The capital of the Philippines, the city of Manila impresses with its mix of modern and old architecture and a lively and friendly atmosphere. This modern city, known as the Pearl of the Orient, offers many museums, historic buildings, family attractions and some of the best shopping in Asia. Once you’ve absorbed the best of Manila, head south to Cebu. Its colonial buildings make this city a popular tourist destination, also known for its vibrant nightlife scene, making it a very attractive destination for young travelers. Traveling from Manila to Cebu is very easy as there are good air and sea connections.
Travel options from Manila to Cebu
If you already know anything about the Philippines, you know that it is a multi-island country with no fewer than 7,640. This means that traveling long distances by land can be complicated with so many waterways along the way. Therefore, if you are planning to travel from Manila to Cebu, traveling by road adds about 300 kilometers (187 miles) to the trip as the route is very indirect. Therefore, there are only two possible options to get from Manila to Cebu: plane and ferry. The flight is the most direct option as well as the fastest as it covers a route of 570 kilometers (356 miles), although the speed and practicality of this option come at a price. Ferries are a better option for those traveling on a budget, but not the best option for those who are short on time. Read on for all the information on flights and ferries from Manila to Cebu.
Flights from Manila to Cebu
Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Cebu Pacific A330 on the runway © Rainier Martin Ampongan / Shutterstock.com
Catching a flight from Manila to Cebu is very easy any day of the week as there are many airlines that serve this route and compete with each other for business. You can expect around 30 flights a day from the capital, so it will be easy to find one that suits your plans. The downside to the plane is the price. If you want to travel cheaply in the Philippines, flights may be over your budget. The good thing is that since there are so many airlines to choose from, you can get good deals on some tickets.
The first thing to look for when looking for flights from Manila to Cebu is the airport you are departing from. The capital’s main airport is Ninoy Aquino International Airport (formerly known as Manila International Airport). From here you can fly Cebu Pacific, AirAsia Zest and Philippine Airlines. The first two are cheap, so you’ll be able to find better prices, but check the extra travel costs with them as you’ll have to pay for baggage checks and on-board food services. If you can travel with hand luggage, you will save some money and time by not waiting for your suitcase to be unloaded in Cebu.
The second airport to consider is Clark International Airport. This airport is about 80 kilometers (50 miles) from the capital. Since flights from there are cheaper for airlines, the savings are reflected in the tickets. However, since it is such a distance from the capital, you will have to calculate whether it is worth saving, because getting to the airport will be a bit more expensive.
Whether you’re flying from Clark International Airport or Ninoy Aquino International Airport, try to book your flights as far in advance as possible to get the best deals. The flight duration is from 1 hour to 15 minutes and from 1 hour to 30 minutes.
Manila Cebu Ferries
The cheapest way to travel in the Philippines is the overnight ferry © Happy Auer / Shutterstock.com
If you don’t need to travel from Manila to Cebu in record time, check out the ferries that connect the two cities. It’s a more relaxed way to travel, so if you have the time, patience, and enjoy boat trips, a ferry might be the best option for you.
It is 770 kilometers (481 miles) from the port of Manila to the port of Cebu, and the ferry journey takes approximately 22 hours. You’ll see some pretty scenery along the way, but this route isn’t particularly scenic, which is something to keep in mind when planning your trip.
2 GO is the company operating this route, and its ferries are modern and quite comfortable. In addition, they have different sleeping options that you can choose from depending on your budget. Ferries have onboard amenities and services that vary from ship to ship, but all have at least one restaurant.
The cheapest option to get from Manila to Cebu is mooring in the common part of the ferry. These spaces are similar to shared dormitories in hostels in that they are spacious areas furnished with dozens of bunk beds that do not offer any privacy. If you prefer a slightly more private option, you can book a bed in a shared cabin for up to 6 people. These cabins are ideal if you are traveling with family or friends as you can have a group room. The cabins have the advantage of having a private bathroom and offer services more like a hotel room. The downside is that a more private cabin costs the same as a plane ticket, so you’ll have to consider whether it’s worth taking such a long boat trip or whether it’s more economical to fly from Manila to Cebu.
Finally, keep in mind the availability of ferries. 2GO does not operate ferries from Manila to Cebu on Tuesdays and Saturdays, but does do so the rest of the week.