Planning a trip to Cebu and not sure how to get around? You’re not alone. Most first-time visitors land at the airport excited to explore, only to find themselves wondering how to get from one town to another, especially if they’re heading north to Malapascua or south to Oslob.
Cebu isn’t just about the city. It’s a long island with hidden beaches, mountain towns, and remote gems that are best enjoyed when you don’t have to figure out transport logistics on the fly.
We’ve explored Cebu with family in tow (kids, seniors, and plenty of luggage), so we know the drill. That’s also why we started Cebu Tourist Transfers to help make your trip smoother, especially when public transport isn’t a realistic option.
Whether you’re planning a laid-back beach trip or an island-hopping adventure, this in-depth Cebu transportation guide will walk you through what to expect, what to avoid, and how to make the most of your time on the road.
Should You Stay in Cebu City or Go Straight to the North or South?
A lot of tourists wonder if it’s better to base themselves in Cebu City and take day trips, or to just head straight to places like Moalboal, Malapascua, or Bantayan.
Here’s the thing: Cebu is much bigger than most people think.
A “quick” drive south can take 3 to 5 hours, depending on traffic. Going north to Daanbantayan? Same deal. So if you’re planning to visit the beach or do island hopping, we always recommend staying overnight near your destination.
We’ve had guests try to do a day trip to Oslob and then rush back to Cebu City on the same day. They ended up spending more time in the van than swimming with the whale sharks. On the other hand, a family we picked up from the airport chose to spend 3 nights in Moalboal and had the best time snorkeling, watching sunsets, and not stressing about the clock.
TL;DR: Base in Cebu City if you’re here for work, shopping, or city tours. But if you came for beaches, waterfalls, or island vibes, stay north or south for at least a night or two.How Do You Get From the Airport to North or South Cebu?
So you’ve landed at Mactan-Cebu International Airport. Now what? If your hotel is in the city, things are fairly simple. But if you're heading up north to Bantayan or down south to Moalboal or Oslob, you’ll need to plan your ride ahead of time.
We’ve picked up travelers straight from the airport who were shocked at how far their resorts were. Cebu might look small on the map, but travel times can stretch, especially if you're landing in the afternoon when traffic builds up.
Travel Time Estimates:
Airport to Moalboal: 3 to 4.5 hours
Airport to Oslob: 4 to 5 hours
Airport to Daanbantayan (for Malapascua): 3.5 to 4.5 hours
Airport to Hagnaya Port (for Bantayan): 3 to 4 hours
The roads are scenic once you leave the city, but expect narrow two-lane highways, occasional roadworks, and lots of motorbikes weaving in and out.
Airport Transport Options:
Option 1: Grab or Taxi
Only works well if you’re staying in Metro Cebu
Not ideal for long trips outside the city
Taxis might refuse the trip or ask for a higher fare
Option 2: Bus + Jeepney + Ferry + Hike (not even joking)
Doable if you're traveling solo and love an adventure
But exhausting with luggage, kids, or elderly companions
You’ll need to switch rides multiple times
Option 3: Pre-booked Private Transfer
This is what most of our guests choose for out-of-town trips
A local driver picks you up at the airport and takes you directly to your resort or pier
No transfers, no heavy bags to carry, no missed boat schedules
We had a guest flying in from Singapore with her elderly parents. She said booking a private transfer was “the best decision ever” after seeing the queue for taxis and learning it would take two or more vans to get to Malapascua!
Pro Tip: If you're catching a ferry (like Hagnaya to Bantayan or Maya to Malapascua), always give yourself an extra hour or two of buffer time. Cebu traffic and pier lines can be unpredictable.
Some of the vehicles used to transfer our guests all over Cebu! #CebuTouristTransfers
What Are Your Options in Remote Towns?
One of the most common questions we get from travelers is, “Can I just book a Grab once I’m there?” The short answer is: only if you're staying in Metro Cebu.
Once you leave the metro area and head north or south, Grab becomes unreliable or unavailable altogether. We’ve had guests try to book a ride in Moalboal or Carcar with no success, then call us in a panic when their app showed no cars nearby.
