What to expect when visiting 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!
2 ways to get from Puerto Princesa to Cebu
There are 2 ways to travel the distance of 569 kilometers (354 miles) from Puerto Princesa to Cebu by flight (1 hour 20 minutes) and Ferry* (2 days). The journey duration ranges between 1 hour 20 minutes to 2 days and the quickest way is by flight. The lowest priced tickets start from 1,600 PHP (€25) for the flight.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.
Puerto Princesa to Cebu by Flight
When travelling from Puerto Princesa to Cebu, the flight is by far the fastest and most convenient way to travel to Cebu.
Flight tickets are not pricey, and the flight takes about 1.5 hours.
Airlines flying between Puerto Princesa to Cebu
When flying direct from Puerto Princesa to Cebu, there are two airlines that you can book with: Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines.
Cebu Pacific offers one direct flight from Puerto Princesa to Cebu daily at 18:00. On average, flight tickets cost around 1,600 PHP (€25), and the flight takes 1 hour 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, Philippine Airlines has one direct flight for this route every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday with fares starting from 1,800 PHP (€29). Flights depart at 13:00 and take 1 hour 45 minutes.
Puerto Princesa Airport
Both airlines depart from Puerto Princesa Airport. From the town centre, you can take a tricycle to the airport for around 50 PHP (€0.80).
When booking, double-check whether the flight is a direct flight from Puerto Princesa to Cebu. Both airlines also offer flights for this route with stops in Manila.
PRO TIP: Cebu Pacific and AirAsia offer many promotions annually. Keep an eye out for these promos so that you can book cheap flights from Puerto Princesa to Cebu!
Cebu Airport
Flights from Puerto Princesa to Cebu land at Cebu Airport.
Located in Mactan Island, this is the only airport in the province of Cebu. The airport has two terminals, with Terminal 1 exclusive for domestic departures and arrivals.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Puerto Princesa to Cebu by Ferry*
Below, we will explain the steps you had to take pre-pandemic. You can always check the links to see if the boats operate again.
There are no direct ferries from Puerto Princesa to Cebu. Instead, you needed to take a ferry bound for Iloilo with a stop in Cuyo Island in Palawan. From Iloilo, you can take another ferry to Cebu.
If you prefer to travel by ferry, bear in mind that this option took almost two days for both ferry journeys. An advantage of this is that you had some free hours before the departures of the ferries, which could be used to explore Cuyo Island and Iloilo.
Step 1: Puerto Princesa to Iloilo by Ferry
There were two well-known ferry companies offering trips from Puerto Princesa to Iloilo: Milagrosa Shipping Lines and Montenegro Shipping Lines. Both ferries used to depart from Puerto Princesa Port.
Milagrosa had two trips weekly, at 15:00 on Thursdays and Sundays. Montenegro had one schedule per week, which used to depart Puerto Princesa every Monday at 18:00. A bed space on an open-air cabin starts at 1,500 PHP (€24).
Both ferry operators make a stop on the island of Cuyo in Palawan, where you can lounge, take a dip, and get to know the locals for a few hours.
Tickets for both companies can be bought at the port in Puerto Princesa or at their designated ticket outlets. To book earlier, you may also ask for assistance from your hotel or check out their website or Facebook page.
Step 2: Iloilo to Cebu by Ferry
All ferries depart from Puerto Princesa Port. Cokaliong docks at Cebu Pier 1, while Trans-Asia docks at Cebu Pier 3. For tickets, you can reserve through their websites or buy directly from their ticket outlets. You can also book online 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
Frequently Asked Questions about Puerto Princesa to Cebu
What is the distance from Puerto Princesa to Cebu?
The distance from Puerto Princesa to Cebu is 569 kilometers (354 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Puerto Princesa to Cebu?
The fastest way to get from Puerto Princesa to Cebu is by flight and takes 1 hour 20 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Puerto Princesa to Cebu?
The cheapest way to get from Puerto Princesa to Cebu is by flight with ticket costs starting from 1,600 PHP (€25).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Puerto Princesa 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!
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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.
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.
