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Ferries connect almost every major island in the Philippines. For short hops, take a fast craft like OceanJet or SuperCat, such as Cebu to Bohol in about 2 hours. For long distances, 2GO Travel runs overnight ships with cabins and bunks, like Manila to Cebu in about 22 hours. FastCat, Starlite, Montenegro and Lite Ferries run RoRo (roll-on, roll-off) ferries that also carry cars and motorbikes. Book online through the operator or a platform like Klook, bring a valid ID, and expect trips to be cancelled when storm signals are raised.
Skip the ticket-booth line: book the two most popular tourist ferries online.
Types of ferries in the Philippines
| Type | Best for | Speed and comfort | Main operators |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast craft | Short hops of 1–3 hours between nearby islands | Fastest; air-conditioned seats, Tourist and Business classes | OceanJet, SuperCat |
| RoRo (roll-on, roll-off) | Medium crossings, and bringing a car or motorbike | Slower, cheaper, open and air-conditioned seating | FastCat, Starlite, Montenegro, Lite Ferries |
| Overnight liner | Long routes like Manila to Cebu or Cebu to Mindanao | Slow but comfortable: bunks, cabins, restaurants | 2GO Travel, Cokaliong, Trans-Asia |
| Bangka | Island hopping and very short crossings | Small outrigger boats; weather-sensitive | Local operators |
Main ferry operators
The country’s largest passenger shipping line, with big ships, bunks and private cabins on long routes from Manila to Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, Puerto Princesa, Cagayan de Oro and Davao.
The go-to for quick daytime hops like Cebu–Bohol, Cebu–Ormoc and Dumaguete–Siquijor, with Tourist and Business classes.
Fast ferries on routes like Batangas–Calapan, Cebu–Tagbilaran and Cebu–Ormoc.
Modern catamaran RoRo ferries on routes like Batangas–Calapan, Matnog–Allen, Bacolod–Iloilo and Dumaguete–Dapitan.
Routes such as Batangas–Calapan, Batangas–Caticlan for Boracay, and Cebu–Surigao.
A RoRo workhorse for shorter crossings and vehicles, strong in Mindoro and the Bicol region.
Budget RoRo routes from Cebu across the southern Visayas and to Mindanao, including Cebu–Tubigon for vehicles.
Overnight ships from Cebu to Mindanao and the Visayas, including Cagayan de Oro, Ozamiz, Iloilo and Tagbilaran.
Popular ferry routes, times and fares
| Route | Operators | Time | Approx. fare (2026) | Our guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cebu – Tagbilaran (Bohol) | OceanJet, SuperCat | About 2 hrs | ₱800–₱1,560 | Bohol day trip |
| Cebu – Tubigon (Bohol) | FastCat, Lite Ferries | About 1–2 hrs | ₱330–₱410 (passengers) | Best with a vehicle |
| Dumaguete – Siquijor | OceanJet and others | About 1 hr | Varies by class | How to get to Siquijor |
| Dumaguete – Dapitan | FastCat | About 4 hrs | About ₱726 | Dapitan’s Rizal Shrine |
| Surigao – Dapa (Siargao) | Fast craft | About 1.5 hrs | About ₱420 | Siargao guide |
| Cebu – Surigao | Starlite | About 10 hrs | About ₱1,200 | |
| Cebu – Cagayan de Oro | Cokaliong, Trans-Asia, 2GO | About 10–12 hrs | ₱900–₱1,400 (bunk) | Cagayan de Oro guide |
| Cebu – Ozamiz | Trans-Asia and others | About 9–11 hrs | ₱900–₱1,400 (bunk) | Gateway to the Zamboanga peninsula |
| Batangas – Caticlan (Boracay) | 2GO, Starlite (RoRo) | About 10–11 hrs | ₱2,000–₱3,000 | Boracay guide |
| Manila – Cebu | 2GO Travel | About 22 hrs | ₱1,800–₱4,000 (bunk to cabin) | Things to do in Cebu |
Fares change with fuel surcharges, class and season. Use these as a guide and confirm on the operator’s site or your booking platform.