Where Grab Works (Most of the Time)
- Cebu City
- Mandaue
- Lapu-Lapu (Mactan area)
- IT Park and Ayala Center
Even in those areas, you might run into delays during:
- Rush hours
- Heavy rain
- Late at night or very early in the morning
Outside the Metro? Here’s What Works Better:
1. Tricycles or Motorbikes (Habal-habal)
- Available in small towns and barangays
- Good for short hops (like hotel to beach or market)
- Not safe or comfortable for long distances
2. Multicabs or Local Jeepneys
- Budget-friendly but not convenient if you don’t know the routes
- No air conditioning and very limited space for luggage
- Often crowded, especially on market days
3. Private Transfers or Hired Vans
- Best option for day trips or hotel transfers in remote areas
- You can book them for point-to-point rides or multi-stop tours
- Great for groups or families traveling together
We once had a guest in Oslob who wanted to head to Badian after swimming with whale sharks. They assumed they could Grab a ride after the tour, but the signal was spotty and no cars were available. They ended up calling us to arrange a last-minute transfer.
Our Tip: If your destination is outside the city, plan your ride before you go. Some areas like Tuburan or Alegria don’t have transport-on-demand. Don’t rely on apps or random tricycles when you’ve got flights to catch or kids to wrangle.
Why Book a Private Transfer in Cebu For Your Vacation?
Services like Cebu Tourist Transfers offer rides that are designed with tourists and families in mind. Here’s what makes our service ideal:
- You’re picked up right at the airport or your hotel
- No need to wait in lines or haggle with local drivers
- The vehicles are spacious enough for luggage, strollers, and extra bags
- Child seats can be requested in advance
- The drivers are experienced, polite, and speak English
- You can take breaks if the kids get restless
We’ve done these long drives ourselves as a family, and trust us it’s a huge relief to have someone else handle the roads.
Should You Stay Overnight in North/South Cebu or Just Do Day Trips?
This is a question we hear a lot, and we get why. Cebu looks compact on the map, so it’s tempting to think you can base yourself in the city and just do day trips to the north or south.
But here’s the thing: Cebu island is long. Driving from Cebu City to the far north or south can take 3 to 5 hours each way, depending on traffic and road conditions.
What That Really Means for You:
- Malapascua day trip? You’d spend 8–10 hours in the car or van.
- Badian for canyoneering and Kawasan Falls? You’ll need to leave by 4 or 5 AM if you want to avoid the crowds.
- Bantayan or Moalboal beach day? Sure, possible. But it’s a long haul back after swimming and sunburns.
We’ve done these trips ourselves with kids, and trust us, they’re not fun if you try to cram everything into a single day. We once attempted a Moalboal round-trip in a day with a 4-year-old... let’s just say none of us enjoyed the ride home.
Why Staying Overnight Makes More Sense:
- You get to relax. No rushing back. Have dinner by the beach. Sleep well.
- You beat the crowds. You can enjoy sunrise swims and early treks before the tourist vans arrive.
- You’ll see more. Most northern and southern destinations are near others worth visiting. Stay overnight and you can add stops without the pressure.
So if you’re headed far from the city, even just for one or two nights, book that stay. Whether it’s a beach hut in Bantayan or a mountain resort in Dalaguete, your body (and your kids) will thank you.
And yes, we offer transfers for multi-day itineraries. We’ll pick you up in the city, drop you off up north or down south, and come back for you when you’re ready.
Some of the vehicles used to transfer our guests all over Cebu! #CebuTouristTransfers
How Do You Travel Between Multiple Towns in One Trip?
If you’re planning to visit both Moalboal and Oslob, or want to hop from Bantayan to Malapascua, the key is to plan a logical route — and give yourself breathing room.
First, Know This:
Cebu’s geography doesn’t always play nice. It’s a long, narrow island with no real loop roads. So if you go too far in one direction, you’ll often need to backtrack or take winding interior roads to your next stop.
We’ve helped guests plan trips like:
Cebu City → Moalboal → Oslob → Dalaguete → back to Cebu City
Cebu City → Hagnaya Port → Bantayan → back to Medellin → Malapascua
And here's what we’ve learned from doing it ourselves:
Tips for Planning Multi-Town Trips:
Cluster your destinations. Visit Moalboal and Badian together (they're neighbors), or Malapascua and Medellin. Don’t mix north and south in the same day.
