How to travel from Manila to Cebu, Philippines

The distance between Manila and Cebu is around 588km (365 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 2h 25m.

5 routes found

We've found 5 different ways to get from Manila to Cebu by train, plane and ferry. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out CebuManila if you're planning a return trip.

🚀 Fastest
1
plane
+

Fly

Fly from Manila (MNL) to Dumaguete (DGT).

  • Duration2h 25m
  • Flight time1h 25m
  • Typical cost
    ₱5,025($89)
Operated by

Philippine Airlines

+ 1 others

1 similiar route

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

2
ferry
+

Ferry to Liloan

Take a ferry to Liloan.

  • Duration1 day 4h
  • Departsonce daily
  • Typical cost
    ₱2,595($46)
Operated by

Philtranco

1 similiar route

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

💰 Cheapest
3
ferry
+

Ferry

Take a ferry to Cebu.

  • Duration22h 40m
  • Departs4 times a week
  • Typical cost
    ₱960($17)
Operated by

2 GO Travel

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Manila and Cebu

There are several options for getting from Manila to Cebu by train, plane and ferry. The cheapest option is to take a ferry which costs around ₱960 ($17) and will take around 22h 40m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and arrive in approximately 2h 25m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately ₱5,025 ($89).

The distance between Manila and Cebu is around 588km (365 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 571km (355 miles)

It takes around 2h 35m to get from Manila and Cebu by train and plane.

The quickest way to get from Manila to Cebu is to fly which takes around 2h 25m and will set you back approx ₱5,025 ($89).

The cheapest way to travel between Manila and Cebu is to take a ferry which will typically cost around ₱960 ($17) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

There is no train service that runs between Manila and Cebu. We recommend that you fly from Manila (MNL) to Dumaguete (DGT). instead which will take 2h 25m.

Bus travel

Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Manila and Cebu. We recommend that you fly from Manila (MNL) to Dumaguete (DGT). instead which will take 2h 25m.

Ferry/Boat travel

Yes there is a ferry service that runs between Manila and Cebu. The ferry typically takes around 22h 40m and departs 4 times a week.

2 GO Travel, Philtranco, Bicol Isarog and RoRo Bus by Montenegro run the ferry services between Manila and Cebu. Ferries run 4 times a week and take around 22h 40m on average but will vary depending on conditions and travel date.

Flights and Airlines

Yes you can fly from Manila and Cebu. Flights depart from Manila (MNL) and arrive at Dumaguete (DGT). The flight takes around 1h 25m.

Yes there is a direct flight between Manila and Cebu with no stop-overs required. Flights typically take around 1h 25m.

Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific fly between Manila and Cebu. Flights depart from Manila (MNL) and and arrive into Dumaguete (DGT). These flights usually take around 1h 25m.

The flight from Manila to Cebu typically takes around 1h 25m. Flights depart from Manila (MNL) and and arrive into Dumaguete (DGT).

The closest major airport to Cebu is Mactan–Cebu International Airport (CEB) (CEB) which is approximately 10km (6 miles) from Cebu. Bacolod-Silay International Airport (BCD) (BCD) and Dumaguete Airport (DGT) (DGT) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

No, its not really possible or feasible to drive from Manila to Cebu. We recommend that you take the train to Edsa Lrt then fly from Manila (MNL) to Mactan–Cebu (CEB). instead which will take 2h 35m.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Manila to Cebu is to take the train and then fly which takes, on average, 2h 35m and will usually cost around ₱1,920 ($34).

How do I get from Manila to Cebu

Compare travel optionsbetween Manila and Cebu

Transport options from Manila to Cebu
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Fly + 1 similar
2h 25m
₱5,025($89)
every 10 mins647km (402 miles)
Train and Plane2h 35m
₱1,920($34)
every 10 mins588km (365 miles)
Ferry to Liloan + 1 similar
1 day 4h
₱2,595($46)
once daily1,154km (717 miles)
Ferry via Masbate1 day 11h
₱3,895($69)
once daily1,021km (634 miles)
Ferry
22h 40m
₱960($17)
4 times a week742km (461 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Manila and Cebu

Airlines

Ferry operators

Train operators

Airports near Cebu

The following major airports near Cebu offer regular flights to various popular destinations within Philippines and internationally.

CEB
Mactan–Cebu International Airport (CEB)
International Airport
Distance
10km (6 miles) from Cebu
BCD
Bacolod-Silay International Airport (BCD)
International Airport
Distance
109km (68 miles) from Cebu
DGT
Dumaguete Airport (DGT)
Domestic Airport
Distance
127km (79 miles) from Cebu