How to get around in Cebu – Traveler’s guide 2025

The island of Cebu does not have a public transport system as such, although it is worth mentioning that Cebu City does have a bus network – and that’s about it. Apart from some public bus routes in Cebu City, there is not a public transport system connecting different parts of the island. It is also important to be aware that there are no trains on Cebu Island, and it is not possible to take flights between towns or cities in Cebu. Although there is no public transport system in Cebu, it is still possible to travel around Cebu efficiently, cheaply, and on a budget. Keep reading for more details on the best ways to get around in Cebu.

1 Travel by bus

We mentioned that Cebu does not have a public transport system connecting different parts of the island. However, there are plenty of privately operated buses available, especially between the main destinations on the island. The private bus system is affordable, regular, reliable, and extensive (the private bus system in Cebu is as good as any public transport system). Buses in Cebu are very regular and very affordable; most journeys take a few hours and only cost a few hundred pesos.

CEBU CITY BUS TERMINALS

In most cases, your itinerary will start from Cebu City. It is important to recognize that Cebu City has two main bus terminals depending on whether you are traveling to the north or south of Cebu Island.

(2) Cebu City South bus terminal

If you’re traveling to any of the destinations in the south of Cebu Island, you will need to go to the Cebu City South bus terminal, which is situated next to Elizabeth Mall on Natalio B. Bacalso Avenue.

• Moalboal – 209 pesos for an A.C. bus (roughly £3 or $3.50)
• Oslob – 300 pesos each way (around £4 or $5)

Although bus travel is relatively cheap and reliable, there are some challenges of traveling around Cebu by bus. Firstly, buses in Cebu have limited facilities; for example, you can generally carry bags, but they will not have toilets on board the buses. You will need to rely on toilet stops (this can be particularly challenging if you’re traveling with young kids). Also you can choose between a bus with air conditioning or not; in many cases, it is not necessary to have air conditioning because the buses generally have windows open.

You can generally find two types of buses in Cebu: large buses and mini buses. The prices are normally similar; however, many buses tend to be a little faster (if you are liable to travel sickness, we recommend taking a larger bus). In most cases, when you are taking a bus in Cebu, you will just need to arrive at the bus station and wait for the next bus to depart. There is not normally a bus schedule; instead, the buses normally depart when they are full. For most popular journeys between the main towns and cities, you will not need to wait too long for a bus to fill up.

Taking a bus with kids? 

There is no hard and fast rule for the age that kids have to pay. However, if you’re traveling with young kids and you do want them to have a seat allocated on the bus, you are likely to be charged a discounted rate (normally around 30% of the adult ticket price). Alternatively, young kids can often travel for free but will not be allocated their own seat. 

2 Rent a car

Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE on Car Rental in Cebu City

Car rental in Cebu is relatively expensive compared to other countries in Southeast Asia. The cheapest deal we were able to secure was 900 pesos per day for a longer-term rental (we rented for over 3 weeks). In many cases, car rental in Cebu costs at 1,000 – 1,400 pesos per day (and often much more than this). The price of car rental varies a lot between different dealers; you can often get cheaper rental deals if you rent a car for longer and pick a smaller or older vehicle. It is always worth negotiating to get the best possible price.

Top tip: Car rental in Cebu can be a little confusing due to the terminology. Some people advertise taxi services as “car rental,” so you need to read carefully to work out exactly what you are getting. In Cebu, you are looking for “self-drive car rental.”

How to rent a car in Cebu

The cheapest way to find a rental car in Cebu is to use Facebook and contact car rental dealers directly. Make sure that you know exactly what you’re getting and be careful of making any payments in advance (some cases rental dealers may request a booking fee; be aware that this is at your own risk).

Renting a car is a very convenient way to travel around Cebu. You can just sling your bags in the boot and go. However, it is worth recognizing that car rental comes with its own stresses and challenges. Firstly, you are responsible for the vehicle; if there are any scrapes, bumps, or scrapes on the vehicle, you may be liable to cover the cost of repainting. It is important to take a photo of any external damage to the vehicle before you take the car.

Driving around Cebu

Driving around Cebu can also be quite challenging; the roads can be quite busy and crowded. You need to watch out for bikes making certain unpredictable manoeuvres, like pulling out of junctions without looking carefully or changing lanes without warning. Car rental is a great option for families; you can choose your own pace and plan your own stops on the journey. It is also very convenient to throw all your kids’ toys and snacks into a car. If you’re traveling with a baby, be aware that baby seats are quite rare in the Philippines. If this is important to you, you need to make sure you find a car rental dealer that can provide a baby seat (also check whether they charge for this).

