Getting There & Away: Cebu

Air Travel

Airport & Airlines

Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) is on Mactan Island, connected to Cebu Island by bridges. Terminal 1 handles domestic flights, Terminal 2 international.

Airlines Serving CEB

International: Cathay Pacific, EVA Air, Korean Air, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, AirAsia.
Domestic: Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, AirAsia Philippines.
Direct flights to major Asian hubs: Seoul, Tokyo, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok.

Flight Availability & Pricing

Flight prices to Cebu vary significantly based on season and demand. No direct flights connect Cebu directly to North America or Europe; connections occur via Manila or Asian hubs.

Seasonal Pricing

Peak Season (Dec-Feb, Holy Week, May-Jun school holidays): Highest prices, book months in advance.
Shoulder Season (Mar-Apr, Oct-Nov): Moderate demand, reasonable prices.
Low Season (Jul-Sep): Lowest prices, higher risk of weather disruptions.

Airport Services

CEB offers ATMs, currency exchange, duty-free shops, restaurants, and free Wi-Fi. SIM card vendors (Globe, Smart) are in arrivals.

Airport Transfers

Options include White (metered) & Yellow (fixed-rate) taxis, Grab rideshare, MyBus service to city hubs, and hotel private transfers.

Flight Search Resources

Dollar Flight Club for deals. Skyscanner for comparing flight prices.

Getting Around Cebu

Within Cebu City

Jeepneys: Most affordable for short distances, fixed routes.
Taxis: Metered (White) or fixed-rate (Yellow airport taxis).
Grab: Dominant ride-sharing app, convenient and transparent.
MyBus: Air-conditioned airport transfers to city hubs.

Inter-Town & Island Travel

Buses: Connect Cebu City to Moalboal, Oslob, Maya Port (for Malapascua).
Ferries: To Bohol, Dumaguete, Siquijor, Leyte from Cebu City Port.
Motorcycle taxis (Habal-habal): Quick trips, negotiate fare.
Scooter rentals available in tourist towns (Moalboal, Bantayan).

Car Rental & Driving

Rental Requirements

Valid national driver's license, International Driving Permit (IDP), passport, and a credit card for deposit. Drivers typically 21-25+ years old.

Companies & Cost

International chains (Avis, Hertz) and local companies. Daily rates: ₱1,500 - ₱4,000+. Insurance often extra. Compare deals at DiscoverCars.com.

Driving Conditions

Major roads are paved; rural areas vary. Cebu City traffic is heavy and chaotic. Driving on the right. Self-driving not recommended for first-timers.

Land Transportation

Bus Network

Cebu has a comprehensive bus network connecting Cebu City to various towns across Cebu Island. All land travel on the island relies on roads; no operational train network.

Terminals & Companies

North Bus Terminal (Cebu City): Serves northern destinations like Daanbantayan (Malapascua) and Hagnaya (Bantayan).
South Bus Terminal (Cebu City): Serves southern destinations like Moalboal, Oslob, and Santander.
Major Company: Ceres Liner offers reliable services.

Road Conditions & Safety

Major roads are generally paved. However, conditions vary in rural areas. Traffic in Cebu City can be heavy and chaotic. Filipino driving style can appear aggressive.

Driving & Awareness

Expect severe traffic congestion in Cebu City.
Provincial roads can be winding, narrow, and unlit at night.
Be highly aware of motorcycles, tricycles, and pedestrians.

Self-Driving Advice

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a requirement and must accompany your valid national driver's license. Carry both at all times when driving.

Tips for Drivers

Google Maps or Waze are indispensable; download offline maps.
Parking in crowded urban areas is limited. Malls offer paid parking.
Consider renting a car with a driver for a more relaxed and safer experience.

Motorcycle & Scooter Rentals

Common in tourist areas outside Cebu City (Moalboal, Malapascua, Bantayan Island). Less common for daily use in congested Cebu City.

Safety & Requirements

Valid motorcycle license and IDP endorsement are technically needed.
Always wear a helmet (often provided by rental shop).
Filipino roads have a high incidence of motorcycle accidents. Drive defensively.

Road Safety Warnings

Traffic laws are often loosely followed.
Expect motorcycles to weave through traffic.
Landslides can occur on provincial roads during heavy rains.

Pedestrians and cyclists share roads with fast vehicles.
Visibility can be low during heavy downpours.
Avoid isolated or unlit roads at night.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services

Cebu City's port serves as a major hub for inter-island ferry services, connecting Cebu to numerous destinations across the Visayas and Mindanao.

Major Ferry Routes

Cebu to Bohol (Tagbilaran/Tubigon): Frequent fast craft, 1.5-2 hours.
Cebu to Dumaguete (Negros Oriental): Fast crafts and RORO ferries, 3-5 hours.
Cebu to Siquijor, Leyte/Samar, Manila/Mindanao also available.

Ticketing & Connections

Purchase ferry tickets at terminals on travel day or in advance. Online booking via operator websites or travel agencies is possible for popular routes.

Port Information

Cebu City Port (Pier 1, Pier 3) is a bustling complex.
Cruise ships occasionally call at Cebu City Port.
Port area is well-connected to city public transport (taxis, Grab, jeepneys).

Inter-Island Hub

Cebu City Port is central for travel throughout the Visayas and Mindanao.

Travel Times

Fast craft to Bohol (1.5-2 hrs), RORO ferries longer (e.g., to Dumaguete, 3-5 hrs).

Immigration

No immigration for domestic ferry travel. Standard procedures for international cruises.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Taxes

Terminal Fee for international flights from Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) is typically included in the airline ticket price. Confirm this with your airline.

Travel Tax

Philippine Travel Tax (~₱1,620) applies to citizens and permanent residents.
Foreign tourists are exempt from paying this tax.
This tax is usually included in the airfare.

Departure Timing

Always factor in potential traffic delays when traveling to the airport or ferry terminals in Cebu City, especially during peak hours.

Recommended Arrival Times

International Flights (CEB Terminal 2): Arrive at least 3 hours before departure.
Domestic Flights (CEB Terminal 1): Arrive at least 2 hours before departure.
Fast Craft Ferry Departures: Arrive at pier at least 1 hour before departure.

Terminal Facilities

CEB Terminal 2 International

Offers wide array of dining, retail shops, duty-free stores, comfortable lounges, ATMs, currency exchange, prayer rooms.

CEB Terminal 1 Domestic

Provides food stalls, basic retail, and waiting areas.

Bus/Ferry Terminals

Offer basic facilities, including food stalls, waiting areas, and restrooms.

Final Check

Confirm your flight's terminal and gate, and have all necessary travel documents readily accessible before heading to the airport.

Getting There & Away