Contents
Leaving the bustling metropolitan energy of Cebu City for the quiet, powdery shores of Bantayan Island feels like stepping into a slower version of the Philippines. While Cebu offers the convenience of a modern hub, Bantayan remains a sanctuary where the tide dictates the pace of the day. The journey north takes you through the heart of Cebu province before you finally hit the coastline.
Navigating this route requires a bit of coordination between land and sea transport. Most travelers head to Hagnaya Port in San Remigio to catch the ferry to Santa Fe, the main tourist hub of Bantayan. You can book your preferred transport for this route on GoAsia.cc.
Cebu to Bantayan by Ferry
The ferry is the essential final leg for almost everyone visiting the island. Island Shipping Corporation runs RORO (roll-on, roll-off) ferries between Hagnaya in San Remigio and Santa Fe on Bantayan Island. The crossing takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, and the regular adult fare is PHP 300 (about $5). Students pay PHP 240 and senior citizens PHP 214 with an ID, and children aged 11 and under PHP 150.[1] Super Shuttle Ferry also sails between Hagnaya and Santa Fe.[2]
Cebu to Bantayan by Bus and Ferry
The public option is a bus from Cebu City to Hagnaya Port, then the ferry. Ceres Liner's Cebu terminal is on Rizal Avenue Extension and lists Northern Cebu routes; confirm at the terminal that your bus goes to Hagnaya Port.[3]
Cebu to Bantayan by Private Transfer
If you are traveling in a group or carrying heavy luggage, a private transfer from Cebu City or Mactan Airport to the port is the most comfortable choice. It avoids the public bus terminals and gives you a door-to-door trip. Booking platforms list private cars and minivans within Cebu at about $36 to $71 per vehicle, with journey times of 1 to 3 hours depending on the pick-up point (October 2026), so the price for your transfer to Hagnaya depends on where you start.[4] Confirm the exact price and drop-off point when you book.
Malapascua to Bantayan by Private Boat
For travelers island-hopping through Northern Cebu, a private boat from Malapascua to Bantayan avoids backtracking to the mainland. Booking platforms list a private boat for up to 7 passengers at about $420 per boat and 3 hours (October 2026).[4]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Ferry, Hagnaya to Santa Fe | PHP 300 regular adult fare[1] | About 1 to 1.5 hours[1] |
| Private car or minivan within Cebu | About $36 to $71 per vehicle[4] | 1 to 3 hours[4] |
| Private boat from Malapascua | About $420 per boat[4] | About 3 hours[4] |
Tips for Traveling from Cebu to Bantayan
- Plan for Traffic: Cebu City and Mactan can have heavy congestion. If you are catching a ferry, leave earlier than you think you need to, especially on Friday afternoons or weekends.
- Cash is King: While some resorts on Bantayan accept cards, transport providers and small local eateries mainly deal in Philippine pesos. Withdraw enough cash in Cebu City before heading north.
- Port Fees: Keep some small change for terminal and port fees, which may be charged separately from the ticket.
- Sun Protection: Wear sunscreen or a light long-sleeve shirt on deck.
- Book Ahead: Bantayan is a favorite local getaway. During peak holidays like Holy Week, transport and ferries can get very crowded, so secure your tickets early.
Timetable
| Taxi Cebu - Cebu $ 35.85–71.08 1h – 3h | |
|
|
| Ferry Cebu - Bantayan $ 6.46 45m | |
|
| Van Malapascua - Bantayan $ 418.20 3h | |
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Cebu to Bantayan, including current prices and schedules.
Take a bus from Cebu City to Hagnaya Port and then the ferry to Santa Fe. Island Shipping lists a regular adult fare of PHP 300 for the crossing. Confirm at Ceres Liner's Cebu terminal that your bus goes to Hagnaya.
A private car or minivan transfer to Hagnaya Port, followed by the ferry, avoids the stops of a public bus. The ferry crossing takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, and the drive from Cebu City takes about 1 to 3 hours depending on where you start and the traffic.
The ferry crossing takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. The land journey from Cebu City to the port takes about 1 to 3 hours depending on your starting point and traffic, so plan for a half day.
Yes, booking platforms list a private boat for up to 7 passengers that takes about 3 hours and costs about $420 per boat in October 2026. It avoids returning to the Cebu mainland.
The ferries are RORO vessels that also carry vehicles. You arrive at Santa Fe on Bantayan Island, the main tourist hub, where most beach resorts are located.
Yes. Booking platforms list private cars and minivans within Cebu at about $36 to $71 per vehicle, with journey times of 1 to 3 hours. Confirm the price for your pick-up point and Hagnaya Port when you book.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Island Shipping Corporation: Routes & Fare Guide, Hagnaya to Sta. Fe. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [2] Super Shuttle Ferry (Asian Marine Transport): Super Shuttle Ferry Online Booking. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [3] Ceres Liner: Bus Terminals. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [4] 12Go: Cebu to Bantayan timetable. Retrieved October 15, 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.