Cebu to Tubigon Ferry Guide 2026

The Budget Gateway to Western Bohol

I grew up taking this ferry. The Cebu-Tubigon route is the working ferry route—locals use it when time isn’t the priority and money is. It’s slower than the tourist-oriented fast ferries, but it’s also half the price and carries vehicles, which makes it irreplaceable for road trippers and travelers who plan to rent a car or motorbike in Bohol.

Tubigon is in western Bohol, about 45 minutes from the Chocolate Hills and closer to Loboc, interior attractions, and some lesser-known north Bohol resorts. It’s not ideal if Panglao Island is your destination—you’ll spend 1.5-2 hours driving south from Tubigon. But if you’re after adventure, a rental vehicle, and access to rural Bohol, this route pays for itself.

Ferry Schedule: Multiple Daily Departures

FastCat runs multiple sailings daily from Pier 4/5 in Cebu to Tubigon Port. Typical departure windows are early morning (6:00-7:00 AM) and afternoon (1:00-2:00 PM), with additional sailings during peak season. The crossing takes approximately 1.5 hours — actually shorter than the 2-hour fast ferry to Tagbilaran, plus you get the benefit of lower fares and the ability to bring vehicles aboard.

Package Pricing: Ferry + Transfer Included

Travel in Bohol bundles ferry tickets with private ground transfers from Tubigon Port to your hotel. This is more convenient and often comparable in price to booking ferry and transfer separately. Prices shown are per person, flat-rate regardless of group size.

Ferry-only transparency: A ferry-only ticket starts at PHP 480 ($8.50) via FastCat—significantly cheaper than OceanJet to Tagbilaran (PHP 800+). However, this doesn’t include the transfer from port to your hotel. Our packages bundle both for your convenience.

Traveling solo? Email us at travelinboholtours01@gmail.com for a personalized package quote.

Terminal fee: Expect a PHP 20-25 terminal fee at both Cebu and Tubigon ports.

Pier 4/5, Cebu City: Port Guide

Pier 4/5 is in the Cebu City waterfront, south of the main business district. Unlike Pier 1 (which is signposted and easy to find), Pier 4/5 is less obvious to first-time visitors. It’s in the same general harbor area but in a different section used by RORO operators and smaller regional ferries.

Getting to Pier 4/5

From Mactan-Cebu Airport, take a Grab or taxi to Pier 4/5 (about 40-50 minutes, PHP 300-400). From downtown Cebu hotels, it’s 15-20 minutes by Grab (PHP 100-150). Tell your driver you’re going to the “FastCat terminal” or “RORO pier”—this helps avoid confusion with Pier 1. If unsure, show your booking confirmation with the port address.

At the Port

Arrive at least 45 minutes before departure. Check in at the FastCat or Lite Ferries counter, present your ID (passport or national ID required), and declare any vehicle you’re bringing. The waiting area is basic—bring water and snacks if traveling mid-day. The pier has a small canteen but limited food options. If you’re bringing a vehicle, stay with it during the loading process and follow crew instructions.

Arriving at Tubigon Port: Your Gateway to Western Bohol

Tubigon Port is a smaller, less developed facility compared to Tagbilaran, but it’s cleaner and more straightforward to navigate. Disembarkation is direct—no long queues or customs formalities for tourists. Once you clear the port, you’re in the town of Tubigon, which has basic services (ATM, small restaurants) but isn’t a tourist hub.

Getting to Your Destination from Tubigon

To Chocolate Hills

45 minutes

The primary draw of this route. Tubigon is much closer to the Chocolate Hills than Tagbilaran. Arrange a private transfer or grab a tricycle from the port.

To Loboc & Interior Bohol

30-50 minutes

Closer to rural attractions, riverside cafes, and inland eco-lodges than Tagbilaran is. Great for travelers avoiding the south coast tourist trail.

To Panglao Island

1.5-2 hours

Doable but adds significant travel time versus Tagbilaran (20 minutes). Only choose this route if saving money is priority and you don’t mind a longer transfer.

To Northern Beach Resorts

30-45 minutes

Remote resorts in north Bohol (Anda, Camiguin straits) are more accessible from Tubigon. Perfect for adventurous travelers.

Key Policies & Travel Requirements

Returning to Cebu from Tubigon

The reverse journey follows the same schedule and duration (approximately 1.5 hours). FastCat runs return sailings daily, typically in morning and early afternoon windows. If you’re planning to stay in Bohol for 3-5 days and then return to Cebu, book your return ferry when you arrive so you don’t miss your slot during peak season. The return experience is identical: basic facilities but significantly cheaper than fast ferries, with the bonus of a shorter crossing time.

Onward Ferry Routes from Bohol

From Tubigon, you have access to the full Bohol ferry network. Many travelers use the Cebu-Tubigon ferry as the start of a multi-island loop, continuing to Siquijor, Camiguin, or Dumaguete. From Tagbilaran (45 minutes south of Tubigon), OceanJet offers ferries to Siquijor, Dumaguete, and back to Cebu.