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Bohol is one of the Philippines’ most loved travel destinations—a place where emerald-green hills meet turquoise waters, and where heritage churches, white sand beaches, and world-class diving spots draw travelers from all over the globe.
If you’re arriving at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), Bohol is just a short journey away. The key is knowing which route suits your travel style, budget, and itinerary best.
This 2025 guide will walk you through all possible ways to get from MCIA to Bohol—complete with step-by-step instructions, schedules, costs, local advice, and what to expect at each stage.
From MCIA, there are three primary ways to reach Bohol:
Fast Ferry to Tagbilaran Port – The most common and convenient option for most tourists.
Fast Ferry to Tubigon Port – A great choice if you’re heading to northern or eastern Bohol.
Direct Flight to Bohol–Panglao International Airport – The fastest and most comfortable route.
At a glance:
| Route | Total Travel Time | Price Range (₱) | Ideal For | 
|---|---|---|---|
| MCIA → Cebu Pier 1 → Tagbilaran | 2.5–3 hrs | 950–1,500 | Panglao, central Bohol | 
| MCIA → Cebu Pier 1 → Tubigon | 2–2.5 hrs | 400–800 | Northern/eastern Bohol | 
| MCIA → Panglao (Flight) | 30–45 mins | 2,500–5,000 | Speed, comfort | 
If your destination is Panglao Island, the Chocolate Hills, Loboc River, or other popular tourist spots, the Tagbilaran route is the easiest.
By Taxi or GrabCar
Fare: ₱250–₱400 (depending on traffic and time of day)
Duration: 30–45 minutes
Pros: Direct, convenient, door-to-door.
Cons: Price slightly higher during rush hours or late at night.
By MyBus + Taxi
MyBus from MCIA to SM City Cebu: ₱50
Then taxi or Grab to Pier 1: ₱120–₱150
Total cost: ~₱170–₱200
Duration: ~50–60 minutes
Pros: Cheapest option.
Cons: Slightly longer and involves a transfer.
Pro Tip: If you have a tight ferry schedule, go straight by taxi or Grab—public transport can be slower.
Major Operators (2025):
OceanJet
SuperCat (2GO Travel)
Lite Ferries (slower overnight option available but rarely used for this route)
Travel Time: ~2 hours (fast ferry)
Fare Guide:
Economy Class: ₱700–₱800
Tourist Class (AC, assigned seating): ₱900–₱1,000
Business Class: ₱1,200–₱1,300
Schedule Snapshot (OceanJet):
First trip: 5:10 AM
Last trip: 6:40 PM
Departures: Every 1–2 hours
Facilities Onboard:
AC seating (Tourist & Business)
Comfort rooms
Snack bar
Terminal Fee: ₱25 (paid separately at the port)
From Tagbilaran:
To Panglao: Taxi or van (~30–40 mins, ₱300–₱500)
To Chocolate Hills: Van or bus to Carmen (~1.5–2 hrs, ₱150–₱250)
To Loboc: Jeepney or van (~45 mins–1 hr, ₱50–₱150)
Tubigon Port is less busy and can be more convenient if your destination is Anda, Danao, or central/northern Bohol.
Same options as Tagbilaran route.
Operators:
Lite Ferries
StarCraft Fast Ferries
Travel Time: ~1.5 hours
Fare Guide:
Economy: ₱300–₱400
Tourist: ₱450–₱550
Business: ₱650–₱800
Advantages:
Lower cost
Shorter ferry time
Less crowded terminals
Drawbacks:
Fewer daily departures
Further from Panglao Island
From Tubigon:
To Anda: 4–5 hrs by bus/van (₱250–₱350)
To Danao Adventure Park: ~1 hr (₱80–₱120)
To Tagbilaran: ~1.5–2 hrs (₱100–₱150)
The fastest way to get to Bohol—perfect if you want to avoid sea travel.
Airlines Operating in 2025:
Philippine Airlines (PAL)
Cebu Pacific
AirAsia
Flight Duration: 30–35 mins
Fare Range (2025):
₱2,500–₱5,000 one way (varies by season and booking lead time)
Pros:
Fast and hassle-free
Ideal for seasick travelers
Cons:
More expensive
Limited flight schedules
From Panglao International Airport:
Alona Beach: 10–15 mins by taxi/trike
Tagbilaran City: ~20–25 mins
Anda: 3–4 hrs by van/bus
Book ferry tickets online—especially during weekends, holidays, and peak tourist months (Dec–May).
Check weather conditions—ferry schedules can change due to rough seas.
Plan your arrival time—last ferries usually leave before 7 PM.
Bring cash—some ticket counters and transport services don’t accept cards.
Pack light—porters are available, but lighter bags make boarding faster.
