How to get from Manila to Boracay

Why visit Boracay?

Boracay is arguably the Philippines’ most iconic beach destination, and for good reasons. Its main beach — powdery white-sand coast against pristine waters — stretches for 4 kilometres. True, it can be crowded with tourists. But you can’t expect to have all this beauty for yourself.

Don’t worry, there are more laidback (yet still beautiful) beaches on the island. Some of our favourites are Bulabog and Diniwid — both just an e-trike ride away from the main beach. From water activities during the day and parties everywhere at night, you won’t run out of things to enjoy in Boracay!

There are 4 ways to travel the 440 kilometre (273 miles) distance from Manila to Boracay. You can choose between the bus + ferry, flight via Caticlan, ferry and flight via Kalibo. The journey takes 1 hour 55 minutes to 21 hours 30 minutes and the quickest way is by flight via Caticlan. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus + ferry with tickets starting at 1,150 PHP ($19.60).

If you wish to fly from Manila to Boracay, you have two options: via Caticlan or Kalibo.

Caticlan is the more popular choice because it’s the closest airport to Boracay — just a short boat ride away. It’s quicker and more convenient, especially if you want to get to the beach ASAP.

That said, flying via Kalibo can be a great alternative. It’s usually cheaper and often has more flight options, which comes in handy during peak season when Caticlan flights sell out fast.

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

AirAsia, Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines (PAL) offer flights from Manila to Caticlan. AirAsia and Cebu Pacific are usually the cheaper options.

One-way ticket prices from Manila to Boracay via Caticlan start at 1,700 PHP ($29), but fares can go up quickly on weekends or holidays. Since Boracay is one of the Philippines’ top travel spots, flights often sell out fast during peak season (summer and Christmas).

Flights from Manila to Caticlan depart from either Terminal 2 or 3 at Manila Airport, depending on the airline. Always double-check your terminal before heading to the airport. Manila’s terminals are far apart and can be a bit confusing!

The flight from Manila to Boracay via Caticlan takes just over an hour, and planes land at Godofredo P. Ramos Airport, better known as Caticlan Airport.

Tip: Cebu Pacific and AirAsia offer many promotions annually. Keep an eye out for these promos to book a cheaper flight!

After landing at Caticlan Airport, the next step is to make your way to Caticlan Jetty Port, where boats depart for Boracay.

You can go to the port by tricycle for 75 PHP ($1.30) per person or hop in a shared van for 100 PHP ($1.70). Both transport modes are available from the airport, and it takes about 15 minutes to get to the port. The van has air conditioning and is a better option if you have bulky luggage.

From Caticlan Port to Boracay

Once at Caticlan Port, buy your ferry ticket and pay the port and environmental fees. Here’s a breakdown of the total cost:

• Ferry ticket costs 50 PHP ($0.90)
• The port fee is 150 PHP ($2.60)
• The environmental fee is 300 PHP ($5.10) for foreign tourists and 150 PHP ($2.60) for local tourists

Arrival in Boracay

Your boat will dock at Cagban Port. From there, you will need to take a tricycle or a multicab to your hotel.

Boracay’s main tourist area has three stations. Station 3 is closest to the port, followed by Station 2 and then Station 1. Let your driver know which station you’re heading to so they can drop you off at the right spot.

A multicab seat costs 30 PHP ($0.50), and e-tricycle fares start at 100 PHP ($1.70).

The combined tricycle, ferry and multicab rides to Boracay take around 45 minutes.

It’s quite easy to arrange your own transfers from Caticlan Airport to Boracay. But if you want to skip the long and confusing lines at Caticlan Port, then you can also book a shared or private transfer through Klook.

A shared transfer from Caticlan Airport to Boracay via Klook costs 820 PHP ($14) for foreign tourists and 660 PHP ($11.20) for local tourists. These rates include shared land and sea transfers from Caticlan Airport to your hotel in Boracay, as well as all miscellaneous fees (environmental and port).

If you’re travelling in a group, you can also consider booking a private transfer from Caticlan Airport to Boracay. Rates start from 1,580 PHP ($27) per person for a group of 4, and it gets cheaper the more people you have. This option includes private land and sea transfers and all the required fees.

PRO TIP: When travelling from Caticlan Airport to Boracay, we have tried both the DIY transport and the combined organised transport via Klook. And we can tell you that the one via Klook is well worth the extra bucks you spend. It saves you from the headache of figuring out the many queues for environmental and port fees at the pier. Your tour operator takes care of everything for you.

Flying to Kalibo is another option if you want to save some money on the journey from Manila to Boracay. The only downside is the extra travel because you’ll need to take a van to Caticlan, which takes about 1.5 hours.

AirAsia and Cebu Pacific fly daily from Manila to Kalibo. Fares usually start from 1,200 PHP ($20.50), but you can sometimes score deals as low as 940 PHP ($16) if you’re flexible with your travel dates.

Philippine Airlines (PAL) used to fly this route too, but their Manila to Kalibo flights are currently suspended with no clear timeline for when they’ll resume.

Flight time from Manila to Boracay via Kalibo International Airport is a little over 1 hour.

From Kalibo Airport, you’ll need to take a bus or van to reach Caticlan Port.

We recommend taking a bus for a more comfortable journey. You can book an airport shuttle in advance via BookAway for 310 PHP ($5.30). These buses are run by Southwest Travel & Tours and operate 24/7, with departures every hour. The bus journey takes 1.5 hours.

