Looking for how to get from Cebu to Bantayan Island?
In this guide, I’m going to provide you with all the information you need to know before you go.
I’ll cover everything from getting from Cebu to Bantayan Island via the ferry and how you can get from Cebu City to Bantayan Island if you are arriving by plane.
Of course, I’ll also cover the Cebu City to Bantayan Island fare and what you can expect from the trip.
OVERVIEW – CEBU TO BANTAYAN ISLAND
Let’s jump right into the details of how to get to Bantayan Island from Cebu City. You’ll learn the different ways to get there, the cost, and much more.
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CEBU TO BANTAYAN ISLAND – BUS + FERRY
The most common route is from Cebu City to Bantayan Island with the use of the public bus and then a short ferry ride to Bantayan Island.
The bus from Cebu City to Bantayan Island operates on a daily basis and departs every hour from the Cebu North Bus Terminal bound for Hagnaya Port on the northwestern coast of Cebu Island.
The cost of the bus is around 260 pesos and the travel time from Cebu City to Bantayan Island is about 4 hours.
Another option how to go to Bantayan Island is to ride in a shared minivan or take a private transfer which includes a pick-up from your hotel in Cebu City and drop-off at Hagnaya Port in North Cebu.
This is the option that I went for because it was much more comfortable than the bus and the journey time was faster.
Ferries depart from Hagnaya Port, mainland Cebu to Bantayan Island, 7 days a week, between 1:00 am and 5:30 pm.
The cost of the ferry from Hagnaya to Bantayan is 300 Pesos, including the terminal fee.
Please note: Currently there is no option to book the ferry online. You can simply purchase a ferry ticket in person at the Hagnaya Port terminal.
So overall, the price is only 560 pesos per person including the Cebu to Bantayan Island ferry.
You can follow the same route when coming from Bantayan Island to Cebu.
HOW TO GO TO BANTAYAN ISLAND – PLANE + BUS + FERRY
If you’re coming from overseas outside of the Philippines, one of the most convenient ways to get there is to go straight from Cebu Airport to Bantayan Island.
See below how you can get from Cebu to Bantayan Island if you’re arriving by plane.
You’re going to fly into Mactan-Cebu International Airport which is the second busiest and most important hub in the Philippines. And after that, you’ll be going from Mactan to Bantayan Island.
After landing at Mactan-Cebu Airport, you’re going to take a bus to the Cebu North Bus Terminal which leaves every 20 to 30 minutes for around 25 pesos.
Alternatively, you can grab a taxi or Uber which will cost around 200 to 300 pesos, depending on traffic.
Upon arrival at the Cebu North Bus Terminal, you’re going to board a Ceres bus, bound for Hagnaya Port.
Travel time between the Cebu North Bus Terminal and Hagnaya Port is around 4 hours and will cost 260 pesos.
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Board the Island Shipping or Super Shuttle ferry at Hagnaya Port bound for Santa Fe Port on Bantayan Island.
The Cebu City to Bantayan Island travel time for this journey is 1 hour and the fee is 325 pesos, including the terminal fee.
Once you get from Cebu to Sta Fe Bantayan Island, take the covered walkway to the Tourism Office where you will also have to pay a 30 pesos ecological fee.
From here you can find your transport to your resort on Bantayan Island with the most popular form of transport being a tricycle for 20 to 30 pesos.
If you have pre-arranged a shuttle service, this is also where they will collect you.
So there you go, a little more complicated journey but that’s to be expected when flights are involved.
The total journey time from Cebu City to Bantayan is around 5 to 6 hours, excluding waiting times.
This was everything you had to know about how to go to Bantayan Island from Cebu Airport.
MALAPASCUA TO BANTAYAN ISLAND
If you happen to be on Malapascua Island and heading to Bantayan Island from here, the most convenient option is taking an outrigger boat and the cost is around 800-900 pesos per person.
It’s best to find a small group of people heading from Malapascua to Bantayan so you can split the cost of the boat between you all.
Simply ask your accommodation in Malapascua and they will be able to help organize a boat and skipper for you.
The journey time between Malapascua and Bantayan Island is 2 to 3 hours depending on the sea conditions.
BANTAYAN ISLAND – FAQs
Below you’ll find some quick answers to the most frequently asked questions from first-time visitors to Bantayan Island
WHAT ARE THE BEST THINGS TO DO ON BANTAYAN ISLAND?
Now that you’ve got all the information on how to get from Cebu to Bantayan Island, be sure to read my Bantayan Island travel guide.
Read Now: 15 AWESOME Things To Do On Bantayan Island
BEST TIME TO VISIT BANTAYAN ISLAND?
