Getting to and around in Cebu

By Air

The Mactan-Cebu International Airport is an international and domestic airport which also serves as the main domestic airport outside Manila.  There are frequent direct flights to and from China, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Qatar, Singapore, and Taiwan.  For those coming from the other parts of the globe, you may fly first to Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, or Singapore and then fly to Cebu or for a faster connection you may catch a flight to Manila (with more than 20 Cebu flights daily) and then to Cebu which is about an hour’s flight away.

By Sea

With Cebu having the largest and main port of entry in Central Visayas, there are numerous ships that route to Cebu that visitors (already in the Philippines) who are not pressed for time may opt to take since travelling from Manila to Cebu approximately takes 23hrs.  However for island hopping around the province, bancas or small boats are the best means of transportation.

By Land

Since the Philippines is an archipelago, Cebu province is also one of the many islands that is not interconnected with another island so travelling by land is limited only for visitors and locals already in the province. 

            By Jeepney

Locals mainly use this colorful mode of transportation in getting around the city.  The routes are written clearly on the side of the jeepney with specific numbers (on the side and on top) marking the jeepney to its particular route.  Simply ask around which route to take and the locals may direct you to a specific route or a jeepney number to catch.  These are available 24hrs and almost cover every part of the city and even cross over the other cities of the province and usually cost starting from 7 pesos.

By Bus

Buses are available but mainly travese along the north and south route which is very useful if one were travelling to the many beautiful and idyllic beaches located in the northern and southern part of the province which can be done by going to the South or North Bus Terminal.

By Taxi                                                                                 

Taking a taxi cab is the most comfortable way to go with most trips in the city costing less than 100 pesos.  Cebu taxis run on a meter; it is illegal not to run on one; however some drivers may tend to bargain and ask for a fixed rate (“private taxis”), you may or may not opt for it and you may even report it to the authorities.  Such incidents are usually found in the airport ground floor on white taxis.  For a metered taxi you may need to go up the ramp where dozens of white metered taxis are parked.  There are also taxis on the ground floor that are metered, these are the airport taxis or yellow taxis (only operates to and from the airport) however they are far more expensive than the regular white ones with the flag down rate starting at 30 pesos and 2.5 pesos charged every half kilometer thereof compared to the yellow taxis with the fare starting at 70 pesos and 5 pesos charged every half a kilometer thereof.

By Motored Tricycle (Trcicyle), Non-motored Tricycle (Pedicab), Motorcycle (Habal-habal)

These modes o f transportation are best for those nook and crannies in the cities, for those walking distance areas that one may be too lazy to walk to, and for those who are more or less familiar with the city.   This may also serve as a bit of an adventure for the tourists.  Fares would usually start from 7pesos.