How to get from Puerto Princesa to Cebu
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!
What are the 2 ways to travel from Puerto Princesa to Cebu?
There are 2 ways to travel the 569 kilometre (354 miles) distance from Puerto Princesa to Cebu. You can choose between the flight and ferry. The journey takes 2 hours 30 minutes to 2 days and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by flight with tickets starting at 1,380 PHP ($23).
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.
Puerto Princesa to Cebu by Flight
The flight is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Puerto Princesa to Cebu. Combined prices start from 1,380 PHP ($23) and you can complete the journey in just 2 hours 30 minutes to 2 hours 40 minutes.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: Puerto Princesa City to Puerto Princesa Airport by Tricycle
All airlines depart from Puerto Princesa Airport. From the town centre, you can take either a tricycle or a taxi to the airport. Rates start from 50 PHP ($0.80) and 200 PHP ($3.30) respectively.
Step 2: Puerto Princesa to Cebu
When flying direct from Puerto Princesa to Cebu, you can book with either Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines.
Cebu Pacific operates one to two direct flights daily. These depart at:
- 12:45 – daily
- 17:40 – Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
- 18:40 – Saturdays and Sundays
On average, a ticket costs around 1,280 PHP ($21.50), and the flight takes about 1h 20m - 1h 30m.
Meanwhile, Philippine Airlines offers direct flights on this route every day except Thursdays and Saturdays. Flights depart at 16:45 and take 1 hour 30 minutes, with fares starting from 1,800 PHP ($30).
When booking, double-check that it’s a direct flight from Puerto Princesa to Cebu. Both airlines also operate flights on this route with stopovers in Manila, so it’s easy to miss if you’re not paying close attention.
PRO TIP: Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines offer many promotions annually. Keep an eye out for these seat sales so that you can book cheap flights from Puerto Princesa to Cebu!
Step 3: Cebu Airport to Cebu City by Bus
Flights from Puerto Princesa to Cebu land at Cebu Airport. Located on Mactan Island, this is the only airport in the province of Cebu.
To reach the city centre, you can take either a bus or a taxi for the 15 km journey.
Travel time is roughly an hour, depending on traffic. Bus tickets cost 50 PHP ($0.80), while taxi fares start from 500 PHP ($8.30).
Puerto Princesa to Cebu by Ferry
There are no direct ferries from Puerto Princesa to Cebu. Instead, you’ll need to take two separate ferries — first to Iloilo with a stopover on Cuyo Island, and then another ferry from Iloilo to Cebu.
While the total sailing time is around 2 days, this does not include the layover on Cuyo Island or the waiting time in Iloilo. Depending on your arrival and ferry schedules, the entire journey can take 4 to 5 days.
That said, it’s not all bad news. You’ll have some downtime to explore Cuyo Island’s quiet charm and spend a couple of days in Iloilo, known for its heritage buildings, food scene, and relaxing riverside vibe.
Here’s a breakdown of your travel time:
- Puerto Princesa to Cuyo – 16 hours
- Layover in Cuyo – 11 hours
- Cuyo to Iloilo – 12 hours
- Waiting time in Iloilo – around 2 days
- Iloilo to Cebu – 12 to 14.5 hours
Ready to take this slow-travel route? We give you a more detailed guide below.
Step 1: Puerto Princesa to Iloilo by Ferry
Montenegro Shipping Lines is the only ferry company operating the Puerto Princesa to Iloilo route. The ferry departs from Puerto Princesa Port every Tuesday at 14:00, with boarding starting at 12:00 noon.
The total estimated travel time is around 39 hours, including the layover in Cuyo.
Here’s what to expect on the journey:
- Puerto Princesa to Cuyo: 16 hours — departs Tuesday at 14:00, arrives Wednesday at 06:00
- Layover in Cuyo: 11 hours — from Wednesday 06:00 to 17:00
- Cuyo to Iloilo: 12 hours — departs Wednesday at 17:00, arrives Thursday at 05:00
During the 11-hour layover on Cuyo Island in Palawan, you can take a swim, grab a bite, or just relax and enjoy the quiet island atmosphere.
An economy fare starts at 2,660 PHP ($44.50). You can buy tickets at the Puerto Princesa Port at Montenegro’s ticket outlets in town. For early bookings, you can also ask your hotel for help or check Montenegro’s website or Facebook page.
Note: There used to be another operator, Milagrosa-J Shipping, which offered trips on Sundays. However, the last time we checked (July 2025), it looks like they are no longer operating. You can check their Facebook page to see if anything has changed.
Step 2: Iloilo to Cebu by Ferry
When travelling from Iloilo to Cebu by ferry, you can book your ticket with either Trans-Asia Shipping or Cokaliong Shipping Lines.
If you arrive in Iloilo on Thursday at 05:00 AM, you’ll need to wait until Friday evening for the next ferry to Cebu. That gives you about two full days to rest, explore the city, or even plan a few short day trips before continuing your journey.
For an overview of ferry schedules, see the table below:
All ferries depart from Port San Pedro, 2 km from Iloilo City Proper. In Cebu, Cokaliong docks at Pier 1, while Trans-Asia arrives at Pier 3.
For tickets, you can reserve through their websites or buy directly from their ticket outlets. You can also book online through 12Go.Asia.
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 Puerto Princesa to Cebu. 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 Puerto Princesa to Cebu
What is the distance from Puerto Princesa to Cebu?
The distance from Puerto Princesa to Cebu is 569 kilometre (354 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Puerto Princesa to Cebu?
The fastest way to get from Puerto Princesa to Cebu is by flight and takes 2 hours 30 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Puerto Princesa to Cebu?
The cheapest way to get from Puerto Princesa to Cebu is by flight with ticket costs starting from 1,380 PHP ($23).
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.
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.
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.