The best time to visit and take the Cebu City to Bantayan Island ferry, weather-wise, is between December and June when temperatures are hot and there is minimal rainfall.
This is also high season in Bantayan so expect to see many tourists during these months.
I recommend visiting on the shoulder months of the high season which would be July and November which sees a bit of rainfall but usually only lasts for a couple of hours and the rest of the day is sunny.
Try to avoid the typhoon season which is typically between August and October.
CEBU TO BANTAYAN ISLAND FARE?
The price of getting from Cebu to Bantayan Island depends on how you get there. The bus + ferry trip from Cebu City will cost you 560 pesos in total.
In case you start the journey from Cebu airport, it will cost you approximately 900 pesos, not including the tricycle ride in Bantayan Island to your hotel.
HOW MANY HOURS FROM CEBU TO BANTAYAN ISLAND?
The bus from Cebu City to Bantayan Island takes around 4 hours.
RELATED ARTICLE: 3 WEEK PHILIPPINES ITINERARY
WHERE TO STAY ON BANTAYAN ISLAND?
Bantayan has dozens of accommodation options to choose from when planning your trip.
I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay to fit the needs of budget backpackers, luxury travelers, and everyone in between.
LUXURY: AMIHAN BEACH CABANAS
Amihan Beach Cabanas is the most luxurious resort on Bantayan Island, featuring a restaurant, bar, outdoor terrace, and a private beach area, and breakfast is included for all guests.
Choose from either a sea view room, a villa, or a family room. Each room has air conditioning, views from the balcony, a private bathroom, flat-screen TV, and free Wi-Fi.
It’s the perfect place to stay for couples, a group of friends, or families on a luxury budget.
MID-RANGE: SF CANTINA
Sf Cantina is a small and cozy guesthouse located right on the beach in Sante Fe, featuring a beach bar and restaurant, free Wi-Fi, lounge chairs, and oceanfront rooms.
The rooms have air conditioning and are fitted with a flat-screen TV, large comfortable beds, a wardrobe, and a private bathroom.
Sf Cantina is an affordable place to stay for couples, friends, or families.
BUDGET: EDSAN APARTMENT
Edsan Apartment is the best budget accommodation on the island. Centrally located in Santa Fe and features a garden, BBQ facilities, a shared kitchen area, a terrace, and free Wi-Fi.
Enjoy your privacy in these budget apartments which can sleep 2 people and up to 6 people and are fitted with air-conditioning/fan-cooled, large beds, a private bathroom, and a patio.
It’s the perfect place to stay for solo travelers, couples, friends, or families on a budget.
For All Other Places To Stay, Search On Booking.com
HOW TO GET AROUND THE ISLAND?
There are a few transportation methods available to get around the island and they are by scooter, habal habal, tricycle, or jeepney.
You can rent a scooter in Bantayan and make your own way around all of the Bantayan Island tourist spots at your own pace.
If you are not confident driving a scooter, the other option is to hail a tricycle or habal habal (motorbike taxi) along the main road in Santa Fe.
For a 15-minute drive, you can expect to pay around 50 – 100 Pesos ($0.90 – $1.70).
BANTAYAN ISLAND MAP
Bantayan Island is located in the Visayan Sea off the northwestern coast of Cebu Island in the Philippines.
Click here for an interactive map of the island.
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BEST TOURS IN CEBU
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SUMMARY – HOW TO GET TO BANTAYAN ISLAND FROM CEBU CITY
I hope you enjoyed reading this article and if you have any questions about how to go to Bantayan Island from Cebu City or Cebu to Bantayan Island travel time, please leave me a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
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THANKS FOR READING
Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!
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Many thanks!
I’m going to be travelling from Siquijor which will be a long journey and I don’t think we’ll make it to the last ferry. Where would be a good area to stay in Cebu city to leave the next day for Bantayan island?
Hi Melina, I recommend booking a place to stay in Mandaue City. Assuming you will be taking a bus or booking private transport, Mandaue City is a central location for your onwards travel to Bantayan from Cebu City. Hope this helps and enjoy your trip!
Are there strict protocols to follow in travelling this pandemic? specially in the bus terminal, port, upon arriving in bantayan?
I am not quite sure at this time, you’ll have to do some research in the local media regarding the protocols.
Hello Jonny..nice blogg.. i am planing travel with bus to bantayan..
I have a big backpack.
I cant bring that bag into the bus..
What can i do ? Do the buses have a storage?
Hey buddy, you shouldn’t have an issue taking a backpack on the bus to Bantayan. However, if you have to leave it anywhere I would suggest leaving it at your hotel in Cebu City for a few days, they should let you store it there. Have a great trip 🙂