How to get from Oslob 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!

There are 3 ways to travel the 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Oslob to Cebu. You can choose between the bus, van and taxi. The journey takes 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours and the quickest way is by taxi. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 160 PHP (€2.50).

Ceres Bus and Sunrays are the 2 main bus operators for the Oslob to Cebu route. Their buses are available 24 hours a day, but there may be fewer buses at night. Hail a bus with a signboard that says “Cebu City.”

A bus ticket costs 160 PHP (€2.50) for non-aircon buses and 270 PHP (€4.20) for air-conditioned buses.

The journey takes around 4 hours, depending on the number of stops the bus makes to pick up and drop off passengers.

Departure and arrival station

You can hail a bus anywhere along the main road – Natalio Bacalso Ave. – in Oslob town centre.

All buses park at South Bus Terminal in Cebu City centre.

Vans also ply the Oslob to Cebu route. Like the bus, rates start from 160 PHP (€2.50) for a journey of 4 hours.

It’s worth noting that these vans don’t provide a lot of legroom and usually don’t depart until they are full. It will be an uncomfortable ride for tall passengers, especially if you’re carrying a lot of luggage.

Also, as most people prefer taking the bus, some van drivers choose not to depart at all if they don’t have enough passengers.

Departure and arrival station

You can find the public vans at Oslob town centre, usually near St. Joseph Parish Church.

Vans park at GT Express Terminal, located within the perimeters of SM City Cebu.

Take a van with Klook

There is also an option to book a shared van transfer with Klook. This is more expensive at 850 PHP (€13.20) one-way, but you can save a few dollars if you book a return trip.

The van departs from Oslob Whale Shark Watching Center at 11:30 AM. It drops you off at SM City Cebu, from where you can hop on a taxi to your hotel or transfer to a bus bound for Cebu Airport.

As Oslob has become a popular place to swim with whale sharks, there are now many taxis available. We recommend taking a taxi from Oslob to Cebu especially if you’re heading straight to Mactan-Cebu Int’l Airport.

With a private transfer, you won’t have to worry about unnecessary stops. You will arrive at your destination in around 3 hours 30 minutes.

Rates for a 3-seater sedan from Oslob to Cebu start from with BookAway, which offers comfortable cars with trusted drivers.

You can also just hire a regular taxi in Oslob. Drivers don’t use the metre for long-distance trips like this so you’ll have to agree on a price beforehand.

For reference, prices for a taxi ride from Oslob to Cebu range between 3,000 PHP (€47) and 3,500 PHP (€54).

Taxi options from Oslob to Cebu