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!

There are 3 ways to travel the 75 kilometers (47 miles) from Bohol to Cebu. You can choose between the shared minivan + ferry, flight via Manila/Davao and ferry. The journey takes 2 to 5 hours and the quickest way is by ferry. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by ferry with tickets starting at 425 PHP ($7.50).

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 425 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.

Lite Shipping and OceanJet ferries depart from Tagbilaran Port.

OceanJet sails fastcrafts, while Lite Shipping uses car ferries. Ticket prices start from 505 PHP ($8.90).

Lite Shipping and FastCat ferries sail from Tubigon Port. For this option, both ferries complete the journey in about 2h. Fares start from 425 PHP ($7.50).

If you’re heading straight from Bohol to Cebu to watch whale sharks, you can book a combined minivan and ferry transfer through BookAway.

This route lets you skip the heavy traffic in Cebu City. Instead, the ferry sails from Panglao to Quartel Beach in Oslob, just 10 km from the whale shark watching site.

Apekop Travel runs this service. The journey takes around 2 hours 30 minutes and costs about 935 PHP ($16.50).

Shared Minivan + Ferry options from Bohol to Cebu

Not into sea travel? There is a way to take an indirect flight from Bohol to Cebu. But we don’t recommend this option because it is slower and more expensive than taking a ferry.

Most of these flights are operated by AirAsia, Cebu Pacific, and Philippine Airlines.

The indirect flight from Bohol to Cebu takes around 5 hours, including a layover in either Manila or Davao. Airfares start from 4,600 PHP ($81).

Planes depart from Bohol-Panglao International Airport and arrive at Mactan-Cebu International Airport. To check the latest schedules and the cheapest flights, click on the button below.

TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.