$535 Cheap Flights to Samal

Flights to Samal at a glance

Traveling to Samal is easy—just select from a range of full-service or budget airlines. Compare journey times and choose the best option that fits your budget and schedule, making the most of your trip to explore the city's renowned attractions and neighborhoods. Look for affordable Samal flights to suit your needs.

• Major airports near Samal: Francisco Bangoy International Airport (DVO), General Santos Airport (GES)
• Closest airport to Samal: Francisco Bangoy International Airport, DVO (around 8 miles)
• Flights per week: 320+ flights arriving across Samal airports
• Number of airlines that fly to Samal: around 15+ carriers

Popular airports near Samal

Samal is a dynamic city that caters to business travelers, families, and those seeking city getaways. With its blend of entertainment options and beautiful beaches, it's a popular destination. The city is conveniently served by two major airports, making access to Samal easy for visitors.

• Francisco Bangoy International Airport (DVO): Situated in the Davao Region, approximately 8 miles from Samal, this airport caters to both domestic and international flights, linking travelers to around 10 domestic cities and over 25 international destinations. Passengers have the option to upgrade to business class or premium economy seating for enhanced comfort, subject to the specific routes and airlines. Key airlines operating here include Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and EVA Airways.
• General Santos Airport (GES): Found in South Cotabato, Soccsksargen, about 81 miles from Samal, this airport facilitates both domestic and international travel, providing connections to roughly 3 domestic cities and 2 international destinations. Travelers can opt for premium economy service for additional comfort, depending on the airline and route. Notable carriers serving this airport include Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and China Airlines.

Top routes to Samal

• Manila (MNL) to Samal (GES/DVO), with one-way fares starting at around $30
• Cebu (CEB) to Samal (GES/DVO), with one-way airfare from around $25
• Los Angeles (LAX) to Samal (GES/DVO), with one-way fares starting at around $490
• San Francisco (SFO) to Samal (DVO), with one-way fares starting at around $490
• New York (JFK) to Samal (DVO), with one-way airfare from around $500

Cheapest routes to Samal

• Tacloban (TAC) to Samal (DVO), with budget one-way fares from around $25
• Cebu (CEB) to Samal (GES/DVO), with cheap one-way fares from around $25
• Panglao (TAG) to Samal (DVO), with budget one-way fares from around $30
• Manila (MNL) to Samal (GES/DVO), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $30
• Iloilo (ILO) to Samal (GES/DVO), with low one-way fares from around $30

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to Samal

• Cebu Pacific: Offers flights to General Santos Airport (GES) and Francisco Bangoy International Airport (DVO), making up about 48% of arrivals to Samal. The typical one-way fare is around $80.
• Philippine Airlines: Servicing General Santos Airport (GES) and Francisco Bangoy International Airport (DVO), it constitutes roughly 40% of arrivals to Samal. One-way fares average about $500, with premium options including premium economy and business class, depending on the route.
• EVA Airways: Provides flights to Francisco Bangoy International Airport (DVO) and General Santos Airport (GES), representing around 4% of arrivals to Samal. The average one-way fare is close to $650.
• Cathay Pacific: Operates flights to Francisco Bangoy International Airport (DVO), accounting for nearly 2% of arrivals to Samal. Travelers can expect an average one-way fare of approximately $720.
• China Airlines: Flies to both Francisco Bangoy International Airport (DVO) and General Santos Airport (GES), contributing about 1% of arrivals to Samal. The average fare for a one-way ticket is around $590.

Best time to fly to Samal

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Samal are January, February, and March, when peak temperatures in Samal can reach up to 79.9°F in March. If you prefer quieter travel, consider November, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 80.2°F. For better deals, February usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $201, roughly 19% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? March, November, and August offer average one-way fares of around $211, making them good options for flexible travelers.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

How to save money on a flight to Samal

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Samal is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia*, or explore our Samal hotel and flight deals.
4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Samal flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Samal

Samal welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Samal efficiently:

• Public transportation: From Francisco Bangoy International Airport, Davao City Overland Transport Terminal, a bus station, is located about 6.7 miles away by car, while Davao Seaport, a seaport, is situated approximately 4.2 miles away, also accessible by car.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Samal, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Samal is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Samal on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay in and around Samal

• Davao: As a bustling metropolis, Davao serves as a gateway to the stunning island of Samal. Visitors flock to Davao for its vibrant city life, excellent shopping options, and family-friendly activities. Key attractions include the modern SMX Convention Center Davao, ideal for business events, and People's Park, perfect for a leisurely day outdoors. For those seeking relaxation, the city's beaches provide a serene retreat from the urban hustle. With its blend of business and leisure, Davao offers a well-rounded experience for travelers.
• San Isidro: San Isidro is located around the area of Samal and is known for its beautiful natural attractions. Isla Reta Beach invites travelers to unwind on its sandy shores, making it a great spot for a beach getaway. Adventure seekers can explore the enchanting Hagimit Falls, a picturesque waterfall that’s perfect for romantic outings or outdoor fun. Additionally, visitors can check out the modern Davao City Hall, showcasing the area’s civic pride and architectural beauty.
• Tagisa: Nestled in the area of Samal, Tagisa is a charming village that offers unique attractions for travelers. The SMX Convention Center Davao is conveniently accessible for business-minded visitors. Nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts will appreciate the nearby Hagimit Falls, where stunning cascades provide a refreshing escape. History buffs will find the General Moncado White House intriguing, as it reflects the rich cultural heritage of the region. Tagisa is an ideal base for those looking to explore both nature and history.

Tips for short-haul flights to Samal

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

• Pack light and skip checked bags—when flying with budget airlines, it’s often more cost-effective to travel with just a carry-on. Save space by bringing mini toiletries, wearing your heaviest clothing, and planning your outfits wisely. This also allows you to avoid the wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may lack in-flight entertainment options. Download your favorite TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book to keep yourself engaged. Remember to fully charge your devices before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, it's advisable to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours prior to departure, taking into account traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated while saving money at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Samal

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines typically allow free seat selection once online check-in opens, which is generally 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines may provide the option to select seats even earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—make sure to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure for international flights to accommodate check-in, security, and immigration procedures.
• Relax at the airport—if you have additional time, explore the shops, visit a coffee shop, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge, if available. Airport Wi-Fi is typically free and accessible.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your body clock by changing your watch and adjusting your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try to sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time of your arrival to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Samal

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Samal on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

November is the cheapest month to fly to Samal. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to Samal. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to Samal, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to Samal

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Samal in 2026 starts from $1,031, while one-way tickets start from from $535. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to Samal. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Samal

Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Qatar Airways, Delta are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Samal. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to Samal and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Samal, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to Samal. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your Samal plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to Samal

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to Samal.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Samal are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Samal. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to Samal for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to Samal. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Samal flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to Samal. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.