Want to easily manage your Globe accounts in just one app?
How to Travel by Ferry in the Philippines
Heading home to the province for the holidays or dreaming of an island escape? Learning how to travel by ferry in the Philippines opens up a world of possibilities. It's often cheaper than flying, plus you can discover remote places you can’t access by plane, like Batanes or Siquijor.
Use this guide to plan your trip. It covers everything you need to know—from choosing the right ferry to navigating major ports and routes. So, get ready to set sail on an unforgettable journey.
Choose the Right Ferry for Your Trip
There are three main types of ferries in the Philippines: RoRo, Fast Crafts, and Passenger Lines. Each offers different levels of comfort and amenities, and caters to various routes and schedules. Here's a breakdown to help you choose the best one for your needs.
1. RoRo (Roll-On, Roll-Off) Ferries
RoRo ferries are the most affordable option, especially if you’re traveling by car.
The RoRo ferry allows you to bring your car on board, perfect for those who are planning road trips across multiple islands. Montenegro Lines is a great option, with a variety of vessels including RoRo ferries like the M/V Maria Josefa (as well as fast crafts and passenger lines) to suit your needs. Keep in mind that RoRo ferries only allow a limited number of vehicles on board, so make sure to reserve your slot early!
2. Fast Crafts
In the need for speed? Fast craft ferries offer shorter travel times between close destinations.
The RoRo ferry allows you to bring your car on board, perfect for those who are planning road trips across multiple islands. Montenegro Lines is a great option, with a variety of vessels including RoRo ferries like the M/V Maria Josefa (as well as fast crafts and passenger lines) to suit your needs. Keep in mind that RoRo ferries only allow a limited number of vehicles on board, so make sure to reserve your slot early!
Fast crafts are smaller ferries that offer shorter travel times and prioritize speed over scenic views. One popular option is SuperCat, with fast craft routes connecting Batangas, Bacolod, Cebu, IloIlo, and more. They’re commonly used by day trippers and business travelers seeking routes between nearby destinations, like Cebu to Bohol. With air conditioning and more comfortable interiors, fast crafts offer a more premium travel experience than RoRo types.
3. Passenger Lines
Passenger lines are your top choice for long-haul or overnight trips, complete with amenities and flexible accommodation.
Great for long-haul routes, passenger lines are larger ferries with amenities like restaurants, lounges, and sleeping cabins. One example is Atienza Interisland Ferries Inc., which offers routes to Coron and El Nido. They provide the most comfortable experience for long-distance travelers, groups, and families traveling with kids or pets. Similar to airlines, passenger ferries can transport hundreds of people and organize passengers by tier.
Book Your Tickets Ahead
It's best to secure your slots in advance, especially during busy travel times. Here's how:
- Online: Many companies let you book through their websites or apps. It’s also the easiest way to check schedules and compare prices. For seamless online booking, use GCash to purchase your tickets quickly and securely.
- In-person: Some companies require you to buy tickets at their office.
- Ferry terminals: You might find tickets at the port on your travel day, but it's risky during busy times.
Important to note: Passenger liners usually require advanced bookings, regardless if it’s peak season or not.
Research Major Ports and Routes
The Philippines has a vast network of ferry routes, but schedules and routes can vary between companies. To help you plan your trip, explore the major ports and popular routes below.
Manila North Harbor
Manila North Harbor services routes to Visayas and Mindanao, with spacious waiting areas and food stalls.
Image Credit: North Port
Manila North Harbor sits just outside Manila and is one of the capital's largest ferry ports. From here, you can catch ferries to destinations in both Visayas and Mindanao. Before you board your ferry, grab a bite to eat at one of the food stalls or relax in the waiting area. Check out their complete vessel schedule here.
Manila North Harbor, Tondo, Manila; (+632) 8-588-900
Major Routes
Manila to Cebu: This route takes about 25 hours and connects you to the heart of the Visayas region. From Cebu, you can easily explore other islands.
- 2GO: trips a week
Manila to Palawan: Dreaming of pristine beaches? You can travel directly from Manila to several amazing spots in Palawan!
- Coron
- 2GO: 1 trip per week
- Atienza Interisland Ferries: Up to 2 trips per week
- Puerto Princesa
- 2GO: 1 trip per week.
- El Nido
- Atienza Interisland Ferries: Up to 2 trips per week.
Batangas Port
Batangas Port offers direct routes not available in Manila’s major ports.
Batangas Port is a nearby alternative to Manila’s ports, especially if you’re heading to Mindoro and Cebu. Its clean, spacious layout is easy to navigate. Plus, it offers handy amenities like luggage storage, restrooms, and places to grab a bite.
Batangas Port, Access Rd, Brgy. Santa. Clara, Batangas; (043) 722-2429
Major Routes
Batangas to Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro: Puerto Galera is a popular choice for Manila dwellers, and you can get there easily from Batangas Pier with multiple daily trips.
- Montenegro Lines: 5 trips daily
- Galerian Water Transport Services: 3 trips daily
- Island Water: 3 trips daily
Batangas to Calapan, Oriental Mindoro: Calapan is an emerging destination for diving, as well as the home of the colorful Kalap festival.