Stay flexible. Leave space in your itinerary for unplanned detours — like a beach that catches your eye or a food stop recommended by locals.
Use one driver for the whole route. Switching rides can be a pain, especially when you have luggage or a specific time frame.
We once had a family who wanted to see 5 towns in 3 days. They booked our private van, and we helped rearrange their route so they could catch the Sunday market in Carcar and the sardine run in Moalboal.
Whether you’re a DIY planner or just want someone to figure it out for you, we’re happy to help map out your stops and provide a driver who knows how to connect the dots.
How Many Days Should You Set Aside for North vs. South Cebu?
This depends on your travel style, but here’s a good rule of thumb:
- North Cebu (Bantayan, Malapascua, Medellin): Minimum of 3 to 4 days
- South Cebu (Moalboal, Badian, Oslob, Dalaguete): Minimum of 3 to 5 days
Why that many? Because travel times are longer than they look on the map. It can take 4 to 5 hours just to get to Malapascua or Moalboal from Cebu City, especially with traffic or ferry schedules.
When we did a north Cebu trip with seniors and a child, they spent two nights in Bantayan and another two in Malapascua before heading back. That gave them time to rest, swim, and not feel rushed.
Same thing in the south. If you’re visiting waterfalls in Badian and whale sharks in Oslob, don’t cram everything into one day. The drives between towns take time, and you’ll want room for unexpected detours or beach stops.
Suggested Itinerary Samples:
- Short and Sweet (4–5 days total):
- Day 1: Cebu City to Moalboal
- Day 2: Moalboal to Badian (Kawasan Falls)
- Day 3: Badian to Oslob
- Day 4: Oslob to Cebu City or Dalaguete
- Day 5: Back to airport
- Relaxed Northern Loop (5–6 days):
- Day 1: Cebu City to Bantayan
- Day 2–3: Explore Bantayan
- Day 4: Transfer to Medellin or Maya, Daanbantayan
- Day 5: Malapascua Island day trip or overnight
- Day 6: Return to Cebu City
If you're flying in and out of Mactan-Cebu International Airport, we also recommend factoring in a buffer day at the end for last-minute shopping, dining, or just resting before your flight.
What Are the Roads and Travel Conditions Like in Cebu?
Cebu’s roads can be a mixed bag. If you’re used to highways and wide lanes, the island might feel a bit different, but that’s part of the adventure.
Metro Cebu roads
In the city, you’ll deal with traffic, especially during rush hours (6–9 AM and 4–7 PM). Streets can be narrow and congested, especially in downtown areas. Road signs are in English, though, and Google Maps works well.
North and South Cebu
Once you leave the city, the scenery opens up, but the roads get more unpredictable. You’ll pass through small towns, winding coastal roads, and mountain passes. Some areas have newly paved roads, while others are still bumpy or under construction.
When we drive to places like Tabuelan or Badian, we always prepare for a few surprise potholes and occasional roadworks. It’s not dangerous, just slower going, especially if you're not used to local driving styles (lots of overtaking, tricycles on the side, and sometimes animals crossing the road!).
Should you rent a car and drive yourself? You can, but we don’t recommend it for first-time visitors. Between the lack of street signs in rural areas and unpredictable traffic flow, it’s easy to get stressed or lost. Parking can also be tricky, especially in crowded tourist spots or during fiestas.
Why it’s better to hire a local driver? Having someone familiar with the roads (and the unspoken driving rules) makes all the difference. Our drivers at Cebu Tourist Transfers know the best routes, when to avoid roadwork zones, and even which barangays have speed bumps every 10 meters.Final Thoughts: What’s the Best Way to Get Around Cebu?
Getting around Cebu depends on more than just budget, it’s about time, comfort, and the kind of trip you want to have.
If you're a backpacker with a flexible itinerary, you can definitely hop on buses, vans, and ferries. But if you're traveling with family, have limited time, or just want to skip the stress, then private transfers are worth it.
👉 Need help getting around Cebu? Book a private transfer with us at CebuTouristTransfers.com. We'll get you where you need to go – comfortably, safely, and without the guesswork.
