How to get from Cebu to Bohol
Cebu to Bohol is a classic Central Visayas hop. Most travelers ride a fast ferry from Cebu City’s Pier 1 to Tagbilaran (Bohol’s capital) in about 2 hours; there’s also a fast ferry to Tubigon for northern Bohol, plus slower RoRo boats for vehicles. Door-to-door bundles and private charters exist if you prefer zero logistics. Pick your route below with step-by-steps and map links.
At A Glance (Cebu to Bohol)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| ⛴️ Fast Ferry (Cebu Pier 1 → Tagbilaran Port) | ~1h55–2h15 on water | Most travelers, Panglao beach stays |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~PHP 900–1,800 one-way (class/season) » compare ferries | alt. listings | ||
| 🚤 Fast Ferry (Cebu Pier 1 → Tubigon Port) | ~1.5–2h on water | Northern/central Bohol, budget options |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~PHP 600–1,300 one-way » compare ferries | ||
| 🚗⛴️ RoRo Ferry (Vehicle/Slow Boat) | ~2.5–4.5h + loading | Traveling with car/motorbike |
| 🏷️ Cost: Passenger ~PHP 400–900; vehicles extra (by size) » check mixed options | ||
| 🧳 Hotel Pickup + Ferry Ticket (Bundled) | ~3–4h door-to-door (city traffic dependent) | Hassle-free transfers, families |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~PHP 1,800–3,900 pp (inclusions vary) » bundled transfers | GetYourGuide options | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest & simplest for Panglao/Tagbilaran: Fast ferry to Tagbilaran, then 30–45m road to Panglao resorts.
- Cheapest for northern Bohol or Loay/Loboc areas: Fast ferry to Tubigon, then bus/van to your town.
- Bringing a car/motorbike: RoRo slow ferry (book early on weekends/holidays).
- Zero logistics & hotel pickup: Bundled transfers (pickup, port escort, ferry ticket, drop-off).
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Buy in advance for weekends/holidays: Seats can sell out—compare departures on 12Go (Pier 1→Tagbilaran) or 12Go (Pier 1→Tubigon).
- Come early to the pier: Allow 45–60 minutes for terminal fees, security, and boarding.
- Seas & motion: Waters are usually calm; bring motion tablets if sensitive.
- Onward transport on Bohol: Use resort shuttles, taxis, or arrange a fixed car via GetTransfer. Grab operates in Cebu City; on Bohol it’s mostly local taxis, vans, and tricycles.
- Staying a few days? Compare Panglao/Tagbilaran hotels on Booking.com (Panglao) or Booking.com (Tagbilaran). Scooters are common for exploring Chocolate Hills/Anda—check BikesBooking for rentals.
⛴️ Option #1 — Fast Ferry (Cebu Pier 1 → Tagbilaran Port) — Most Popular
Frequent departures ~2 hours Easy Panglao access
- Overview: High-speed catamarans sail from Cebu City Pier 1 to Tagbilaran City Port multiple times daily. From Tagbilaran, it’s ~30–45 minutes by road to Panglao Island (Alona/Dumaluan).
- How to book (with price): ~PHP 900–1,800 one-way depending on seat class/season. Compare schedules and seats on 12Go or browse Klook. Tours with transfers are also listed on GetYourGuide.
- Pros: Fast, comfortable, many sailings. Cons: Pier queues at peak times; fares rise on holidays.
Step-by-step: Fast Ferry to Tagbilaran
- Use Grab/taxi to reach Cebu City Pier 1; arrive 45–60 minutes before departure for ticket check and terminal fee.
- Board your booked fast ferry to Tagbilaran City Port; travel time is ~2 hours.
- Disembark and follow signs to the transport area; ride a resort shuttle, taxi, or prebook a car via GetTransfer to Panglao (30–45 minutes).
- Check in at your hotel; many properties can arrange return ferry tickets if needed.
Getting to the main embarking points (Cebu Pier 1 & Tagbilaran Port)
- Cebu Pier 1: Central pier near Colon; expect security screening and a small terminal fee.
- Tagbilaran Port: Port tricycles/taxis and resort vans queue outside; confirm price before boarding.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚤 Option #2 — Fast Ferry (Cebu Pier 1 → Tubigon Port) — Often Cheapest
Budget-friendly 1.5–2 hours Good for northern Bohol
- Overview: Cebu–Tubigon fast ferries are slightly shorter and can be cheaper. From Tubigon you can bus/van south to Loboc/Chocolate Hills or onward to Panglao.
- How to book (with price): ~PHP 600–1,300 one-way. Compare sailings on 12Go.
