How to get from Cebu to Surigao

Cebu to Surigao is easy once you decide between the classic overnight ferry, a quick flight (direct to Surigao when available or via Butuan) plus road transfer, or a scenic island-hopping route across Leyte with buses and a short RoRo. Here’s how they compare and how to book smoothly.

At A Glance (Cebu to Surigao)

Mode	Duration	Best For
⛴️ Overnight Ferry (Cebu Pier → Surigao City Port)	~8–10h (overnight)	Good value, no airport transfers
🏷️ Cost: ~PHP 1,200–2,500 one-way (seat/berth class) » compare ferries | alt. listings
✈️ Flight (CEB→SUG or CEB→BXU) + Road	~1h flight + 30–45m (SUG) or ~2.5–3.5h (BXU) road	Fastest daytime arrival
🏷️ Cost: ~PHP 2,500–7,000 one-way (date/airline) » search flights | Trip.com fares
🚌⛴️ Fast Ferry to Ormoc + Bus to San Ricardo + RoRo to Lipata	~10–14h (connection-dependent)	Scenic route, plan-rich itineraries
🏷️ Cost: ~PHP 1,500–2,800 total (ferries + buses) » Cebu→Ormoc ferries
🚐 Private Car/Van + RoRo	~10–12h door-to-door	Families, bulky gear, custom timing
🏷️ Cost: ~PHP 12,000–20,000 vehicle + ferry fees » get quotes

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest/Least Hassle: Fly (direct to SUG when available; otherwise via Butuan) then road to Surigao City.
• Best Value + Sleeper: Overnight ferry—sleep aboard and arrive in the morning near the center.
• Most Scenic/Flexible: Leyte island-hop route combining two ferries and a panoramic bus ride.
• Door-to-Door Comfort: Private car/van using RoRo—ideal for families or with surf gear bound for Siargao via Surigao.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Book ahead for weekends/holidays: Ferries and flights fill quickly—compare options on 12Go, Trip.com, or Booking.com Flights.
• Terminal fees & IDs: Philippine ports may charge a small terminal fee; carry a valid ID and allow time for security checks.
• Luggage storage: Early/late connections? Stash bags with Radical Storage Cebu where available.
• Local rides: Use Grab (Cebu City), tricycles/multicabs in Surigao. For fixed long-distance quotes, check GetTransfer.
• Sea conditions: Schedules can shift in rough weather—keep an eye on operator announcements and have a backup plan (flight or overland).

⛴️ Option #1 — Overnight Ferry (Most Popular, Good Value)

Budget-friendly Sleeper berths Weather-dependent

• Overview: Board in the evening at Cebu City Pier (Pier 1 or operator’s assigned pier), sleep aboard, and arrive at Surigao City Port early morning. Choose seat, tourist, or cabin class.
• How to book (with price): ~PHP 1,200–2,500 one-way depending on class/date. Compare departures and cabins on 12Go; some operators also list on Klook.
• Pros: No airport time; arrives central. Cons: Can be rescheduled in rough seas; bring earplugs/light jacket for AC.

Step-by-step: Overnight Ferry

1. From your Cebu hotel, take Grab/taxi to Cebu City Pier (confirm the exact pier number on your ticket).
2. Buy/confirm your ticket on 12Go and arrive 60–90 minutes before departure for terminal fee, check-in, and boarding.
3. Settle into your seat/berth; keep valuables with you. Light snacks are usually available on board—bring water.
4. Dock at Surigao City Port in the morning; walk or take tricycle/taxi to your hotel or to Lipata terminal if continuing to Siargao.

Getting to the main embarking points (Cebu City Pier & Surigao City Port)

• Cebu City Pier: Central waterfront; allow time for traffic around Colon/Fuente areas.
• Surigao City Port: Close to downtown; multicabs and tricycles queue outside the gate.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

✈️ Option #2 — Flight (CEB→SUG or CEB→Butuan BXU) + Road to Surigao

Fastest Multiple daily via BXU Transfer needed

• Overview: When operating, direct CEB→Surigao (SUG) is quickest; otherwise fly CEB→Butuan (BXU), then take a bus/van ~2.5–3.5 hours to Surigao City.
• How to book (with price): ~PHP 2,500–7,000 depending on carrier/date. Compare on Booking.com Flights and Trip.com. For airport transfers or private rides, check GetTransfer.
• Pros: Short travel time in fair weather; many CEB→BXU flights daily. Cons: Extra road leg from BXU; luggage limits on some fares.

