Philippines Transport Costs 2026: What Everything Actually Costs
Getting around the Philippines requires understanding a transport ecosystem that includes flights, ferries, buses, jeepneys, tricycles, habal-habal motorbike taxis, and everything in between. This guide gives exact 2026 prices for every major route and transport type.
Domestic Flights: The Key Prices
- Manila (NAIA) to Cebu: PHP 1200-4500 depending on advance booking (Cebu Pacific, AirAsia, PAL)
- Manila to Puerto Princesa (Palawan): PHP 1500-5000
- Manila to El Nido via AirSWIFT: PHP 3500-7000 (premium small aircraft)
- Manila to Siargao: PHP 1800-5500
- Manila to Davao: PHP 1500-4500
- Manila to Iloilo: PHP 1000-3500
- Manila to Batanes via Cebu Pacific: PHP 3000-8000 (limited flights, book months ahead)
- Cebu to Davao: PHP 1000-3000
Rule: book 6-10 weeks ahead for lowest prices. All prices above are one-way, no checked baggage on budget carriers.
Ferries: The Backbone of Island Transport
- Manila to Coron (Busuanga) by 2GO ferry: PHP 1200-2500 depending on class, approximately 14-16 hours
- Manila to Puerto Galera by Montenegro Lines: PHP 650-850, about 3 hours
- Batangas to Puerto Galera by Starlite Ferries: PHP 250-350, 1-1.5 hours
- Cebu to Tagbilaran (Bohol) by OceanJet: PHP 350-500, 2 hours
- Cebu to Ormoc (Leyte) by various operators: PHP 350-550, 2.5 hours
- Cebu to Calbayog (Samar): PHP 600-900, 6 hours
- Puerto Princesa to Coron by boat: seasonal, roughly PHP 800-1500, 8-9 hours
Buses: Affordable Long-Distance
- Manila to Baguio (Victory Liner): PHP 450-650, 6-8 hours
- Manila to Batangas (JAM Transit): PHP 150-200, 2-3 hours
- Manila to Legazpi Bicol (DLTB, RSL, Isarog): PHP 350-550, 8-10 hours
- Puerto Princesa to El Nido by van/bus: PHP 250-400, 5-6 hours
- Cebu City to Oslob (whale sharks): PHP 150-200, 3-4 hours by bus
Jeepney and UV Express
- Jeepney: PHP 10-25 for short urban routes. Iconic but being phased out under the PUV modernisation program.
- UV Express van (fixed route): PHP 30-80 depending on distance. Air-conditioned, faster than jeepney.
- EDSA carousel bus (Manila): PHP 15 flat rate, air-conditioned, has its own lane
Local Transport on Islands
- Tricycle (motorcycle with sidecar): PHP 50-150 for short trips, negotiate first for longer distances
- Habal-habal (motorcycle taxi): PHP 30-100 per trip in rural areas. No meter, negotiate before riding.
- E-trike (electric tricycle): common in El Nido town, PHP 60-100 per trip
- Rented motorbike: PHP 300-500 per day in most destinations (no license required in practice)
- Grab (ride-hailing app): available in Manila, Cebu City, Davao, Iloilo. Fixed prices, no negotiation.
Bangka Boats: Island Hopping
- El Nido island hopping shared tour: PHP 1200-1600 per person per tour (lunch included)
- El Nido private boat charter: PHP 4000-7000 per boat per day (6-8 people maximum)
- Coron island hopping shared tour: PHP 1200-1800 per person
- Siargao island hopping (Naked Island, Daku, Guyam): PHP 700-1000 per person shared
See our island-hopping tours for all-inclusive transport and activity packages.
