Best Way To Travel From Cebu To Bohol, Philippines (Hint: It’s Not Flying)

Bohol had been sitting on my travel list for years — I'd seen photos of those rolling Chocolate Hills and tarsiers with eyes bigger than their heads, and figured it'd be the perfect island-hopping escape from Cebu.

When I finally made the trip, I thought it'd be straightforward — quick ferry ride, easy check-in, done and dusted.

Well, turns out, “quick” in the Philippines can mean a few different things.

Between delayed departures, ticket mix-ups, and trying to figure out which pier my ferry actually left from (there are several in Cebu), I learned that getting from Cebu to Bohol is one of those “simple but not simple” travel experiences.

So, if you're planning your own journey, here's the good news: you've got options. The most convenient and easiest way is by ferry — most travellers go that route.

In this post, I'll break down every way to travel from Cebu to Bohol — how long it takes, how much it costs, what to expect at the port, and the little details I wish I'd known before going.

Plus, if you're spending a night in Cebu before heading over,don't miss out on our popular top accommodation picks for Cebu for smooth connections the next morning.

Whether you're chasing waterfalls in Bohol, diving into Panglao's reef walls, or just in it for the tarsiers and chocolate hills, here's everything you need to know before you go.

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Why Visit Bohol, Philippines

Bohol is one of those islands that somehow manages to be everything at once — peaceful, lush, and full of life.

Located in the Central Visayas, just a short hop from Cebu, Bohol is famous for its Chocolate Hills, those surreal mounds that turn brown in the dry season, and the Philippine tarsiers, tiny creatures you'll find hiding in the forest canopy.

But Bohol isn't just about its natural landmarks. The island has some of the best white-sand beaches in the country, especially around Panglao Island, plus Loboc River, where you can take a dreamy cruise surrounded by jungle and music.

If you're into diving, you'll love Balicasag Island — crystal-clear waters, turtles, and coral walls that drop into deep blue.

Most travellers begin their trip from Cebu since it's the main hub in the region. Cebu has multiple daily ferries to Bohol, making it one of the easiest island connections in the Philippines.

All The Ways To Get From Cebu To Bohol, Philippines

When planning your trip from Cebu to Bohol, you'll come across 2 main options — by ferry, or by plane. Here I'll explain why travelling by plane is not recommended.

1. Bohol By Plane – Not Recommended (No Direct Flights)

Travel Time: 3–6 hours (with layovers)
Cost: Starting from ₱2,500 / USD 45

While flying might sound like the quickest way to get from Cebu to Bohol, it's actually the least practical — and here's why. There are currently no direct flights between Mactan–Cebu International Airport (CEB) and Bohol–Panglao International Airport (TAG).

That means if you choose to fly, you'll have to connect through another city, like Manila or Davao. And by the time you factor in flight transfers, waiting at airports, and possible delays, you'll spend far more time (and money) than if you had just taken the ferry.

I once considered flying for the sake of convenience, but after checking the schedules, the “quick” option turned into a half-day ordeal. Add to that the higher cost — usually ₱2,500 – ₱4,000 / USD 45–70 one-way — and it just doesn't make sense for such a short distance.

For comparison, the fast ferry takes only 2 hours and runs multiple times daily. It's cheaper, easier, and far more straightforward — no airport transfers or luggage hassles involved.

So unless you're catching a connecting international flight or have a very specific reason to fly, taking the ferry is the smarter, faster, and more scenic choice every single time.

2. Bohol By Ferry – Most Convenient and Most Popular Option

Travel Time: Around 2 hours
Cost: Starting from ₱700 / USD 12

If you're travelling from Cebu to Bohol, the ferry is hands down the easiest and most popular choice — and honestly, it's the one most locals and travellers take. It's quick, affordable, and surprisingly comfortable if you know which ferry to pick.

The journey starts at Cebu City Pier 1, where several ferry companies run daily trips to Tagbilaran Port, the main entry point to Bohol. Once you arrive, you're just a short tricycle or car ride away from Panglao Island — home to those dreamy white-sand beaches everyone talks about.

During my trip, I hopped on an early-morning OceanJet ferry and watched Cebu's skyline fade into open sea as the sun came up. The ride was smooth for the most part — though if you get seasick easily, sitting near the middle helps a lot.

The best part? You'll be in Bohol in about 2 hours. For something that costs less than a fancy lunch, it's pretty unbeatable.

Check ferry schedule here

Ferry Companies Operating Between Cebu and Bohol

OceanJet

Source

Travel Time

: Around 2 hours Cost: Starting from ₱700 / USD 12 Frequency: 6–8 trips per day

OceanJet is the go-to choice for most of us. Their ferries are clean, fast, and reliable — with multiple daily departures from morning till late afternoon.
You can choose between Economy, Tourist, or Business Class seats depending on your budget and comfort level.

I booked mine online through 12Go Asia and had my e-ticket ready on my phone — no need to queue at the terminal, which honestly saved me a lot of time.

