CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Getting from the airport to the city center is about to become a lot easier for tourists flying into Northern Mindanao. The Philippine government has officially opened the bidding for a 25‑kilometer Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system that will connect Laguindingan Airport to Cagayan de Oro and the neighboring coastal city of El Salvador. The tender notice was published on April 11, 2026, inviting private companies to build, operate and maintain the medium‑capacity transit line.
The project is a cornerstone of the government’s push to modernize public transport in the regions, and for tourism stakeholders, it promises to remove one of the biggest pain points for visitors: the costly and often unpredictable transfer from the airport to their hotels.
A Seamless Gateway to Northern Mindanao
The 25‑km BRT route is designed to link four key points: Laguindingan Airport, the municipality of Laguindingan, El Salvador City and Cagayan de Oro City. The infrastructure package includes segregated bus lanes, purpose‑built stations, a maintenance depot, an operations control center and an automated fare‑collection system.
For tourists, the benefits are clear. A dedicated, air‑conditioned bus system with predictable schedules and affordable fares will replace the current reliance on private vans, taxis or multi‑stage jeepney trips. The BRT will make it easier for visitors to reach downtown CDO’s hotels, restaurants and night markets, as well as El Salvador’s beachfront attractions and the iconic Divine Mercy Shrine.
Tourism Corridor Takes Shape
The BRT is not an isolated project. It arrives alongside the ongoing ₱12.75‑billion expansion of Laguindingan International Airport, which aims to raise passenger capacity from 1.6 million to 3.9 million in its first phase and eventually to 6.3 million. The airport is currently served by major carriers including Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines and AirAsia, with direct flights to Manila, Cebu, Clark, Iloilo and Davao.
By linking the airport directly to Cagayan de Oro’s urban core and El Salvador’s coastal strip, the BRT effectively creates a unified tourism corridor. Visitors can fly into Laguindingan, take a comfortable bus to their CDO hotel, and later use the same system to explore nearby attractions without needing a private car.
What Travelers Can Expect
Once operational, the BRT will offer segregated lanes, ensuring buses are not stuck in general traffic. Stations will be equipped with real‑time arrival displays, and the automated fare system will allow contactless payments. The medium‑capacity design means buses will run at frequent intervals, making the service suitable for both peak tourist seasons and off‑peak travel.
For independent travelers and budget‑conscious tourists, the BRT will provide a reliable, safe and affordable alternative to private transfers. For tour operators, it opens the door to packaged itineraries that use public transport as a selling point.
Looking Ahead
The bidding process is now open, and qualified private firms are invited to submit proposals. The timeline for construction has not been disclosed, but the issuance of a formal tender notice marks a significant step toward realization. Once completed, the Laguindingan Airport BRT will be the first dedicated bus rapid transit system in Northern Mindanao, setting a new standard for regional airport connectivity.
For tourists planning a visit to Cagayan de Oro, the message is clear: future trips will be smoother, cheaper and more predictable. The BRT is not just a transport project—it is an invitation to explore the region with greater ease.
