Mactan-Cebu Airport
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!
Mactan-Cebu International Airport is located in Lapu-Lapu City on Mactan Island, next to Cebu Island. It’s the second-busiest airport in the Philippines, serving Cebu and the surrounding areas.
From Cebu Airport to other destinations in Cebu
If you’re heading to famous destinations like Moalboal or Malapascua, you don’t have to travel to the city to get a ride. Direct shared van transfers and taxis are already available from Cebu Airport to various tourist destinations in Cebu.
Fares start from 850 PHP ($14.30) for a van and 3,900 PHP ($66) for a private transfer, respectively.
What are the 3 ways to travel from Mactan-Cebu Airport?
There are 3 ways to travel the 15 kilometre (9 miles) distance from Mactan-Cebu Airport. You can choose between the bus, private minivan and taxi. The journey takes 1 to 4 hours and the quickest way is by bus. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 50 PHP ($0.80).
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.
Mactan-Cebu Airport by Bus
The bus is the most affordable way to get from Mactan-Cebu Airport. MyBus is the only service that picks up directly outside both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Buses are air-conditioned and have space for luggage.
Take MyBus to SM City Cebu
MyBus runs every 20 to 30 minutes from 07:30 to 21:40, heading to SM City Cebu. The fare is 50 PHP ($0.80), and the journey takes around 1 hour, depending on traffic.
SM City Cebu is a popular mall in the city centre and a key transport hub. From here, you can take a regular jeepney to your hotel with fares starting at 13 PHP ($0.20) or a taxi with a flag-down rate from 50 PHP ($0.80).
Where to go next from SM City Cebu
- Going north? Cebu North Bus Terminal is located right next to SM City Cebu. It’s just a short walk from the MyBus drop-off point. From here, you’ll find buses and vans heading to northern destinations like Bantayan and Malapascua.
- Going south? You’ll need to get to Cebu South Bus Terminal, where buses to Moalboal, Oslob, and other southern towns depart. From SM City Cebu, take a 01K modern jeepney heading to the terminal for 15 PHP ($0.30). You can also take a taxi if you’re carrying bulky luggage or prefer a more direct ride.
- Going to IT Park? There’s a separate MyBus route from the airport that goes directly to Cebu IT Park Transport Terminal, passing through SM City Cebu and Cebu Business Park. It runs hourly from 7:00 to 22:00.
Here’s the full route MyBus takes from the airport:
MCIA Terminal 1/2 Arrivals Halls – Island Central Mall/Island Souvenirs – Plaridel St. Maayo Medical Center – City Times Square/Big Hotel – Mantawi Int’l Drive (across Chong Hua Hospital) – Mantawi Int’l Drive (MO2 Restobar) – SM City Cebu
From Cebu City to the airport
- From SM City Cebu, MyBus runs every 20 to 30 minutes between 06:00 and 21:00.
- From IT Park, buses leave hourly from 06:40 to 20:40.
The bus makes the same stops on the way back to the airport.
Mactan-Cebu Airport by Taxi
We highly recommend booking a cab via Grab from Cebu Airport. Grab rates are a bit cheaper, and you have a better chance of getting a nice car. If you have a local SIM card, good news! You won’t have a hard time booking a Grab taxi at Cebu Airport.
Grab rates from Cebu Airport to the city centre start from 500 PHP ($8.40). The journey takes around 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on where you are headed. Note that taxi rates and travel time depend on the traffic in Cebu City.
Another option is to book a private car via Bookaway. Rates start from 1,080 PHP ($18.30) for a 3-seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s about 360 PHP ($6.10) per person. Travel time is around 1 hour.
Private transport options from Cebu Airport to Cebu City
If you don’t have a local SIM or are not into taxi-hailing apps, keep reading for other taxi options.
Metered taxis at Cebu Airport
Metered taxis are parked just outside Cebu Airport’s arrival hall.
There is always a staff member present in this area to hand you a small slip just before you board the taxi. This contains the details of the taxi, so make sure you keep it in case you need to file a complaint or retrieve something you left behind.
There are two types of taxis available: the airport taxi and the regular taxi.
Airport taxis are more expensive
Airport taxis are yellow and are operated by the airport, which makes them more expensive. The flag-down rate is 70 PHP ($1.20). Expect to pay from 400 PHP ($6.70) – 550 PHP ($9.30) for the journey to downtown Cebu.
Regular taxis are usually old, but cheaper
The regular white taxis at Cebu Airport are definitely cheaper, but might not be as comfortable as taking a Grab car or an airport taxi.
The flag-down rate for a regular taxi from Cebu Airport is 50 PHP ($0.80). Rates to the city centre are usually around 250 PHP ($4.20) to 350 PHP ($5.90).
We don’t recommend taking a colorum taxi
There are also ‘colorum’ vehicles at Cebu Airport. These are privately owned, not registered as public transport. They offer fixed fares for a more personalised ride, but we don’t think it’s worth the risk if you’re just going to the city.
With a colorum vehicle, there will be no record of your ride, and you’ll have a hard time filing a complaint in case something goes wrong.
Hailing a taxi from the city centre to Cebu Airport
If you’re headed from the city to Cebu Airport, you can hail a taxi from the street. Both regular-metered and airport taxis accept passengers.
Private transport options from Cebu City to Cebu Airport
You can also prebook a private car from Cebu City to Cebu Airport through BookAway. Fares start from 1,080 PHP ($18.30) and travel time is around 1h.
Mactan-Cebu Airport by Private Minivan
Hoping to head straight from Cebu Airport to Cebu’s famous tourist destinations without making a stop in the city? You can pre-book a private van transfer online.
Important: Shared minivans used to operate from Cebu Airport to Moalboal and Maya Port (gateway to Malapascua), but these are currently unavailable. If anything changes, you can check Klook for the latest info.
At the moment, private minivan transfer is the only direct option from the airport to these destinations.
Below, we explain the options for getting from Cebu Airport to various destinations in Cebu. If you have already booked a night in Cebu City or the options below are not available, check our route guides to each of the destinations for more options:
Cebu Airport to destinations in the south of Cebu by Private Transfer
You can take a private transfer between Cebu Airport and your favourite destination in Cebu. We recommend pre-booking your ride via Klook so that your driver will be waiting for you at the airport as soon as you arrive.
Here are some famous destinations and their rates.
To destinations in the south of Cebu
To destinations in the north of Cebu
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
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Mactan-Cebu Airport. 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!
Frequently Asked Questions about Mactan-Cebu Airport
What is the distance from Mactan-Cebu Airport?
The distance from Mactan-Cebu Airport is 15 kilometre (9 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Mactan-Cebu Airport?
The fastest way to get from Mactan-Cebu Airport is by bus and takes 1 hour.
What is the cheapest way to get from Mactan-Cebu Airport?
The cheapest way to get from Mactan-Cebu Airport is by bus with ticket costs starting from 50 PHP ($0.80).
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
Aleksandra is a writer and editor who recently moved from Hong Kong to London. She’s worked and studied in four countries (and counting) and picked up a new hobby in each of them. She’s a big fan of long train journeys so you can count on her to take the scenic route, finding a few hidden gems along the way.
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.
