Overview Compare Ferry Indirect Flight
How to get from Bohol to 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 swimming with whale sharks (butanding) in Oslob.
But if you have at least an extra day, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to spend it here in Cebu City, which played a huge role in Philippine history. You can learn all about it with a visit to Magellan’s Cross and Fort San Pedro.
A thrill-seeker? Check out the Sky Experience Adventure at Crown Regency Hotel. This features a zipline, skywalk, and the famous edge coaster – all located about 450ft above the ground!
And whether you’re just passing through or staying the night, make sure to try out Cebu’s iconic lechon (roasted pig), arguably the best in the country!
2 ways to get from Bohol to Cebu
The most convenient way to travel the 75 km distance from Bohol to Cebu is by ferry. This ferry journey takes 2 hours and fares start from 460 PHP ($8.00). You can also take a 5-hour indirect flight with fares from 3,600 PHP ($63.00).
We recommend taking the ferry to get from Bohol to Cebu. There are over 15 departures daily from Tagbilaran Port and Tubigon Pier in Bohol. Ticket prices start from 460 PHP ($8.00) and travel time is 2-4 hours, depending on which ferry you take.
Alternatively, you can take a flight from Bohol to Cebu. Indirect flights are available daily, but we don’t recommend them. They are not only more expensive, they are also slower than the ferry. An indirect flight needs to make a layover at either Manila or Davao and takes around 5 hours.
Note that Air Juan used to operate direct flights from Cebu to Bohol, but they have permanently closed due to the pandemic. In case they re-open, we would think twice before flying with them. Numerous passengers have complained against Air Juan for cancelled flights and lack of refunds.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Bohol to Cebu by Ferry
There are 3 ferry companies operating from Bohol to Cebu: Oceanjet, Lite Shipping, and Fastcat. All of which offer fastcrafts and are trusted in the region.
Travel time from Bohol to Cebu is 1.5 to 2.5 hours with a fastcraft. Lite Shipping also offers car ferries, which are slower and take 4 hours to complete the journey.
Ticket prices start from 460 PHP ($8.00). Note that the ferry ports on both Bohol and Cebu require passengers to pay a small terminal fee of 25 PHP ($0.40).
Departure ports
There are are two 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 50 PHP ($0.80).
If you are coming from the northern towns of Bohol, it will be more convenient to depart from Tubigon Pier.
Ferry Schedule from Tagbilaran Pier, Bohol to Cebu
Ferry schedule from Tubigon Pier, Bohol to Cebu
Arrival ports
Most ferries arrive at Cebu Pier 1. From here, the best way to get to Cebu City is by taxi, which takes around 20 minutes and costs about 150 PHP ($2.60).
You can also take the bus. But the bus takes the long way around and you will need about an hour just to travel the 5 km from Pier 1 to Cebu city centre. Fares start from 50 PHP ($0.80).
Note that some ferries departing from Tubigon Port also dock at Cebu Pier 3, located less than 1 km away from Pier 1.
Bohol to Cebu by Flight via Manila/Davao
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 3,600 PHP ($63.00).
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.
Our favourite 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 poolÂ
- On-site gym
- Sleek and elegant designÂ
- 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.Â
The staff are extremely helpful, especially the security guard who will always put a smile on your face.Â
- 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.Â
- Very comfortable beds
- Clean and modern roomsÂ
- Great staffÂ
- Amazing value for money
Double rooms cost $15-$30 per night
Routes from Cebu
Most popular routes in Philippines
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.
Aside from Tagbilaran and Tubigon Port, I’m seeing another port in Loon to Argao. Can we travel from Bohol to Cebu vise versa using this port? I think it’s much easier and faster rather than landing on Pier 1 esp if you’re going to Oslob and or Moalboal… TIA!
Hi Mara, thanks a lot for this tip. Unfortunately, we cannot verify any info for this route and it’s uncertain if they still operate during/after the pandemic.
The only info I can find is from Google Maps which I’ll summarize here. This passenger ferry is operated by Ro-Ro and used to depart around 13:00, with tickets selling for only 230php (2 years ago). From one of the reviews, I understand that the ferry takes 4 hours.
If you will travel this route yourself, we would love to hear about your experience and the most recent updates for this ferry. Many thanks in advance!
Hi! Are these info still accurate today? If yes, does Cebu – Tagbilaran also have the same schedule and can all fairies accommodate cars/motorcycles both going to and from Cebu? Would really appreciate your help! Thanks!
Hi Matt, see here the info for the opposite route from Cebu to Bohol(Tagbilaran). Lite Shipping has a cargo ferry that allows vehicles from cars to buses. Just like many other routes in the Philippines, we recommend to book with BookAway. However, if you want to bring a car, I recommend contacting Liteshipping directly. (their booking system is not working properly). Safe travels!
what if, if you have a car. travelling from bohol to cebu
ferry can accomodate it and how much the fare?
Hi Carina! Depends on the car. If you’re taking a sedan, that’s around P3,330 ($65). If it’s an SUV, about P4,325 ($84.50). With that rate, the driver enjoys free fare, but the rest of the passengers will have to pay the normal passenger rate. 🙂 Hope this helps! Safe travels!
Hello,
Could you confirm – in the first part of the article is says the ferry from Tagbilaran to Cebu is 2 hours. But in the table it says 12 hours? Is this a typo?
Thanks,
Hi Mira! Definitely a typo. Just updated the route, the ferry ride from Tagbilaran to Cebu takes 2 hours. Thank you so much for noticing! Safe travels!
Hi! I heard that Tagbilaran airport closed in November 2018 and all flights are now from Panglao airport. But when I look online for tickets (to Manila) they still fly from TAG? This gets me really confused…
Hi Davinia! That is correct. Bohol is now using the new Panglao International Airport, which is still using the code TAG, the same code as the former Tagbilaran Airport. Rest assured though that Bohol’s airport is now located in Panglao Island, which is about 40min away from Tagbilaran. Hope this takes away the confusion!