How to get from Cebu to Bohol

Cebu and Bohol are some of the most popular destinations in the Philippines. Each island is unique and offers something different.

While Cebu is full of incredible waterfalls, such as the famous Kawasan Falls, Montpellier Falls, and Dao Falls, Bohol offers beautiful white-sand beaches and snorkeling with whale sharks.

If you’re planning a trip to from Cebu to Bohol and need help organizing the journey, this guide is for you!

We’ll cover everything you need to know for an easy and stress-free trip, from getting the tickets to finding the port, the boarding process, and reaching your hotel. We’ve got you covered!

Where is Bohol

Bohol is an island in the Central Visayas Province, Philippines. On a map, it’s almost in the center of the country. As Britannica describes it, it lies between the Bohol Sea and the Camotes Sea.

The most popular tourist area is actually a separate Panglao Island, which lies north of Bohol. The two islands are connected by a bridge, making travel easy.

Where to stay on Bohol

You should choose the best area to stay based on your expectations and preferences. Bohol is not the smallest island; each location has a different vibe.

Most people decide on Panglao, as it’s the most touristy area with plenty of hotels, restaurants, and other activities. Optionally, Tagbilaran City is a convenient choice, as it has the main port. However, it’s rather busy and offers limited options.

We chose Tagbilaran and slightly regretted the choice anytime we had to find a place to eat. The city is loud and busy, with no beautiful beaches nearby.

Lastly, if you prefer a tranquil paradise far from the crowds, Anda is the perfect location.

Getting from Cebu to Bohol

If you plan to visit Cebu, you must travel to Bohol at least for a few days. The islands are close together, making it easy for travelers. As it’s a popular tourist route and a typical trip for locals, multiple connections are scheduled daily.

Two options for traveling from Cebu to Bohol are ferry or flight.

The journey by ferry only takes around two hours, making it a convenient choice. On the other hand, no direct flights are available. Due to the necessary transfer, you might end up traveling for more than 10 hours.

Another essential factor to remember is that ferry rides are way cheaper. Considering the prices and travel time, travel by sea is the most obvious choice.

Unless you have an intense panic fear of boats and sea.

Quick Overview

The two options for traveling from Cebu to Bohol are taking a ferry or flying. Since no direct flights are available, travel time and prices are high, we recommend taking the ferry.

You can choose between Oceanjet, Lite Shipping, and FastCat. The ferries arrive at three ports in Bohol – Tagbilaran, Tubigon, and Getafe.

The shortest travel time is 1.5 hours with Fast Cat to Tubigon, followed by a 2-hour ferry ride to Tagbilaran with Oceanjet.

You can buy tickets in person at Cebu Port. However, to avoid long wait times and sold-out ferries, we recommend purchasing them online using 12Go.

Ticket prices start at 457 PHP, depending on the chosen company, route, and class.

Getting from Cebu to Bohol by ferry

The best way to travel to Bohol is by ferry. Multiple companies offer this service, and various ports of arrival are available. The travel time and price depend on the chosen arrival destination.

It’s essential to check the area where your hotel is and, based on that, decide on your route. This will avoid an unnecessary two—to three-hour bus ride.

Since most people stay on Panglao Island or in Tagbilaran City, Tagbilaran Port is the most common choice. However, I’ll describe all the routes for your convenience.

How to get to Cebu port

Cebu Port has several piers. Pier 1 and Pier 3 are used for the routes to Bohol. We were a bit stressed out about finding the right pier. Luckily, they are located 10 minutes away.

Unless you’re staying in Cebu City, you’ll first need to take a bus to get there. Cebu City has two main bus terminals: the South Bus Terminal and the North Bus Terminal. They each operate buses heading south or north, respectively.

If you’re staying in Moalboal, we have a complete guide for the route between Cebu City and Moalboal.

Once at the bus terminal, you can take a jeepney (shared truck) or a taxi. Jeepneys have their own routes, just like public transport buses. Ask locals to help you find the right one.