Step-by-step: Flight

1. From your hotel, ride to Mactan–Cebu International Airport (CEB) (Grab/taxi). Arrive 2–3 hours before departure.
2. Book and check in online via Booking.com Flights or Trip.com (choose SUG direct or BXU connection).
3. If landing at SUG, take a short taxi/tricycle to downtown Surigao. If landing at BXU, ride a bus/van from Butuan Airport/Integrated Terminal to Surigao City (~2.5–3.5h).
4. Check into your Surigao hotel or continue to Lipata if heading to Siargao.

Getting to the main embarking points (CEB / SUG / BXU)

• CEB Airport: 30–60 minutes from Cebu City center by taxi/Grab depending on traffic.
• SUG Airport: ~15–25 minutes to Surigao proper by taxi/tricycle.
• BXU Airport: Shuttle/van to Butuan terminal, then onward bus to Surigao.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌⛴️ Option #3 — Cebu→Ormoc Fast Ferry + Bus to San Ricardo + RoRo to Lipata (Scenic)

Scenic Multiple legs Long day

• Overview: Sail to Ormoc (Leyte), bus down Leyte to San Ricardo, take the San Ricardo→Lipata RoRo, then short ride into Surigao City.
• How to book (with price): Cebu→Ormoc fast ferries from ~PHP 600–1,200 (see schedules). Buses Ormoc→San Ricardo ~PHP 400–700; RoRo San Ricardo→Lipata ~PHP 300–450.
• Pros: Great views, flexible stops. Cons: Several transfers; timing sensitive—start early morning.

Step-by-step: Leyte Island-Hop

1. Go to Cebu City Pier and board a fast ferry to Ormoc (book via 12Go).
2. From Ormoc Port, take a southbound bus (e.g., to Sogod/San Ricardo). Ask staff for the bus to San Ricardo Port.
3. Buy a passenger ticket for the San Ricardo→Lipata RoRo; sail to Lipata Ferry Terminal (Surigao side).
4. Take a jeepney/tricycle/taxi from Lipata to Surigao City (~15–25 minutes).

Getting to the main embarking points (Cebu Pier / Ormoc / San Ricardo / Lipata)

• Cebu City Pier: Multiple fast-craft operators; arrive 45–60 minutes early.
• Ormoc Port: Terminal right in town; bus bays nearby for southbound departures.
• San Ricardo Port: Simple RoRo terminal at Leyte’s tip; buy tickets at the counter.
• Lipata Ferry Terminal: North of Surigao City; easy last-mile by multicab/taxi.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #4 — Private Car/Van + RoRo (Door-to-Door)

Door-to-door Flexible schedule Higher cost

• Overview: Charter a van/car from Cebu to Surigao using the Leyte RoRo link (San Ricardo→Lipata) or an operator’s preferred route. Great with surfboards or family groups.
• How to book (with price): ~PHP 12,000–20,000 per vehicle (size/dates) plus ferry fees. Compare English-speaking drivers and vehicles on GetTransfer. For smaller hops in each city, Grab/taxis are inexpensive.
• Pros: No transfers; custom stops for meals and viewpoints. Cons: Costly vs. ferry/bus; driver hours and sea conditions still matter.

Step-by-step: Private Car/Van

1. Request quotes with pickup/drop addresses and your preferred route/timing on GetTransfer.
2. Confirm inclusions (fuel, ferry, driver lodging if overnight) and luggage capacity (boards/gear).
3. Depart early from Cebu City; transit Leyte; board the San Ricardo→Lipata RoRo; continue to Surigao City.

Getting to the main embarking points (Door-to-door & RoRo terminals)

• Pickup: Any Cebu address or Mactan airport; drivers help with ferry formalities.
• RoRo: Coordinate San Ricardo→Lipata schedule with your driver to minimize waiting.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Cebu to Surigao)

Ferry or flight—what’s better?
Overnight ferry is the best value and lands you central; flying is fastest (especially when CEB→SUG operates) but may require a road leg from Butuan.

How early should I arrive for the ferry?
Arrive 60–90 minutes before departure for terminal fee, ID checks, and boarding—earlier on weekends/holidays.

Can I bring surfboards?
Yes on ferries and private vans—check size/fees with your operator. On flights, buy the sports baggage add-on.

Is the Leyte route safe for solo travel?
Yes, but it’s a long day. Start early, keep valuables secure, and confirm bus/RoRo timetables the day before.

What’s the easiest way to the Siargao ferry?
From Surigao City, ride to Lipata or Surigao Port for boats to Dapa (Siargao). Ask locally for the day’s earliest sailing and buy tickets at the pier.

Where should I stay on arrival?
Downtown Surigao is convenient for ferries and eateries; compare hotels on Booking.com (Surigao).