Taxi Guide in Cebu
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Loading...Metered Taxi and Grab App Taxi in Cebu Travel Guide
Metered white taxis are everywhere in Cebu City, Preminum Black taxi, Grab taxi and Grab car available via mobile app to offer fixed-rate fares or quotes
Although convenient, don’t automatically assume online app based Grab taxi and car are cheaper to hire in Cebu, just because it offers a fixed price or quote. When in fact it’s nearly always more expensive to hire an app based taxi in Cebu, because there are hidden fees not immediately obvious. The more traditional way of hiring or stopping a white taxi in the street or road in Cebu will be cheaper, especially if your familiar with the route, preminum black taxi are more expensive to flag. However it seems the majority of Cebu tourists may prefer or feel more comfortable hiring an app based taxi ride, because the price is fixed or quoted, and since most tourists are not familiar with certain routes around Cebu or don’t want to get into a potential situation where the taxi driver may overcharge on longer journeys. It is however somewhat of myth that taxi drivers in Cebu may try to go the longer route to hike up the fare, when in fact taxi drivers in Cebu will more often find the quickest route, because of traffic congestion. Taxi drivers diverting or finding alternative routes is normal all over Cebu. The driver may convey into a more urban area, in order to avoid Cebu’s infamous congested traffic, although this doesn’t guarantee a less congested route, so don’t be surprised if the driver doesn’t go the way you expected
To avoid overcharging, choose a white taxi and preminum black taxi in Cebu that has the price written on the side (i.e. ₱40 + 3.5/2min), and insist the driver use the meter. If you are immediately unhappy with the taxi driver or service, either change cab of it’s safe to do or make a note of the licence plate, although most taxi drivers in Cebu are professional and provide good customer service
Cebu Motorcycle-Scooter Ride for Hire, Habal – Habal (Unregulated Paid Ride)
Filipinos use motorcycle-scooter ride for hire, Habal – Habal, because it’s fast and cheap and you’ll see them all over Cebu touting for business, they will carry up to 2 passengers, The Cebu Tourist should generally avoid this type of paid hire in Cebu, because it’s unregulated and have no set tariff, you can be easily be overcharge for what is only a short journey if your not familiar with the route
If you do decide to ride a Habal – Habal in Cebu the estimted fare for 5km or 3 miles is estimated at ₱120.00, for a very short journey of less than 1 mile should cost no more than ₱40.00, although prices will vary depending on the traffic congestion or route
App based Habal – Habal for hire in Cebu by Angkas seem to be more appealing to hire and especially for The Cebu Tourist, since the price is fixed, and you’ll be aware of the price before you ride, it is however somewhat vague if you can call Angkas in Cebu officially regulated and licensed, since the Cebu government have not officially approved or issued drivers with a taxi style license
Contradicting on what I’ve just mentioned, there will however be occasions where a tourist will rely or ride a local Habal – Habal in Cebu, notable towards the entrance of a waterfall attraction path, beach, hot-cold springs, and a inaccessible path usually leading up to a mountainous region, but the price will be cheap and usually fixed by the local Brgy (village) community, you may spot a tariff sign post, usually attached to a tree
There a three major landmarks that are instantly recognisable in Cebu City:
SM Seaside Mall, it’s main feature is the tall white sqaure chimney which is lit in shades of blue and purple at night
Crown Regency Hotel & Towers, it’s main feature is most prominent at night, lit up with flashing multi-colors
Fuente Osmeña Circle, a roundabout In the heart of uptown Cebu City is a rotunda park with a picturesque fountain in the center
The fare by taxi from Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) to most of Downtown Cebu City should be ₱350 – ₱460, depending on whether you use a white cab, yellow airport cab or grab app taxi, If you’re flight arrives before 21:00 PM you will experience traffic congestion
Yellow Airport Cabs, solely work to and from the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB)
If it is your first time in Cebu, or you are not sure where you are going, The Cebu Tourist recommends Airport Yellow Licensed Cab. However if you know where you are going in Cebu, and how much it should cost, a white taxi may be the cheapest option
The Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) is located 12km – 7.5 miles to Cebu City (Ayala Center-Mall Area Hotels)
