How to Get from Butuan to Cebu
Compare the flight and the overnight Cokaliong ferry from Butuan to Cebu: schedules, fares and travel times.
Last updated: October 29, 2026
Contents
Butuan, the river city of Agusan del Norte, sits on the Mindanao side of the Bohol Sea. Cebu City, the Queen City of the South, sits on the other. You cross the water by plane or on an overnight ferry that puts you in Cebu for breakfast.
Butuan to Cebu by Flight
Philippine Airlines flies between Bancasi Airport in Butuan (BXU) and Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB).[1] The flight takes about an hour.[2] Round-trip economy fares start around ₱4,049 (October 2026).[1]
Mactan-Cebu International Airport is on Mactan Island, about 15 km from Cebu City, and the drive into the city takes 35 to 50 minutes. Domestic flights land at Terminal 1, and taxis and ride-hailing cars take you into the city.[3]
Butuan to Cebu by Ferry
Cokaliong Shipping Lines sails from Nasipit, the port serving Butuan, to Cebu City on most nights of the week. The ferry leaves at 19:00 and arrives between 05:30 and 07:00 the next morning. Fares run from ₱1,883 for an Economy deck place to ₱2,072 for a Lounge seat, ₱2,268 for a Tourist place and ₱2,800 for a bed in a Cabin. A two-person Suite room costs ₱6,720.[4]
The overnight sailing replaces a night in a hotel: you board in the evening, sleep on the way and wake up in Cebu City.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Flight | Round trip from ₱4,049[1] | About 1 h[2] |
| Ferry (Cokaliong) | From ₱1,883 (Economy)[4] | Overnight, 19:00 to about 06:00[4] |
Tips for Traveling from Butuan to Cebu
- Book in advance: Reserve your flight or ferry on GoAsia.cc before you travel, especially around holidays.
- Allow time at the airport: Bancasi Airport is small, but arrive early, because traffic in Butuan can slow you down in the rainy season.
- Window seat: Sit by the window for views of the Mindanao coast and the islands of the Visayas on the way in.
- On the ferry: Bring a layer, because the air conditioning on board can be cold, and keep valuables with you while you sleep.
Timetable
| Flight Butuan - Cebu $ 74.46–82.18 50m – 1h | |
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| Ferry Butuan - Cebu $ 27.00–35.00 12h | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Butuan to Cebu, including current prices and schedules.
The Cokaliong ferry, with Economy places from ₱1,883 one way. Round-trip flights start around ₱4,049 (October 2026).
The flight, which takes about an hour from Bancasi Airport (BXU) to Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB).
The flight takes about an hour. The overnight ferry leaves Nasipit at 19:00 and arrives in Cebu City between 05:30 and 07:00.
Bancasi Airport (BXU), the airport of Butuan City and Agusan del Norte.
Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) on Mactan Island, about 15 km from Cebu City, a drive of 35 to 50 minutes.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Philippine Airlines: Flights from Butuan City to Cebu. Retrieved October 25, 2026.
- [2] Philippine Airlines: Domestic Winter Timetable (October 25, 2026 - March 27, 2027). Retrieved October 17, 2026.
- [3] Grab: Mactan Cebu International Airport (CEB) transfers. Retrieved October 20, 2026.
- [4] Cokaliong Shipping Lines: Schedules & Rates. Retrieved October 25, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.