Ferry or fly?
| Trip | Better choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Cebu – Bohol | Ferry | About 2 hours, frequent departures, no airport time |
| Dumaguete – Siquijor | Ferry | Siquijor has no commercial flights |
| Surigao – Siargao | Ferry or fly | Ferry is cheap if you’re already in Surigao; flights reach Siargao directly |
| Manila – Cebu | Fly | About 1 hr 20 min by air vs about 22 hours by sea |
| Manila – Boracay | Fly | About 1 hour to Caticlan vs a long bus-and-ferry trip |
| With a car or motorbike | RoRo ferry | The only way to bring your vehicle between islands |
Comparing airlines? See our domestic flights guide: Cebu Pacific vs PAL vs AirAsia.
Add your ferry fares, flights, hotels and tours in our free Philippines trip budget calculator.
How to book a ferry in the Philippines
- Book online in advance on the operator’s official website or app (2GO Travel, OceanJet and others), especially for weekends, Holy Week, Christmas and long weekends.
- Use a booking platform like Klook for popular tourist routes such as Cebu–Bohol and Dumaguete–Siquijor, so you can skip the ticket-booth line. Aggregators like 12Go and Barkota cover more routes.
- Buy at the port for less busy routes. Arrive early, as popular trips sell out.
- Bring a valid ID matching the name on your ticket. Foreign travelers should carry their passport.
- Pay the terminal fee at the port; it’s often collected separately from your ticket.
- Arrive early: about an hour before a fast craft, and earlier for overnight ships and RoRo vehicle loading.
Ferry safety and weather
- Check weather advisories and your operator’s social media for cancellations before heading to the port.
- Choose established operators with proper life jackets and safety briefings.
- Keep valuables with you on overnight ships, and lock your bag if you sleep in an open bunk area.
- Prone to seasickness? Sit near the middle of the vessel, look at the horizon, and take motion sickness tablets before boarding.
- Pack light for fast craft. They have baggage limits, and excess bags cost extra.
Book your ferry and what comes next
Lock in your seat, then plan the island on the other side. Klook bookings often include free cancellation.
Ferries in the Philippines: FAQ
What is the best ferry company in the Philippines?
It depends on the route. OceanJet and SuperCat are best for fast daytime hops like Cebu to Bohol. 2GO Travel is best for long overnight routes from Manila. FastCat, Starlite and Montenegro are best if you’re bringing a vehicle.
How long is the ferry from Cebu to Bohol?
The fast craft from Cebu Pier 1 to Tagbilaran takes about 2 hours with OceanJet or SuperCat, with departures throughout the day.
Can I book Philippine ferry tickets online?
Yes. Most major operators, including 2GO Travel and OceanJet, sell tickets on their websites. Platforms like Klook sell popular routes such as Cebu–Bohol and Dumaguete–Siquijor, and aggregators like 12Go and Barkota cover more routes.
How long is the ferry from Manila to Cebu?
The 2GO Travel ferry from Manila to Cebu takes about 22 hours. Flying takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes, so most travelers fly unless they want the overnight sea experience.
Are ferries in the Philippines safe?
Major operators are generally safe, and the Coast Guard suspends trips when storm signals are raised. Choose established companies, check weather advisories, and follow onboard safety instructions.
Do I need an ID to ride a ferry in the Philippines?
Yes. You need a valid ID matching the name on your ticket. Foreign travelers should bring their passport.
Can I bring my car or motorbike on a ferry?
Yes, on RoRo ferries operated by companies like FastCat, Starlite, Montenegro and Lite Ferries. Fast craft like OceanJet don’t carry vehicles.
Are ferries cancelled during typhoons?
Yes. The Philippine Coast Guard suspends sea trips when tropical cyclone wind signals are raised, starting with smaller vessels. Allow buffer days during the June to November rainy season.
Ready to island-hop? Book your crossing and budget the rest of the trip.
Cebu-born travel writer raised between Cebu and Dumaguete, now based in Zamboanga del Sur, Mindanao. Gio writes Best Philippines Travel Guide to help first-time visitors travel the islands with confidence.