Check out OceanJet's schedule here

SuperCat (12Go Travel)

Source

Travel Time: Around 2 hours
Cost: Starting from ₱600 / USD 11
Frequency: 3–4 trips per day

SuperCat is another solid option, slightly cheaper than OceanJet but with fewer departures. Their ferries are air-conditioned and comfortable, though sometimes boarding can take a bit longer. If you're looking to save a few pesos without sacrificing comfort, this one's a good pick.

Checkout SuperCat's schedule here

Lite Ferries

Travel Time: 3–4 hours
Cost: Starting from ₱500 / USD 9
Frequency: 2–3 trips per day

Lite Ferries is your best bet if you're on a tight budget or travelling with a motorcycle or car, since they can accommodate vehicles. It's slower than the fast crafts, but the prices are lower and the experience is more laid-back — great if you don't mind a few extra hours at sea.

Checkout Lite Ferries schedule here

What You Need To Know About Booking Ferry Tickets From Cebu To Bohol

You can buy ferry tickets online, directly from the terminal, or through booking platforms like 12Go Asia.
Here are the best ways to do it:

1. 12Go Asia

This is easily the most convenient way to book. You can compare schedules, prices, and ferry companies all in one place. I've used it several times for island-hopping in the Philippines — it's reliable, and you'll get an e-ticket right away.

Check ferry schedule here

2. Official Ferry Websites

If you prefer booking directly, you can check out OceanJet's or 12Go Travel's official websites. They list daily schedules, seat classes, and updated prices. Sometimes you'll find promo fares here, especially if you book early.

3. Physical Ticket Counters

You can also buy your ticket directly at Cebu Pier 1, but I'd only recommend this if you're not travelling during weekends or holidays. The lines can get long, and ferries do sell out fast — especially the morning ones.

Cebu Port And Check-In Process: What To Expect

Now that you've got your Cebu to Bohol ferry tickets sorted, here's what to expect once you're headed to the port — from getting there to checking in before boarding.

Step 1: Getting To Cebu Port (Pier 1)

Most ferries to Bohol depart from Cebu Pier 1, which is one of the city's main and busiest passenger terminals. If you're staying near downtown Cebu or IT Park, getting to the port is pretty straightforward.

By Taxi Or Grab

Taking a taxi or Grab is by far the easiest and most comfortable way to reach the terminal. The ride takes around 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic and usually costs about ₱200 / USD 3.50.

If you're new to Cebu, I highly recommend using Grab — it'll drop you right at the correct terminal gate without the hassle of explaining directions to the driver.

Especially if you've got luggage, this option is worth it for the convenience alone.

Pro tip: having a Philippines eSIM makes a huge difference when using ride-hailing apps or maps. It saves you from having to hunt down Wi-Fi or rely on local SIM card stalls at the airport. You can read more about the best eSIM for Philippines here.

By Jeepney

If you're travelling light and want to experience local transport, jeepneys heading to Pier 1 are your budget option. Fares start around ₱10 / USD 0.18 — super cheap, but be prepared for tight space and no air-conditioning.

I've done this before just for the experience, but honestly, it's not the best move if you've got bulky bags or need a smoother ride. Still, it's a fun way to see a slice of local Cebu life.

Step 2: Check-In Process Before Boarding

You'll want to arrive at least 1 hour before departure, especially if you're catching an early morning or weekend ferry. Cebu Pier 1 can get pretty hectic with long lines at security and ticket counters.

Here's how the process goes:

1. Security Check: Similar to airports, but much faster. Bags go through a quick X-ray scan — no need to unpack anything.

2. Ticket Verification: If you booked online (via 12Go Asia or OceanJet's website), you'll need to show your QR code or voucher to get a printed boarding pass.

3. Baggage Drop (optional): Some ferries collect larger luggage for storage, while others let you keep it by your seat. It depends on the operator and the type of ticket you bought.

Once you're through, you'll enter the passenger waiting area, which is surprisingly comfortable for a port terminal.

There are plenty of seats, a few snack stalls (I grabbed a doughnut and iced coffee before boarding), and even charging stations for phones and laptops. The bathrooms were clean during my visit — always a win when travelling in the Philippines.

From there, just wait for your boarding call. Staff usually announce the ferry name and destination over the speakers, so keep your ticket handy and listen for “Tagbilaran” or “Tubigon,” depending on where you're headed in Bohol.

And that's pretty much everything you need to know about travelling from Cebu to Bohol — from the best ferry options to what to expect once you're at the port.

Once you've made the quick two-hour hop across the sea, Bohol's calm rhythm hits instantly — the kind that makes you slow down without even trying.

Whether you're off to Panglao's beaches, cruising the Loboc River, or chasing those endless views over the Chocolate Hills, getting here is part of the adventure itself.

From here, you can easily keep the island-hopping going — head over to Siargao next, dive deeper into Cebu's adventures, or check out our top picks of things to do once you're in Bohol. And if you're sorting out your eSIM or stay before the trip, we've got guides for that too.