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Panglao and Cebu are geographically close to each other and are perfect for an uncomplicated Philippines round trip. In this guide youβll learn how to get from Panglao to various destinations on Cebu.
Panglao to Cebu: Contents
1. Panglao to Cebu City
The fastest connection between Panglao and Cebu City is by ferry. From Tagbilaran Port on Bohol, the Ocean Jet Ferry takes you in about 2 hours directly to Pier 1 in Cebu City. Hereβs how it works:
Booking Tickets
You can book your ticket either at the port, at travel agencies in Panglao or conveniently online via 12go.asia* . Especially around holidays such as New Year or on weekends it is best to reserve in advance, as seats can be limited. Donβt worry if the ticket is only sent by email 24 hours before departure β everything runs smoothly via 12go.
Transfer from Panglao to Tagbilaran Port
- Taxi: A taxi takes you to the port in about 30 minutes.
- Price: 800 PHP on the spot, 600 PHP via Grab (if a driver is available).
- Tip: Best book your taxi in advance through your accommodationβs reception, as Grab drivers are not always available.
What Happens at the Port
- Confirm your ticket: Go to the Ocean Jet office at the roundabout in Tagbilaran to have your ticket confirmed. Short-notice changes are possible here.
- Check in and drop off your luggage: After confirmation you can go to the pier. Tickets usually include only 10β20 kg of luggage, but excess baggage costs just 50 PHP per suitcase.
- Terminal fee: Before departure you still have to pay the terminal fee of 50 PHP.
Arrival in Cebu City
Pier 1 in Cebu is often busy. Best leave the port area and wait near a 7-Eleven for your taxi. With Grab, the ride into the city center costs about 155 PHP, while local taxi drivers often charge higher prices.
Ferry Times
The ferry runs hourly from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, and the weather usually doesnβt matter much because the sea in this area is very sheltered. Still, weather-related cancellations can happen from time to time.
2. Panglao to Oslob
For a direct connection from Panglao to Oslob there is a daily ferry at 6:30 am. This connection is especially practical and well organized.
Booking Tickets
Book your ticket ideally via 12go.asia*. Here you can optionally also choose a hotel pickup, which makes the process especially comfortable.
How It Works
- The transfer starts with a hotel pickup and takes you to Momo Beach, from where the ferry to Oslob departs.
- The crossing takes about 1.5 hours.
Ferry Times
Once a day at 6:30 am.
3. Panglao to Moalboal
Getting from Panglao to Moalboal requires a detour via Cebu City. Here are two options for covering the route (the trip from Panglao to Moalboal is doable in one day, but we always recommend 1β2 nights in Cebu City):
Option 1: Ferry and Private Transfer
- Take the Ocean Jet Ferry from Panglao to Cebu City (see section 1).
- From Pier 1 in Cebu City you can book a private transfer to Moalboal. Best use GetTransfer* β the provider is very reliable and the driver will already be waiting for you on site.
- Duration: About 2.5 hours, depending on traffic.
- Cost: About β¬90.
Option 2: Ferry and Bus
- Take a taxi from the ferry pier to the South Bus Terminal in Cebu City (about 150 PHP).
- Board a bus to Bato/Barili, which leaves about every 30 minutes.
- Cost: 209 PHP per person.
- Duration: Depending on traffic about 3β4 hours.
More info on the trip from Cebu City to Moalboal here…
Conclusion Panglao to Cebu
The connection between Panglao / Bohol and Cebu is one of the easier and well-organized journeys in the Philippines, and it doesnβt really take much time. Overall you only need 4β5 hours door to door, so you donβt lose a whole holiday day. Cebu and Panglao are therefore both ideal destinations for a round trip, and Mactan Airport then offers connections to many other destinations such as Palawan, Siargao, Boracay or Manila.
Do you have any more questions or additions about traveling from Panglao to Cebu? Feel free to leave a comment β weβll definitely help you out!