Cebu bus terminals: how to catch a bus to the south and north

Provincial buses are the cheapest and most useful way to explore Cebu. Almost every beach, waterfall and ferry port on the island is reached from one of two terminals in Cebu City: the Cebu South Bus Terminal for the south and west, and the Cebu North Bus Terminal for the north. Pick the right one, read the sign on the bus, and you are on your way.

Both terminals are run by the Cebu Provincial Government. Fares, schedules and even terminal arrangements change, so check on the day. For city transport, see getting around Cebu.

Cebu South Bus Terminal

The South Bus Terminal (often called CSBT) is on N. Bacalso Avenue in Cebu City, near Elizabeth Mall and CityMall Bacalso. It is busy from before dawn until late, with buses and vans (V-hires) to the whole southern half of the island.

• East coast: Carcar, Argao, Dalaguete for Osmeña Peak, Alcoy for Tingko Beach, Boljoon, Oslob and Santander.
• West coast: Barili for Mantayupan Falls, Moalboal, Badian for Kawasan Falls and Lambug Beach, Alegria and Malabuyoc.
• Aloguinsan and Pinamungajan for the Bojo River.
• Some through buses to Negros, such as Dumaguete, crossing by ferry from the southern tip.

The most important thing to learn here is the sign on the front of the bus. "Bato via Oslob" runs down the east coast (Argao, Alcoy, Oslob). "Bato via Barili" runs down the west coast (Moalboal, Badian, Kawasan). Both end in Bato, Samboan, so getting this wrong can cost you hours.

Cebu North Bus Terminal

The North Bus Terminal (CNBT) has been beside SM City Cebu in the North Reclamation Area since 2020. Older guides may still put it in Mandaue, but that site has closed. Buses go to:

• Liloan, Danao (also the port for the Camotes Islands) and Sogod.
• Hagnaya port in San Remigio, for ferries to Bantayan Island.
• Maya port in Daanbantayan, for boats to Malapascua.
• Bogo and Medellin, for Capitancillo and Gibitngil Island.

Coming from the airport? The MyBus airport service goes to SM City Cebu, and the North terminal is a short walk away. See Mactan airport to Cebu City.

Ordinary or air-con?

• Ordinary buses have open windows and cost a little less. They stop often and can be hot and dusty, but the breeze and views are great.
• Air-con buses cost a bit more and are more comfortable on long trips. The air-con can be freezing, so bring a light jacket.
• V-hires (vans) can be faster on some routes but are cramped, with little room for big bags.

Buying a ticket and paying

• On most routes you simply board and a conductor sells you a ticket on the way. At busy times some routes sell tickets at a counter first, so ask the staff.
• Pay in cash, ideally small bills. Long rides in the south or north usually cost a few hundred pesos. Read money in Cebu.
• Keep your ticket until you get off, as it may be checked.
• Students, seniors and persons with disabilities can usually get a discount with a valid ID.
• There is no single website for booking. Buses leave as they fill, so most people just turn up.

Timing tips

• Buses on the main routes run from the early hours of the morning until the evening. Departures are frequent on busy routes and thin out later in the day.
• Leave early, ideally before 6 am. You beat the city traffic and have time to enjoy the day.
• If you have a ferry or boat to catch at Hagnaya, Maya or Santander, ask when the last bus that connects with it leaves. It can be early in the afternoon.
• Fridays, Sundays, long weekends, Christmas and Holy Week are very busy. Arrive early and expect queues.
• During big events such as Sinulog, buses can be moved to a temporary terminal. Check local news before you go.

Approximate travel times from Cebu City

• Carcar: about 1-1.5 hours. Argao: about 2-2.5 hours.
• Moalboal: about 3 hours. Badian and Kawasan Falls: about 3-4 hours.
• Alcoy and Oslob: about 3-4 hours, sometimes more.
• Aloguinsan: about 2-3 hours.
• Danao: about 1-1.5 hours. Hagnaya (for Bantayan): about 3-4 hours.
• Maya (for Malapascua): about 4-5 hours.

Traffic in Metro Cebu can add an hour at rush hour, and buses stop often along the way. Tell the conductor where you want to get off when you board, and sit near the front if you are not sure where your stop is.

Getting to the terminals

Grab or a metered taxi is the easiest way to reach either terminal, especially with luggage or before dawn. Type the full name, "Cebu South Bus Terminal" or "Cebu North Bus Terminal", to avoid mix-ups. Jeepneys also pass both terminals and are much cheaper if you know the route.

Staying safe

• Keep your phone, wallet and passport on you, not in the luggage hold or the rack overhead.
• Watch your bags in the crowds while you wait to board, and take a photo of any bag that goes underneath.
• Only board at the official bays, and ignore anyone pushing you onto a "faster" van at a higher price.
• Carry water and snacks. Rest stops are short and not always predictable.
• More tips in staying safe in Cebu.

Ready to go? Pick a route from our day trips from Cebu City or the 5-day Cebu itinerary.

Photo: "Vallacar Transit buses at Cebu North Bus Terminal" by Kingprince2424, via Wikimedia Commons, released into the public domain (CC0).