Cebu City to Bantayan Island: Hagnaya ferry guide
Bantayan Island is the biggest island group off northwest Cebu, known for long white beaches, relaxed towns and fresh seafood. The standard way to reach it from Cebu City is a bus to Hagnaya port in San Remigio, then a ferry of about 1.5 hours to Santa Fe on the island. Here is how it works, step by step.
Fares, schedules and fees below are estimates reported in 2025-2026. Ferry companies change their timetables and rates, so check with the operator or at the port the day before. For things to do on the island, read our Bantayan guide.
The route at a glance
- Cebu City to Hagnaya port: about 3-5 hours by bus, depending on traffic and stops.
- Hagnaya to Santa Fe, Bantayan: about 1-1.5 hours by ferry, plus time boarding.
- Total: plan on 5-7 hours from the city to your resort.
- Rough cost per person: about ₱250-₱450 for the bus and ₱300-₱450 for the ferry (2025-2026 estimates).
Step 1: The bus to Hagnaya
- Take a taxi or Grab to the Cebu North Bus Terminal in Mandaue. Our bus terminals guide explains how to get there.
- Board a bus signed for Hagnaya or Bogo and tell the conductor you are going to the Hagnaya ferry. Some buses go straight into the port area, others drop you on the highway, and a short tricycle ride completes the trip.
- The bus follows the east coast road through Danao and Bogo before turning to San Remigio. Ordinary and air-con buses both run, and the air-con ones cost more.
- Pay the conductor in cash. Keep small notes ready.
Buses leave the terminal from early morning, but the ferry timetable decides your departure time. Aim to reach Hagnaya at least 45 minutes before the boat you want.
Step 2: The ferry to Santa Fe
Two companies are widely reported on this route: Super Shuttle Ferry and Island Shipping. Both run roll-on roll-off (RoRo) vessels that carry passengers, motorbikes and cars.
- Schedule: several departures a day, loosely from the early hours of the morning until late afternoon. Some online timetables disagree, so confirm at the port or on the operator's page. Do not count on the very last trips, especially in bad weather.
- Fare: regular passenger fares reported in 2025-2026 range from about ₱300 to ₱450. Students, seniors and children usually pay less. Fares changed in 2026, so avoid old fare tables.
- Terminal fee: a small port fee is often added and collected at the port. Keep a little extra cash.
- Buying tickets: buy them at the port ticket counter. Join the queue early on weekends and holidays.
Cabins are open or air-con. Seats can fill up on holidays, and standing on deck is common. Bring a light jacket for the air-con and a hat or umbrella for the open deck.
Vehicles, motorbikes and baggage
- Cars, vans and motorbikes can go on the RoRo. Vehicle fares depend on size and are paid at the terminal. Bring your licence and the vehicle registration (OR/CR), and arrive early to join the loading line.
- If you plan to bring a car, ask the ferry operator first, because vehicle rules and rates vary. Ask the rental company first.
- Luggage goes with you on board. Keep your valuables with you, not in a bag left on the vehicle deck.
- Large boxes, surfboards and cargo may need extra payment. Ask at the ticket counter.
Getting around once you arrive
Santa Fe port is a few minutes from the main beaches. Tricycles wait at the pier, and fares are usually set per person or per trip. Agree on the price first. Resorts often offer pick-up if you message them with your ferry time. Many visitors then rent a motorbike or scooter to see the rest of the island. Wear a helmet and respect the traffic rules.
Other ways to reach Bantayan
- Van from Cebu City: shared and private vans run straight to Hagnaya and some include the ferry ticket. This is faster and more comfortable. Book through your hotel or a trusted local operator.
- Private car and driver: a good choice for groups and luggage. Check whether the driver can bring the car on the ferry or will meet you after you cross.
- From Mactan airport: there is no airport on Bantayan. Take a taxi or Grab to the North Bus Terminal, or arrange a van straight from the airport. Read our Mactan airport guide for the first stage.
- From Malapascua: take a boat to Maya, a bus to Hagnaya and then the ferry. It is a long day. See Cebu City to Malapascua.
The return trip
- Check the Santa Fe to Hagnaya timetable at the port or with your resort. Return trips start very early in the morning and go on until the early evening.
- Arrive at Santa Fe port about 45-60 minutes before departure. Buy your ticket and pay the terminal fee.
- At Hagnaya, buses and vans leave for Cebu City. The ride takes about 3-5 hours, so a ferry after mid-afternoon puts you in the city after dark.
- Never plan a flight on the same day. Leave a buffer or sleep one night in Cebu City.
Weather and safety
- Ferries can be delayed or cancelled in strong winds and typhoons. Check forecasts and read our typhoon season guide.
- The sea can be rough from around November to March, when northeast winds blow. Take a seat inside if you get seasick.
- Life jackets are on board. Ask a crew member if you are unsure where they are.
- Keep an eye on your bags in busy ports and on the bus. Our safety guide has more.
Quick tips
- Carry cash. ATMs on Bantayan can run out, and many small places do not take cards.
- Book accommodation before busy dates like Holy Week, when Bantayan is full of visitors.
- Bring drinking water and snacks for the bus and the ferry.
- Take your rubbish with you and respect local rules on beaches.
- Read ferries from Cebu for other boat routes, and see the budget guide for money-saving ideas.
Photo: "Ferry Santa Fe Bantayan to Cebu" by Øyvind Holmstad, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
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From Tourist Booklet: https://touristbooklet.com/cebu-to-bantayan/. Last updated 21 October 2026. Prices and times change, so check before you go.