Beware there may be unauthorised taxi operators outside the terminals, you may be approached by unofficial taxi operators touting for business, you should kindly say no, you will be quoted or charged very inflated prices
The Cebu Tourist recommends the official Yellow Airport Taxi Cab, use the official taxi bay outside arrivals you’ll be given a ticket-stub indicating your destination
Free High Speed WIFI Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB)
We’ve based the prices for peak travel or congested traffic
Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) Transfer Options
From Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) to Ayala Center-Mall Area Hotels
Metered Taxi Yellow Cab (peak traffic)
(recommended by the cebu tourist)
Price by Cash in PESOS: ₱450.00 per taxi oneway
USD $8.90 – AUD $12.80 – GBP £7.00 – Euro €7.90 – KRW ₩10,400
Metered White Taxi Cab (peak traffic)
Price by cash in PESOS: ₱400.00 per taxi oneway
USD $7.80 – AUD $11.00 – GBP £6.50 – Euro €7.00 – KRW ₩9,200
Grab Taxi-Car Internet Based App (fixed price, peak traffic)
Price by Cash in PESOS: ₱460.00 per taxi oneway
USD $9.00 – AUD $12.80 – GBP £7.50 – Euro €8.00 – KRW ₩10,600
Car Hire (Price Varies)
There are two types of van hire in Cebu, V-Hire and Private Vans for hire, V-Hire vans are public passenger shared hire only, V-Hire Ply routes and popular Cebu resorts and sea ports to almost anywhere in Cebu
V-Hire Vans are stationed and available to board without a reservation at Cebu North and Cebu South Bus Terminal, SM City Mall and Ayala Center, Public Utility Vehicle Terminal (PUV), once the V-Hire fill up with up to 15 passenger they will only depart, although they will stop anywhere to drop-off or pick-up more passengers on the specific route heading Northbound or Southbound. Depending on the bus terminal or destination, they are relatively cheap and fast, but more often on longer journeys it can be very uncomfortable and cramped
We Recommend BYAHE SUGBO VAN RENTAL SERVICES Cebu City For Group Transfers and Private Tours in Cebu by Van
Hiring a Private Tourist Van with driver in Cebu, is the best option if your in a group or prefer a personalized service, not just because it will more often be cheaper, but much more convenient and comfortable, especially for tours and transfers in Cebu
You can hire Cebu’s most affordable and modern Tourist Van Rental fleet, including Toyota Hiace Vans, Toyota GL Grandia Vans, at BYAHE SUGBO VAN RENTAL SERVICES
Private Tours, shuttle transfer, shared tours, include professional courteous drivers, car parking fees, driver fees, environmental fees, toll fees and gas, for one way transfers, up to 24 hour tours and services, 1 day return tours, Cebu Mini or Full Day Tours to North or South of Cebu City, Cebu Beaches, Cebu City Tours, Cebu Inter-island Sea Port Transfer, Hagnaya Port for Bantayan Island, Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) Shuttle Transfer, Cebu Mountains, Moalboal, Kawasan Falls and Canyoneering, Cebu Waterfall Attractions North or South, Tan-Awan, Oslob Whale Shark Watching, Wedding Guest Transfers, Pre Wedding Shoots, Wedding Day Shoots, Graduations, Cebu Romantic Spots, Corporate Outings, Sinulog Festival Tours, Pilgrimages-Religious Tours and Bespoke Tours
BYAHE SUGBO VAN RENTAL SERVICES in Cebu don’t compromise on Safety, Hygiene and Comfort
Reservations at BYAHE SUGBO VAN RENTAL SERVICES
MyBus route passes through Talisay City, Cebu City, Mandaue City up to Mactan Cebu International Airport, which is the same as the route proposed in the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)
MyBus stations can be found in SM Seaside Mall, SM City Cebu, Il Corso, City di Mare, Malacañang sa Sugbo, and Compania Maritima
Each MyBus vehicle can accommodate 42 to 90 passengers, including standing passengers
MyBus operates direct from Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) to SM North Bus Terminal, and vice versa, adjacent to SM City Mall Cebu City at the corner of S. Osmeña Road and Kaohsiung Street at the North Reclamation Area (not 24 hours)
Sugbo Transit Express (Ceres Liner / Sugbo Tours), public buses to serve passengers and commuters from Mactan-Cebu International Airport and vice versa, including all stops to Cebu City South Bus and Cebu City SM North Bus Terminal
Just like the SM MyBus, the Sugbo Tours bus is PWD-friendly, GPS and CCTV-enabled making it a safe, secure and friendly transport service around Cebu with FREE WIFI
Each bus can can accommodate 42 to 90 passengers, including standing passengers
Sugbo Schedule: Buses operate every hour from 5AM to 6PM, daily
From Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB)
1. MEPZ 1 (Mactan Export Processing Zone 1), Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB)
2. Island Central Mall
3. Pacific Mall
4. SM North Bus Terminal, adjacent to SM City Mall Cebu City and MyBus Terminal at the corner of Sergio Osmeña Jr Boulevard and Kaohsiung Street at the North Reclamation Area
(short taxi ride away to Cebu Westown Lagoon, Bai Hotel Cebu, Maayo Hotel and Medical Center Cebu, Express Inn Mabolo, Sugbutel Family Hotel, Hotel Pier Cuatro, 5 minutes walk to SM City Mall Cebu, Radisson Blu Cebu and Bayfront Hotel Cebu)
5. Robinsons Galleria (short walk to Summit Galleria Cebu, short taxi ride away to Passenger Ferry Terminal for Cebu Pier 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6)
6. Fuente Osmeña (short walk to Fuente Osmeña Circle, short walk or short taxi ride away to Summit Circle, Rajah Park Hotel, Crown Regency Hotel & Towers, Pillows Hotel, Horizon’s 101 Cebu, Mango Square, Chong Hua Hospital, Vicente Sotto Hospital, Cebu (Velez) General Hospital, Ayala Center-Terraces, Seda Ayala Center Cebu, Mandarin Plaza Hotel, Quest Hotel and Conference Center, Cebu Parklane Hotel, Diamond Suites Cebu, Golden Prince Hotel and Suites, The Golden Peak Hotel & Suites, Harolds Hotel Cebu, Red Planet Cebu, Islands Stay Hotel at Archbishop Reyes Avenue, and Wellcome Hotel)
7. South Bus Terminal, Cebu City (short walk to Elizabeth Mall, short taxi ride away to One Central Hotel, La Gloria Residence Inn, GV Tower Hotel, Cebu Business Hotel, Colon Street, Cebu City Hall, Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu and Magellan’s Cross)
From South Bus Terminal, Cebu City:
1. South Bus Terminal, Cebu City (short walk to Elizabeth Mall, short taxi ride away to One Central Hotel, La Gloria Residence Inn, GV Tower Hotel, Cebu Business Hotel, Colon Street, Cebu City Hall, Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu and Magellan’s Cross)
2. Robinsons Fuente (short walk to Fuente Osmeña Circle, short walk or short taxi ride away to Summit Circle, Rajah Park Hotel, Crown Regency Hotel & Towers, Pillows Hotel, Horizon’s 101 Cebu, Mango Square, Chong Hua Hospital, Vicente Sotto Hospital, Cebu (Velez) General Hospital, Ayala Center-Terraces, Seda Ayala Center Cebu, Mandarin Plaza Hotel, Quest Hotel and Conference Center, Cebu Parklane Hotel, Diamond Suites Cebu, Golden Prince Hotel and Suites, The Golden Peak Hotel & Suites, Harolds Hotel Cebu, Red Planet Cebu, Islands Stay Hotel at Archbishop Reyes Avenue, and Wellcome Hotel)
3. Robinsons Galleria (short walk to Summit Galleria Cebu, short taxi ride away to Passenger Ferry Terminal for Cebu Pier 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6)
4. SM North Bus Terminal, adjacent to SM City Mall Cebu City and MyBus Terminal at the corner of Sergio Osmeña Jr Boulevard and Kaohsiung Street at the North Reclamation Area
(short taxi ride away to Cebu Westown Lagoon, Bai Hotel Cebu, Maayo Hotel and Medical Center Cebu, Express Inn Mabolo, Sugbutel Family Hotel, Hotel Pier Cuatro, 5 minutes walk to SM City Mall Cebu, Radisson Blu Cebu and Bayfront Hotel Cebu)
5. Pacific Mall
6. MEPZ 1 (Mactan Export Processing Zone 1), Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB)
There are no direct Jeepney services that serve Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB), to or via Robinsons Galleria Cebu, SM City Cebu, Fuente Osmeña Circle, Mango Sqaure, Ayala Mall Center and Terraces, Downtown Cebu City, Uptown Cebu City and Talisay City. There are indirect Jeepney services, on average you would be expected to change 2 to 3 times to Cebu City or vice versa, depending on your location or route. Very few international tourists will ride a Jeepney for Airport Transfer from Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) to Cebu City, simply because there not familiar with the complex Jeepney network and interchanging Brgy (village) or stops
There is just one reliable Jeepney Service Number MI-05A, serving Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) for shorter routes and all stops towards Cebu-Mactan Ferry Terminal
22 minutes, every 5 minutes (10 stops)
1. Timex Philippines Incorporated, stop here for Mactan Marina Mall and further Jeepney Services around Mactan island, and connections towards Parkmall, Reclamation Area, Mandaue City and Cebu City
2. The Bellavista Hotel
3. Gaisano Mactan
4. PLDT Telecommunications
5. Lapu-Lapu City PUJ Terminal
6. Super Metro Gaisano Lapu-Lapu
7. Mantawe Road
8. B.M Dimataga St
9. Opon Plaza
10. Cebu-Mactan Ferry Terminal, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, the Philippines
However unless your destination is very near it’s not worth the hassle or effort for tourists, not to mention the inconvenience, extended journey time, space for luggage, or comfort, considering MyBus and Sugbo offer frequent bus services to or from Cebu City, directly outside Terminal 1 and 2 with modern seating and air-con at cheap prices (not 24 hours), therefore it’s far less appealing to ride a Jeepney from or to Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB)
Traffic Congestion in Cebu City
The Cebu Tourist will witness Cebu City increasing traffic congestion, it seems local Cebuanos have grown accustomed to, the never ending traffic jams, for the tourist, it can be forever frustrating, even for short distances around Cebu City and especially transiting to Cebu islands, and Cebu beach resorts north or south of Cebu City
Some progress has been implemented to lessen the traffic congestion around Cebu City, including better traffic management for traffic to and from CEBU, the costal road subway towards SM Seaside and South Road Properties (SRP), the new Underpass (2019) at Natalio Bacalso Avenue and Cebu South Road, near the F. Llamas intersection and ongoing repairs to main roads leading to bridges all over Cebu
If your heading south towards Tan-Awan, Oslob, Moalboal, Alcoy and Cebu beach resort along that route from Cebu South Bus Terminal on Natalio Bacalso Avenue and Cebu South Road, you will experience Cebu’s infamous traffic congestion after 7:00AM and up to 9:00PM, midweek at SM Seaside Cebu and South Road Properties (SRP), Talisay, Minglanilla, City of Naga, San Fernando through to City of Carcar, more commonly along that route are local festivals on weekends including Friday, specific to the Brgy (village), which will cause traffic congestion, and although the distances are not great in terms of miles or km, the traffic will make your journey slightly less pleasant, specifically on the return journey back to Cebu City
Surprisingly the traffic in Cebu City is way less congested on weekends around Cebu City mainly because schools, colleges, business offices and call-center employees are having there rest days, although some colleges are still open on Saturday. You’ll unlikely avoid the traffic congestion, transiting to Cebu beach resorts north and south on weekends, especially on Sunday, make plans to leave early morning, in fact we recommend any journey in Cebu that is expected to take more than 3 hours to reach by road, to leave at around 6:00AM. It’s worth mentioning that if your connecting by ferry or boat on the same day midweek or weekend, most ferry and boat services in Cebu operate on a specific timetable because of tide conditions, and you could potentially miss the last scheduled service by sea, because of Cebu’s unpredictable traffic congestion
Cebu City Rapid Bus Transit System Project Phase 1 and 2 and Cordova Link Expressway Bridge
Preparations are underway for the latest ground·breaking mass transportation, the Cebu City Rapid Bus Transit System. The initial project has 2 phases, the first phase will span along Cebu South Road on N. Bacalso Avenue (located near the South Bus Terminal) up to the Provincial Capitol through the Osmena Boulevard. The second phase of the project, which traverses Bulacao, Talisay City (southern part of Cebu) to Talamban, (Northern part), and is targeted to be fully operational by March 2022
When completed, the Cebu BRT system will have 33 stations with 176 buses with buses passing each station every two to five minutes. more than 330,000 passengers are expected to use the BRT line every day. The BRT line will be complemented by a modified jeepney network which will operate as feeders and complementary services to the BRT route. Space will be made at BRT stations for interchanging jeepney routes. The Cebu City Rapid Bus Transit System will mirror other modern big city automated transportation, similar to those found in Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore
The BRT Transit System infrastructure is designed to lesson the chaotic traffic around Cebu City. The Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) is expected to integrate the BRT Transit System, the Cebu–Cordova Link Expressway Bridge which opened April 2022, the project will provide faster airport transfer links between Mactan island and mainland Cebu City, The Link Expressway Bridge facility is already designed to accommodate speeds of 60 to 80 kilometers per hour (kph)
Cebu–Cordova Link Expressway Bridge will stramline direct airport transfer saving at least 40 minutes into Cebu City and vice versa, compared to the conventional route via M.L. Quezon National Highway and the two older bridges connecting Mandaue City, this area is more prone to traffic congestion at peak times
Airport transfer times into Cebu City and Ayala Center area Hotels from Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB)
Route via Cebu–Cordova Link Expressway Bridge into Cebu City and South Road Properties (SRP)
off-peak 40 to 60 minutes
peak 60 to 80 minutes
Conventional route via M.L. Quezon National Highway and the two older bridges connecting Mandaue City into Cebu City
off-peak 45 to 60 minutes
peak 80 to 120 minutes
