How to Get To & From Bohol

Bohol is an island paradise with Chocolate Hills, tarsiers, Panglao’s beaches, and hidden gems up north — but how you arrive can make a big difference to your budget, time, and stress levels.

Whether you’re traveling from Cebu, Dumaguete, Siquijor, or even Manila, the ferry is often cheaper and more scenic than flying direct — especially if you’re island-hopping on a backpacker budget or traveling with family.

Below is your data-driven list of the best ferry routes and ports for getting into and out of Bohol — plus real reasons why thousands of travelers choose them every month.


🗺️ Why Ferry Over Flying?

✈️ Flying direct to Bohol (Panglao International Airport) is convenient if you’re short on time, but flights can cost ₱3,500–₱6,000+ one way.
🚢 Ferry via Cebu costs ₱350–₱1,200 on average, often saving you 50–70% — and you get beautiful sea views en route!

Many visitors choose to fly into Cebu, explore for a day or two, then hop on a fast ferry to Bohol — the classic Visayas island-hop.


🚢 Top Ferry Options To & From Bohol (2025)

Here are the best ferry routes — each with its unique pros:


1️⃣ Cebu ⇆ Tagbilaran (OceanJet & SuperCat)

Best for: Travelers heading to Panglao, Chocolate Hills, and central Bohol.

  • 🕒 Fastest & Most Frequent: ~1.5–2 hours each way. Multiple daily sailings.
  • 🏷️ Options: OceanJet and SuperCat both score 4.5+ on Klook, with thousands of bookings.
  • 🎟️ Classes: Open Air, Tourist, or Business Class for extra legroom.
  • 🏖️ Why Tagbilaran? The pier is just ~30 min from Panglao’s beaches and island resorts.
  • 💬 Traveler proof: “Smooth crossing, reliable, and easy to book. Worth paying extra for Business Class!” — 5K+ positive reviews.

👉 Book your Cebu ⇆ Tagbilaran ferry with OceanJet or SuperCat →


2️⃣ Cebu ⇆ Tubigon (FastCat, Lite Shipping)

Best for: Budget-conscious travelers, RoRo trips with motorcycles or cars, and a more local vibe.

  • 💰 Lowest Fares: From just ₱346 — often half the price of Tagbilaran routes.
  • 🚗 Bring Your Wheels: RoRo (Roll-On Roll-Off) means you can bring cars or motorbikes.
  • 🏖️ Why Tubigon? Closer to the western side of Bohol — convenient if you plan to explore Loboc, Carmen, or Danao.
  • 💬 Traveler proof: “Cheaper and less crowded. Perfect for road trips with our motorbike.”

👉 Book your Cebu ⇆ Tubigon ferry with FastCat →


3️⃣ Cebu ⇆ Getafe (OceanJet)

Best for: Visitors heading to northern Bohol towns — Talibon, Ubay, island hopping to the Danajon Double Barrier Reef.

  • 🕒 Shorter travel time: ~2 hours.
  • 🚐 Bypass Tagbilaran traffic: You’ll land closer to the north.
  • 🤫 Hidden Gem: Fewer tourists — more local feel.
  • 💬 Traveler proof: “Great for our rural homestay in Talibon. Booking online made it stress-free.”

👉 Book your Cebu ⇆ Getafe ferry with OceanJet →


4️⃣ Bohol ⇆ Dumaguete (OceanJet)

Best for: Combining your Bohol trip with a dive holiday in Apo Island or a food trip in Dumaguete.

  • ⏱️ Fast & Direct: 2 hours.
  • 💸 Good Value: ~₱995–₱1,590.
  • 🐢 Why Dumaguete? Gateway to Siquijor, Apo Island, and Negros Oriental waterfalls.
  • 💬 Traveler proof: “Easy connection from Panglao to Dumaguete for diving. Klook booking was instant!”

👉 Book your Bohol ⇆ Dumaguete ferry →


5️⃣ Bohol ⇆ Siquijor (OceanJet)

Best for: Island hoppers combining Bohol’s hills and Panglao with Siquijor’s secret beaches and waterfalls.

  • 🕒 Quick hop: ~1.5–2 hours.
  • 🏝️ Why Siquijor? Laid-back vibe, mystical caves, and century-old trees.
  • 💬 Traveler proof: “Such a time saver vs going through Dumaguete. Ferry was clean and comfy.”

👉 Book your Bohol ⇆ Siquijor ferry →


Why Travelers Love Booking Ferries Online

📱 Instant confirmation on trusted sites like Klook and 12Go.
⏳ Skip long ticket lines at busy piers.
📄 E-tickets on your phone — just show your ID and board!
⭐ Read real reviews and pick the operator that fits your style.


