How to get from Moalboal 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 85 kilometre (53 miles) distance from Moalboal to Cebu. You can choose between the bus, van and taxi. The journey takes 3 to 4 hours and the quickest way is by van. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 170 PHP ($2.90).

To take the bus from Moalboal to Cebu, you’ll first need to get to Moalboal’s town centre via tricycle or motorcycle taxi. A ride costs 150 PHP ($2.60) and 50 PHP ($0.90), respectively.

Ceres Bus is the main operator for the Moalboal to Cebu route. Buses are available every 30 minutes from 03:00 to 14:00.

A bus ticket costs 170 PHP ($2.90) for non-air-conditioned buses and 210 PHP ($3.60) for air-conditioned buses. The journey takes around 4 hours, depending on the traffic as you get closer to Cebu City.

Departure and arrival stations

Buses depart from Moalboal Bus Terminal, about 200 metres from the Municipal Hall. It’s a small, informal stop — just a few rows of chairs by the roadside.

You don’t have to wait at the terminal, though. You can also catch a bus along the main road. A popular spot is right in front of Jollibee Moalboal, directly across from the Municipal Hall. Hail a bus with a sign that says “Cebu City.”

Buses arrive at Cebu’s South Bus Terminal in the city centre.

A one-way van ride from Moalboal to Cebu costs 180 PHP ($3.10) . Vans are usually available from morning until around 16:00 in the afternoon.

Travel time with a van is around 3 hours, a bit faster than the bus since vans make fewer stops. Do note that vans aren’t as spacious and may not be as comfortable as the bus.

Vans leave once they’re full. But in some cases, if there aren’t enough passengers, the driver might decide not to go at all. If this happens, you can still catch a Ceres Bus from Moalboal to Cebu.

Departure and arrival station

Shared vans are parked near Moalboal Bus Terminal, close to the Municipal Hall. They typically drop passengers off at Cebu’s South Bus Terminal in the city centre, but it’s best to confirm with the driver before boarding.

There aren’t many taxis in Moalboal, so drivers often take advantage of that by charging higher fares.

That’s why we recommend booking a private transfer in advance through BookAway. You’ll get a nice car with a reliable driver — no need to haggle or worry about last-minute stress. Rates start from 5,100 PHP ($87) for a 3-seater private transfer. This service takes you straight to Mactan-Cebu International Airport, so it’s a convenient choice if you’re flying out.

If you’re going to Cebu City instead, you can book a private transfer with Klook, which offers hotel drop-offs starting from 3,900 PHP ($66).

Another option is to ask your hotel staff to help arrange a taxi. They might be able to negotiate a better deal for you. As a reference, a fair rate from Moalboal to Cebu is around 3,000 PHP ($51).