Boston
Boston airport to city centre: trains, buses, taxis and costs
Boston, Davao Oriental has no airport and no train station. You fly into Davao City (DVO), about 3–4 hours by road, or into Mati, then continue by bus, van or hired car. Allow a full day; the last leg is the slow part, not the flight.
- Source checked
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- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
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GuideBoston
Key facts
- Nearest airport with scheduled flightscheck
- Davao City (DVO), roughly 3–4 h by road to Boston
- Rail option
- None — no passenger rail serves Davao Oriental
- Airport-to-city transfer
- Not applicable: Boston is a municipality, not a city with an airport
- Bus or van from Davao Citycheck
- ₱300–600, 3–5 h depending on stops and road conditions
- Hired car or van (private)check
- ₱4,000–7,000 per vehicle, 3–4 h
- Last departure from Davao Citycheck
- Afternoon; night travel on this road is not recommended
- Cashcheck
- Bring pesos; ATMs in Boston are limited and may be empty
Your options at a glance
Boston sits on the Davao Oriental coast, on the road between Mati and the Davao–Oriental border. There is no airport in the municipality, so the trip is really 'Davao City airport to Boston', not 'airport to city centre'.
The table below compares the realistic ways to close that gap. Prices are 2026 estimates in pesos; times assume dry roads and no long stops.
| Option | Time | Cost (2026 estimate) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus from Davao City terminals | 4–5 h | ₱300–500 | Cheapest; daytime only |
| UV Express van | 3–4 h | ₱400–600 | Faster, fewer stops; book a seat early |
| Private car or van hire | 3–4 h | ₱4,000–7,000 per vehicle | Groups, surfboards, late arrivals |
| Fly to Mati (if available), then road | 1–2 h road after flight | Fare plus ₱200–400 road leg | Closest airstrip; schedules change — check |
| Rent a car in Davao City | 3–4 h | ₱2,500–4,000 per day plus fuel | Flexibility along the coast |
How each option works
Buses to Davao Oriental leave from Davao City's southern terminals (Ecoland and Buhangin areas). Ask for the Boston or Mati-bound service and confirm the driver stops at Boston proper; some services pass the junction and continue to Mati. Sit on the right for coastal views.
UV Express vans run the same corridor and are quicker because they stop less, but they leave when full and luggage space is tight. Arrive at the terminal before mid-afternoon; the last vans and buses fill early and the road is unlit in stretches.
A private car or van is the calm option if you land late or carry boards. Arrange it through your accommodation or a Davao City operator before you fly, and agree the price and the drop-off point in writing. Metered taxis from the airport will not usually take a 3–4 hour provincial run; expect to negotiate a fixed rate.
If a flight to Mati is operating, that cuts the road leg to 1–2 hours, but schedules for this airstrip change often. Verify before you build a plan around it.
What it costs
Budget ₱300–600 per person for the bus or van, plus ₱100–200 for snacks and a tricycle from the highway junction to your guesthouse if you are not dropped at the door.
A private transfer runs ₱4,000–7,000 per vehicle. Split four ways, that is close to van fares with far more comfort. Rental cars add fuel and a deposit; check whether your licence and insurance cover provincial roads.
Everything is cash. Withdraw in Davao City before you leave; Boston's few ATMs can be out of service.
Practical tips
Travel in daylight. The Davao–Oriental road has unlit sections, landslide risk in the wet season, and few services after dark.
Book your first night in Boston before you arrive. Accommodation is small-scale and fills in surf season and around local fiestas.
Download an offline map and buy an eSIM before you fly; signal drops between towns.
Bring a light rain shell year-round and reef-safe sunscreen. The coast here is exposed to swell from November to March.
- Carry small bills for fares and terminal fees.
- Keep a screenshot of your booking address in Filipino for the driver.
- Allow a buffer day before any onward flight from Davao City.
FAQ
Sources
Questions people ask
How do I get from Boston airport to the city centre?
There is no airport in Boston, Davao Oriental. Fly into Davao City (DVO), then take a bus or UV Express van (₱300–600, 3–5 hours) or a private transfer (₱4,000–7,000 per vehicle) to Boston. Travel in daylight.
How much is a taxi from Boston airport?
No taxi serves a Boston airport because none exists. From Davao City airport, a metered taxi will not normally take the 3–4 hour provincial trip; expect a negotiated private rate of ₱4,000–7,000 per vehicle (2026 estimate).
Is there a train from Boston airport?
No. The Philippines has no passenger rail on Mindanao, and Davao Oriental has no rail line. Road transport — bus, van or private car — is the only way to reach Boston.
How long does the trip from Davao City take?
Three to five hours by road, depending on whether you take a van or a stopping bus, traffic leaving Davao City, and road conditions. Add an hour in heavy rain or after a landslide.
Can I fly directly to Mati instead?
A small airstrip serves the Mati area, which is 1–2 hours from Boston by road, but schedules are irregular. Confirm with the operator before relying on it; most travellers use Davao City.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialDepartment of Tourism Philippines
- officialDavao City Government
- secondaryWikivoyage – Davao Oriental