📊 Quick Route Comparison

RouteBest ForOne-Way TimePrice Range
Cebu ⇆ TagbilaranPanglao & Central Bohol~2h₱723–₱1,144
Cebu ⇆ TubigonBudget/RoRo~2h₱346–₱500
Cebu ⇆ GetafeNorthern Bohol~2h₱500–₱900
Bohol ⇆ DumagueteDivers & Foodies~2h₱995–₱1,590
Bohol ⇆ SiquijorBeach hoppers~1.5–2h₱941–₱1,254

Should You Fly Direct to Panglao or Ferry via Cebu?

✈️ Fly Direct: Best if you’re short on time. Expect to pay ₱3,500–₱6,000+, and you’ll still need a van or taxi to Panglao or Anda.

🚢 Ferry via Cebu: Budget-friendly, flexible schedules, and a scenic route that’s half the adventure! Plus, Cebu is worth exploring for a day or two.


🎟️ Ready to Book?

Join thousands of travelers saving money and enjoying the journey. Book your ferry to or from Bohol now — skip the queue, lock in the best fares, and get there stress-free.

👉 Compare ferry routes and book your Bohol trip today!


🔑 Affiliate Pro Tip:

✅ Add real-time availability widgets from 12Go or Klook under each CTA button.
✅ Add user-star ratings for each route for trust signals.
✅ Include FAQs like “What’s the baggage allowance?” and “How early should I arrive?”

If you’d like, I can format this into a ready-to-paste blog post with SEO meta, social share previews, or even a Canva design for your Pinterest pin. Just say “Yes!” 🚢✨


Bohol Ferry Travel: FAQ Guide for Smart Travelers

Still deciding which ferry route is best for you? Here are the most common questions travelers ask before booking their Bohol ferry — all in one place!


🚢 GENERAL FERRY FAQs

Q: Should I fly direct to Panglao or take the ferry via Cebu?

A: If you’re short on time, flying direct to Panglao Airport is quickest — but it’s usually more expensive (₱3,500–₱6,000+ one way) and you’ll still need a car or van to reach your hotel.
The ferry via Cebu is cheaper, lets you enjoy Cebu, and is more flexible for island hopping — plus it’s scenic!


Q: Which Bohol port should I choose — Tagbilaran, Tubigon, or Getafe?

  • Tagbilaran: Most popular for Panglao resorts, Chocolate Hills, Loboc, and day tours.
  • Tubigon: Best if you’re bringing a vehicle (RoRo) or want the cheapest ticket. Closer to western Bohol.
  • Getafe: Handy if you’re heading north (Talibon, Ubay) or want to skip the crowds.

Q: How early should I arrive at the ferry terminal?

A: Arrive at least 45–60 minutes before departure for fast craft like OceanJet or SuperCat. For big ships like 2GO from Manila, arrive 3–4 hours before departure — boarding gates can close 1 hour ahead!


Q: How do I use my e-ticket?

A: Easy! Just show your mobile voucher (with ticket number) plus your valid ID at the pier counter. No need to print if you booked with Klook or 12Go.


🎒 BAGGAGE & SEATING FAQs

Q: What’s the baggage allowance for ferries?

  • Fast craft (OceanJet, SuperCat):
    • Open Air/Tourist: 10 kg hand-carry
    • Business Class: 20 kg
  • 2GO Manila–Cebu Cruise: Each bag must be under 50 kg.
  • RoRo (FastCat): Varies, but extra charges apply for overweight or oversized bags.

Q: What happens if my bag is overweight?

A: You’ll pay an excess fee at the port — usually ₱10–₱30 per kilo, depending on your ferry line.


Q: Can I bring a motorbike or car?

A: Yes — choose a RoRo ferry like FastCat or Lite Shipping to Tubigon. Check ahead for vehicle booking requirements.


🧒 PASSENGER & ELIGIBILITY FAQs

Q: Do kids ride free?

A: Infants under 2 usually ride free (no seat). Ages 2–11 must have their own seat and child fare. Always bring an ID for proof.


Q: Can seniors or PWDs get discounts?

A: Yes, but it usually applies to local Filipino citizens only — bring your Senior/PWD ID to get the rate.


Q: I’m pregnant — can I take the ferry?

A: Yes, but bring a doctor’s certificate of fitness to travel. Rough sea conditions may restrict travel for those in late-term pregnancy.


🌴 EXTRA TRAVEL TIPS

Check weather updates: Fast crafts may be delayed in rough seas — plan buffer time if catching a flight after.
Bring cash: Extra baggage fees are paid at the port.
Label your bags: With your name, address, and phone number — required by some operators.


🎟️ Where Can I Book My Bohol Ferry Tickets?

Always compare schedules, classes, and reviews online for the best deal.
📱 Skip the line and secure your seat:
👉 Book with Klook — easy mobile vouchers, top-rated operators, real reviews.
👉 Book with 12Go — compare multiple ferry lines at once.


🚢 Safe Sailing & Happy Island Hopping!

Got more questions? Bookmark this page or check your booking confirmation for any last-minute updates.
Ready to ride? 🌴 Check ferry schedules and book your Bohol trip today →


Bohol & Cebu Travel

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