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Cebu, the second-largest island in the Philippines, is a dream destination for travelers. To explore the island flexibly and independently, a rental car is often the best option. But where can you rent a car on Cebu? Which providers are reliable, and what should you keep in mind about the traffic? In our guide to car rental on Cebu you’ll find all the key information at a glance!
Contents
Who is a rental car worth it for?
A rental car on Cebu is especially worthwhile for larger families and families with small children. You’re flexible and can plan your days independently. You can stop whenever you like to enjoy the beautiful beaches and sights, without having to work around bus schedules.
As an alternative to a rental car, you can also use taxi transfers that you can book simply and reliably through platforms such as GetTransfer*. This option is especially useful if you don’t want the stress of driving and would rather use local taxis on site.
Advantages of a rental car on Cebu:
- Safe
- Properly insured
- Protection from the weather
- Ideal for families with small children
- Ideal for travel groups or families
Where can you rent a car on Cebu?
The widest choice of rental cars is right at Cebu Airport (Mactan-Cebu International Airport). International providers with desks there include:
- Alamo
- Enterprise
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Saferide Car Rental (a large local company)
their rental desks. If you want a well-known, reputable provider, the airport is the best place to book a rental car on Cebu. You’ll find more information in our separate article on car rental at Cebu Airport.
In Cebu City there are also a few smaller local rental companies. These can often be cheaper, but they have a smaller selection of vehicles. On site you should check reviews to make sure the company is trustworthy. In general we would only rent a car on Cebu from the major companies.
In the coastal town of Moalboal, a popular destination for divers and beach lovers, you can also rent a car from smaller providers. We don’t have any firsthand reports from here, though, so we recommend doing careful research in advance or, better still, picking up the rental car at the airport.
Price comparison and booking tips for car rental on Cebu
If you want to save money, you should book your rental car online in advance. That way you can compare providers’ prices and what’s included and lock in the best deal. The best platforms for this are:
- Rentalcars.com* This is where you’ll find the most offers and deals on Cebu
- DiscoverCars.com*
Tip: A price comparison online is always worth it, because the differences between providers are often significant. Booking early not only saves money, it also secures the vehicle you want. Reserving a rental car on Cebu in person is almost always more expensive than the deals online!
Traffic on Cebu
Traffic on Cebu is relatively relaxed compared with other Asian cities and destinations. Even so, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
In Cebu City itself, traffic is very heavy especially during rush hour (morning and evening), which can cause delays. The route south, as far as Carcar City, is also often busy throughout the day.
In more rural areas such as Moalboal, Oslob and along the coastal roads, traffic is much quieter. Here you can drive at an easy pace and enjoy the stunning landscape.
Traffic also keeps to the right, which is another advantage for self-drivers from Germany and the rest of Europe.
Car rental Cebu — Verdict
A rental car on Cebu lets you explore the island entirely on your own terms. At the airport in particular you’ll find international providers such as Alamo, Hertz and Europcar. With a price comparison on platforms such as Rentalcars.com* you can often land a real bargain. In Cebu City and on the main roads you should expect some traffic and congestion, but in rural areas driving is relaxed. For families in particular, a rental car offers the greatest flexibility.
Further reading: If you’d rather travel on two wheels, you’ll find a detailed guide to scooter rental on Cebu.
Still have questions or tips about renting a car on Cebu? Leave a comment!