How to get around Cebu: buses, jeepneys, Grab and ferries

Getting around Cebu is cheap and easy once you know the options. In the city you will mix Grab, taxis and jeepneys. To reach the beaches and waterfalls, you take a bus from one of the two big terminals. For the islands, there is almost always a ferry or a small boat. Here is how each one works.

In Cebu City and Mactan

Grab is the easiest way to get around Metro Cebu (Cebu City, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu on Mactan). You see the price before you book, and you can pay in cash or by card. White taxis are everywhere too. Ask the driver to use the meter before you set off.

Jeepneys are the cheapest ride in town. Each one has a route code and the main stops painted on the side. Wave one down, climb in at the back and pass your fare forward to the driver. When you want to get off, say "lugar lang" ("just here"). Newer, air-conditioned modern jeepneys work the same way.

Traffic in Metro Cebu can be heavy, especially from about 7 to 9 am and 5 to 8 pm. Plan extra time for the airport and for early buses.

From the airport

Mactan-Cebu International Airport is on Mactan Island. Grab and airport taxis go to the city and the Mactan resorts. There are also airport buses to some of the big malls in Cebu City, which is a cheap option if you travel light.

Buses to the rest of Cebu

Cebu has two main bus terminals in Cebu City:

• Cebu South Bus Terminal: buses to the south, such as Moalboal, Badian, Oslob and Santander.
• Cebu North Bus Terminal: buses to the north, such as Hagnaya port for Bantayan and Maya port for Malapascua.

Buses leave often, from early morning until evening. There are air-conditioned and ordinary buses. Tell the conductor where you are going and pay on board. Keep small bills and your bag close.

Tricycles and habal-habal

In smaller towns, tricycles (a motorbike with a sidecar) take you short distances. In hilly or rural areas you will find habal-habal, motorbike taxis that can reach waterfalls and viewpoints. Agree on the price before you go, and ask for a helmet.

Ferries and boats

Ferries connect Cebu with its islands and the rest of the Visayas. Fast boats leave Cebu City for Bohol and other islands, and smaller ports serve Bantayan (from Hagnaya), Malapascua (from Maya) and Camotes (from Danao). Arrive early, bring your ID, and expect a small terminal fee. Schedules change and bad weather can cancel trips, so check before you travel and book ahead on holidays.

Hiring a car or van

For families and groups, a car or van with a driver can be good value, especially for day trips like Oslob and Kawasan Falls. Agree on the stops, the hours and what is included (fuel, tolls, the driver's meals) before you book.

Quick tips

• Keep small bills and coins for jeepneys, tricycles and terminal fees.
• Download Grab and an offline map before you arrive.
• Leave early for long bus rides and ferries.
• Always agree on the price first for habal-habal, tricycles and boats.

Photo: "Jeepneys on the Total petrol station in Cebu City (2024-06-02)" by Wide Awake!, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 4.0.