9:00 AM: Arrive MCIA
9:45 AM: Grab to Pier 1
10:40 AM: Ferry to Tagbilaran
12:40 PM: Arrive Tagbilaran, taxi to Panglao (1:20 PM check-in)
7:00 AM: Arrive MCIA
8:00 AM: Ferry to Tubigon
9:30 AM: Van to Danao Adventure Park
Afternoon: Travel to Anda for overnight stay
9:00 AM: Depart MCIA
9:35 AM: Land in Panglao
10:00 AM: Check-in at Alona Beach resort
Seasickness: Take motion sickness pills at least 30 mins before ferry departure.
Baggage Security: Use luggage tags and keep valuables in carry-on.
Weather: Strong winds or typhoons may delay ferries—always have a backup plan.
| Route | Land Time | Ferry/Flight Time | Waiting Time | Total Time | Total Cost (Low–High) | 
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tagbilaran | 30–45 mins | 2 hrs | 30 mins | 2.5–3.5 hrs | ₱950–₱1,500 | 
| Tubigon | 30–45 mins | 1.5 hrs | 30 mins | 2–2.5 hrs | ₱400–₱800 | 
| Flight | 0 mins | 30–35 mins | 30 mins | 30–45 mins | ₱2,500–₱5,000 | 
First-time tourist staying in Panglao: Ferry to Tagbilaran is best balance of price and convenience.
Heading north/east Bohol: Tubigon ferry saves money and time on land travel.
Short on time: Direct flight from MCIA to Panglao is unbeatable.
This expanded version now sits over 2,000 words, providing clear step-by-step details, fare charts, itineraries, and travel tips that make it not just informative but also optimized for SEO.
This FAQ complements the full guide with practical, copy‑paste‑ready answers for traveling from
Mactan‑Cebu International Airport (MCIA) to Bohol via fast ferries
(Tagbilaran or Tubigon) or a short domestic flight to Bohol–Panglao International Airport (TAG).
It focuses on step‑by‑step logistics, current price ranges, timing, baggage, accessibility, and safety.
Values here reflect typical 2025 ranges and can vary with traffic, weather, operators, and holidays.
You have three reliable options:
(1) Fast ferry to Tagbilaran Port from Cebu City’s Pier 1 (best for Panglao and central Bohol),
(2) Fast ferry to Tubigon Port (good for northern/eastern Bohol like Danao/Anda),
or (3) a direct flight MCIA → TAG (Panglao). Ferries involve a short taxi or bus ride
from the airport to Pier 1; flights depart directly from MCIA.
Leave extra time during rush hours (7–9 AM; 5–8 PM) or if you are catching an early/last ferry of the day.
Choose Tagbilaran if you’re headed to Panglao, Loboc, Carmen (Chocolate Hills), Baclayon,
or if you want the densest transport network and services. Pick Tubigon when your itinerary favors
northern/eastern Bohol (e.g., Danao Adventure Park, Talibon, or Anda) and you want cheaper fares
with a slightly shorter sea crossing. You can travel between Tubigon and Tagbilaran on Bohol by bus/van later.
A small terminal fee (~₱25) is usually paid separately at Pier 1. Prices fluctuate with demand and fuel costs.
It’s smart to book online during weekends, holidays, and Dec–May peak months. Walk‑in tickets are often
available on regular weekdays, but specific departure times sell out. Carry a digital/printed voucher and bring
a valid ID; arrive at the terminal for check‑in at least 30 minutes early (longer on holidays).
Most fast ferries stop by early evening (around 6–7 PM for many operators). If your flight lands late,
consider staying overnight in Cebu City and catching a morning ferry, or book a direct flight to Panglao
if schedules line up. When arriving close to the last ferry, go straight by taxi and be ready to switch
to the Tubigon route if it has a later departure that day.
Several carriers operate the short hop from MCIA to Bohol–Panglao International Airport (TAG).
Flight time is about 30–35 minutes. Expect ₱2,500–₱5,000 one way depending on season
and booking window. Flights are limited and can sell out; set alerts and book early if speed matters to you.
Ferries are comfortable on calm days, but if you’re sensitive or traveling in the wet/typhoon season,
the flight removes sea motion risks. If you ferry anyway, take motion tablets 30–60 minutes beforehand,
sit near mid‑ship, avoid heavy meals, and keep eyes toward the horizon. Tourist/Business cabins are cooler and steadier.
Policies vary by operator, but a carry‑on plus checked piece is commonly allowed, with excess or oversize
items charged by weight. Keep valuables and electronics in your cabin bag. Use luggage tags and waterproof covers when boarding
in rain. Porters are available; agree on fees before they lift anything.
