How to get from Cebu to Oslob

Why visit Oslob?

Oslob is a coastal town on the Philippines’ Cebu Island popular for daily sightings of whale sharks (or butanding, as Filipinos call them). Sadly, these whale sharks are hand-fed every day just to keep them onsite and boost tourism. If you really love underwater life, you can find more ethical places to swim with whale sharks.

There are other things you can do in Oslob, though! At its town centre are remnants of the strong Spanish rule in the province, dating back to the 1700s. Outside town, you can either cool down at Tumalog Falls or heat things up at Mainit (Hot) Springs. And just 15 minutes away by boat from Oslob, you will find Sumilon Island — a beauty that will blow you away.

There are 3 ways to travel the 120 kilometre (75 miles) distance from Cebu to Oslob. You can choose between the bus, van and taxi. The journey takes 3 to 4 hours and the quickest way is by taxi. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by van with tickets starting at 200 PHP ($3.40).

There are 2 bus companies operating from Cebu to Oslob: Ceres Bus and Sunrays. Their buses are available throughout the day, but there may be fewer departures at night.

Board a bus with a signboard saying: Bato via Oslob, Bato via Alcoy, or Samboan. We recommend confirming with the driver or conductor if they are indeed passing by Oslob.

Ticket prices start from 300 PHP ($5.10) for an air-conditioned bus.

Departure and arrival stations

Buses depart from the South Bus Terminal in Cebu centre.

These buses pass along the main road in Oslob. You can tell the driver or conductor beforehand where exactly you want to be dropped off. If you don’t have a specific landmark, you can just get off the bus at Oslob Public Market and then find your way to your hotel from there.

Public vans operate from Cebu to Oslob. We don’t recommend them, though, if you’re a tall passenger and/or carrying a lot of luggage.

These shared vans are often packed and offer very little legroom. There’s a chance you’ll have to endure an uncomfortable ride for 4 hours.

A van seat from Cebu to Oslob costs around 200 PHP ($3.40) to 300 PHP ($5.10). Vans don’t follow a fixed schedule — they only leave once all seats are filled. Sometimes, passengers are asked to share the cost of empty seats so the van can depart.

Departure and arrival stations

Vans bound for Oslob depart from the V-Hire South Bound Terminal in Cebu City.

You will be dropped off at Oslob town centre. From there, you can walk or take a tricycle to your accommodation. If your destination is located along the main road along the way, you can also ask the driver to just drop you off there.

Take a van including a pick-up

If you prefer a van that will pick you up from your hotel in Cebu and go straight to the Oslob Whale Shark Bus Stop, you can also join a shared van transfer from Klook.

A one-way seat costs 1,090 PHP ($18.40). This van leaves Cebu at 03:00 in the morning. Be ready to be picked up about an hour before departure time.

A taxi is a great option, especially if you are travelling in a group and are coming from Cebu Airport. The journey takes 3 hours to 3 hours 30 minutes, and you’ll be dropped off right at your destination — no need to worry about extra transfers.

BookAway offers comfortable cars with professional drivers, with pick-up available directly at the airport. Prices for private transfer start at 5,600 PHP ($94) for a 3-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about 1,860 PHP ($31.50) each.

You can also book a regular taxi on the route. We say “book” because taxi drivers usually don’t use the meter for long-distance trips. Instead, they’ll offer a fixed price, which you can try to negotiate.

We recommend asking for your hotel’s assistance in finding a trusted driver.

An acceptable rate when taking a taxi from Cebu to Oslob is 3,000 PHP ($51) to 3,500 PHP ($59).

Taxi options from Cebu to Oslob