From Mactan Cebu airport

We took the MyBus to SM North Bus Terminal. A one-way ticket costs 50 PHP, and buses are scheduled every 30 minutes. From there, take a jeepney or haul a taxi.

Available ferry companies

Three ferry companies operate the Cebu to Bohol route: Lite Shipping, Oceanjet, and Fast Cat. We did the trip twice, both times using the Oceanjet. There’s little difference between the companies besides the ports they use.

FastCat is the only company that doesn’t sell its tickets through 12Go. You can still use their official website.

Cebu to Bohol ferry routes

Cebu to Tagbilaran

The most common route many prefer is the Cebu to Tagbilaran ferry, as it’s the closest port to Panglao Island and Alona Beach. You can choose Oceanjet, which takes 2 hours & Lite Shipping, which takes 4 hours.

Tagbilaran is a good choice if you stay on Panglao or Tagbilaran City. Keep in mind that Alona is still a 40-minute ride away. We recommend taking a tricycle for the ride. Journey to Anda will take 3 hours.

Cebu to Tubigon

Tubigon is the closest port to Cebu City. It lies on the west side of Bohol and takes 2 hours to reach. You can travel with Lite Shipping or FastCat.

Getting to Alona from the port will take at least 2 hours, Anda is 3 hours, and Loboc is 1.5 hours.

Cebu to Getafe

The last option is Getafe Port, which is north of Bohol. Oceanjet is the only ferry company operating on this route.

Alona is 2.5 hours away, Anda is 2.5 hours, and Loboc is 2 hours.

Cebu to Bohol ferry schedule 2024

Cebu to Tagbilaran

• Oceanjet (takes 2 hours): 5:10, 06:00, 07:00, 08:20, 09:20, 10:40, 11:40, 13:00, 14:00, 15:20, 16:20, 17:40
• Lite Shipping (takes 4 hours): 13:00, 22:00

Cebu to Tubigon

• Lite Shipping (takes 2 hours): 01:00, 04:00, 07:00, 10:00, 13:00, 16:00, 19:00, 22:00
• FastCat (takes 1.5 hours): 01:30, 07:30, 13:30, 20:00

Cebu to Getafe

• Oceanjet (takes 1 hour 15 minutes): 06:30, 10:00, 13:30

Where to book tickets

All the ferry tickets can be booked directly on the pier. Before the entrance to the main building at Pier 1, you can find the ticket counters. Remember that the ferries sell out quickly, and there’s a high chance your chosen ferry won’t be available anymore.

Because of this, and to avoid the long waiting lines, it’s better to buy online tickets.

We got our tickets in advance via 12Go, and when we arrived at the port, we were so happy with our decision.

The ticketing process was chaotic, with people waiting in multiple lines. Locals tried to persuade you to buy tickets from them for two to three times the original price to save you time.

There was a separate line for people with online tickets where we had to wait to get the official paper tickets. This step is necessary—you can’t board the ferry without a physical ticket.

Ferry ticket price

The total ticket price depends on the route, company, and class you choose. The cheapest option is taking Oceanjet to Getafe, which costs 457 PHP online.

The ferry to Tubigon with Lite Shipping starts at 530 PHP and with FastCat it’s from 330 PHP.

Lastly, Cebu to Bohol Tagbilaran starts at 570 PHP with Lite Shipping and 799 PHP with Oceanjet.

Ferry classes

Different companies have slightly different class system, but offer similar features. Let’s take a look at each company individually.

Oceanjet

Oceanjet offers three different classes: Tourist Class, Open-Air Class, and Business Class.

Tourist class has standard seats in rows, seating up to 5 people next to each other. It’s located inside and has an AC unit. The bathrooms are available.

In comparison, the open-air class is located outside, with no AC. It’s not hot, thanks to the wind, and you’re protected from the sun by the roof. We preferred this option as the AC is often too low or too strong. And fresh air never hurts, right?

Lastly, business class is in a separate room, which offers more comfortable seats. The room is smaller and accommodates fewer people. There are only two seats next to each other. Business class also has a separate bathroom.

