
Getting to and from Mactan-Cebu International Airport is relatively easy, with several transportation options available.
You can take a taxi, which is available outside the airport terminal, or use the airport's shuttle service to get to your destination.
There are also several car rental companies with desks at the airport, making it easy to explore the surrounding area.
The airport is also connected to the city via a 30-minute drive via the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Access Road.
Cebu City has a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury hotels.
For a more local experience, consider staying in a homestay or guesthouse, which can be found in the nearby town of Lapu-Lapu.
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Getting to Cebu City Airport
The Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) is located on Mactan Island, about 30 kilometers from Cebu City.
You can take a taxi from Cebu City to the airport, which takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.
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The airport is accessible by car via the Marcelo Fernan Bridge or the Mactan Bridge.
There are also bus services available from Cebu City to the airport, such as the Cebu South Bus Terminal and the Cebu North Bus Terminal.
The airport is also connected to Cebu City via a ferry service.
The fare for a taxi ride from Cebu City to the airport is around PHP 500-600 (approximately USD 10-12).
The bus fare is around PHP 50-100 (approximately USD 1-2).
The ferry service is a more scenic option, but it takes longer, around 1-2 hours.
Airport Facilities
Cebu City Airport in the Philippines offers a range of facilities to make your travel experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Free WiFi is available at Cebu Airport, so you can stay connected with family and friends while you wait for your flight.
The airport's free WiFi is a convenient perk for travelers.
Airport Design and Features
The Mactan-Cebu International Airport Terminal 2 is a feast for the eyes, with its design inspired by Cebuano culture. Every aspect of the terminal is a celebration of the local heritage.
Towering timber arches made from high-quality timber that can last for a couple hundred years dominate the space. These arches are reminiscent of handcrafted Cebu guitars.
The airport floor is laid with mother-of-pearl shells, a nod to Cebu's famous beaches and marine attractions. This unique flooring adds a touch of elegance to the terminal.
Intricate weaves cover the check-in counters, evoking the traditional Visayan baskets and banig. These weaves add a pop of color and texture to the space.
Even the little things, like toilets with moss walls, contribute to the festive Visayan vibe.
Airlines and Flights
The Mactan-Cebu International Airport is one of the largest airline hubs outside Manila, hosting a whopping 36 domestic destinations and 37 international destinations.
You can fly to Cebu from major towns or cities in Luzon and Mindanao, including Manila, Palawan, Bacolod, Caticlan, Davao, Siargao, Camiguin, and Iloilo.
Domestic carriers that serve this airport include Philippine Airlines, Air Asia, and Cebu Pacific, making it convenient to travel within the Philippines.
International carriers that serve the Mactan Cebu Airport include Cathay Pacific, Emirates, and TigerAir, connecting you to destinations like Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia.
You can also catch long-haul flights to and from Los Angeles and Dubai, making Cebu a great stopover for international travelers.
Here are some of the domestic destinations you can fly to from Cebu Airport:
- Bacolod
- Bantayan
- Biliran
- Busunga (Coron)
- Butuan
- Cagayan
- Calbayog
- Camiguin
- Catbalogan
- Caticlan
- Clark
- Cotabato
- Davao
- Dipolog
- Dumaguete
- El Nido
- General Santos
- Iloilo
- Kalibo
- Legaspi
- Maasin
- Manila
- Masbate
- Ormoc
- Ozamis
- Pagadian
- Puerto Princesa
- Roxas
- Siargao
- Sipalay
- Siquijor
- Surigao
- Tacloban
- Tagbilaran
- Tandag
- Zamboanga
Airport Navigation and Transportation
Getting around Mactan-Cebu International Airport is a breeze thanks to their complimentary shuttle service, the Premium Airport Bus, which can transfer you between the Domestic and International terminals.
You can also book a pre-arranged airport transfer service to take the stress out of your trip. This way, you'll have a sure ride waiting for you the moment you land.