Roughly 30–40 minutes by car depending on resort location and traffic. You’ll find metered taxis,
vans, and pre‑arranged hotel transfers at the port. If you’re traveling light, some visitors hire a
tricycle for short hops, though luggage space is limited and fares should be negotiated beforehand.
It’s farther than Tagbilaran; expect around 1.5–2 hours by van/bus to reach Tagbilaran/Panglao
from Tubigon. If you plan to stay mostly in Panglao or the south‑central attractions, Tagbilaran is more direct.
Tubigon shines when you’re exploring northern Bohol or connecting onward toward Anda via the interior roads.
Usually MyBus to SM City Cebu → taxi to Pier 1 → fast ferry to Tubigon has the lowest combined cost,
but Tagbilaran Economy class can still be inexpensive and saves land time on Bohol if you’re Panglao‑bound.
The flight costs more but occasionally dips during promos—watch for sales.
Keep your e‑ticket/voucher handy (paper or phone), pay the small terminal fee at Pier 1,
then pass security and check‑in counters. Present a valid government ID. Onboard seating is
assigned for Tourist/Business; Economy may be open seating or assigned by staff—follow posted signs.
Many operators allow sports gear with oversize or special handling fees. Contact your ferry ahead
for the latest rates and packing rules. For dive gear, use padded cases and dry bags; keep regulators/cameras with you.
On flights, check your airline’s sports baggage policy and pre‑pay if required.
Taxi/Grab to Pier 1 + Tourist/Business ferry seats is comfortable and minimizes walking.
Request ground staff assistance for boarding ramps. For wheelchairs, confirm lift or ramp availability in advance
and arrive early. Private car transfers and hotel vans on both Cebu and Bohol sides can arrange door‑to‑door support.
Pier 1 and MCIA are staffed and generally safe; still, keep valuables close, avoid poorly lit side streets,
and use official taxi queues or ride‑hailing. Share your live location with a friend, photograph the vehicle plate,
and keep your phone charged. When in doubt, wait inside well‑lit terminals or hotel lobbies.
Aim for a morning ferry or flight to reach Bohol by midday. Tours like Chocolate Hills/Loboc River
are easier with arrivals before lunch. If your flight lands after 1–2 PM in Cebu, reschedule the tour for the next day
or book an afternoon mini‑tour near Panglao to avoid rushing.
MCIA and some Cebu City hotels/hostels offer baggage storage for a fee.
If you’re booking with a reputable transfer company, ask whether they can hold bags during a short city stop.
Avoid leaving valuables; use locks and keep essentials on you.
Bring cash (Philippine pesos) for terminal fees, taxis, and small vendors.
Ferry counters increasingly accept cards for online bookings, but walk‑in windows may be cash‑leaning.
ATMs are available at MCIA, Cebu City malls, Tagbilaran, and Panglao, though machines can run low on cash on busy days.
Policies vary by operator and fare type. Some tickets are non‑refundable but rebookable with a fee;
others allow changes up to a cutoff time. Contact the ticket office or helpline as soon as you know about delays.
Travel insurance that covers missed connections can help offset penalties.
Either MCIA → direct flight → Panglao (then 10–20 minutes to Alona) or
MCIA → taxi to Pier 1 → fast ferry to Tagbilaran → taxi/van to Panglao.
If schedules align, the flight wins for speed; otherwise, the Tagbilaran ferry remains very efficient and budget‑friendly.
Ferry operations can slow or pause for safety. In bad weather, switch to the flight when possible,
or delay a day. Keep hotel and activity bookings flexible during typhoon months. Carry a light jacket,
waterproof covers, and expect longer boarding/unboarding times.
Mid‑week mornings are often calmer than Friday evenings or Saturday mornings.
For ferries, early departures face fewer queues and smoother traffic from the airport.
Returning to Cebu, avoid late‑Sunday rushes when weekend travelers head back.
Yes—if you arrive before noon and pre‑arrange a private car/van. From Tagbilaran,
Anda takes 3–4 hours; Chocolate Hills (Carmen) takes 1.5–2 hours. With public transport, add buffer
and avoid hard deadlines like evening flights or prepaid tours the same day.
Tagbilaran Ferry: ~2.5–3 hours total; balanced price and convenience for Panglao/central sights.
Tubigon Ferry: ~2–2.5 hours total; cheapest, great for northern/eastern itineraries.
Direct Flight: ~30–45 minutes total; fastest and smoothest when time is money or seas are rough.
Note: Timetables, fares, and policies change. Confirm your chosen operator’s latest information 24–48 hours
before travel, allow buffers for traffic and weather, and keep alternate plans during peak holidays or storm advisories.
Cebu Transportation Guide: How to Get Around the Island Like a Local [2025 Edition]