Lite Shipping

Lite Shipping is available for routes to Tagbilaran and Tubigon. Different boats are used on each route, meaning different classes are available.

The Tagbilaran route is operated by a larger ferry and offers Standard and Tourist Classes. The Tourist Class is the most expensive because it has better seats and AC.

Fast boats are used instead for the Tubigon route. You can choose between Economy, Tourist, or Business classes. The economy has no AC compared to the tourist class, while business class offers the most comfort.

FastCat

FastCat has three classes – Economy, Premium Economy, and Business. Similar to the rest, the Economy has no AC. The more expensive class you choose, the more comfort you get.

Cebu to Bohol ferry boarding process

Honestly, we found the whole process at the port very confusing. There are many different things to do and necessary formalities to comply with. We would be lost entirely if it wasn’t for a friendly staff.

To help you avoid all the stress of not knowing what to do before boarding, we will break down the whole process in a few steps.

1. Get your tickets

As mentioned earlier, buying or collecting your ferry tickets is the first and most important thing. All the companies we mention have their ticket offices at Pier 1.

Once you have the ticket, check which pier your boat departs from. Generally, Lite Shipping uses Pier 3, and Oceanjet should depart from Pier 1. Lite Ferries also has a small ticket booth near Pier 3 (location).

2. Pay the terminal fee

Before we could enter the main building, we had to pay the terminal fee, which is the same at any port around the country. We also had to pay when traveling from Surigao to Siargao.

The terminal fee should be 25 PHP.

3. Check-in your baggage

I believe you only need to visit this counter if you have larger baggage (like a cabin-size backpack or suitcase). Since we had two bigger backpacks, we were asked to check them in.

The staff at the counter labeled the bags and took them away. We couldn’t use them during the trip. So, if you need any items during the journey, keep them in your smaller bag.

We didn’t have to pay anything extra for the bags, but I read this varies greatly. You might be asked to pay a small fee.

4. Security Check

I’m unsure if we passed the security check before or after checking our bags in. It resembles airport control – you place your bags on a conveyor belt, and they go through the scan. You don’t need to take anything out.

5. Wait in the hall for boarding

Cebu Port is big and has all the facilities you might need. Free charging stations and a wide selection of snack shops and souvenirs are available. Public toilets are also free.

We appreciated a giant info board displaying all the necessary information, such as the boarding gate and status. Sit down and wait until your boat starts boarding.

6. Board the ferry

Once the boarding starts, you can see it on the board, and it’s also announced aloud. Get to the correct gate, where your ticket will be checked.

We were able to board our boat directly after crossing the pier. However, we were transported by a free bus when we traveled from Cebu to Siargao using the night ferry.

Cebu to Bohol ferry facilities

No matter which boat you’ll travel with, they’re all gonna have sections equipped with AC. From our experience, it happened many time that it didn’t work properly.

Toilets are available, too. However, usually, there’s no toilet paper. I personally try to avoid using the bathrooms on ferries, as they’re almost always wet and dirty. But, of course, you have to stay hydrated, too.

When traveling by a bigger boat, such as Lite Shipping, you can expect some snack shops and canteen. I would not 100% rely on that. We always pack some snacks and enough water before any journey.

Pros and Cons

How to get from Bohol port to your hotel

The chances are you’ll probably stay on Panglao Island. If that’s the case, definitely choose the ferry to Tagbilaran. Once you get off the boat, you’ll be immediately surrounded by taxi and tricycle drivers offering you a ride.

A taxi ride will cost around 700 PHP, and for a tricycle ride, we paid 250 PHP. Taxis are more expensive, but tricycles are less comfortable. The cheapest option is to take a tricycle (50 PHP) only to the Dao Bus Terminal and take a public bus (50-100 PHP) from there.

If you stay in Anda, the public bus will only cost you around 150 PHP. You can also use a taxi, but expect to pay over 2500 PHP. Optionally, a shared minivan is available.