- Pros: Lower fares, good for central/north Bohol itineraries. Cons: Fewer direct resort shuttles; extra road time to Panglao.
Step-by-step: Fast Ferry to Tubigon
- Go to Cebu City Pier 1 by Grab/taxi; arrive ~45–60 minutes early for boarding formalities.
- Take the fast ferry to Tubigon Port (~1.5–2 hours).
- From Tubigon, board a bus/van toward Tagbilaran or hire a private car via GetTransfer to your Bohol hotel/Panglao.
- Settle in and plan your island touring (Loboc River/Chocolate Hills/Tarsier sanctuary).
Getting to the main embarking points (Cebu Pier 1 & Tubigon Port)
- Boarding: Same Pier 1 process as Tagbilaran sailings; keep ID handy.
- Arrival: Tubigon transport hub has buses/vans; confirm route/price before departure.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚗⛴️ Option #3 — RoRo Ferry (Vehicle/Slow Boat)
Bring your own wheels Budget fares Longer schedule
- Overview: Roll-on/roll-off ferries link Cebu with Bohol (commonly to Tubigon or Jagna). Best for travelers with cars/motorbikes or lots of gear.
- How to book (with price): Passenger fares from ~PHP 400–900; vehicles priced by size. Check options/dates on 12Go then purchase at counters/agents.
- Pros: Bring your vehicle; cheaper per person. Cons: Fewer sailings; loading time extends total journey.
Step-by-step: RoRo
- Confirm the Cebu terminal (often Pier 3 or 4 for some RoRo lines) and the Bohol destination (e.g., Tubigon or Jagna).
- Arrive early for vehicle processing; pay terminal/port fees and secure your lane number.
- Board and park as directed; remain in the passenger area during sailing.
- Drive off at the Bohol port and continue to your accommodation.
Getting to the main embarking points (Cebu RoRo piers & Bohol RoRo ports)
- Cebu side: Verify the exact pier and check-in deadline with your operator the day before.
- Bohol side: Road links from Tubigon/Jagna connect to Tagbilaran and Panglao; allow extra time.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🧳 Option #4 — Hotel Pickup + Ferry Ticket (Bundled, Hassle-Free)
Door-to-door Escort at ports Higher cost
- Overview: A driver picks you up at your Cebu hotel, helps with pier formalities, you ride the fast ferry, and another driver meets you in Bohol for the hotel drop-off.
- How to book (with price): ~PHP 1,800–3,900 per person depending on inclusions (tickets, port fees, vans). Compare packages on Klook and GetYourGuide. For private car legs only, request quotes on GetTransfer.
- Pros: Smooth with kids/elderly and big luggage. Cons: Pricier than DIY tickets + local taxis.
Step-by-step: Door-to-Door Bundle
- Book a bundle with your Cebu pickup address, ferry time, and Bohol hotel details via Klook or GetYourGuide.
- Driver collects you and escorts you through Pier 1 check-in/fees; board the fast ferry to Tagbilaran (or Tubigon if specified).
- On arrival, meet your Bohol driver in the arrivals area; ride 30–90 minutes to your resort depending on location.
- Coordinate return transfers if you’re coming back to Cebu after your stay.
Getting to the main embarking points (Hotel → Pier 1 → Bohol hotel)
- Pickup in Cebu: Major hotels/condos within Cebu City and Mactan are covered; extra fees may apply for remote areas.
- Drop-off on Bohol: Panglao/Tagbilaran zone standard; far-flung towns (Anda) may cost extra.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Cebu to Bohol)
How long is the ferry from Cebu to Bohol?
Around 1.5–2.25 hours depending on route and sea conditions. Allow extra time for queues and boarding.
Which Bohol port is better—Tagbilaran or Tubigon?
Tagbilaran is best for Panglao resorts and southern sights; Tubigon suits northern/central Bohol or tight budgets.
Can I bring large luggage?
Yes—fast ferries accept suitcases; staff may tag/stow larger pieces. Keep valuables in a carry-on.
Do I need to book in advance?
Recommended for weekends/holidays and early morning ferries; otherwise you may find same-day seats but times might not be ideal.
What’s the easiest way from Tagbilaran Port to Panglao?
Resort shuttles, taxis, or a prebooked car via GetTransfer. Travel time is ~30–45 minutes.
Are there flights from Cebu to Bohol?
Not typically direct for short hops—ferries are faster and more convenient for most travelers.
Can I rent a scooter on Bohol?
Yes; many shops around Panglao/Tagbilaran rent bikes/scooters—compare options on BikesBooking and verify license/helmet rules locally.