You've just landed at Sayak Airport — officially Siargao Island Airport (IATA: IAO) — and need to reach General Luna. This complete guide covers every transport option, price, and tip so your arrival is seamless.
About Sayak Airport (IAO)
Sayak Airport is Siargao's only commercial airport, located in the municipality of Del Carmen in northern Siargao Island. It sits approximately 38 km from General Luna, the island's main tourist hub — a drive of 40–50 minutes by van along well-maintained roads.
The airport is compact and easy to navigate: one terminal, one baggage carousel, and a straightforward exit to the vehicle area. You will not get lost.
📍 Local knowledge: The airport is often called "Sayak Airport" after the local barangay, but its official IATA code is IAO. Use IAO when searching for flights. Airlines including Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and AirAsia fly direct from Manila (1h 50min) and Cebu (50min).
Transfer Options from Sayak Airport (IAO) to General Luna
🚐 Shared Shuttle — ₱350/person (Best Value)
The most popular and affordable option. You share an air-conditioned Toyota Hiace van with other travellers heading to the same area. The driver takes you directly to your hotel or Airbnb — door-to-door service.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Price | ₱350/person (~$6 USD / ~€5.5) |
| Vehicle | Air-conditioned Toyota Hiace van |
| Drop-off | Door-to-door at your hotel/Airbnb |
| Surfboards | Accepted — declare at booking |
| Malinao / Santa Fe | ₱450/person (longer distance) |
🚙 Private Van — From ₱2,500 (Best Comfort)
Exclusive vehicle for your group. Your driver is waiting at the arrivals exit the moment you land. Zero waiting, no extra stops, instant departure to your hotel.
| Passengers | Price | Per person (4 pax) |
|---|---|---|
| 1–4 passengers | ₱2,500 total | ₱625/person |
| 5–7 passengers | ₱3,000 total | ₱429/person |
| 8+ passengers | ₱3,500 total | ₱350/person |
For groups of 4+, private van price per person is nearly identical to the shared shuttle — with the major advantage of instant departure and no waiting. Related: Complete Price Comparison 2026.
🛺 Tricycle — Not Recommended for Airport Transfers
Tricycles are available at the airport exit but are not ideal for the 38 km airport–General Luna journey. No fixed price (tourists routinely overpay), slow, limited luggage space, and no air conditioning. Fine for short in-town trips once you've settled in General Luna.
Step-by-Step: What Happens When You Land at IAO
- Your plane parks on the tarmac — short covered walk to the terminal
- Collect your baggage (one carousel, wait is typically under 15 minutes)
- Exit the terminal — your Shuttle Siargao driver waits with a sign bearing your name
- Load your bags into the van
- 40–50 minutes later, you arrive at your hotel in General Luna
- Pay your driver — cash (PHP) or GCash. No credit card, no prepayment.
⚠️ Peak season (October–January): Multiple flights land within 30 minutes of each other. All walk-in vans fill immediately. Pre-book at least 24–48 hours in advance. Guide: Should You Pre-Book Your Siargao Transfer?
Hotels & Accommodations We Cover in General Luna
Shuttle Siargao delivers door-to-door to every accommodation in General Luna and beyond, including: Kermit Siargao, Rucksack Inn, Mad Monkey Hostel, Harana Surf Resort, Ocean 101, Pa La-U Resort, Bravo Beach Resort, Surf City Hostel, Nay Palad Hideaway, and any private Airbnb address — just provide your accommodation name at booking.
How to Book Your IAO to General Luna Transfer
- Fill in the booking form (60 seconds) — name, flight number, arrival date and time, accommodation, number of passengers
- Receive WhatsApp confirmation with your driver's name and direct contact number
- Land at Sayak Airport (IAO) — your driver is at the exit with your name
- Pay on arrival — cash (PHP) or GCash. No prepayment, ever.