How to Get from Cebu Airport to Camotes Islands: Complete 2025 Guide

The Camotes Islands, located east of Cebu, are known for their pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back island vibe. If you’re flying into Mactan–Cebu International Airport (MCIA) and planning to go straight to Camotes, you’ll need to combine land and sea travel.

This guide will walk you through every step of the journey in 2025 — including transportation routes, travel time, ticket prices, and insider tips.

1. Overview of the Journey

From Cebu Airport, there is no direct ferry to the Camotes Islands. You’ll need to take at least two stages:

1. Airport → Port (land travel by taxi, Grab, or bus)

2. Port → Camotes Islands (sea travel by ferry or fast craft)

There are two main routes:

• Route A: Airport → Cebu City Pier 1 → Poro Port (Camotes)

• Route B: Airport → Danao Port → Consuelo Port (Camotes)

2. Route A: Cebu City Pier 1 to Poro Port

This is the more tourist-friendly route because it’s served by OceanJet fast crafts, which are relatively comfortable and have fixed schedules.

Step 1: Airport to Cebu City Pier 1

• Distance: ~15 km

• Travel Time: 30–50 minutes depending on traffic

• Options:

  • Grab or Taxi – ₱300–₱450

    • Direct and comfortable; most convenient if you have luggage.

  • MyBus + Taxi/Jeepney – ₱50–₱100 total

    • From the airport, take MyBus to SM City Cebu, then a taxi or jeepney to Pier 1. Cheaper but slower.

Tip: If your ferry departs in the morning, allow at least 1.5 hours buffer from your flight arrival to account for immigration, baggage claim, and traffic.

Step 2: Cebu City Pier 1 to Poro Port

• Operator: OceanJet

• Travel Time: ~2 hours

• Fare (2025):

  • Open Air / Tourist Class: ₱600–₱700

  • Business Class: ₱900–₱1,000

• Schedule: Usually 6:00 AM and 1:30 PM (subject to change)

• Booking:

  • Buy tickets online via OceanJet’s website or at the pier.

  • Arrive at least 30 minutes early for boarding and terminal fees (~₱25).

Step 3: Arriving in Poro Port

Poro is one of the main entry points to the Camotes. From here:

• Motorbike or habal-habal: ₱50–₱150 to nearby towns

• Tricycle: ₱100–₱300 depending on distance

• Resort transfer: Check if your hotel offers pick-up

3. Route B: Danao Port to Consuelo Port

This route is popular with locals and often more frequent, but it requires a longer land trip from the airport.

Step 1: Airport to Danao Port

• Distance: ~33 km north of the airport

• Travel Time: 1–1.5 hours

• Options:

  • Taxi/Grab: ₱900–₱1,200

  • Bus/Van:

    • From the airport, take a taxi or Grab to the North Bus Terminal (₱200–₱300), then a bus to Danao (₱50–₱70).

    • Buses depart every 20–30 minutes.

Step 2: Danao Port to Consuelo Port

• Operator: Jomalia Shipping

• Travel Time: ~1.5 hours (fast craft) / ~2 hours (RORO)

• Fare (2025):

  • Fast Craft: ₱300–₱400

  • RORO: ₱250–₱300

• Schedule: Multiple departures daily starting around 5:00 AM to late afternoon

• Booking: On-site or via Jomalia’s booking site/app

Tip: The Consuelo Port is closer to popular tourist spots like Santiago Bay and Mangodlong Beach compared to Poro Port.

Step 3: Arriving in Consuelo Port

Transportation options:

• Motorbike rentals: ₱400–₱600 per day

• Tricycles: ₱50–₱200

• Resort pick-up: Some resorts offer free or paid transfers.

4. Route Comparison

5. Direct Flights & Ferry Transfers?

There are no direct flights to Camotes Islands and no airport-to-Camotes ferry. Some private boats or charters can be arranged from Mactan Island, but they are expensive (₱10,000–₱20,000+) and weather-dependent.

6. Travel Tips for 2025

1. Check Weather Conditions – Ferries may be canceled during storms or strong winds.

2. Book Ahead on Weekends – Camotes is a popular weekend getaway for locals.

3. Bring Cash – ATMs are limited on the islands.

4. Pack Light – Boarding ferries with heavy luggage can be tricky.

5. Plan Your Return Trip – Return ferries can sell out during peak times.

6. Stay Overnight Near the Port if your flight arrives late afternoon and ferries have already left.

7. Sample Itineraries

Morning Flight to Cebu → Same-Day Camotes Arrival

• 07:00 AM – Arrive at Mactan–Cebu Airport

• 07:45 AM – Grab to Pier 1

• 09:00 AM – OceanJet to Poro

• 11:00 AM – Arrive in Camotes

Late Afternoon Flight to Cebu → Overnight in Cebu City

• 05:00 PM – Land in Cebu

• 06:00 PM – Check in to hotel near port

• 06:00 AM (next day) – Ferry to Camotes

8. Which Route Should You Take?

• Choose Route A (Pier 1 → Poro) if you want the most straightforward tourist route, with a fast craft and easy access from Cebu City.

• Choose Route B (Danao → Consuelo) if you want cheaper fares, more schedules, and a port closer to most Camotes resorts.

9. Final Thoughts

Getting from Cebu Airport to Camotes Islands is part of the adventure. Whether you choose the OceanJet route from Pier 1 or the Jomalia route from Danao, you’ll be rewarded with the island’s tranquil beaches, friendly locals, and slow-paced charm.

With careful planning — especially regarding ferry schedules and transfer times — you can land in Cebu in the morning and be sipping a fresh coconut on Santiago Bay by lunchtime.