• Malagos Garden Resort Botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary featuring orchid collections, butterfly dome, and signature chocolate museum. Enjoy nature trails, birdwatching, and farm-to-table dining within serene mountain surroundings. Delightful. Experiential. Pampering. Relaxation. Guaranteed. (Time required: 2–3 hours. / Airport to here: 45 min by taxi.)
• Samal Island Day Trip Short ferry ride to Samal Island introduces pristine beaches, coral gardens for snorkeling, and the relaxing atmosphere of a nearby island paradise. Ideal for sunbathing and refreshing dips. Exhilarating. Experience. (Time required: 3–4 hours. / Airport to here: 15 min taxi to Sasa Wharf + 15 min ferry.)

Things to Do in Davao Airport (DVO)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Davao’s Francisco Bangoy International Airport hosts two PAGSS Premium Lounges in domestic and international departure levels. Both open daily from 09:00 to 18:00, offering air-conditioned seating, complimentary Wi-Fi, light refreshments, alcoholic beverages, newspapers, magazines, televisions, private relaxation rooms, and pre-packed meals during safety protocols. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Several accommodations lie within short distance of DVO, including Park Inn by Radisson Davao, Red Planet Davao, Microtel by Wyndham, all offering 24-hour reception, airport shuttle service, en-suite rooms, free Wi-Fi, on-site dining options. Reservations recommended during peak travel seasons for guaranteed availability, best rates. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Francisco Bangoy terminal lacks a formal rest zone; seating is limited to a few benches in gate areas and halls. Overnight lounging is possible near quieter spots by Gate 4, but travelers should bring eye masks and earplugs; cleaning crews may clear seating early.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout both domestic and international terminals at DVO, provided by Globe Telecom’s GoWifi and Smart Wifi networks. Passengers can register via social media or email for one hour of free access per day at 1GB speed. Additional mobile data SIMs are sold at operator booths.

SIM/eSIM Card: Visitors may purchase prepaid SIMs from Smart and Globe kiosks located in the arrivals hall near baggage claim. Plans include data, call, and text bundles starting at three-day validity. eSIM vouchers for international travelers can be activated via QR code at these counters; opening hours mirror terminal operations. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Metered taxis queue outside the arrivals terminal at designated bays, operating 24/7 with regulated fares. Standard trips to downtown Davao cost around ₱200–₱250 and take 15–20 minutes, depending on traffic. Prepaid taxi booths accept cash or card; ride-hailing services like Grab also serve the airport via geofenced pickup zones.

Train: There is currently no urban rail link serving Francisco Bangoy International Airport. Travelers seeking rail connections must use taxis or buses to reach the nearest Mindanao Railway stations under development. Proposed lines may connect DVO in the future but services are not operational. (more info and details)

Bus: No direct scheduled bus services operate between DVO and city center. Travelers can take a jeepney from the airport exit to Buhangin junction then transfer to Ceres or Go Mindanao buses at Ecoland Bus Terminal for routes across Mindanao. Fare per segment is around ₱10–₱30. (more info)

Shuttle: Select hotels near DVO provide courtesy shuttle service to and from the terminal, usually on fixed schedules requiring prior reservation. Private airport shuttle operators offer popular shared vans and dedicated transfers from arrivals at competitive rates. Booking through hotel concierge ensures timely pickup within 5–10 minutes of flight arrival.

Car rentals: All major agencies have desks in the arrivals concourse including Avis, Hertz, Europcar, and local firms. Drivers must present a valid license, passport, and credit card deposit. Rental choices range from compact models to SUVs, with options for one-way drop-off in Mindanao. Book online for best rates and availability. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: The airport offers an 800-slot parking area adjacent to the terminal, open 24 hours. Rates start at ₱50 per hour, with daily maximum of ₱600. Secure, covered bays accommodate cars and motorcycles. Long-term parking discounts apply for multi-day stays. Payment is accepted via cash or card at exit booths.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Davao Airport does not provide official luggage lockers; however, porter services at arrivals offer short-term baggage holding for a nominal fee. Travelers can also leave bags at hotel or courier counters within terminal. It is recommended to pack valuables in carry-on items to avoid extra handling. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Davao Airport (DVO) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks