How to Get from Surigao del Norte to Cebu
Travel from Surigao del Norte to Cebu by flight from Siargao or by overnight ferry from Surigao City, with operators, fares in pesos and schedules.
Last updated: November 12, 2026
Contents
Surigao del Norte is the surfers' corner of the Philippines: the Pacific rolls onto the reefs of Siargao, and the mainland coast around Surigao City is quiet and green. Cebu is the opposite, a big Visayan hub with a Spanish colonial old town, busy streets and some of the country's best diving a short hop away.
You cross the open water of the Visayas to get there. Most travellers fly from Siargao. If you are on the mainland, an overnight ferry from Surigao City is the classic way across.
Surigao del Norte to Cebu by Flight
Siargao (IAO) is the main airport for visitors to the province. Philippine Airlines flies Siargao to Cebu; economy round-trip fares start at ₱4,329 on dates in February 2027.[1] Cebu Pacific serves both Siargao and Surigao, and its domestic flights arrive at Mactan-Cebu Terminal 1.[2]
Before You Fly
Siargao's roads are slow and the airport is small, so leave General Luna with plenty of time in hand. If you travel with a surfboard or dive gear, add the sports equipment allowance when you book, because turboprop holds fill up. In Cebu, the airport is on Mactan Island; allow extra time for the bridges if your hotel is in Cebu City.
Surigao City to Cebu by Ferry
The overnight boat is the cheapest way across and lets you sleep through the crossing. Cokaliong's MV Filipinas Butuan leaves Surigao at 19:00 and reaches Cebu at 03:30.[3] Starlite Ferries sails from Surigao Base Port to Pier 3 in Cebu on Saturdays and Sundays at 09:00. Fares are ₱1,595 for a reclining seat, ₱1,705 for an economy bed, ₱1,815 for tourist class, ₱2,200 for a cabin and ₱7,700 for a VIP room for up to 3 people.[4]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Operator | Price and schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Flight from Siargao | Philippine Airlines | Round trip from ₱4,329[1] |
| Overnight ferry | Cokaliong | Departs 19:00, arrives 03:30[3] |
| Weekend ferry | Starlite Ferries | Saturday and Sunday 09:00, from ₱1,595[4] |
Tips for Traveling from Surigao del Norte to Cebu
- Book early in surf season: Flights from Siargao fill up when the swells are good. Buy your ticket well ahead.
- Pick the right airport: Siargao and Surigao City are both in Surigao del Norte but a ferry ride apart. Check which one your ticket departs from.
- Keep some pesos in cash: Small airports and ports are cash places for snacks, tricycles and small fees.
- Watch the baggage limit: Smaller aircraft are strict about weight, so check the allowance before you pack.
Timetable
| Flight Surigao del Norte - Cebu $ 68.25–199.32 50m – 1h 5m | |
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Surigao del Norte to Cebu, including current prices and schedules.
The ferry from Surigao City is a low-cost option: Starlite Ferries charges ₱1,595 for a reclining seat. Philippine Airlines flights from Siargao start at about ₱4,300 round trip.
Flying is the fastest way. The ferry crosses overnight, leaving Surigao at 19:00 and arriving in Cebu at 03:30.
Yes. Cokaliong's MV Filipinas Butuan sails overnight, and Starlite Ferries sails on Saturdays and Sundays at 09:00 from Surigao Base Port to Pier 3 in Cebu.
Yes. Philippine Airlines flies Siargao to Cebu, and Cebu Pacific also serves Siargao.
Usually yes, as sports equipment. Add the allowance when you book, because smaller aircraft have limited hold space.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Philippine Airlines: Explore flights from Siargao to Cebu with Philippine Airlines. Retrieved November 12, 2026.
- [2] Cebu Pacific: Cebu Pacific Destinations, Airports, and Terminal Numbers. Retrieved November 12, 2026.
- [3] Cokaliong Shipping Lines: Today's Schedules (3 November 2026). Retrieved November 3, 2026.
- [4] Starlite Ferries: Schedule and Rates 2026: Surigao Routes. Retrieved November 1, 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.