- Montenegro Lines: 18 trips daily
- Starlite Ferries: 12 trips daily
- FastCat: 6 trips daily
- OceanJet: Up to 4 trips daily
- SuperCat: 3 trips daily
Batangas to Caticlan, Boracay: Boracay on a budget is easier than ever with ferries traveling directly to Caticlan. This 10-hour journey is the most direct route from Manila.
- Starlite Ferries: 2 trips daily
- 2GO: 1 trip weekly
Batangas to Romblon: Discover the beautiful island of Romblon, with its stunning beaches like Bonbon and Tiamban. It's a picture-perfect island-hopping paradise! A direct ferry usually takes around nine hours.
- Starlite Ferries: Up to 4 trips weekly
Batangas to Roxas, Capiz: Known for lively festivals like Diwal Festival and Capizan Festival, Roxas is a must-see destination in Western Visayas. A direct trip normally takes around 18 hours.
- Starlite Ferries: 1 trip daily
- 2GO: 1 trip daily
Cebu Port Authority
Cebu Port Authority is the main port of the Visayas region, with plenty of routes connecting to nearby provinces.
Image Credit: Cebu Port Authority Facebook
Cebu Port Authority is your gateway to Visayas and parts of Mindanao. This major ferry port has modern facilities and tons of ferry options. It's got three terminals for trips between islands and two more just for ferries traveling around Cebu City and Mactan.
Cebu Port, Quezon Blvd, Cebu City
- Pier 1:(+63) 32 402-4173
- Pier 3:(+63) 32 231-67335
- Pier 4: (+63) 32 402-4151
Major Routes
Cebu to Bohol: Looking for a quick island getaway? Bohol is just a short ferry ride from Cebu City, making it ideal for a day trip or a longer adventure.
- OceanJet: Up to 11 trips daily
- FastCat: Up to 7 trips daily
- Weesam Express: 4 trips daily
- Lite Ferries: Up to 2 trips daily
- TransAsia Shipping Lines: 1 trip weekly
- 2GO: 1 trip weekly
Cebu to Iloilo: Rich in culture and history, Iloilo is home to popular spots like Islas de Gigantes and white sand lagoons. It’s also a connecting point to other places in the region, with ferries going straight to El Nido, Palawan.
- TransAsia Shipping Lines: 2 trips weekly
- Cokaliong Shipping Lines: 2 trips weekly
Cebu to Surigao: Want to surf the waves in Siargao? Take a ferry to Surigao, then hop on another to Siargao Island.
- Starlite Ferries: 6 trips weekly
- Cokaliong Shipping Lines: 6 trips weekly
Cebu to Bacolod: The City of Smiles is famous for its MassKara Festival, its beautiful beaches, and its growing art scene.
- Lite Ferries: 3 trips daily
- FastCat: 3 trips daily
- Aznar Shipping: 2 trips daily
Cebu to Dumaguete: Discover why tourists are falling in love with Dumaguete! It offers stunning beaches without the usual crowds, and it’s also a connecting point to the magical island of Siquijor.
- OceanJet: 1 trip daily
- Cokaliong Shipping Lines: 4 trips weekly
Cebu to Cagayan de Oro: Calling all thrill-seekers! Cagayan de Oro (CDO) is the whitewater rafting capital of the Philippines. It also has must-visit sites like the Malasag Eco-Tourism Village.
- TransAsia Shipping Lines: 3 trips weekly
- Cokaliong Shipping Lines: 3 trips weekly
- Lite Ferries: 3 trips weekly
- 2GO: 1 trip weekly
Cebu to Ormoc, Leyte: Escape the hustle and bustle of the city, and unwind in the beauty of Leyte. Enjoy swimming in Lake Danao or explore islands like Kalanggaman Island and Cuatro Islas.
- SuperCat: 6 trips daily
- OceanJet: 4 trips daily
- SeaCat: 2 trips daily
- Roble Shipping: 1 trip daily
- Lite Ferries: 1 trip daily
Sail Smoothly with These Tips
With the right planning and tools, ferry travel can open up a whole new way to experience the beauty of the Philippines.
Traveling by ferry can be an amazing adventure! Here are some tips to make your trip even better, whether you're traveling solo, with friends, or with your furry friend.
- Prep for seasickness. Pack medication or patches. Choosing a larger vessel and a central seat can also help.
- Stay connected with 5G connectivity throughout your trip. Choose between Globe’s mobile postpaid plan or prepaid promos.
- Arrive early. This gives you time for security, bag check-in, and finding a good seat.
- Budget wisely. You can often find budget-friendly options like economy seats. If you want more comfort, consider upgrading to a cabin, especially for long journeys.
- Check the shipping company’s pet policy. Most ferries allow pets, but they may have specific rules about vaccinations, documents, and carriers. Research and choose the best option for your fur baby.
Now that you know how to travel by ferry in the Philippines, you’re ready to plan your trip! Check schedules, look up routes, and book online. For convenient cashless transactions, use GCash to pay for your ferry tickets with ease. If you’re a balikbayan, make sure you grab a Traveler SIM to stay connected and access travel information on the go. So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and embark on an unforgettable ferry adventure through the stunning islands of the Philippines.