How to Get to Boracay. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel to Boracay

Major Airports & Airlines

Boracay has two main gateway airports on Panay Island. Both necessitate an onward transfer.

Airport Details

Godofredo P. Ramos Airport (MPH): Caticlan Aviation hub, closest to Boracay.
Kalibo International Airport (KLO): 1.5-2 hour drive from Caticlan Jetty Port.
Airlines: Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, AirAsia Philippines. Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for deals.

Flights & Price Variations

Direct international flights to Kalibo are limited. Most travelers connect via Manila (MNL) or Cebu (CEB).

Timing & Cost

Peak Season (Dec-May): Flights are most expensive and book fastest.
Low Season (Jul-Oct): Prices drop significantly.
Airport Facilities: Caticlan (MPH) is small; Kalibo (KLO) is larger with additional facilities.

Caticlan MPH Transfer

A short tricycle ride to Caticlan Jetty Port, then a 10-15 min ferry to Boracay. Total travel time: 30-60 minutes.

Kalibo KLO Transfer

A 1.5-2 hour bus/van ride to Caticlan Jetty Port, after that a ferry. Total travel time: 2.5-3.5 hours.

Integrated Transfers

Tour operators like Southwest Tours offer seamless land-sea-land transfers directly to your Boracay hotel, including fees.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

Terminal Fees: Commonly part of airfare. Pay at airport if not.
Environmental & Tourist Fees: Typically paid upon arrival at Caticlan Jetty Port.
Caticlan (MPH) Departure: Arrive at Caticlan Jetty Port 1 hour before flight. Airport 1-1.5 hours before domestic flight.
Kalibo (KLO) Departure: Set ASIDE 2.5-3 hours for transfer. Airport 2-3 hours before international, 1.5-2 hours before domestic.

Airport Facilities

Caticlan (MPH) & Kalibo (KLO): Basic waiting areas and lavatories.
Food Stalls: Limited options at each of the two airports. Kalibo has more due to its size.
Integrated Transfers: These simplify the how to depart by coordinating all segments from your hotel to the airport.

Land Transportation on Panay Island

Bus & Van Options

Ceres Liner buses and vans connect Kalibo to Caticlan Jetty Port. These are useful for exploring beyond Boracay on Panay Island.

Self-Driving

Not recommended for Boracay. Limited car leases on Panay. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is necessary for driving on Panay. DiscoverCars.com for renting.

Road Conditions

Boracay's main roads are paved. Panay highways are generally paved, but provincial roads can be rough.

Sea Arrivals to Boracay

Ferry Services

Sea travel is an integral part of reaching Boracay.

Ferry Types

Inter-island Ferries: Main sea transit from Caticlan Jetty Port to Cagban Jetty Port (Boracay).
Roro (Roll-on/Roll-off) Ferries: Connect Caticlan with Mindoro (e.g., Roxas, Mindoro Oriental).
Cruise Ports: Boracay does not have a deep-water cruise port. Ships anchor offshore; passengers are tendered.

Sea Travel Procedures

Immigration procedures apply for international arrivals. For domestic arrivals, no immigration procedures are needed.

Arrival & Connections

Immigration: Standard procedures upon disembarkation for people arriving internationally.
Terrestrial Links: Tricycles and e-trikes are readily available at Cagban Jetty Port to take you to your accommodation.
River Transportation: Not relevant for Boracay.

Walking Friendly

The island's compact nature makes walking enjoyable. White Beach Path and main road sidewalks are for walking-friendly.

Cycling

Bike rentals are available. Exercise caution on main roads due to tricycle and e-trike traffic.

No-Go Areas

No designated "no-go" areas. Exercise general caution, especially on busy roads or unlit side streets at night.

Rental Options on Boracay

Motorcycle & Scooter Rentals

Motorcycle and scooter rentals are sometimes available from local stalls.

Important Cautions

Being careful is strongly suggested. Roads can be narrow and crowded.
Drivers might not possess proper licenses or insurance.
Renting has a higher risk for tourists despite local use.

Car & Bicycle Rentals

Hire cars are available not practical on Boracay. Bicycle rentals are available from various shops.

Rental Notes

Car hire is not available or practical on Boracay Island.
Bicycle rentals are available from boutiques near Station 2.
Understand local driving laws if you plan to drive on Panay.

Specialized Transportation

Island Hopping Boats

Main specialized transport for visiting nearby islands, secluded beaches, and snorkeling spots. Take part in group tours or charter a private boat.

Boat Taxis

Small boats chartered for short transfers between beaches (e.g., White Beach to Diniwid Beach) or specific points around the island.

Paraw Sailboats

Traditional outrigger sailboats available for sunset cruises or short beach-to-beach rides. An unique and unwinding way to experience the coastline.

Accessibility Information

Boracay's infrastructure poses challenges for travelers with mobility needs. Sandy beaches, reliance on tricycles, and flights of stairs in many establishments limit accessibility. Some newer resorts may offer better features. Contact accommodations directly for specifics.

How to Get to Boracay