Getting Around Cebu City: A Visitor's Guide
Cebu City's transportation system is primarily road-based, with most parts of the city accessible by vehicle. While the city does not yet have a unified mass transit network, visitors have several practical options for moving around, from traditional jeepneys to modern buses and ride-hailing services.
Jeepneys: The Heart of Local Transport
Jeepneys are the most popular public transportation mode in Cebu City and offer an authentic local experience. Traditional jeepneys operate 24 hours and cover most routes throughout the city. To use them, look for the route signs painted on the sides of the vehicles, check Google Maps for route information, or ask locals for guidance. You can board and exit anywhere along the route—you don't need to wait for designated stops. Fares start at ₱12 for the first 4 kilometers and increase for longer distances.
Modern jeepneys have also begun operating in the city. Beep operates air-conditioned vehicles with a 24-passenger seating capacity plus standing room, running 24/7 on dedicated routes. PeoplesJeep, launched in 2019, operates three routes connecting major areas like Talamban, Ayala, Colon, Lahug, SM, and Bulacao, charging ₱10 per ride.
Be aware that pickpocketing occurs on jeepneys, even affecting local passengers. Use hidden pockets, money belts, or other precautions to protect your belongings.
Bus Services
Several bus operators serve the city with different routes and price points. MyBus offers air-conditioned, low-floor buses on five routes throughout Metro Cebu, with fares ranging from ₱25–50 (except Route 5, which is free). These buses connect major hubs including SM City Cebu, the North and South Bus Terminals, Mactan Airport, and surrounding cities like Talisay.
The Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) is currently under partial construction and operation. The route runs between Cebu IT Park and the South Road Properties, with an interim bus service operating along the corridor. The full system will eventually include dedicated lanes and BRT stations along Osmeña Boulevard.
Two major bus terminals serve inter-city and provincial routes. The Cebu North Bus Terminal is located at SM City Cebu in the North Reclamation Area, while the Cebu South Bus Terminal is on N. Bacalso Avenue. Both terminals are owned by the Cebu Provincial Government and serve destinations in northern and southern Cebu as well as neighboring provinces.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are widely available throughout the city and can be flagged down on any street at any time. The minimum flag-down rate is ₱40, with an additional ₱13.50 for each succeeding kilometer and ₱2 for every two minutes of waiting time during traffic. Most trips within the city should cost no more than ₱150.
When taking a taxi, always insist on using the meter unless you know the city well and are taking a long distance trip. Negotiate fares beforehand if you choose not to use the meter, but be aware that metered fares are typically much lower. Be prepared with small bills (₱20s and ₱50s) as drivers often claim not to have change. Avoid unmarked "private" taxis at hotels, as they commonly charge 5–10 times the normal fare.
Grab and MiCab also operate ride-hailing services in Cebu, offering alternatives to traditional taxis.
Motorcycle Taxis (Habal-habal)
Motorcycle taxis, known locally as habal-habal, are unofficial but widespread, particularly in mountain barangays inaccessible by four-wheel vehicles and during rush hours in lowland areas. Over 6,000 operate in the city and can be hailed on the road or booked through the Angkas platform. Fares are negotiated directly with the driver when using street hails. While not a legal mode of transportation, the city government has supported organizing drivers to address safety concerns.
Other Transportation Modes
Motorized tricycles and pedal-operated tricycles (trisikads) serve inner roads and residential areas but are not permitted on national highways. Electric tricycles are beginning to appear on certain roads. Horse-drawn carriages (tartanillas or kalesas) operate on limited routes in Barangays Pasil, Duljo Fatima, Magallanes, Taboan, and Carbon Streets as a heritage transportation option.
Getting from Mactan-Cebu International Airport to the City
Mactan-Cebu International Airport is located in Lapu-Lapu, approximately 45 minutes from Cebu City depending on traffic. Several options are available for reaching the city.
MyBus operates buses between the airport and SM City Cebu via Park Mall. Buses run from 6 AM to midnight at 20-minute intervals, costing ₱25 from Park Mall and ₱50 from SM City per person. All vehicles are air-conditioned with CCTV. The last bus from the airport departs at midnight, and the first bus from SM City leaves at 6 AM.
Sugbo Airport Buses connect Marina Mall near the airport to the South Bus Terminal, passing through Pacific Mall, the Northern Bus Terminal, SM City Mall, and Mango Square. These buses run from 5 AM to 9 PM every 45 minutes, with fares of ₱20–40. They offer free Wi-Fi.
Yellow jeepneys depart from Terminal 1 at the airport heading to Island Central Mall in Mactan for ₱12. From there, you can catch ferries or other transportation to downtown Cebu.
Topline Express operates fast ferries from Mactan Marina (behind Island Central Mall) to Pier 3 in downtown Cebu every 30 minutes from 6 AM to 8 PM, taking 30 minutes and costing ₱20–25. Ferry boats operated by Metro Ferry from Lapu-Lapu to Pier 3 depart every 20 minutes from 5 AM to 9 PM, costing ₱20.
Taxis are readily available outside the terminal. Standard fares range from ₱300–450 to central Cebu. To reach the main taxi stand, exit the terminal, turn right, and walk past the end of the building. White taxis are reportedly cheaper than yellow ones.
Walkability and City Layout
While Cebu City's roads are generally accessible by vehicle, the city does not have extensive pedestrian infrastructure like sidewalks in all areas. Walking is practical in commercial and downtown districts for short distances, but most visitors will need to use some form of transportation to move between major areas. The city's traffic congestion can make travel times variable, so allow extra time when planning trips.
Maritime Transport
Cebu City's domestic port is the country's largest and busiest, home to numerous passenger and cargo ships. Several ferry services connect Cebu City to nearby islands and provinces. Ferry terminals charge a terminal fee of approximately ₱25 (cash only, no ATMs available before paying). Identification is usually required for ticket purchase. The Sun Star newspaper publishes a daily shipping guide with current passenger ferry schedules, which is useful for planning inter-island trips.