How to Get to Moalboal from Mactan-Cebu International Airport: Ultimate 2025 Guide

Moalboal is one of Cebu’s most famous beach destinations — known for its white-sand beaches, sardine run, and diving spots. It’s about 90 km southwest of Cebu City, and the trip from Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) typically takes 3 to 4 hours, depending on your mode of transport and traffic conditions.

This guide explains all the ways to travel from the airport to Moalboal, with updated 2025 prices and insider tips to make your trip smooth and stress-free.

1. Quick Overview of Your Options

2. Understanding the Route to Moalboal

From the airport, you’ll typically pass:

1. Mactan Island → Cebu City (via one of the two main bridges)

2. Cebu City → Carcar City (through South Road Properties / SRP or Naga coastal road)

3. Carcar City → Moalboal (via Barili mountain road or coastal route)

Tip: Traffic is heaviest in Cebu City during rush hours (7–9 AM, 5–8 PM). If possible, plan your departure outside these times.

3. Option 1 – Private Transfer (Most Comfortable)

Best for: Families, groups, travelers with heavy luggage, or anyone who wants a stress-free ride.

You can pre-book a private car or van that will pick you up directly from the airport arrival area and drop you at your hotel in Moalboal.

How It Works:

• Book online via platforms like Klook, KKday, GetYourGuide, or through your Moalboal hotel.

• Driver waits at the airport with your name sign.

• Direct trip with no transfers or stops unless requested.

Cost (2025 update):

• Sedan (1–3 pax): ₱3,000–₱3,500

• Van (4–10 pax): ₱3,500–₱4,500

Travel Time:

• 3 to 3.5 hours depending on traffic.

Pros:

• Door-to-door service.

• Comfortable and air-conditioned.

• No need to handle luggage multiple times.

Cons:

• More expensive than public transport.

Pro Tip: Some Moalboal dive resorts offer free or discounted transfer if you book a multi-day dive package.

4. Option 2 – Airport Taxi or GrabCar

If you prefer to just arrive and go, you can take a taxi or GrabCar straight from the airport.

Step-by-Step:

1. Yellow Airport Taxi – Found right outside arrivals; higher rates but regulated.

2. White Taxi – Cheaper but you might need to walk to the public taxi area.

3. GrabCar – Book via the Grab app (available on iOS and Android).

Estimated Fares (2025):

• Taxi: ₱2,800–₱3,500 (metered or negotiated).

• GrabCar: ₱3,000–₱3,800 depending on surge pricing.

Travel Time:

• 3–4 hours.

Pros:

• Immediate departure.

• Direct to your hotel.

Cons:

• Higher fare if stuck in traffic.

• Long ride for the driver — some might refuse without negotiation.

Pro Tip: For long trips, agree on a fixed price before starting if not using the meter.

5. Option 3 – Bus + Taxi/Tricycle (Budget-Friendly)

The cheapest way to get to Moalboal is by public bus, but it involves at least one transfer.

Step-by-Step:

1. From the airport, take a taxi or Grab to Cebu South Bus Terminal (₱300–₱500, 30–60 mins).

2. At the terminal, board a Ceres Liner bus bound for Bato via Barili.

   • Fare: ₱170–₱200

   • Buses run every 30 minutes from 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

3. Tell the conductor you’re going to Moalboal — they’ll drop you off in the town center.

4. From the Moalboal bus stop, take a tricycle to your hotel (₱50–₱150 depending on distance).

Total Cost:

• Around ₱200–₱400 per person.

Total Time:

• 3.5 to 5 hours.

Pros:

• Cheapest option.

• Buses are air-conditioned and fairly comfortable.

Cons:

• At least one transfer.

• Less convenient with heavy luggage.

• No direct service from the airport.

Pro Tip: Choose “Bato via Barili” — if you take “via Oslob”, you’ll end up on the wrong side of the island.

6. Option 4 – Shared Van / Shuttle Service

Some companies run shared vans from Cebu City to Moalboal. This is faster than the bus but less private than a hired car.

How It Works:

• Book online or through travel agencies.

• Vans depart from Cebu City (near malls or terminals).

• Some providers can arrange airport pickup for an extra fee.

Cost:

• ₱600–₱1,000 per person (including airport pickup).

• Without airport pickup, van fare from the city is around ₱400–₱500.

Travel Time:

• 3–4 hours.

Pros:

• Faster than bus.

• Cheaper than private car.

Cons:

• Less legroom.

• Departure times are fixed — you may have to wait.

7. Option 5 – Rental Car (Self-Drive)

If you want maximum flexibility and plan to explore beyond Moalboal, renting a car is a great choice.

Rental Rates:

• ₱2,000–₱3,000/day (manual or automatic).

• Pick-up and drop-off at the airport possible.

Travel Time:

• 3–3.5 hours.

Pros:

• Go at your own pace.

• Stop at attractions like Carcar Lechon stalls or Mantayupan Falls along the way.

Cons:

• Driving in Cebu traffic can be stressful.

• Narrow, winding roads after Carcar.

Pro Tip: Use Google Maps or Waze for live traffic updates.

8. Best Travel Times

• Avoid rush hours in Cebu City.

• Dry season (Dec–May) offers smoother travel — fewer rain delays.

• If catching a flight after Moalboal, leave at least 5–6 hours before your departure time.

9. Suggested Stopovers on the Way to Moalboal

If you’re not in a hurry:

• Carcar Public Market – Famous for Cebu’s best lechon.

• Mantayupan Falls (Barili) – A scenic waterfall halfway to Moalboal.

• Naga Boardwalk – Great for coffee or snacks with a sea view.

10. Safety & Travel Tips

• Always keep valuables with you during the ride.

• For buses and vans, arrive early to secure a seat.

• Carry small bills for fares.

• For private transfers, confirm your booking a day before.

• If traveling at night, stick to reputable taxi or Grab for the first leg.

11. Quick Comparison Table

12. Final Recommendation

• For comfort: Book a private transfer.

• For budget: Take the Ceres bus via Barili from Cebu South Bus Terminal.

• For flexibility: Rent a car and explore along the way.