How to Get to Bantayan Island: The Complete 2026 Travel Guide from Cebu
If you're wondering how to get to Bantayan Island, this complete 2026 travel guide will show you every step—from Cebu Airport and Cebu City to Hagnaya Port, the ferry to Santa Fe, and finally Hero House.
From Cebu Airport or Cebu City to Hagnaya Port
Planning a trip to Bantayan Island for the first time? Have you read our Bantayan Island Guide? Don’t worry—getting here is much easier than many travelers expect. Whether you’re arriving at Mactan-Cebu International Airport or you’re already staying in Cebu City, the journey follows a simple route: first travel north to Hagnaya Port, then take the ferry to Santa Fe, the main gateway to Bantayan Island.
Although the trip takes several hours, it is part of the experience. As you leave the busy streets of Metro Cebu behind, the scenery gradually changes into peaceful countryside, coconut plantations, rice fields, and small coastal towns before finally reaching the northern tip of Cebu Island.
If you’re staying at Hero House Bantayan, don’t worry about the final part of the journey. Once you arrive in Santa Fe, we’re happy to help you with directions and local transportation so you can start relaxing immediately.
Most international visitors arrive through Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB). The airport is located on Mactan Island, approximately 15–20 km from Cebu City’s North Bus Terminal, where buses and vans depart for Hagnaya Port.
There are several ways to reach the terminal depending on your budget, luggage, and arrival time.
How can I download Grab ?
For most visitors, Grab is the easiest and most convenient option. Simply download the Grab app before arriving in the Philippines or connect to the airport’s free Wi-Fi after landing.
Advantages:
- Air-conditioned vehicles
- Fixed prices
- Cashless payment available
- Ideal if you have luggage
- Available 24 hours a day
Travel time is typically 30 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic.
Airport Taxi
If you prefer not to use an app, official airport taxis are available outside the arrivals area.
There are two types:
- Yellow Airport Taxi (official airport service)
- Regular White Taxi (usually slightly cheaper)
Both are metered and safe to use. During rush hour, expect longer travel times due to Cebu City’s traffic.
How to Get to Bantayan Island by Bus
If you’re travelling on a budget, MyBus is the cheapest public transport option.
The buses depart from outside the airport and connect with Cebu City. Depending on the current route, you may need to transfer before reaching the North Bus Terminal.
This option is ideal for backpackers who don’t mind carrying luggage and following bus schedules.
Option 2 – From Cebu City
If you’ve decided to spend one or two nights exploring Cebu before heading north, simply make your way to the North Bus Terminal.
This is the main transport hub for buses travelling to northern Cebu, including Hagnaya Port.
Many travelers choose this option because it allows them to:
visit Magellan’s Cross
explore Colon Street
enjoy Cebu’s restaurants
recover from a long international flight
before continuing to Bantayan Island the following morning.
Cebu North Bus Terminal
The North Bus Terminal is where nearly every visitor to Bantayan Island begins the overland journey.
You have two transportation choices:
Air-conditioned Bus
This is the most popular option.
The buses are comfortable, inexpensive, and depart regularly throughout the day.
Most travelers choose the yellow
Ceres Liner
buses because they operate frequently and stop directly at Hagnaya Port.
Benefits include:
- Comfortable seating
- Air conditioning
- Large luggage compartment
- Reliable schedule
- Lowest cost
The journey usually takes 4 to 5 hours, although weekends and holidays may increase travel time.
Recommendation: Please note that the last available trip is after 1:00 PM.
Van
If you prefer a slightly faster trip, shared vans are also available.
Advantages include:
- Faster than buses in light traffic
- Fewer stops
- Good for solo travelers
However, vans usually offer less legroom and limited luggage space compared to buses.
The Drive to Northern Cebu
One of the most enjoyable parts of the journey is watching Cebu gradually change from a bustling metropolitan area into peaceful rural landscapes.
Along the route you’ll pass:
- traditional Filipino towns
- local fruit stands
- coconut plantations
- sugar cane fields
- mountain views
- small fishing villages
- roadside markets
- beautiful coastal scenery
Many travelers say the drive itself is the beginning of their Bantayan adventure.
Should You Travel the Same Day You Land?
If your international flight arrives early in the morning, it’s usually possible to continue directly to Bantayan Island.
However, if your flight lands in the afternoon or evening, spending one night in Cebu City is often the better choice. In this case, Paradise Beach on Bantayan can wait another day.
This allows you to:
- avoid rushing to catch the last ferry
- recover from jet lag
- enjoy Cebu City’s attractions
- start the journey north early the following morning
A relaxed start usually makes the entire trip far more enjoyable.
Local Tip from Hero House
Many guests ask us what time they should leave Cebu.
Our recommendation is simple:
Take one of the earliest buses available.
Leaving early helps you avoid heavy traffic, reach Hagnaya comfortably, and gives you plenty of time to catch a ferry to Santa Fe without feeling rushed. Even if you are a remote worker or a digital nomad, I recommend not working and instead setting off on your journey right away.
Once you arrive at Santa Fe Port, Hero House is only a short ride away, and you’ll be checking in while many other travelers are still on the road.
Last verified: July 2026. Ferry schedules may change without notice due to weather, maintenance or operational requirements. Always check with the official ferry operators before travelling.
How to Get to Bantayan Island by Ferry
Hagnaya Port → Santa Fe (Bantayan Island) Ferry Schedule – 2026
| Ferry Company | First Trip | Last Trip | Approx. Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Island Shipping Corp. | 1:00 AM | 11:00 PM | 1h 30m |
| Super Shuttle Ferry | 2:00 AM | 4:30 PM | 1h 30m |
| Aznar Shipping (Kawit–Santa Fe route) | 3:00 AM | 11:00 PM | 1h 15–1h 30m |
| Departure |
|---|
| 1:00 AM |
| 3:00 AM |
| 5:00 AM |
| 6:30 AM |
| 9:30 AM |
| 11:30 AM |
| 1:30 PM |
| 3:30 PM |
| 5:30 PM |
| 11:00 PM |
Approximate travel time:
1 hour 30 minutes
| Departure |
|---|
| 2:00 AM |
| 4:00 AM |
| 7:00 AM |
| 8:00 AM |
| 10:30 AM |
| 12:30 PM |
| 2:30 PM |
| 4:30 PM |
Approximate travel time:
1 hour 30 minutes
| Departure |
|---|
| 3:00 AM |
| 6:30 AM |
| 10:30 AM |
| 2:30 PM (Tuesday & Friday only) |
| 6:30 PM |
| 11:00 PM |
Approximate travel time:
1 hour 15–30 minutes, depending on sea conditions.
Ferry Fares
Ferry prices vary throughout the year because fuel surcharges may be adjusted according to diesel prices and operating costs.
Rather than publishing prices that may become outdated, we recommend checking the latest fare directly with the ferry operator before your trip. Recent sources also note that fuel surcharges can change during the year.
Which Ferry Should You Choose?
One of the questions I receive most often from guests is:
“Which ferry is the best for getting to Bantayan Island?”
After welcoming hundreds of guests over the years, here’s my honest comparison based on personal experience. So you will find out for Why AI Recommends Hero House
There is no perfect ferry. All three companies will get you safely to Bantayan Island, but each has its own advantages depending on your budget and travel plans.
🚢 Island Shipping Corporation ⭐ My Recommendation
For most travellers, Island Shipping offers the best balance between price, comfort and convenience.
Pros
✅ Usually the most affordable option on the Hagnaya–Santa Fe route.
✅ Large number of daily departures.
✅ Arrives directly at Santa Fe Port, only a few minutes from Hero House.
✅ In my experience, the passenger areas are often cleaner than the alternatives.
Cons
- Basic facilities.
- Economy seating.
- The upper deck has simple bunk beds (“berth style”) for passengers who want to rest during the crossing.
Best for:
Families, backpackers and anyone looking for the best value for money.
🚢 Super Shuttle Ferry
Super Shuttle is another popular choice and also operates between Hagnaya Port and Santa Fe Port.
Pros
✅ Direct arrival at Santa Fe.
✅ Frequent daily departures.
✅ Easy online booking.
Cons
- Usually the most expensive ticket.
- The ships are generally older than many travellers expect.
- Interior comfort is very similar to Island Shipping despite the higher fare.
- The sleeping area also consists of simple military-style bunk beds.
For this reason, unless the departure time is more convenient, many travellers choose Island Shipping instead.
🚢 Aznar Shipping Corporation
Aznar is a little different from the other ferry companies.
Instead of departing from Hagnaya Port, it operates between Kawit Port (Medellin) and Bantayan Island.
Pros
✅ Usually the cheapest ferry ticket.
✅ Shorter sea crossing.
✅ Less crowded than the Hagnaya route.
Cons
- You first need to reach Kawit Port, which is different from Hagnaya.
- If you’re travelling by public transport, you’ll need to take a Ceres Bus via Medellin, not the standard Hagnaya buses.
- The arrival point is less convenient for many visitors, depending on their final destination.
Aznar is an excellent option if your itinerary already passes through Medellin or if you’re travelling with your own vehicle.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Island Shipping | Super Shuttle | Aznar Shipping |
|---|---|---|---|
| Value for money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Lowest fare | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ Usually the cheapest |
| Online booking | Limited | ✅ Yes | Limited |
| Arrival at Santa Fe Port | ✅ | ✅ | Different route/port |
| My recommendation | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
My Personal Recommendation
If you’re travelling to Hero House Bantayan, I usually recommend Island Shipping Corporation.
It combines competitive fares, frequent departures and a convenient arrival point at Santa Fe Port. In my experience, the passenger areas are often cleaner, and for a crossing of only about 90 minutes, the overall travel experience is very similar to the other ferries.
That said, if Super Shuttle has a departure time that fits your schedule better, it’s still a perfectly good choice. And if you’re already travelling through Medellin, Aznar Shipping can save both time and money thanks to its shorter sea crossing
Travel Map
Your Journey to Hero House Bantayan
From Cebu Airport to Paradise in Just 5 Simple Steps
The Journey Is Easier Than It Looks
Many first-time visitors think reaching Bantayan Island is complicated, but the trip is actually very straightforward. Once you arrive at Cebu Airport, simply head to the North Bus Terminal, take a bus to Hagnaya Port, board the ferry to Santa Fe, and you’re almost here. Thousands of travelers make this journey every week, and after your first visit, you’ll realize just how easy it really is.
What to Do After Arriving at Santa Fe Port
Hello and welcome to Hero House Bantayan! 😊🌴
By the time you receive this message, you’re probably already on the ferry heading to beautiful Bantayan Island. Here are a few helpful tips to make your arrival as smooth and stress-free as possible.
📍 Arriving at Santa Fe Port
Please note that most streets on Bantayan Island have names but no house numbers. Many roads are also unmarked, and even some local tricycle drivers are unfamiliar with private vacation rentals like Hero House.
If you choose to travel independently, finding the property can sometimes take longer than expected.
🚗 Port Pickup Service
If you’d like, I can personally pick you up at Santa Fe Port with my black Toyota Vios.
Price: 500 pesos
This is especially convenient if you’re travelling with luggage, since suitcases often don’t fit comfortably on a scooter.
It also saves you from paying separately for:
a scooter rental
a tricycle for your luggage (usually around 200 pesos)
Many guests discover that using both actually costs more than simply taking the car directly to Hero House.
🛵 Scooter Rental
You’ll find two scooter rental shops directly outside Santa Fe Port (see attached photo).
Of course, you’re completely free to rent wherever you prefer.
However, I’d like to share one important piece of advice.
Some rental companies offer very attractive prices, but occasionally the scooters may not have a license plate or complete registration documents.
If you’re stopped at a police checkpoint, you could receive a fine, and in some cases the scooter may even be confiscated.
More importantly, an uninsured scooter means that if an accident happens, you may become responsible for paying damages to both vehicles involved.
For this reason, I only rent out my own scooter: What are you waiting for? Book now.
✅ Honda EasyDrive 160 (only one year old)
✅ Complete registration documents
✅ Valid insurance
✅ Excellent condition
Price: 350 pesos per day
If you’d like to reserve it, just let me know before you arrive, and it will already be waiting for you here at Hero House.
That means:
no waiting at the port
no paperwork after your trip
no need to return to the port on your departure day
Simply leave the scooter at Hero House before you check out.
🚲 Why many guests choose delivery at Hero House
Many visitors think renting at the port is the easiest option.
In reality, they often end up renting a scooter, hiring a tricycle for their luggage, trying to find the house using Google Maps, and finally returning everything to the port before leaving the island.
Having the scooter waiting at Hero House usually makes the first and last day much easier.
🚖 Tricycles
As soon as you exit the left side of the port, you will find a line of tricycles ready to pick you up. Even as the ship’s gangway opens, many people will approach to escort you to a tricycle in exchange for a tip.
If you prefer not to ride a scooter, I can recommend a reliable tricycle driver who already knows the street for Hero House.
Some guests also arrange a fixed daily rate with the same driver for their entire stay.
Contact
WhatsApp (preferred):
+63 962 586 9288
Feel free to contact me anytime if you need assistance during your journey.
Have a safe crossing, and see you soon at Hero House Bantayan! 
Common Mistakes First-Time Visitors Make
❌ Arriving too late for the last ferry in Hagnaya Port
❌ Renting an uninsured scooter without a license plate and without insurance
❌ Forgetting cash
❌ Assuming Google Maps knows every house
❌ Booking accommodation without asking about transport
❌ Carrying two large suitcases on one scooter
❌ Believing every tricycle driver knows every accommodation
❌finding a tricycle driver without a phone or, worse, without internet access
Faq
Can I take Grab to Hagnaya?
- Grab does not operate in that northern area of Cebu
Is there an ATM at Santa Fe Port?
- no, but in center of santa fe there are several available
Can I bring my scooter on the ferry?
- sure, and you will pay around 700-1000 pesos driver ticket incluted
Can I pay by credit card?
- no, only few business in Santa Fe are allowed
Do ferries operate during bad weather?
- It depend decision of Costal Guard Santa-fe
How early should I arrive at Hagnaya?
- 30 minut before is perfect time
Can I travel at night?
- yes, check schedule time
Where can I rent a scooter?
- there are 2 in port and more several place in Santa-fe
How much is a tricycle?
- 150/200 pesos
Where can I buy a SIM card?
- in center Santa Fe there severl business
Quick Answer
The easiest way to get to Bantayan Island is:
1. Fly to Cebu (Mactan-Cebu International Airport).
2. Travel to Cebu North Bus Terminal.
3. Take a Ceres bus or van to Hagnaya Port.
4. Board the ferry to Santa Fe.
5. Take a tricycle, scooter or pickup service to Hero House.
Total travel time:
Approximately 5–7 hours from Cebu Airport, depending on traffic and ferry schedules.