Cebu City Mactan Intl Airport (CEB) Flights & Information

The island of Cebu is a popular destination thanks to various magnificent resorts and casinos that make it an ideal location for a fun getaway. Within the surrounding area lies a plethora of stunning sites, ideal for travelers of an adventurous spirit looking to immerse themselves in nature and wildlife. Cebu City, the largest city on the island, is home to more than 1 million residents today.

Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB), is located on the smaller island of Mactan, just next to Cebu. As the local population and the number of tourists has grown, the airport has also had to keep pace. With the addition of a second terminal in 2018, Terminal 1 is now for domestic passengers and Terminal 2 is dedicated to international flights.

Since the new terminal was constructed, I have traveled through the airport on a number of occasions and these top tips will help you on your own way through.

Arrival snapshot

Travelers enjoy a pleasant experience when arriving or departing on an international flight at Terminal 2, where the vast wooden arch ceilings create a serene and expansive atmosphere in the terminal area. The airport's impressive architectural design and state-of-the-art amenities have earned it numerous accolades for its new terminal.

For arriving passengers, it's a beneficial idea to plan ahead and arrange transportation in advance. By doing so, you can circumvent the congestion in the terminal exit area, which often becomes crowded with both arriving passengers and individuals meeting inbound travelers.

It’s a common sight to see staff from neighboring resorts holding branded clipboards, attempting to catch the eye of incoming guests. When the arrival area becomes crowded, it is critical to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings to avoid missing any potential individuals who may be waiting to meet you.

Taxi tips

If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, taxis are readily available outside the terminal. Just make sure to have some local currency on hand. Taxis should always use the meter system and I advise against accepting a taxi ride unless the driver is willing to comply with this requirement. If not, an unexpected surprise could await in the form of the driver imposing steep prices.

Additionally, you can conveniently get picked up from the arrivals area at CEB using any of the popular ridesharing apps. However, with this alternative, there might be a slightly longer waiting time, and the cost may not be as competitive as using a metered taxi.

When considering the services of individuals who approach you, exercise caution, as they may charge significantly more than the available taxi options. When you're in Cebu, you'll come across yellow and white taxis. While yellow taxis only transport passengers to and from the airport, the latter option is more cost-effective and allows for convenient drop-off and collection anywhere within the local area.

The price variation between the two taxis is not significant for rides between the city and airport, so take either one for this journey. It's critical to ensure that the taxi has air conditioning that is properly functioning, so always check with the driver before getting in. A taxi without climate control can make your ride here very uncomfortable. Several taxis in the Philippines will showcase this feature on the vehicle's exterior.

Considering the airport's location on an island, the traffic to and from Cebu City can be quite congested since the two road bridges that are close to the airport often turn into congestion pinch-points. If you have a tight schedule, it's important to keep this in mind when planning your travel after your arrival.

Additionally, it's important to consider the amount of time needed to reach the terminal building when catching a departing flight. Inbound travelers from Mactan Island face less congestion, but roads can still get crowded.

Taking the bus to and from CEB

There is a convenient bus line that operates regularly, providing transportation between CEB and the SM City Cebu Shopping Mall. The buses run every 20 minutes from 6 am to 9 pm. On this route, the bus makes stops at approximately 6 locations. Ticket kiosks are conveniently located in both terminals, offering incredibly affordable fares.

These buses are light blue and white in color and provide unmatched value for money when going to Cebu City. However, with taxis still being relatively reasonable, I would recommend taking a cab as the more comfortable choice of the two.

There is also a convenient shuttle bus service available between both terminals that operates 24 hours a day and runs every 15 minutes. This service stands out with its striking black and yellow markings and is known as the Premium Airport Bus service. Convenient collection points are located near the arrivals areas, and the departures concourse handles drop-offs at the other terminal.

Fun activities during a layover at Mactan-Cebu International Airport

If you have some time to spare, one of the most popular activities in the local area is whale shark spotting in Oslob, which is located near the southern part of Cebu Island. I highly recommend giving it a try.

It is worth bearing in mind that the journey can be rather long, taking approximately 4 hours each way from Cebu City. However, getting up close to a whale shark can be an incredibly thrilling experience if you haven't had the opportunity to do so yet, and I highly recommend it!

Another popular activity on Cebu Island is visiting one of the beautiful waterfalls, with Kawasan being a top choice. This option offers a shorter travel time of approximately 3 hours from the airport, even in moderate traffic.

It is important to note that due to the unpredictable nature of traffic congestion, it is not advisable to rely on precise time planning. I recommend allocating ample extra time to account for any unexpected delays if you are visiting any attractions.

Magellan's Cross is located in Cebu City, making it a much more suitable attraction for those with limited time. This iconic landmark holds great historical significance. The cross was placed in 1521 by the Spanish expedition that was led by Ferdinand Magellan.

If you're looking for a breathtaking view, you should definitely check out Monterrazas de Cebu. You can reach this stunning panoramic location on the outskirts of the city in approximately 45 minutes driving in average traffic from the airport.

Terminal 1 offers convenient luggage storage facilities that are always open. These facilities provide a secure place for you to store your bags if you have some spare time between flights and want to go out and explore.

Insights on departure

All airports in the Philippines conduct a security check before entering the terminal. I highly recommend having paper copies of your tickets to present to the security officer, as there have been reports of issues when showing an electronic version of your ticket. Once you successfully navigate through this requirement, Terminal 2 typically welcomes you with a check-in hall void of crowds, ensuring a delightful experience.

Lines for check-in, security and other formalities at CEB are typically minimal. If you're looking for lounge access, CEB offers 2 extremely comfortable lounges in both the domestic and international terminals. These lounges are a great place to wait before boarding your flight and are part of the renowned Plaza Premium brand.

Both lounges are open 24 hours and also offer shower facilities, which can be a convenient amenity for travelers who perhaps checked out of their hotel earlier in the day and wish to freshen up before an evening flight.

Wi-Fi and special features

For individuals who wish to stay connected to the rest of the world, both terminals provide free Wi-Fi access.

Mothers traveling on domestic flights with very young children can make use of the exclusive amenities in Terminal 1. A private lounge has been provided to meet their needs and features privacy curtains for breastfeeding and a microwave to reheat milk or food.