These pre-booked services typically include a cozy air-conditioned private car and a uniformed driver who will also be your expert local guide.
Accommodation and Amenities
If you're looking for a place to rest your head while waiting for your flight, Cebu Airport has got you covered. You can find a hotel right inside the airport or within a short drive away.
Aerotel Cebu is a great option for departing or transit passengers, located inside Terminal 2 on the second level. They offer 11 rooms with en-suite bathrooms, TV, and coffee machine, and you can book a room by the hour with a minimum of 6 hours online or 3 hours in person.
For a more luxurious experience, consider the Waterfront Airport Hotel and Casino Mactan, which offers plush beds, marble bathrooms, and a 24/7 casino. You can even get a complimentary airport shuttle to get you to the airport.
If you're on a tighter budget, there are also budget-friendly food stalls and classy mini bistros available at the airport to grab a bite. And if you need to freshen up, you can take advantage of the spa or premium lounge facilities.
Hotels
If you're looking for a place to stay near Cebu Airport, you have a few options to consider. Aerotel Cebu is a hotel located inside Terminal 2, on the second level, offering 11 rooms with en-suite bathrooms, TVs, and coffee machines.
You can book a room at Aerotel Cebu by the hour, with a minimum of 6 hours online or 3 hours in person. The hotel has both Solo Plus Rooms and Double Plus Rooms, perfect for solo travelers or couples.
For those who prefer to stay outside the airport, Waterfront Airport Hotel & Casino is a great option. It's located across the street from the airport and offers plush beds, marble bathrooms, and a 24/7 casino.
If you're looking for more options, you can visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Cebu Airport, sorted by price, distance, traveller rating, and popularity.
Here are some key details about the hotels near Cebu Airport:
You can also consider booking a room at Waterfront Airport Hotel & Casino, which offers a buffet restaurant, a lavish cafe, and a lounge with regular live music.
Other Mactan Amenities
Mactan-Cebu International Airport has a range of amenities to cater to different types of travelers.
From budget-friendly food stalls to classy mini bistros, you can find a variety of dining options to suit your taste and budget.
The airport also features cozy cafes where you can relax and grab a cup of coffee or snack.
You'll find free Wi-Fi and charging stations throughout the airport, making it easy to stay connected and powered up.
The airport's spa and premium lounge offer creature comforts to help you unwind and feel pampered.
Luxury shopping is also available, so you can indulge in some retail therapy before your flight.
Getting Around
Getting to Cebu City is relatively easy, especially if you're arriving at Mactan-Cebu International Airport. You can find white taxis at Terminal 1 domestic arrivals and Terminal 2 international link bridge arrivals area, which are metered and run 24 hours a day.
The official airport taxis are yellow, and they're also available at the same locations as the white taxis. They have a set rate to the city and run at all hours, making them a convenient option.

If you're traveling between the Domestic and International terminals, you can use the complimentary shuttle service, the Premium Airport Bus, which is a great way to get around the airport.
Here are some car rental providers with counters at the airport: Alamo, Check Cars Transport, Exclusive Cars, Drive Services Asia Pacific Inc, Fast Transit, Flamingo Rent a Car, Hertz, JD Rent a Car, Mabuhay Car Rentals, MSIC Transportation, New Californian, and Nihoon.
Terminals
The Mactan-Cebu International Airport has just 2 terminals. Terminal 1 is dedicated to domestic flights.
You'll find Terminal 2 serving all international flights at CEB. The Premium Airport Bus is a complimentary shuttle that connects the two terminals.
The bus runs 24 hours per day and every 15 minutes. This makes it easy to get to your correct terminal, even if you're connecting or arrive at the wrong one.
Car Rentals
If you're planning to explore Cebu, you can rent a car at the airport from one of the many providers available. Here are some of the car rental providers with counters at Cebu - Mactan Airport: Alamo, Check Cars Transport, Exclusive Cars, Drive Services Asia Pacific Inc, Fast Transit, Flamingo Rent a Car, Hertz, JD Rent a Car, Mabuhay Car Rentals, MSIC Transportation, New Californian, and Nihoon.
