Getting Around the Philippines 2026
Travelling between the Philippines' 7,641 islands requires a mix of flights, ferries, buses and uniquely Filipino transport. The good news is that domestic flights are cheap (from ₱1,500/$27 on Cebu Pacific), ferries connect most major islands, and local transport — from the iconic jeepney to the ubiquitous tricycle — is affordable and adventurous. Here is everything you need to know about getting around the Philippines.
Domestic Flights
Domestic flights are the fastest way to travel between islands. The Philippines has excellent air connectivity:
| Airline | Type | Base Fare From | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cebu Pacific (5J) | Low-cost | ₱1,500 ($27) | Largest domestic network. Flash sales from ₱99. Download app for deals. 20kg checked bag extra. |
| Philippine Airlines (PR) | Full-service | ₱2,500 ($45) | National carrier. Free checked bag. Better legroom. Wider international network. |
| AirSWIFT | Boutique | ₱5,000 ($89) | El Nido direct flights. Small aircraft, scenic flights. Book early — limited seats. |
Tips: Book 2-3 months ahead for best prices. Cebu Pacific flash sales appear on Tuesdays and weekends — set notifications. Manila (MNL), Cebu (CEB) and Clark (CRK) are the main hubs. Always allow extra time for Manila traffic to the airport.
Ferries
Ferries connect islands that are too close for flights or where no airport exists:
- OceanJet — Fast ferries between Cebu-Bohol (2 hours, ₱500-800), Cebu-Dumaguete, Dumaguete-Siquijor. Air-conditioned, modern.
- 2GO Travel — Overnight ferries on longer routes (Manila-Cebu, Manila-Coron, Cebu-Cagayan de Oro). Cabins from ₱1,500. Budget option from ₱500.
- FastCat — RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) ferries for cars and passengers. Multiple inter-island routes.
- Montenegro/Buhay Isla — El Nido to Coron fast ferry (3.5 hours, ₱1,800-2,500).
- Bangka boats — Traditional outrigger boats for short island hops and tours. Ubiquitous in Boracay, El Nido, Coron and island hopping destinations.
Warning: Ferries can be cancelled in bad weather. Have a backup plan during wet season. Life jackets are provided but check they exist before departure.
City Transport
- Grab — Essential app. Works like Uber in Manila, Cebu, Davao and major cities. Safest option. Download and register before arriving.
- Jeepneys — Colourful minibuses running fixed routes. ₱12-15 flat fare. Tell the driver your destination, pass money forward through other passengers, and tap the roof twice to stop. An iconic Filipino experience but confusing for first-timers.
- Tricycles — Motorbike with attached sidecar. Main transport in small towns and islands. ₱10-50 for shared rides, ₱50-200 for private ("special"). Negotiate before boarding.
- MRT/LRT — Manila's elevated railway. ₱15-30. Useful but very crowded at peak hours. Three lines serving major corridors.
- Provincial buses — Connect cities within islands. Air-conditioned buses are comfortable and cheap. Examples: Manila-Baguio (5 hours, ₱500), Cebu South Bus Terminal to Moalboal (3 hours, ₱150).
- Habal-habal — Motorbike taxi. Common in rural areas and hills. No meter — negotiate fare. Helmets should be provided.
Popular Routes
| Route | Best Method | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manila → Boracay | Fly to Caticlan (MPH) + boat | 2-3 hours | ₱1,500-4,000 |
| Manila → El Nido | AirSWIFT direct | 1.5 hours | ₱5,000-8,000 |
| Manila → Cebu | Fly (CEB) | 1.5 hours | ₱1,500-4,000 |
| Cebu → Bohol | OceanJet ferry | 2 hours | ₱500-800 |
| El Nido → Coron | Fast ferry | 3.5 hours | ₱1,800-2,500 |
| Manila → Siargao | Fly (via Cebu) | 2.5 hours | ₱3,000-6,000 |