Getting Around Cebu: How to Get from A to B

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Cebu is a versatile island with plenty of adventure and exploring to offer. But before you can reach all those beautiful places, you need to know how best to get from A to B. In this article I’ll give you an overview of the different ways to get around Cebu — from taxis and scooters to buses and rental cars — and how to use them best.

Info: Cebu is a long, narrow island in the central Philippines. It is about 196 kilometers long and on average 32 kilometers wide. With an area of around 4,943 square kilometers, it is one of the country’s largest islands and offers both coastal landscapes and a mountainous interior. So choosing the right transport on Cebu really matters.

Taxis on Cebu — Comfortable and affordable

Taxis are undoubtedly the most comfortable way to get around Cebu, especially if you don’t want to deal with the island’s traffic and road network. By our standards, taxi fares on Cebu are very affordable. In the city most rides cost only a few euros; even longer routes such as Cebu City to Moalboal, or day trips, are relatively cheap and run around 50–80 euros for a long-distance trip. A particular plus: you can often share the cost with other travelers if you’re in a group. For the airport transfer, a taxi is also the best and most comfortable option.

Taxis can easily be booked via apps such as Grab for short trips within the city. If you’re planning longer journeys, airport transfers or day trips, you can use services such as GetTransfer*. There you also have the option of booking minivans or larger vehicles, which is especially useful for families or bigger groups.

Jeepneys in Cebu City — Cheap, but often crowded

The jeepneys are the most typical form of transport in the Philippines and are also widely used in city traffic on Cebu. They’re extremely cheap, but often overcrowded, especially at rush hour. Long queues are not unusual, which can add a lot to the travel time. For tourists the system can be confusing at first, because there are no fixed stops and jeepneys pull over anywhere. The route is generally written on the vehicle, which at least gives you some orientation. You get off by calling out for the driver to stop.

Tricycles on Cebu — For short trips in smaller towns

The Tricycles (motorcycle taxis with a sidecar) have been banned from downtown Cebu and no longer run there. They are still widespread in smaller towns and on Mactan Island, though. For short distances they’re a cheap option. Especially in Moalboal there are many tricycles that take travelers to nearby beaches and sights at low cost. They’re ideal for short rides and also give you an authentic, local travel experience. For longer distances, though, tricycles aren’t an option.

Scooters on Cebu — Flexible and adventurous

For backpackers and independent travelers, the scooter is the transport of choice. It’s fun, you’re flexible, and you can slip through often heavy city traffic with ease. With a scooter you can also quickly reach remote beaches and sights that would be awkward to get to on public transport.

One downside: scooter rental prices on Cebu are higher than in other Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand. Even so, the scooter is our favorite way to get from A to B on Cebu. You’ll find rental shops in Cebu City, where you can easily explore the whole island on two wheels. A cheaper alternative is the rental shops in Moalboal, where rental prices are often lower than in Cebu City.

Rental cars on Cebu — Ideal for families

For families with small children who can’t ride on a scooter, a rental car is an excellent alternative. Especially at Cebu Airport you’ll find a wide range of rental desks. The roads on Cebu are mostly in good condition, and outside busy Cebu City traffic is limited. Compared with other Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand or Vietnam, traffic rules on Cebu are taken a little more seriously, which makes driving more pleasant and safer.

A rental car also lets you travel comfortably with a lot of luggage and explore the island at your own pace. Especially for longer distances or a road trip along the coast, a rental car is a great fit. The best way to book is through an online price comparison such as Rentalcars.*

Buses on Cebu — The cheap option for backpackers

For budget-conscious travelers, the buses on Cebu are an excellent way to explore the island. Buses run regularly and connect almost all larger towns and villages. Especially if you’re backpacking with only light luggage, buses are a great way to save money. Tickets are very cheap, and you can even reach more remote areas such as Oslob or Badian.

Buses aren’t ideal for the transfer to and from the airport, though. That transfer is a bit awkward, and a taxi or private transfer is the better choice for this route. For all other destinations on the island, however, buses are a cheap and comfortable option — as long as you have a bit of time.

In Cebu City there are several bus terminals offering trips north or south. In the larger towns on the island you’ll usually also find a central stop where the bus lines make a scheduled halt. How to get from Cebu City to Moalboal by bus, for example, we’ve summarized here…

Travel times and distances on Cebu

When you’re getting around Cebu, keep travel times in mind, because they can vary a lot depending on traffic and weather. Here are some approximate journey times to popular destinations:

• Cebu City to the airport (Mactan-Cebu International Airport): By taxi or rental car about 30–60 minutes, depending on the time of day, your starting point and traffic. From Cebu Business Park and IT Park it can, in the best case, take only 15–20 minutes.
• Cebu City to Moalboal: By taxi or rental car the trip takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. By bus you should allow a little more time, usually 3.5 to 4 hours.
• Cebu City to Oslob: The route to Oslob takes about 3.5 to 4 hours by bus or taxi.
• Moalboal to Badian (Kawasan Falls): By scooter or car you’ll get there in about 20 to 30 minutes.

The roads are mostly in good condition, but on some remote stretches delays can happen. So allow enough time for long trips and enjoy the journey — the landscape on Cebu is breathtaking!

Cebu Island transfers — Verdict

Cebu offers a wide range of ways to get around, suitable for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re backpacking by bus, exploring as a family in a rental car, or touring the island by scooter — the island gives you enough flexibility to reach all your destinations comfortably. For longer distances and larger groups, taxis or private transfers are a comfortable option. In the end, the choice of transport depends on your budget, your itinerary and your preferences. Overall, though, all the ways of getting from A to B on Cebu are quite affordable.

Still have questions or tips about getting around Cebu? Leave a comment!