You can also consider renting a car from trusted suppliers in Cebu, which can be an excellent solution to your transportation woes for the trip. Renting a private car from a trusted supplier gives you full control of your trip, allowing you to drive anywhere you want at your own pace.
Some options to consider when renting a car in Cebu include budget car rentals, SUV rentals, luxury car rentals, and van rentals. You can book self-drive car rentals in Cebu before your trip to enjoy more freedom during your stay.
Here are some types of car rentals available in Cebu:
- Budget car rental
- SUV rental
- Luxury car rental
- Van rental
Just make sure you have the requirements to rent a car in the Philippines before booking your car rental.
Check-in and Boarding
When traveling through Cebu City Airport, it's essential to plan ahead for check-in and boarding. Make sure you arrive at the airport at least two to three hours before boarding time to account for potential traffic congestion.
Traffic in Metro Cebu can be heavy during peak hours, so it's crucial to leave early to avoid missing your flight. The Cebu Airport is one of the most on-time airports in the Philippines and in Asia, so you can feel confident in its efficiency.
Checking in online is a great way to save time and avoid long lines at the check-in counter. The web check-in function can make your trip so much smoother, especially if you're only bringing carry-on luggage.
Airport Overview
Cebu City Airport in the Philippines is a major gateway to the country's beautiful islands. Mactan-Cebu Airport is the code for this airport, which is a vital piece of information to know when planning your trip.
The airport is located on Mactan Island, just a few kilometers from Cebu City. This convenient location makes it easy to get to and from the city.
Sleeping and Eating
If you're looking for a quick bite to eat at Cebu City Airport, there are several options to choose from. In Terminal 1, you can grab a burger at Jollibee, a popular fast-food chain.
Bo's Coffee is another great spot for a cup of coffee, serving local beans and having friendly baristas. I've had the chance to chat with them and enjoy their coffee, it's a great way to start your day.
For a more substantial meal, head to the Airport Village in Terminal 1 arrivals area, where you can find Casa Verde, my favorite spot for a full meal and drinks.
Eating and Drinking
You can grab a full meal and drinks at Casa Verde, located in the Airport Village in Terminal 1 arrivals area.
My favorite spot for a meal is Casa Verde, and I highly recommend it.
The south wing of the terminal has a great spot with local cuisine called Filipino Delights.
Bo's Coffee serves local beans and is a great place to grab a cup of coffee.
I love chatting to the baristas at Bo's Coffee.
If you need food fast, there are quick grab and go places like Jollibee in Terminal 1 for good burgers.
Sleeping in

Sleeping in airports can be a challenge, but it's doable with some planning. If you find yourself in a pinch at Cebu Airport, you can try sleeping at the airport itself.
A hotel is located inside the International Terminal, so you can book a room there for uninterrupted sleep. Nearby hotels also offer shuttle service.
If you're looking for alternative options, you can write a review to submit airport tips and photos to help keep the guide up-to-date. This way, you can contribute to the community and get valuable insights from fellow travelers.
Keep in mind that landside and airside areas have different security zones, so be aware of your surroundings and plan accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What not to bring in airport Philippines Cebu Pacific?
Do not bring explosive, flammable, compressed, corrosive, or radioactive items, as well as items with refrigerants, to avoid any issues during your flight with Cebu Pacific
Sources
- https://www.kayak.com/Cebu-City-Mactan-Intl-Airport.CEB.ap.html
- https://thecebutourist.com/airlines-airports-cebu
- https://www.sleepinginairports.net/guides/cebu-airport-guide.htm
- https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2018/09/mactan-cebu-international-airport-terminal-2/
- https://guidetothephilippines.ph/articles/ultimate-guides/cebu-airport-philippines-guide
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