How to get from Bohol to Cebu
Why visit Cebu?
Cebu is a highly urbanized city in the Philippines’ Visayas region. Often, it is the gateway to the province’s world-famous gems — diving in Malapascua, sardine run in Moalboal, canyoneering in Alegria, and snorkelling in Oslob.
If you have a day to spare, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to spend it here. Cebu City played a huge role in the country’s history. You can learn all about it with a visit to Magellan’s Cross and Fort San Pedro. Love trying good food? You will find the best lechon (the Philippines’ iconic roasted pig) in Cebu City!
How to get from Bohol to Cebu?
The ferry is the only suitable way for travellers to cross the distance of 75 kilometre (47 miles) from Bohol to Cebu. The journey takes around 2 to 4 hours, and ticket prices start from 450 PHP ($7.50).
Where to stay in Cebu?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Cebu at the bottom of this page.
Bohol to Cebu by Ferry
There are three ferry companies operating on the Bohol to Cebu route.
We recommend booking a fastcraft, which can complete the journey in around 2 hours. The alternative is a slower car ferry that takes about 4 hours to reach Cebu.
Ticket prices start from 450 PHP ($7.50) for the car ferries. Note that the ferry ports in both Bohol and Cebu require passengers to pay a small terminal fee of around 25 PHP ($0.40).
Departure ports
There are two main departure ports available in Bohol: Tagbilaran City Port Terminal and Tubigon Port.
It’s best to take a ferry from Tagbilaran Pier if you’re coming from Panglao Island. You can get there via a 40-minute jeepney, bus or taxi. Fares start from 70 PHP ($1.20).
If you are coming from the northern towns of Bohol, it will be more convenient to depart from Tubigon Pier.
There are also a few other departure ports:
- Getafe Port is the closest port to Cebu on the northern coast of Bohol. But it’s quite far from the main tourist areas like Panglao and Tagbilaran.
- Talibon Port is also in northern Bohol. It mainly serves slow cargo ferries operated by Lapu-Lapu Shipping Line.
Option 1: Ferry Schedule from Tagbilaran Pier, Bohol to Cebu
Lite Shipping and OceanJet ferries depart from Tagbilaran Port.
OceanJet sails fastcrafts, while Lite Shipping uses car ferries. Ticket prices start from 535 PHP ($8.90).
Option 2: Ferry schedule from Tubigon Pier, Bohol to Cebu
Lite Shipping and FastCat ferries sail from Tubigon Port. For this option, both ferries complete the journey in about 2h. Fares start from 450 PHP ($7.50).
Arrival ports
Most ferries arrive at Cebu Pier 1. From there, the best way to get to Cebu City is by taxi, which takes around 20 minutes and costs about 150 PHP ($2.50).
You can also take the bus, but it goes the long way around. The 5 km trip from Pier 1 to the city centre can take about an hour. Fares start from 50 PHP ($0.80).
Some ferries also dock at Cebu Pier 3, less than 1 km away from Pier 1.
PRO TIP: Are you heading straight to Oslob from Bohol? Apekop Travel offers a combined minivan and ferry transfer from Panglao to Quartel Beach in Oslob — just 10 km from the whale shark watching site. You can book your ticket through BookAway.
Best places to stay in Cebu
Whilst we wouldn’t recommend spending too long in Cebu City, there might be a night or two where you need to relax and recover from a long journey. We’ve selected the perfect places for you to do just that.
Our favourite stays in Cebu are great value for money, comfortable and run by amazing staff. Check them out below!
Seda Central Bloc Cebu - Treating Yourself
Area: Cebu City centre — approx. 10-minute drive to Cebu City business area and Ayala Centre Cebu Mall
If you want to spend your time in Cebu surrounded by ultimate comfort, then Seda Central Bloc is where you need to book. The rooftop pool and bar offer spectacular views of the city. You have to come watch the sunset here!
The rooms are sleek and modern, containing anything you could possibly need. Every morning you can visit their gym after enjoying the delicious complimentary breakfast.
- Rooftop bar and swimming pool
- On-site gym
- Sleek and elegant design
- Delicious breakfast included
Double rooms start from $50 per night
Goldberry Suites and Hotel - Mid Range
Area: Cebu City centre — approx. 5-minute drive to Cebu City business area and Ayala Centre Cebu Mall
Goldberry Suites is another spot in Cebu where you can’t complain about the price tag. The rooms are elegantly designed with small touches that make them feel that little bit more luxurious.
The staff are extremely helpful, especially the security guard who will always put a smile on your face.
- Helpful and friendly staff
- Great showers
- Elegant rooms
- Good location
Double rooms cost $30-$50 per night
Felix Residences - Budget Friendly
Area: Mandaue City centre — approx. 15-minute drive to main Cebu City centre
Felix Residences is exceptional value for money. The standard of everything is much higher than you’d expect for the price tag. The rooms are comfortable, clean and modern, with the beds being the highlight of most people’s stay here. You’ll sleep like a baby!
The staff are great, offering a service that makes you feel well looked after from the get go.
- Very comfortable beds
- Clean and modern rooms
- Great staff
- Amazing value for money
Double rooms cost $15-$30 per night
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Bohol to Cebu. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Frequently Asked Questions about Bohol to Cebu
What is the distance from Bohol to Cebu?
The distance from Bohol to Cebu is 75 kilometre (47 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Bohol to Cebu?
The fastest way to get from Bohol to Cebu is by ferry and takes 2 hours.
What is the cheapest way to get from Bohol to Cebu?
The cheapest way to get from Bohol to Cebu is by ferry with ticket costs starting from 450 PHP ($7.50).
Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She’s loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand’s beaches also have a special place in her heart.
Selene is a writer who loves coffee, travel, and planning. After spending a decade in Manila, she left the city and her career in banking to embrace a more laid-back lifestyle. Now, she is discovering the beauty of slow-paced travel and finding joy in meaningful experiences.
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
