Iloilo to Bacolod: Ferry and Flight Guide

Standing on the edge of the Iloilo River wharf, you can almost smell the chicken inasal grilling across the water. The trip from Iloilo to Bacolod is more than a commute: it bridges two of the Visayas' most culturally rich cities. Iloilo offers an old-world elegance of stone churches and mansions, while Bacolod greets you with the energy of the City of Smiles and a legendary food scene.

Crossing the Guimaras Strait is a rite of passage for travelers in the central Philippines. You can breakfast on La Paz Batchoy in Iloilo and be in Bacolod in time for a hearty lunch. You can compare options and book on GoAsia.cc.

Iloilo to Bacolod by Ferry

The ferry is the quintessential way to travel between the two cities. It is fast, affordable and gives you a front-row seat to the busy maritime life of the region. Two operators run fast craft on the route, Weesam Express and OceanJet.

Weesam Express

Weesam's Iloilo to Bacolod departures are at 06:30, 13:20 and 16:45, and Bacolod to Iloilo departures at 08:20, 10:10 and 15:20.^[1] Schedules can change, so check the operator before you travel.

OceanJet

OceanJet's schedule of August 2023 lists four Iloilo to Bacolod departures from Monday to Saturday (07:20, 11:00, 14:30 and 17:30) and three on Sunday (08:50, 13:00 and 17:30). The 2023 fare was 550 pesos in open-air or tourist class and 800 pesos in business class.^[2]

On booking platforms, the crossing takes from about 1 hour and costs about $11 to $16 (November 2026).^[3]

Iloilo to Bacolod by Flight

The two cities are close, so flying makes little sense. A flight means a connection through a hub such as Manila or Cebu, which takes far longer than the ferry. Cebu Pacific serves both Iloilo International Airport and Bacolod-Silay International Airport.^[4]

Comparing Your Options

Mode	Details
Weesam Express ferry	Departs 06:30, 13:20, 16:45^[1]
OceanJet ferry	Departs 07:20, 11:00, 14:30, 17:30 from Monday to Saturday (2023 schedule)^[2]
Flight	Connection via a hub, much slower than the ferry

Tips for Traveling from Iloilo to Bacolod

Arrive Early at the Pier: Even with a confirmed ticket, arrive well before departure to allow for ticket checks and security.
Check the Weather: The strait is generally calm, but rough seas can delay or cancel sailings in the monsoon season. Check the forecast the day before.
Keep Your Sweater Handy: Air-conditioned cabins can get surprisingly cold during the crossing.
Food and Snacks: Ferries sell small snacks, but both cities are culinary capitals, so save your appetite for the city.

Timetable

Iloilo - Bacolod More info / Tickets

Flight Iloilo - Bacolod $ 33.63–167.65 3h 54m – 1days 5h 59m
→ Economy 00:05, 00:20, 02:25, 05:40, 06:05, 06:30, 06:55, 07:30, 12:50, 13:20, 15:35, 16:05, 17:10, 18:40, 19:05, 19:25, 19:45, 20:35, 22:00, 22:35, 23:00, 23:30
Ferry Iloilo - Bacolod $ 10.83–16.17 1h – 2h
→ Tourist Class 07:20, 11:00, 14:30, 17:30 → Open-Air 07:20, 11:00, 14:30, 17:30 → Business Class 07:20, 11:00, 14:30, 17:30 → High Speed Ferry 08:30, 12:30

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I book tickets from Iloilo to Bacolod?

Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Iloilo to Bacolod, including current prices and schedules.

What is the cheapest way to get from Iloilo to Bacolod?

The ferry is the cheapest way. OceanJet charged 550 pesos for open-air or tourist class in 2023, and booking platforms show about $11 to $16 (November 2026).

What is the fastest way to get from Iloilo to Bacolod?

The fast ferry is the fastest way, and the crossing takes from about 1 hour.

Which ferry companies run between Iloilo and Bacolod?

Weesam Express and OceanJet both run fast craft between the two cities.

Do I need to book ferry tickets in advance?

You can often buy tickets at the pier, but booking ahead is wise on weekends, on holidays and during festivals such as Dinagyang and MassKara, to avoid long lines and sold-out departures.

Is there a flight from Iloilo to Bacolod?

Not a sensible one. Flights connect through a hub such as Manila or Cebu, so the ferry is much faster.

Sources and background

Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.

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.