If you arrive at Tubigon or Getafe, you can take a public bus or private taxi to your final destination. Check with your hotel to see if they can help you with transportation.

Getting from Cebu to Bohol by plane

If you’re wondering whether you can fly between Cebu and Bohol, the short answer is yes. But when you look closer at the trip details, you’ll probably realize there are better choices than this.

Firstly, it will cost you much more than the ferry and take much more time. Secondly, you must go through all the strict airport security controls, which I prefer to avoid if unnecessary.

There are no direct flights between the two islands.

However, it might be a good option if the ferry trips are canceled due to bad sea conditions. Especially when traveling in monsoon season, huge waves are easily formed at the sea. If not canceled, you can still count on an unpleasant ride.

So, if you get seasick quickly or are simply scared of the waves, you might be willing to sacrifice the time and money and fly from Cebu to Bohol instead.

How to get to Mactan Cebu Airport

First, you’ll need to get to Cebu City, either by public bus or private transfer. If you arrive to South Cebu Bus Terminal, you’ll need to take a taxi or a jeepney to SM City / North Cebu Bus Terminal.

We took the MyBus, which departs every 30 minutes and costs 50 PHP.

Optionally, you can hire a taxi.

Flight schedule

As I mentioned, no direct flights between Cebu and Bohol are available. The shortest transfer time is just over one hour. While this means your total travel time would only be 4.5 hours, there’s a good chance you’ll miss your connecting flight.

We always recommend having at least 2 hours between connecting flights to avoid trouble.

You can choose between multiple companies, such as Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, or AirAsia. Most flights have transfers in Manila, but another option is flying through Iloilo or Davao.

Regarding the flight schedules, there are plenty of options each day. Most flights depart in the evening.

How to get from Panglao Airport to your hotel

Luckily, Panglao Airport is only a few kilometers from Alona Beach. The best way to get to Alona is by public bus, which stops in front of the arrival hall. The price is between 50 and 100 PHP.

Taxis are also available at the airport but expect to pay between 300 and 500 PHP per car.

If you prefer a tricycle, you’d have to leave the fenced airport area and walk to the main road to catch one. Depending on your negotiating skills, the price might be between 200 and 300 PHP.

For those who prefer to have the transfer organized in advance, we recommend using GetYourGuide.

Pros & Cons

FAQ

Things to do on Bohol

Tarsier Sanctuary | In our opinion this was one of the most interesting things to do on the island. Visiting the Tarsier Sanctuary and watching the tiny tarsier – the world’s second smallest primate.

Chocolate Hills | Have you Ever seen hills that look like a bunch of Hershey Kisses spread around? When the grass turns brown during the dry season, Chocolate Hills really do stand up to their name. The views are similar to those from Osmeña Peak.

Panglao Beaches | Panglao Island has some of the best beaches on Bohol. Imagine white sand, crystal clear water, and palm trees – postcard view. We loved Alona and Dumaluan beaches.

Swimming with whale sharks | One of the best activities on the island is swimming with whale sharks. This can either be done in Oslob or Lila. We were disappointed as it was unnatural, and whales were attracted using food baits.

Best time to visit Bohol

Shortly, the ultimate best time to visit Bohol is during the dry season. We recommend planning your holiday between January and March, but December and April are also a good choice.

Monsoon season might mean lower prices and fewer crowds, but also expect canceled ferries, the danger of typhoons, and low water visibility if you’re after snorkeling. If Moalboal Sardine Run and whale sharks are your priority, you might be disappointed.

If you plan to visit the Philippines between March and October, I recommend heading to Siargao Island, which has its dry season. It’s known for beautiful beaches, world-class surf on Cloud 9, and its laid-back vibes.

Getting from Cebu to Bohol – conclusion

As you can see, traveling between Cebu and Bohol is an easily organized trip, and we highly recommend it! As long as you have all the necessary information about getting the tickets and the boarding process and know what to expect, there’s nothing to worry about.

We had a great time exploring Cebu and Bohol before heading to Siargao. We hope you’ll enjoy the Philippines as much as we did!