Panglao Island Transportation – Taxi, Train, Bus, and Airport Tips

Panglao Island Transportation

There are two main challenges to Panglao Island Transportation – the best way to get to the island, and then the best way to explore around the island. Whether it’s ferry, airplane, tricycle or train, here are the best ways to get to and around on Panglao Island.

Getting to the Island

Ferry

The quickest way to Panglao Island is by ferry. Three companies offer fast ferry service between Cebu and Tagbilaran. Two of them leave from Pier 4 in Cebu and the other leaves from Pier 1. It costs around 400 pesos ($12 USD) per person each way. You’ll need to buy a terminal fee ticket as well, about 25 pesos. All of the ferries are fast, safe and comfortable.

Jeepney

Jeepneys are public transportation to the Island. You can pick it up at Tagbilaran’s Dao Terminal. The journey takes about an hour, and the fare is around 20 pesos one way and per person – you have to pay the jeepney conductor ( a guy who usually hangs on the back of the jeepney and takes the fares from the passengers), not the driver.  A jeepney passes by every hour or so and drops you off at Alona beach.

Taxi

The taxi ride from Tagbilaran Airport to Panglao Island is approximately 20 minutes. You can easily pick up a taxi outside of the airport.

Tricycle Taxi

The least expensive option from the Bohol airport to the island is a Tricycle Taxi. It costs about half of the regular taxi fare. Tricycles usually have a storage compartment in the back that fit luggage. The tricycle drivers in Bohol are friendly, and the trip is safe.

Getting around the island

The best ways to get around the island is to hire a tricycle, rent a boat, rent a motorcycle, or make arrangements with your resort. Arranging transport through your resort is by far your best option because this helps you avoid possible exaggerated rates because you are a tourist. If your resort has a “mini-ca” service or van service, you can book through them.  A “mini-ca” is smaller than a regular jeepney but is comfortable for a group of four to six people.

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There are a lot of boats for hire on the island. You can pick one at Alona Beach, the fishermen village in Barangay Danao, and the small wharf near the Panglao Church. They all charge reasonable rates. Be sure to indicate the places you want to reach, and they are friendly enough to recommend other places without extra cost.

Renting your own motorcycle, or hiring a motorcycle guide is the best way to explore parts of the island outside of the normal tourist areas. You can find motorcycles and guides at the airport and in the actual town of Panglao.

Tricycle Taxi is always an inexpensive way to travel. Tricycle taxis are easy to go almost anywhere on the island.

Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about transportation to and on Panglao Island.