If you prefer to take a van, there are plenty of vans waiting just outside the arrivals hall. A van seat is a bit cheaper at 250 PHP ($4.30), but note that it might be a bit cramped, especially if you’re carrying large bags. Vans normally leave once they are full.

The last leg involves a ferry ride from Caticlan Port to Boracay Island. For foreign tourists, the total cost is 500 PHP ($8.50). This price covers the ferry fare, terminal fee, and environmental fee.

The ferry docks at Cagban Port, from where you can take a multicab or tricycle to your hotel on the island. Multicab rates start from 30 PHP ($0.50) per person.

You can also book a shared bus and ferry transfer from Kalibo Airport to Boracay Island via BookAway. Rates start from 565 PHP ($9.60).

There are two main operators on this route:

• Southwest Travel and Tours offers a door-to-door shared service. Their promo already includes terminal and environmental fees, so you won’t have to worry about paying anything extra at the port.
• Island Star Express is another option, but terminal and environmental fees aren’t part of their package. You’ll need to pay those separately at the port — 450 PHP ($7.70) for foreign tourists and 300 PHP ($5.10) for local travellers.

If you’re travelling in a large group, a private transfer via Klook is worth considering. Prices start at 2,550 PHP ($43.50) per person (based on four people, one-way). The more people you have or if you’re booking a round trip, the better the value.

All fees are included — land and boat transfers, terminal fees, and environmental charges — so you won’t have to worry about any surprise costs along the way.

The bus is an affordable way to get from Manila to Boracay, with fares starting from 1,150 PHP ($19.60). But keep in mind that the journey takes around 16 hours 30 minutes to 21 hours 30 minutes.

Island Star Express and Southwest Travel and Tours operate on this route.

The bus first travels by land from Manila to Batangas, where it boards a ferry heading to Caticlan.

Important: When you buy a bus ticket online via BookAway or 12GoAsia, the ferry fare is not included. The bus conductor will collect the payment in cash before you board. Ferry ticket prices start at 800 PHP ($13.60).

Once you arrive in Caticlan, you’ll need to transfer to a smaller boat heading to Boracay.

Each bus company has a different departure point in Metro Manila, so it’s best to choose the one most convenient for you:

• RRCG departs from Robinsons Antipolo, with a pick-up stop at Starmall Alabang Transport Terminal.

• Ceres Transport leaves from the Ceres Transport Bus Terminal in Buendia.

• ALPS The Bus departs from ALPS The Bus Terminal in Cubao.

All buses arrive at Caticlan Jetty Port, where you can catch a boat to Boracay.

When you arrive at Caticlan Port, you’ll need to transfer to a local boat heading to Boracay. Fares start at 50 PHP ($0.90).

Terminal and environmental fees cost 450 PHP ($7.70) for foreign tourists and 300 PHP ($5.10) for local tourists.

Boats dock at Cagban Port in Boracay. From there, you can take a multicab or tricycle to your hotel, with fares starting from 30 PHP ($0.50).

Travelling by ferry from Manila to Boracay can be quite an adventure. If you’re up for it, you’ll first need to take a bus from Manila to Batangas. From there, you’ll catch a ferry to Caticlan, followed by a short boat ride to Boracay Island.

There are several bus trips from Metro Manila to Batangas Pier every day, with buses available throughout the day.

It’s best to depart from Manila around 4.5 to 5 hours before your ferry trip to allow extra time for any delays. Also, make sure your bus will go all the way to the port! Some only park at Batangas City Grand Terminal, which is still 5 km away from the pier.

You can easily buy your tickets at the bus terminal. But if you’re travelling on a weekend or a holiday, it’s best to pre-book your ride via BookAway. Otherwise, you might end up waiting in line for hours and risk missing your ferry.

Departure stations

There are three main departure points in Metro Manila for buses heading directly to Batangas Pier. You can choose whichever is closest to your hotel, but the central bus hub PITX is generally the most convenient:

• Ceres Bus Terminal in Buendia, 4 km west of Makati
• Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), 3.5 km west of Manila Airport
• Citystate Tower Hotel, located along Mabini Street in Ermita, Manila, about 8 km west of Makati

Starlite Ferries and 2Go Travel both sail daily from Batangas to Caticlan. Starlite is a reliable choice and is well-liked by locals. 2Go is more popular with travellers thanks to its bigger ships and more modern entertainment options on board.

That said, Starlite usually gets you there faster — often at least an hour quicker than 2Go. Some travellers have also mentioned that 2Go’s restrooms aren’t always well-maintained. If that’s something you care about, especially on an overnight trip, Starlite might be the better option.

The ferry journey takes 10-11h, and ticket prices start at 1,660 PHP ($28). It’s best to travel at night to sleep through the trip, save on a night’s accommodation, and wake up already at Caticlan Port.

We recommend booking at least an air-conditioned bunk for a more comfortable journey.

When you arrive at the port, look for local boats heading to Boracay.

For foreign tourists, the total cost is 500 PHP ($8.50):

• Ferry ticket: 50 PHP ($0.90)
• Port fee: 150 PHP ($2.60)
• Environmental fee: 300 PHP ($5.10)

For local tourists, the total cost is 350 PHP ($6):

• Ferry ticket: 50 PHP ($0.90)
• Port fee: 150 PHP ($2.60)
• Environmental fee: 150 PHP ($2.60)

Boats dock at Cagban Port, from where you can take a multicab or a tricycle to your hotel.