Transportation in Cebu: How to Get Around Cebu

The main mode of transportation in Cebu is the jeepney, bus, and ferry. Getting around Cebu is actually pretty easy. And it’s cheaper compared to other cities in Asia.

Modes of Transportation in Cebu

Aside from jeepneys and buses, there are many different modes of public transportation in Cebu. Get to know each of them!

Jeepney

Jeepney is the primary mode of public transportation to get around Cebu City and neighboring cities/towns. Jeepneys have specific codes and routes mounted on their head, windshield, and side panel to make it easier for passengers to see. 

There are two types of jeepneys — the old and modern jeepneys — with a slight difference in fare matrix. The old jeepney is open-air, while the modern jeepney is airconditioned and looks like a mini-bus. Dive deep into Cebu City’s jeep codes and routes.

Taxi

Taxi is a good way to get around the city if you want a private ride. Alternatively, you may use the ride-hailing app Grab to book a taxi and car.

If you want to get around Cebu, you can also charter a taxi to get you to places like Moalboal, Badian, Oslob, Hagnaya Port (jump-off port to Bantayan Island), Maya Port (jump-off port to Malapascua Island), and more.

Habal-Habal

Habal-habal, or motorcycle taxis, is a great alternative to get around the city during rush hours to avoid traffic jams. Habal-habal also costs less than a taxi. You may use motorcycle taxi apps like Angkas, JoyRide, or Maxim to get a ride.

In other towns, habal-habal is the most common mode of transportation. Do note that most of the habal-habal drivers in rural areas don’t use helmets, so that might not be something you’re comfortable with.

Bus

The bus is the main mode of public transportation to get from Cebu City to other parts of the province. It can be non-aircon (less expensive, more stops along the way to pick up hailing passengers) or aircon (more expensive, limited stops). There are also buses that go outside of the main island to places like Bantayan Island, Bacolod, and Dumaguete.

Van

Van is a 12-seater SUV that’s a pretty common mode of transportation in Cebu. Their routes are often the same as the buses, going to towns outside of Cebu City. Van gets too tight inside if full (they don’t leave until they get full), but they are known to travel faster than a bus.

There are vans for hire (V-Hire) that you can charter to take you to specific locations in Cebu. In Cebu City, the best way to find them is at Cebu North Bus Terminal (if you want to go north side of Cebu) and the Cebu South Bus Terminal (if you want to go to the south side of Cebu).

Ferry

As an island nation, you can expect that ferry is pretty common here. To jump from island to island, you need to take a ferry.

For example, to get to Bantayan Island, you need to take a ferry from Maya Port in San Remigio. To get to Dumaguete, you need to take a ferry at Bato Port in Samboan. From Cebu City, you can take a ferry to Camotes Islands, Tagbilaran in Bohol, Iloilo, and other surrounding cities/provinces.

Boat

In smaller islands, an outrigger boat (locally known as “bangka”) is the main mode of transportation. For example, to get to Malapascua Island, you need to take a boat from Maya Port in Daanbantayan.

Tricycle

In other parts of Cebu, the tricycle is one of the most common modes of transportation. Tricycles can be manual (sikad-sikad), sidecar, or electric.

Sikad-sikad, also known as sikad, is often used in other cities. In the literal sense, sikad-sikad means “pedal pedal.” It refers to the act of pedaling the bike. Meanwhile, the sidecar is the name that locals refer to motorized tricycle.

In other parts of the Philippines, both sikad-sikad and sidecar are referred to as “trike,” which is short for tricycle.

A newer mode of transportation in many towns is called “bao-bao,” which looks a lot like Thailand’s tuk-tuk. You may find them in some towns in Cebu.

Car or Scooter for Rent

For maximum comfort and convenience, you can choose a car for rent in Cebu. Most car-for-rent services cost around 1,500 – 2,500 PHP (~27-50 USD) per day, and they require a downpayment. Don’t forget your driver’s license and other valid government IDs.

In islands and towns, many scooters for rent are available. Upon arriving at bus stations or ports, you will be greeted by people who will rent out their scooters. Price ranges between 300 – 500 PHP (~6-10 USD) per day.

Trips Within Cebu

• Cebu to Bantayan Island (How to Get to Bantayan Island)
• Cebu to Malapascua Island (How to Go to Malapascua Island)
• Cebu to Camotes Islands (How to Get to Camotes Islands)
• Cebu to Moalboal (How to Get to Moalboal)
• Cebu to Oslob
• Cebu to Badian
• Cebu to Lapu-Lapu

Trips From Cebu to Other Parts of the Philippines

Cebu to Parts of Luzon

• Cebu to Palawan
  • Cebu to Puerto Princesa
  • Cebu to El Nido
  • Cebu to Busuanga/Coron
• Cebu to Manila
• Cebu to Angeles City, Pampanga
• Cebu to Baguio
• Cebu to Masbate
• Cebu to Legazpi

Cebu to Other Parts of the Visayas

• Cebu to Bohol
  • Cebu to Tagbilaran
  • Cebu to Jagna
  • Cebu to Tubigon
  • Cebu to Getafe/Jetafe
• Cebu to Iloilo
• Cebu to Dumaguete, Negros Oriental
• Cebu to Bacolod, Negros Occidental
• Cebu to Silay, Negros Occidental
• Cebu to Boracay
  • Cebu to Caticlan
  • Cebu to Kalibo
• Cebu to Siquijor via Larena
• Cebu to Leyte
  • Cebu to Ormoc
  • Cebu to Baybay
  • Cebu to Maasin
  • Cebu Tacloban
  • Cebu to Hilongos
  • Cebu to Palompon
  • Cebu to Bato
• Cebu to Samar
  • Cebu to Calbayog
  • Cebu to Catbalogan

Cebu to Parts of Mindanao

• Cebu to Siargao (How Do You Get From Cebu to Siargao?)
• Cebu to Surigao City
• Cebu to Davao
• Cebu to Camiguin
• Cebu to Cagayan de Oro City
• Cebu to Iligan City
• Cebu to General Santos City
• Cebu to Zamboanga City
• Cebu to Zamboanga del Norte
  • Cebu to Dipolog
  • Cebu to Dapitan
• Cebu to Pagadian, Zamboanga del Sur
• Cebu to Misamis Occidental
  • Cebu to Ozamis City
  • Cebu to Plaridel
• Cebu to Butuan
• Cebu to Agusan via Nasipit

Direct Overseas Flights From Cebu

• Cebu to Seoul
• Cebu to Busan
• Cebu to Hong Kong
• Cebu to Shanghai
• Cebu to Singapore
• Cebu to Kuala Lumpur
• Cebu to Bangkok
• Cebu to Taipei
• Cebu to Kaohsiung
• Cebu to Dubai
• Cebu to Qatar
• Cebu to Tokyo
• Cebu to Nagoya
• Cebu to Osaka
• Cebu to Istanbul

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