Bohol to Cebu

How to Get From Bohol to Cebu

1Options
2hFastest
$7.50From
AbegailElaSeleneWritten by Abegail · Reviewed by Ela, Selene ·

Cebu is one of the Philippines' busiest islands and its second city. It's a transport hub with an international airport, beaches and diving nearby. The ferry from Bohol to Cebu costs $7.50 (480 PHP) and the crossing takes 2-4h.

DISTANCE

Distance from Bohol to Cebu

Bohol and Cebu are about 59 km (37 miles) apart; the sea crossing itself covers around 75 km over water. Depending on the option, the trip takes between 2h and 4h.

~59 km
Straight-line distance
~75 km
Route distance
Map of Bohol – Cebu
Travelling the other way?Cebu to Bohol→

How to get from Bohol to Cebu?

The ferry is the only suitable way for travellers to travel from Bohol to Cebu. The journey takes 2h – 4h, and ticket prices start from $7.50 (480 PHP).

Ferryfrom$7.502h – 4h

Bohol to Cebu by Ferry

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 $7.50 (480 PHP) for the car ferries. Note that the ferry ports in both Bohol and Cebu require passengers to pay a small terminal fee of around $0.40 (25 PHP).

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 $1.10 (70 PHP).

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.

Option 1: Ferry Schedule from Tagbilaran Pier, Bohol to Cebu

2h – 4h · $8.90 (570 PHP)

Lite Shipping and OceanJet ferries depart from Tagbilaran Port.

OceanJet sails fastcrafts, while Lite Shipping uses car ferries. Ticket prices start from $8.90 (570 PHP).

Lite Shipping · Standard$8.90
4h
Tagbilaran Pier → Cebu Pier
11:59
Tickets
Lite Shipping · Tourist$12
4h
Tagbilaran Pier → Cebu Pier
11:59
Tickets
OceanJet · Open Air$17
2h
Tagbilaran City Port Terminal → Cebu Pier 1
06:0007:0508:20
Tickets

Stations

Map of stations
Click to explore
From
To

Tickets sold on Bookaway

Option 2: Ferry schedule from Tubigon Pier, Bohol to Cebu

2h · $7.50 (480 PHP)
Lite Shipping and FastCat ferries sail from Tubigon Port. For this option, both ferries complete the journey in about 2h. Fares start from $7.50 (480 PHP).
Lite Shipping · Economy$7.50
2h
Tubigon → Cebu Pier
01:0004:0007:00
Tickets
FastCat · Economy$8
2h
Tubigon Port → Pier 3 Terminal, Cebu Port
05:0010:3017:30
Tickets
FastCat · Premium Economy$8.60
2h
Tubigon Port → Pier 3 Terminal, Cebu Port
05:0010:3017:30
Tickets

Stations

Map of stations
Click to explore
From
To

Tickets sold on Bookaway

Arrival ports

Most ferries arrive at Cebu Pier 1. From there, the best way to get to Cebu City is by taxi, which takes around 20 minutes and costs about $2.40 (150 PHP).

You can also take the bus, but it goes the long way around. The 5 km trip from Pier 1 to the city centre can take about an hour. Fares start from $0.80 (50 PHP).

Some ferries also dock at Cebu Pier 3, less than 1 km away from Pier 1.

PRO TIP: Are you heading straight to Oslob from Bohol? Apekop Travel offers a combined minivan and ferry transfer from Panglao to Quartel Beach in Oslob — just 10 km from the whale shark watching site. You can book your ticket through BookAway.

Reach out to our Community

5

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!

M
MaartenGeckoRoutes team

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 (goo.gl) 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!

0
1

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!

M
MaartenGeckoRoutes team

Hi Matt, see here the info for the opposite route from Cebu to Bohol (geckoroutes.com). 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 (bookaway.com). However, if you want to bring a car, I recommend contacting Liteshipping (liteshipping.barkota.com) directly. (their booking system is not working properly). Safe travels!

0
1

what if, if you have a car. travelling from bohol to cebu
ferry can accomodate it and how much the fare?

E
ElaGeckoRoutes team

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!

0
1

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,

E
ElaGeckoRoutes team

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!

0
1

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...

E
ElaGeckoRoutes team

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!

0
1
STAY

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
Treat Yourself

Seda Central Bloc Cebu

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 (3,200 PHP) per night

Check availability
Goldberry Suites and Hotel
Mid-Range

Goldberry Suites and Hotel

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 (1,920-3,200 PHP) per night

Check availability
Felix Residences
Budget

Felix Residences

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 (960-1,920 PHP) per night

Check availability

ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION

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!

Rounding it up

That's the full picture for getting from Bohol to Cebu, roughly 59 kilometres (37 miles) apart. The cheapest fare is $7.50 (480 PHP). The quickest trip takes 2h.

Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the distance from Bohol to Cebu?

The distance from Bohol to Cebu is 59 kilometres (37 miles).

What is the cheapest way to get from Bohol to Cebu?

The cheapest way to get from Bohol to Cebu is by ferry with ticket costs starting from 480 PHP.

About the Authors

Abegail
Abegail

Travel Writer

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.

Ela
ElaReviewer

Senior Travel Writer

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.

Selene
SeleneReviewer

Travel Writer

Selene is a writer who loves coffee, travel, and planning. After spending a decade in Manila, she left the city and her career in banking to embrace a more laid-back lifestyle. Now, she is discovering the beauty of slow-paced travel and finding joy in meaningful experiences.

Affiliate Disclosure

Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep Gecko Routes free and up to date.

Ferry Schedule Notice

Ferry schedules can change due to weather, sea conditions, or seasonal adjustments. We recommend confirming departure times directly with the operator, especially during monsoon season.

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