Getting Around Tacloban: A Visitor's Guide
Tacloban offers several transportation options for visitors, though the city relies heavily on private transport. The public transport system centers on jeepneys, supplemented by taxis, tricycles, buses, and the option of walking. Understanding these modes will help you navigate the city efficiently and affordably.
Jeepneys: The Heart of Public Transport
Jeepneys are the backbone of Tacloban's public transport system and offer the cheapest way to travel around the city. They serve fixed routes throughout Tacloban and connect various neighborhoods. While they may seem confusing at first—with unfamiliar route names and directions—locals are generally willing to help visitors understand the system. Ask drivers or residents if you're unsure about which jeepney to take or where to get off.
Expect to pay around ₱10 for a one-way trip to downtown Tacloban on a jeepney. This affordability makes jeepneys ideal for budget-conscious travelers exploring the city.
Taxis and Ride Services
Taxis operate throughout Tacloban and can take you from the airport to any part of the city. MLHuillier Taxi operates the largest fleet. For trips within the city, taxis offer a more direct route than jeepneys, though at a higher cost.
Expect to pay ₱50–100 for a taxi ride from the airport to downtown; higher fares indicate overcharging. For pick-ups from downtown hotels to the airport, the standard fare is ₱250. Bring exact change, as drivers may not always have loose change available. When you need a taxi, ask your hotel's front desk—they have contacts with reliable operators. For trips to destinations outside the city, negotiate fares in advance with the driver.
Tricycles
Tricycles (motorcycle-based vehicles with sidecars) are another option for short trips around the city. They typically cost around ₱8 per ride. Like taxis, they offer a more direct route than jeepneys and are useful if you're unfamiliar with the city layout.
Walkability and Traffic
Downtown Tacloban is where most attractions and activities are concentrated, making it reasonably walkable for visitors. However, observe traffic rules carefully. Tacloban enforces an anti-jaywalking ordinance, and the city has a less urbanized feel than other major Philippine cities. Visitors accustomed to more relaxed pedestrian conventions in other Philippine cities should note that Tacloban takes traffic rules seriously. Always cross at designated intersections and follow traffic signals.
Buses: Long-Distance and Regional Routes
Buses connect Tacloban to destinations across the Philippines. Long-distance buses to Manila, Davao, and Cagayan de Oro arrive at the Tacloban Bus Terminal, located about 2 kilometers from downtown. Smaller buses also serve nearby towns, including Naval, Sogod, Maasin, Baybay, and Ormoc. These regional connections make it easy to explore other parts of the Visayas or travel to other major islands.
Getting from the Airport to the City
Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport (also called Tacloban Airport or DZR Airport) is the main air gateway to Tacloban. The airport was severely damaged during Typhoon Haiyan in 2013 but has since been rebuilt. It now accommodates small passenger jets like the Airbus A320 family.
Several transportation options connect the airport to downtown Tacloban and other parts of the city:
- Jeepneys: The cheapest option, averaging ₱10 for a trip to downtown. Jeepneys are ideal if you're comfortable with local transport and don't have much luggage.
- Taxis or Pedicabs: Cost ₱50–100 for the airport to downtown. This is a reasonable middle-ground option that offers more comfort and directness than jeepneys.
- Hotel Taxi Service: Some hotels arrange airport pick-up. Ask your accommodation in advance about availability and pricing.
For all airport transfers, be prepared with exact change if paying by cash, and verify fares before departing to avoid misunderstandings.
Rail, Metro, and Tram Networks
Tacloban does not have rail, metro, or tram systems. Transportation relies on the modes described above: jeepneys, taxis, tricycles, buses, and walking.
Air Connectivity
Tacloban Airport maintains regular air connections to major Philippine cities. Cebu Pacific operates multiple daily flights from Manila and daily flights from Cebu City and Iloilo. Philippine Airlines and PAL Express also fly daily routes from Manila and Cebu. Philippines AirAsia offers daily flights from Manila. These connections make Tacloban easily accessible by air if you're arriving from other parts of the Philippines.