Watch out for additional fees:

Car rental dealers in Cebu often charge additional fees for the following services:

Drop off and pick up fees

If you’re looking for a hotel drop off and pick up for your car rental, you may need to pay additional fees. The amount depends on your destination and also your car rental dealer. Most dealers are likely to charge around 200 – 300 pesos to drop off and pick up your car from a hotel in Cebu City. If you have the time, it may be cheaper to use a taxi and pick up the car yourself.

Cleaning fees

Car rental dealers may also charge additional cleaning fees. It is important to check on cleaning fees before you finalize your rental deal. Around 300 pesos is a standard price for cleaning fees.

Deposit

You will probably need to pay a deposit before the vehicle is released to you. This is relatively standard and covers against damage or the excess on an insurance policy. It is worth checking the contract carefully and making sure that the deposit is noted on the contract. The deposit should be returned in full at the end of the contract period (assuming that there are no problems with the car). Some car rental dealers may ask you to leave your passport as a deposit. We do not recommend doing this; they may well take a copy of it, but you should never hand over your passport.

Top tips for driving around Cebu

If you’re driving around Cebu, you need to take some time to get familiar with the road conventions. Take your time and don’t rush. We recommend using Google Maps to help you navigate. You can download Maps so that you can navigate even if you do not have an internet connection. Your phone’s location service relies on GPS (which doesn’t require an internet connection). As long as the Google Maps app has location allowed, you can use your location to navigate (and if the map is downloaded, you don’t even need internet).

In some areas, it can be tricky to find food in Cebu. You may need to rely on stopping at the local fast food chain, which is called Jollibee (this is a very popular fast food chain in the Philippines). They serve a range of dishes including burgers, fries, soft drinks, salads, and pasta dishes. Many Jollibee outlets in Cebu also have a drive-thru, which is very convenient if you are on a road trip.

We do recommend having an international driver’s license if you’re planning to drive around Cebu. We were not stopped, and our license was not checked at any point during our trip (we spent a few weeks driving around Cebu); however, it is always worth having your international license if you are driving overseas.

3 Travel by taxi

Another way to get around in Cebu is to travel by taxi. There are plenty of taxis around, and taxi drivers will generally be glad to take longer journeys because this means they can earn more money in a day. There are different ways to arrange long-distance taxi journeys. You can speak to your hotel, hostel, or guest house; they will normally have connections with local drivers who can arrange trips with you.

You can also speak to local travel agents and tour operators; they normally have connections with drivers and will be happy to arrange a long-distance taxi journey for you. Taking a long-distance taxi in Cebu is a very convenient and low-stress way to travel around; however, it is relatively expensive. Be prepared to pay $30 – $100 for a private taxi ride between towns in Cebu (the exact price depends on the distance of the journey and your ability to barter). A long-distance taxi is a good idea if you’re traveling as a family or with a group because you can spread the cost across your group members.

Top tip: Long-distance taxis are sometimes called “car rentals” in Cebu. If you’re booking a long-distance taxi, it is important to check whether petrol is included. In some cases, you may have to pay an additional fuel fee for the taxi (one would assume that this is already covered, but this is not necessarily the case in Cebu!). Long-distance taxis offer many of the advantages of private car rentals (flexibility, convenience, and adaptability); however, once you have done your long-distance journey, you will need to plan for smaller journeys in the area.

4 Book tours

Another way to travel around Cebu is to book tours and trips. Most tours and trips include transportation, and in many cases, you will get a free hotel pick-up when you book a tour (it is always worth checking exactly what is included). There are several advantages to booking tours in Cebu.

Firstly, you can just go along with your tour guide; you don’t need to do the planning and thinking. They will take you to the right places at the right times, so you can just relax into the experience. Local tour guides also know the best places to eat, the best things to see, and the best things to do. Taking a tour is also a great way to meet other travelers and make connections. In some cases, taking a tour may be your cheapest way to see and experience a place (for example, if you want to do canyoneering at Kawasan Falls, your cheapest option is to book a tour in Moalboal).

How do you book tours in Cebu

The cheapest way to book tours in Cebu is to arrive at your destination and then speak to local tour operators. Most popular destinations around Cebu have a wide range of travel agents and tour operators who can help hook you up with tours. In general, this is cheaper than booking your tours and trips online. However, if you prefer the security of booking your trip early, then we recommend using Klook to book tours and trips in Cebu. There are some disadvantages to taking tours in Cebu.

Disadvantages of taking a tour

Firstly, you will need to follow the timings and itinerary of your tour group, so there is less flexibility and freedom to stop when you want or extend your trip if you are enjoying it. If you take a tour, you will also be sharing the experience with plenty of other people. If you take a tour, you are likely to arrive with lots of other tour groups and experience attractions at their busiest. On balance, taking a tour is a low-stress and enjoyable option; you can also find relatively affordable tours in Cebu. However, if you are looking for more flexibility in your itinerary, then we recommend considering other options.